Consulate General of the Philippines Frankfurt

Soon-to-open Rizal Hiking Trail Retraces Rizal’s Footsteps between Heidelberg and Wilhelmsfeld in Germany

Consul Cecille Lao, Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos, Knights of Rizal Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter Commander Herbert Ehses, Knights of Rizal Deputy Chapter Commander and Wilhelmsfeld Mayor Dr. Tobias Dangel at the signing on 19 March 2026

19 March 2026 — The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Frankfurt and the Knights of Rizal Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter have signed a partnership agreement that will pave the way for the public to trace a Rizal historic trail, a heritage hiking trail of about 10 kilometers tracing the footsteps of Philippine national hero Dr. José Rizal between the city of Heidelberg and the town of Wilhelmsfeld in Germany. The agreement was signed by Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos and Knights of Rizal Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter Commander Herbert Ehses, with Consul Cecille Lao and Deputy Chapter Commander and Mayor of Wilhelmsfeld Dr. Tobias Dangel as witnesses.

In 1886, Dr. Rizal studied at the University of Heidelberg’s Eye Clinic and lived with Pastor Ullmer in Wilhelmsfeld, walking daily between the two towns. The Rizal Historic Trail follows these original routes, connecting the existing Rizal memorials in both locations and bringing that history back to life through informative boards installed along the way.

The trail will give the public an opportunity to retrace the daily path of Rizal while he lived and studied in the Baden-Wurttenburg region of Germany as he was finishing the last chapter of his novel, “Noli Me Tangere.” The project combines culture, heritage, and nature, and is designed to promote sustainable tourism in the region. The project has been approved by the relevant local authorities and is spearheaded by the Knights of Rizal Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter.

The official opening of the Rizal Historic Trail is set for 20 June 2026. END

Love, Identity, and Integration–Filipino-German Couples Speak on the Realities of Intercultural Life at Event in Stuttgart

Real stories, real couples–Filipino-German pairs opened up about love across cultures at A Crazy Little Thing Called Love in Stuttgart
Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos welcomes guests at A Crazy Little Thing Called Love

17 March 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, in partnership with the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Stuttgart and second-generation Filipino podcast Henerasyon 2.0, organized on 14 March 2026 in Stuttgart, “A Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” a forum that brought together intercultural couples from the Filipino community in Germany to speak candidly about the realities of cross-cultural relationships.

The event drew participation from four Filipino-German couples across generations, creating space for honest conversation about language, identity, finances, conflict, and the practical demands of building a life between two cultures. Mr. Kevin Gurka of the Integration Office of the City of Stuttgart also participated, reflecting broader institutional interest in engaging the Filipino community on questions of integration and belonging.

In her welcome remarks, Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos cited data from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas showing that between 2013 and 2023, Filipino-German unions consistently ranked among the top ten mixed-nationality marriages recorded, totalling 5,690 couples over the decade. She noted that while intercultural relationships often begin with strong personal foundations, they also require navigating real complexities — differences in values, language, and how Filipino identity is transmitted across generations. She emphasized that integration is not merely a sense of belonging, but active participation in society.

Alongside the discussions, the event featured books by Filipino authors — facilitated by Henerasyon 2.0 as a continuation of the momentum from the Philippines’ Guest of Honour participation at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair — and the work of a Filipino master confectioner Mr. Harvey Santos of Kabayan Kuchen presenting Philippine-inspired flavors, among them ube. Both elements underscored the presence of Filipino creative and entrepreneurial enterprise within the local community.

First Night of the Filipino Christmas Tradition Simbang Gabi

We solemnly marked the first night of the Filipino Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi with the Filipino Catholic community led by Fr. Francis Ofrancia, coming together in faith and devotion. After the Mass, everyone shared the warmth of the season by enjoying traditional Filipino treats like bibingka, puto bumbong, and arroz caldo. It was a meaningful evening of prayer, fellowship, and the celebration of our shared Christmas heritage.

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First-Ever Paskong PINASaya

Delighted to be part of the first-ever Paskong PINASaya in Nürnberg, organized by Philnity e.V, and supported by the Consulate and PH Department of Tourism Office in Frankfurt, this meaningful celebration brings together Filipino and German Christmas traditions. Set against the historic backdrop of Faber Castell Castle, it showcases the richness of Filipino food, products, and talents, while sharing our stories, values and tradition with our German friends. As the Philippines prepares to be Guest of Honour at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, this event serves as an opportunity to highlight the power of cultural exchange with Santa Claus giving the gift of Filipino books. Together, let us celebrate the joy of sharing Filipino stories, love, unity, and the spirit of belonging this holiday season. Maligayang Pasko!🇵🇭🎄🇩🇪


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PHILIPPINES AND HANAU FORGE CULTURAL AND LITERARY SYNERGIES

Consul General Ivy Banzon Abalos today met with Hanau Mayor Claus Kaminsky to explore avenues for cultural and literary collaboration, paving the way for deeper ties between the Philippines and the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm. Renowned for its iconic fairy tales, Hanau offers a vibrant platform to showcase the Philippines’ rich literary traditions, including its folktales, legends, and contemporary works, in the lead-up to the country’s Guest of Honour role at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair. Discussions highlighted Philippine presence in the city’s prominent cultural events, as a prime venue to introduce Filipino stories to German audiences. This collaboration seeks to celebrate the universal power of storytelling, bridging cultures and fostering deeper connections through shared literary heritage. END

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