Consulate General of the Philippines Frankfurt

UBE, THE FUTURE OF COCKTAILS SHINE AT BARTENDING FLAIR AT UBE FIESTA

The Ube Fiesta spotlighted Filipino flair in bartending with award-winning Filipino bartender Dennis Barela Adiuba, featuring innovative Ube-infused cocktails made with Ube Cream Liqueur and Rizal Wine. These unique drinks mark the entry of Ube into the global cocktail scene, catering to sophisticated German tastes and showcasing the versatility of this traditional Filipino ingredient even on cocktails as Ube extract adds an eye-catching purple color and intense, complex flavors to cocktails, balancing bitter or sour ingredients and enhancing depth with its nutty, floral notes.
As world-renowned bartenders increasingly draw inspiration from chefs, Ube’s current popularity in the culinary world suggest it will become a key cocktail ingredient of the future. More and more internationally renowned mixologists are discovering and using Ube as an ingredient, drawn to its ability to transform and elevate cocktail creations. This trend offers German cocktail lovers a unique and memorable flavor experience, highlighting Ube’s potential to make a significant impact on the global cocktail scene. END

UBE TAKES THE GLOBAL CULINARY SPOTLIGHT AT GERMANY’S UBE FIESTA

15 June 2024 – Now on its third edition, the Ube Fiesta in Germany dazzled festival-goers with its vibrant purple celebration of Filipino culture and cuisine, featuring an array of Ube delicacies crafted by Filipino and and German chefs/cooks alike. From ube halaya, ube ice cream and ube cakes to ube desserts like halo-halo and ube iced tea, to various ube-flavored drinks and liquor, the festival captivated German palates and highlighted the culinary richness of the Philippines. This vibrant celebration not only showcased the versatile and unique flavors of Ube but also supported Filipino farmers and the culinary industry, elevating Ube’s status on the global stage and fostering a sense of unity and pride within the Filipino community in Germany.

3rd UBE FIESTA ATTRACTS AN IMPRESSIVE CROWD OF 15,000 SOLIDIFYING ITS STATUS AS A TRADEMARK FILIPINO EVENT IN GERMANY

15 June 2024- The 3rd Ube Fiesta in Germany drew an impressive crowd of 15,000 attendees, firmly establishing its status as a hallmark Filipino event in Germany. Dubbed as “Kasama Ka sa Kalayaan at Ubefest in Wiesbaden, this year’s celebration not only showcased vibrant cultural and pop performances and diverse Filipino cuisine but also highlighted the significance of Ube, helping to elevate its status in the international culinary scene and support Ube farmers and the culinary industry back home. The overwhelming turnout and enthusiastic participation underscore the festival’s impact, fostering unity among the Filipino community and reflecting the growing appreciation of Filipino culture in Germany.
This year’s event is a collaboration among the Consulate and the Filipino community groups Philnity e.V and The Filipino Catholic Communities in the Diocese of Limburg.

WORLD-CLASS FILIPINO PERFORMERS MESMERIZE 15,000 FESTIVAL-GOERS AT INDEPENDENCE DAY/UBE FIESTA CELEBRATIONS IN WIESBADEN

15 June 2024 – World-class Filipino performers, including The Voice Germany’s Joy Esquivias and Juan Geck, mesmerized a crowd of 15,000 attendees at the Independence Day and Ube Fiesta celebrations, showcasing their talent and captivating the audience with their dazzling performances. The ube-themed event, marked by various vibrant cultural displays and spirited celebrations, underscored the unity within the Filipino community in Germany and their multifaceted nature, showcasing their ability to blend tradition with contemporary artistry and creating a shared cultural experience that resonated with all attendees.

Notable among the performances were dynamic showcases of Ube-themed songs and dances that beautifully illustrated the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. The acts, performed by Filipino religious groups, cultural ensembles, and music bands, and guest performer UP Concert Chorus captivated the audience with their creativity and authenticity. Meanwhile, talented healthcare workers and young Filipino-Germans entertained the crowd with pop and comedic performances, demonstrating the diversity of Filipino talent beyond their professional contributions.

The celebration maintained a lively party mood until the end, with talented Filipino bands singing Original Pilipino Music (OPM), creating a nostalgic and festive atmosphere that provided a joyful break from the daily grind. It also portrayed Filipinos as fun-loving and talented individuals who contribute significantly to German society. Their impact is felt not only in the healthcare sector but also in the vibrant world of entertainment, enriching the cultural exchange between the Philippines and Germany.

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE‘s LITERARY SHOWCASE AT THE UBE FIESTA IGNITES ‘CULTURE OF READING’ AS THE PH PREPARES FOR GUEST OF HONOR STATUS AT THE 2025 FRANKFURT BUCHMESSE

15 June 2024 – At the Ube Fiesta, the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt promoted a ‘culture of reading’ and the transformative power of Filipino literature among festival-goers. The “Books Philippines” booth featured a diverse array of Philippine literature, including works by Filipino authors based in Germany and Europe, fostering inclusivity and elevating their status in the global literary scene. The initiative not only prepares for the Philippines’ Guest of Honor status at Frankfurt Buchmesse 2025 but also underscores the cultural richness and creative depth of Philippine literature, setting the stage for international recognition and growth in the publishing industry. The effort also aims to gather awareness and support among Filipinos in Germany, encouraging them to embrace and celebrate their rich Filipino literary heritage.

FILIPINO AUTHORS TICKLE IMAGINATION OF UBE FIESTA-GOERS AS THEY PRESENT THEIR LITERARY WORKS ON STAGE

15 June 2024 – The Ube Fiesta in Wiesbaden provided a vital stage for Filipino authors and poets based in Germany/Europe to captivate attendees with their literary works, stirring their imagination. It highlighted the profound power of Philippine literature while supporting Filipino authors in preparation for the Philippines’ Guest of Honor status at the Frankfurt Buchmesse 2025. By garnering support from both Filipino and German audiences, the literary part of the event is aimed at cultivating a ‘culture of reading’ among the Filipino-German community and revolutionizing their reading habits with Filipino-authored books in order to uplift Filipino literature on a global status, enriching literary perspectives worldwide.

Among the authors who presented their books both on stage and on Philippine Literary Circle Europe booth were Andreas Schmidt (Common Diversities), Al Joseph Lumen (Auslander), Doris Reyes Polo (Tala at Tula), Netherlands-based Ma. Ophelia Butalid (Chasing Windmills) and German author of Filipino-themed culinary books Saskia Zimmerman (Sarap Sarap & Salu-salo: Food Stories and People).

CONSUL GENERAL MARIE YVETTE BANZON ABALOS URGES FILIPINOS IN GERMANY TO EMBRACE THE PURPLE GEM OF FILIPINO CULTURE

15 June 2024 – Speaking before some 15,000 Ube Fiesta-goers, Consul General Marie Yvette Bannzon Abalos highlighted the cultural significance of Ube, the distinctive purple yam that resonates deeply in Filipino culture. Present at every significant occasion, Ube symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, and the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt’s efforts are dedicated to showcasing its unique flavors and cultural importance. Through the Ube Fiesta in Germany and by celebrating Ube as a cherished symbol of Filipino tradition, the Consulate’s initiatives aim to enhance global recognition and appreciation of Ube, solidifying its status as a beloved culinary treasure of the Philippines.

PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURE UNDERSECRETARY ALVIN JOHN BALAGBAG GRACES UBE FIESTA, OBSERVES GROWING DEMAND FOR UBE IN GERMANY

15 June 2024 – Consul General Ivy Banzon Abalos welcomed Department of Agriculture Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Alvin John Balagbag at the Ube Fiesta and took the opportunity to show him the increasing demand for Ube in Germany evident at the event. She expressed the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Department of Agriculture to boost ube’s growth and recognition in Germany, supporting Filipino agripreneurs in entering European markets with sustainable agricultural products like ube, a rising star in Philippine agriculture exports.

DEDICATED BOOK STANDS AT UBE FIESTA STRENGTHEN FILIPINO LITERARY PRESENCE IN THE EUROPEAN MARKET

15 June 2024 – In addition to the Philippine Consulate’s ‘Books Philippines’ stand, three special booths dedicated to books at the Ube Fiesta aimed to encourage more selling points for Filipino literature/books in Germany. Featuring a diverse range of genres and showcasing the rich literary heritage of the Philippines, the booths attracted significant attention from festival-goers. The initiative not only highlighted the creative talents of Filipino authors but also sought to establish a stronger presence for their works in the European market, fostering cultural exchange and broadening the appreciation of Philippine literature. Among the book stands present at the festival were the Philippine Literary Circle Europe booth which featured books by FIlipino authors based in Europe, Magkaisa Mabini Art Collection’s booth showcasing Rizal and art related books, and Saskia Zimmerman’s booth with her PH culinary books.

These efforts are part of the drum-up activities to promote the Philippines’ literary flair as the country prepares for its Guest of Honor status at the 2025 Frankfurt Buchmesse.

UBE FIESTA HIGHLIGHTS PHILIPPINES’ VIBRANT FESTIVAL AND CULINARY TOURISM

15 June 2024 – During the Ube Fiesta, Tourism Attache Dakila Gonzales took the stage to promote the “Bisita Be My Guest” campaign, urging attendees to consider the Philippines for their next travel destination and explore and discover a diverse range of festivals across the country. The Philippine Tourism booth mesmerized both Filipino and international visitors with immersive displays and interactive experiences, showcasing not just the vibrant festival culture of the Philippines, including the Ube Fiesta, but also its diverse and delectable culinary delights. Bohol, known for hosting the country’s largest Ube Festival, particularly captivates travelers with its culinary offerings, affirming the Philippines’ status as a top destination for festival and culinary tourism.