Dream comes true, The Dream Ball Project

 

Recently, Brazil world cup is being a hot issue throughout the world. Though Korea couldn’t advance to the round of sixteen, we saw a possibility of the children who are dreaming for being soccer players all over the world. That is "Dream ball project",

 

 

 

Children in under-developed countries can't afford to buy a ball due to some problems caused from war and hunger. Dream ball project gives aid to the children with boxes of relief goods so that this project helps them make balls by themselves.

 

 

 

Children were keeping their dreams by playing soccer with empty cans and fabric, but many of them got hurt from the sharp and hard balls. For the children, a Korean design company ‘Unplug design’ started the Dream ball project.

   

 

Organizations like UN give aid to developing countries with boxes which can be dream balls. After they use all the relief goods in a box, the box can be transformed to dream balls. And also, the balls can be recycled to make another aid boxes. This process is considerably valuable.

 

 

   

    

This box is more flexible and durable than other boxes and includes a manual in it which explains how to make a ball easily. In addition, the size of ball is adjustable, so they can be used in various kind of games like soccer, baseball and hand

ball.

 

Actually, it may not be easy to have a dream to be a soccer player for the children in developing countries. So, I'm so proud that we can give hopes to them through Korean company's idea.

 

 

Though Korea couldn't satisfy us through this Brazil World Cup, I believe Korea will show us their potential energy someday like the Dream ball project. Because a company is sowing seeds of hope to children, I hope we can harvest the dream of peace that many people all over the world have. A small, but big country, Korea, keep it up!

   

 

MEXICO – the Country with Emerald Seas and Peace, and the Trace of Chairman Man Hee Lee

Mexico is one of the most desirable honeymoon destinations in the world. Mexico is 8 times larger than the size of the Korean Peninsula with various civilizations such as Mayan, Toltec and Aztec civilization, having 27 UNESCO World Heritages. Cancún, the coastal town of Mexico, was once a small fishing village in the 70’s but now it is considered the best vacation spot internationally, having about 4 million visitors every year. Cancún, which is ‘the nest of snakes’ in Mayan language, is especially popular in America because it is possible to directly fly from America to Cancún. The emerald seas, find sandy beach, and the picturesque hotels – Cancún is full of factors to be called the best vacation spot especially for honeymoon.

Here is a city I want to recommend you to visit if you have a chance to go Mexico aside from Cancún. It is Veracruz. Veracruz is the eastern end of Mexico and the first land which Hernan Corteś, a Spanish conqueror, set foot on in Mexico. It is famous for Cafe de leche, that is café latte. Besides, it has a full-fledged fish market so that it is good to enjoy fresh seafood dishes.

Aside from the superb landscape and delicious food, there is something to feel proud as a Korean in Veracruz. It is the fact that Man Hee Lee who is the chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (“HWPL”) also began the peace movement in Mexico and he was given such passionate support from the Mexican people. On May 20, Man Hee Lee and his group were credited with the peace movement in Mexico and awarded a letter of appreciation and a medal from the mayor of Veracruz. About 28 presses widely reported this. In addition, Peace Seminar and Peace Agreement Ceremony ended in great success at the Christopher Columbus University of Veracruz, Mexico and Technological Institute of Boca del Rio on May 22.

Man Hee Lee, the chairman of HWPL, has visited 44 countries and delivered the message of peace to the whole world since 2012. And now he takes the lead of peace in Mexico. I am looking forward to how peace will be brought to this country.

Namwon Chunhyang Festival, 'Love story is colored with Namwon

Namwon Chunhyang Festival, 'Love story is colored with Namwon'(June 12~17)

Namwon Chunhyang Festival, 'Love story is colored with Namwon which was postponed due to the disaster of Sinking of the MV Sewol, come to an end today. It could have been cancelled on account of Sinking of the MV Sewol, but Chunhyang Festival that reached their 84th anniversary opened one month later.

   Performance for celebration in the first part of its first day is started with admiring the souls of victims of Sinking of the MV Sewol. This festival was chosen as 2014 Representative Performance Art Festival by Ministry of Culture, so it arranged art performances such as opera gala show, Chunhyangjeon which is Korean traditional opera, and Chunhyangga sung    in duet to attract audiences. 

 
Although Highlight of this festival is carried out from 12th to 17th is absolutely Miss Chunhyang Beauty Pageant, it provokes controversy every year. The organizers and audiences should not forget that Chunhyang Festival is for honoring Chunhyang's noble mind of love. Every event in Chunhyang Fesitival is proceeded at Namwon Gwanghallu, it is opened for free in the duration of the festival. Also, In this period, specialties of Imsil and Namwon were sold and there were the places for experiencing crafts, food items marketplace and auto camping place in Yocheon riverside, so families can enjoy this festival and camping. Although I live in where that's not too far from Namwon, I couldn't go to there in duration of the festival. Especially, there were so many various exciting programs this year. But I've already missed it, so I really want and decided to visit Namwon next year. This traditional festival has been lasted for a long time. And I want it to be developed to a good festival that everyone wants to come every year!

  

Namwon is not the place just for Chunhyang Festival but also for a variety of festivals and attractions. The simplest explanation is that there are Herb Festival opened in Herb Valley, Royal Azaleas of Baraebong Peak Festival apart from Gwanghallu. Unfortunately, Royal Azaleas of Baraebong Peak Festival is at term, but various herbs are waiting for a number of people’s visit now in season in Herb Valley. I went to Herb Valley two times, and it was decorated charmingly for families to hang out, take pictures and have a rest. Two years ago, It was impressive and memorable that I passed a red flower (like poppy) garden on the road of Herb Valley. I think it is a good idea to soothe inconvenience that you could not see Chunhyang Festival by visiting Herb Valley before the end of June, confirming whether the flower garden exists or not. 

I recommend you to make your mouth be pleasant by eating famous food ‘chueotang’ in Namwon, if you satisfied your eyes with attractions. I desire to introduce just one famous restaurant, but chueotang in all restaurants where I have been to was tasty. By the way, it is a trap that I enjoy every food.

I become happy when I think about many delicious food as well as Chunhyang Festival. Today is the last day of the festival, and there will be a recording of a famous TV program 'Singing Contest all around the country'. I'm getting sweet smile automatically when I think about the program's MC, Mr. Song (Hae Song) who is always smiling and saying 'Singing Contest all around the country~!’.

Today, I hope you spend a day filled with smile and happiness in your minds like Miss Chunhyang and Mr. Song’s benevolent smile. 

Carnival & Queen of Veracruz in Mexico, and Peace Advocate who is preparing True Festival

International Carnival Celebration, Carnival Queen of Veracruiz in Mexico, and Peace Advocate who is preparing Truly Joyful Festival

Carnival is one of international celebrations well known for its colorful and passionate images. It is annually held in lots of places in Europa, and South America from the end of Feb. to the beginning of Mar.

     (The Carnival celebration of Brazil)

When did Carnival start and how has it been handed down until now?

Carnival originated from the word ‘carne vale’ or ‘carnem levare’ means ‘having no meat’ in Latin. In the Rome era, Rome recognized a Christians’ celebration called Saturnalia officially to conciliate them, and it caused Carnival which people enjoy lots of meat and have fun before period of Lent; Saturnalia also caused the Christmas in Europa area.

Have you ever joined in the celebration? If not, do you want to join one of them? You might have a picture of splendid lights and streets, parades and colorful costumes with Samba music when you think of the carnival celebration. I guess all people in the world have desire to go far from the places where they belong, escape from the realities and have some wonderful and crazy experiences like me.

    (The carnival parade in Veracruz)

It is also one of the biggest events in Mexico where I am interested in. The festivals are held many cities here and there. Among them, I found Veracruz’s festival is famous in terms of its scale.

The queen of 2014 Veracruz Carnival is MARISOL ÁGUILA GÓME.Veracruz Gov. Look at her!

Javier Duarte de Ochoa and his wife KarimeMacías Tubilla crowned her as the carnival queen. The crowning ceremony was held where Veracruz Tourism and Culture Secretary Harry Grappa Guzmán and Veracruz Mayor Ramón Poo Gil also attended.

I would say the carnival queen is the flower of the whole festival. And I think she looks perfect on her parade costume.

There is the other interesting news as the carnival celebration is. It is the news of a peace advocate, Mr. Man hee lee who claims for world peace. He has been awarded the note of appreciation and a medal from Veracruz mayor Ramón Poo Gil. 

Actually, he is traveling every corner of the earth to meet the presidents, formal presidents and celebrities sharing his idea of peace and ask them to work together for ceasing war and making world peace. He is also holding many conferences and making speeches to different kinds of religious leaders and politicians. And almost everyone loves his idea and promises to work with him by signing the peace agreements.

He said he will be holding the peace summit in this coming September in South Korea. Many of celebrities, and reporters promised to come to Korea. And I think it is going to be great festival ever.

I think Mr. Lee’s idea of peace is so innovative that all the people’s wish that is peace can come true this time. It will be possible to have peace and no war in this world. That’s why I believe the summit will be so amazing, and the place where people gather will be like a true festival.

I definitely want to go to the summit where the news of peace will be proclaim and I want many people around the world come to Korea to enjoy the fascinate event. 

What do you say?

Veracruz in Mexico Awarded Note of Appreciation and Medal to Mr. Man Hee Lee, the Peace Activist

Veracruz in Mexico Awarded Note of Appreciation and Medal to Mr. Man Hee Lee, the Peace Activity

Are you aware of the meaning of the national flag of Mexico? There is the birth myth of the nation hidden in its flag which is important but the three colors in the flag – green, white, and red are telling you its history well. So you can understand Mexican history if you understand the flag thoroughly.

     (The national flag of Mexico)

Each color has its own meanings. Green refers to independence and hope, white refers to purity and unification of religion, and red means the sacrifice for independence and integration among different races who are the White, Indio and mestizo. These words, unity, independence, unification and sacrifice, are familiar to me as a Korean since Korea has gone through the time of colony like Mexico. Sadly, Mexican were ruled for about 5 times longer than my country. I could imagine how much they long for peace.

     (The view of Veracruz port side)

The port city, Veracruz, has close connection with the Mexican history. The name of this city which is one of the biggest port cities in Mexico is familiar for me since there is a car called Veracruz made in a Korean company. That car is named after this city. But the original meaning of it is “the true cross” in Spanish anyway. And historically, it was the first place for Spanish ship to land Mexico to conquer it. So Veracruz holds the sad histories of this country.

      (Jamapa River in Veracruz in Mexico)

Although it has tragic history, the sceneries in the city look so amazing. There are lots of sea sides including Villa del Mar and Fort San Juan de Ulua.

This beautiful city has got an amazing news recently.  

The carrier of the news was Mr. Man-Hee Lee, president of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light.

April 20th 2014, at 3 p.m in a palace in Veracruz, Mexico, the mayor of Veracruz, Mexican politicians and religious leaders had gathered and gave award to Mr. Man Hee Lee regarding his effort for peace. More than 15 major press were there to interview him. Mr. Lee said, "I strongly believe that peace and blessing will be around us in this world soon. He also said that to accomplish world peace, the leaders and people of all nations must work together in their positions, with humble and honest minds. His message of peace touched the people of Veracuz and Mexico, like tender rain.

He also emphasized that we should be able to have peace in our hearts so that there are no longer pain and suffering. He always looks confident whenever he mentions about peace. It looks like it must happen soon. The Mexicans would have thought of their painful history as they listened to the message. They also said they believe this message will deliver to Koreans as well.

Being traveling so much, he is delivering the message of peace throughout every corner around the world, and It's not easy to anticipate Mr. Lee's next stop. I am excited to hear where he will deliver another news of peace to the world the next time.