Consulate General of the Philippines Frankfurt

Philippines Set to Shine at 2024 Frankfurter Buchmesse, Poised for 2025 Guest of Honour Spotlight

The 2024 Frankfurter Buchmesse kicks off today, October 16, and runs until October 20, celebrating global literature and freedom of expression in a four-day literary spectacle under the theme FBM24 is Read!ng. This year, the Philippines showcases its rich literary heritage and creative talent, marking a significant moment for its delegation on the international stage.

The Philippine delegation, led by Ambassador Susan Natividad, National Book Development Board (NBDB) Chairman Dante Ang, Consul General Ivy Banzon Abalos, and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Executive Director Dr. Eric Zerrudo, takes its place on the international stage. With around 170 members from various sectors—government, authors, creatives, publishers, and more—the delegation showcases the strength and depth of the Philippines’ creative industries. As the country prepares for its prestigious role as Guest of Honor at the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse, this year offers a preview of the Philippine narratives and voices that will soon captivate the world.

The Philippines’ participation at #FBM2024 is a significant boost to the country’s publishing and creative industries. In addition to the main Philippine Pavilion, four other stands are strategically positioned throughout the fair, representing different literary sectors: New Adult, Children’s and Young Adult Media, Education, and Comics and Graphic Novels. These stands highlight the Philippines’ growing presence and influence in the global literary scene, showcasing the evolving creativity and diverse stories from Filipino authors and artists. This expanded footprint is proof of the rising recognition of Filipino literature, providing readers with a rich array of genres that span from traditional to contemporary themes.

As the Philippines gears up for its Guest of Honor role in 2025, its strong showing at this year’s fair lays the groundwork for even greater global impact. The 2024 participation signals the readiness of the country’s publishing sector to forge new international partnerships, expand its reach, and further solidify its place in the global literary community. With an exciting program planned for next year, the Philippines will celebrate its unique storytelling tradition, offering a cultural and creative showcase that promises to elevate Filipino literature on the world stage. END

 

October is Museums and Galleries Month!

This October, the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt celebrates #MGM, in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 798, signed in 1991 with an aim to highlight the significance of national awareness and pride in the Filipino culture and heritage expressing hope of the nation.

This year’s theme, “Honoring Traditions, Fostering Innovation” captures the balance between preserving the past and shaping the future. The celebration aims to connect the past, present and future by incorporating the country’s local traditions while inspiring evolution to society.

The wonderful theme capsulates the delicate balance between preserving the past and shaping the future. It connects the past, present, and future by seamlessly threading together our time-tested local traditions while encouraging innovation to make our world better. The theme focuses on the whole point of view of the country’s timeline, where the significance of preserving cultural heritage has never been more critical.

Join us in the celebration of artistic excellence and creativity this October!
Happy MGM!

Congratulations to Bücher bei Dausien for delighting readers for 75 years!

Congratulations to Bücher bei Dausien for delighting readers for 75 years!

Bücher bei Dausien is an eminent bookselling institution in Hanau, the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm. In 1978, a compilation of Filipino fairy tales was published by Dausien Verlag.

A big thanks to owner Mr. Joachim Weihl and Ulrich and Sybille Dausien seen here with Consul General Ivy Banzon Abalos.

SENATOR LEGARDA CHAMPIONS RIZAL‘s LEGACY AND PH-GERMAN RELATIONS AT 163rd RIZAL BIRTH ANNIVERSARY RITES AT WILHELMSFELD’S RIZAL PARK

In her remarks, Senator Loren Legarda, who has significantly contributed to fostering deep bilateral connections based on mutual respect and cooperation between the Philippines and Germany, emphasized Rizal’s lasting friendships formed during his time in Germany and remembered him as a global symbol of resilience, enlightenment, and hope. She highlighted the opportunity to strengthen these ties through her various initiatives, including promoting Philippine Studies in top German universities, advocating for cultural exchange and economic cooperation, and the reopening of the Philippine Consulate in Frankfurt. Senator Legarda also mentioned collaborations on climate resilience with Germany and looked forward to the Philippines’ upcoming role as the Guest of Honor Country during the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse. During the event, attendees also enjoyed a film showing of “Finding Rizal in a Time of Barriers,” which she conceptualized and envisioned to document Rizal’s significant journey through Germany. END

 

PHILIPPINES IN GERMANY LED BY AMBASSADOR NATIVIDAD MARKS 163rd RIZAL BIRTH ANNIVERSARY WITH CEREMONIAL TRIBUTE AT WILHELMSFELD’S RIZAL PARK

23 June 2024 – Team Philippines in Germany, under the leadership of Berlin-based Ambassador Irene Susan Natividad, and Frankfurt-based Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos, solemnly commemorated the 163rd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal at Wilhelmsfeld’s Rizal Park. The ceremony honored Rizal’s enduring legacy and the deep cultural, historical, and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Germany.
Notable attendees included officials and members of the Order of Knights of Rizal led by European Commander Albert Arevalo and Heidelberg-Wilhelmsfeld head Herbert Ehses; Wilhelmsfeld Mayor Tobias Dangel, who was inducted as a new member of the Order of the Knights of Rizal; Antipolo-based artist John Paul Antido, awarded for his winning Rizal wine label artwork; and officers and staff of the PH Embassy in Berlin and PH Consulate General in Frankfurt. Some German students and residents of Wilhelmsfeld were also recognized with the Rizal and Karl Ullmer prizes. Senator Loren Legarda’s special recorded message, emphasizing preservation of Rizal’s legacy in Germany, added a poignant touch to the event. The event forms part of a series of activities marking the 70-year partnership between the Philippines and Germany. END

UNVEILING OF RIZAL WINE AND EXHIBITION OF RIZAL WINE LABEL ARTWORK OF FILIPINO ARTIST HIGHLIGHT COMMEMORATION OF 163rd RIZAL BIRTH ANNIVERSARY IN FRANKFURT

19 June 2024 – In commemoration of Rizal’s 163rd birth anniversary and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Germany and continuing celebration of Philippine Independence Day, Post organized a wine tasting event to launch the Rizal Wine and an exhibition featuring the Rizal wine label artworks of the participating Filipino artists. The event was attended by some 70 guests from the Diplomatic Corps in Frankfurt, German art enthusiasts, members of the business and academic communities, and the Filipino-German community. The 2024 Edition of the Rizal Wine project is a collaborative effort between Post, the Mayor of Wilhelmsfeld, the Order of the Knights of Rizal HD-Wilhelmsfeld, and Magkaisa – Consultancy and Gallery.
The 2024 edition of the Rizal Wine serves as a tribute to Jose Rizal’s profound influence on the Philippines and his enduring connections with Germany. This edition not only honors Rizal’s legacy but also symbolizes the strong cultural and historical ties between the Philippines and Germany. The label artwork, created by the talented Filipino artist John Paul Antido, adds a significant layer of meaning to this tribute. END

Kasama Ka sa Kalayaan at Ubefest in Wiesbaden 2024

Germans are raving about ube’s unique flavor and eye-catching purple color! Watch their enthusiastic reviews in our latest video from the Ube Fiesta, where the vibrant purple yam has taken center stage in Wiesbaden, Germany. Discover why this Filipino treat is capturing hearts and taste buds across Germany, sharing our culture and culinary delights with the world. Here’s U-B-E to the world!

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF PHILIPPINE-GERMAN PARTNERSHIP, GERMAN RIZALISTAS EXHIBIT PHILIPPINE ART AND RIZAL WINE AT THE UBE FIESTA

15 June 2024 – As part of the 70th anniversary of the Philippine-German partnership, the German-owned Magkaisa Mabini Art Collection proudly displayed Philippine art, showcasing cultural richness and artistic diversity and fostering German appreciation for Philippine art. At the Ube Fiesta, alongside featuring Rizal Wine, the Magkaisa stand also highlighted the winning artwork of John Paul Antido and other top Rizal artworks from the Rizal Wine Label nationwide art competition. Antipolo-based Mr. Antido is in Germany to promote the Rizal Wine and his artwork which graces the label of the 2024 edition of Rizal wine. The Rizal Wine, which was crafted in collaboration with various Philippine and German agencies including the PH Consulate General in Frankfurt, the Magkaisa, Knights of Rizal- Heidelberg and Wilhelmsfeld Chapter, Office of the Mayor of Wilhelmsfeld and the German Embassy Manila, among others, serves as a tribute to the Philippines’ national hero Jose Rizal, whose lasting legacy in Germany enriches cultural, historical, and people-to-people relations between the Philippines and Germany.

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.