Consulate General of the Philippines Frankfurt

‘TITIK AT TINIG’ HIGHLIGHTS THE POWER OF WORDS AND MUSIC IN PRESERVING FILIPINO HERITAGE IN GERMANY

In collaboration with the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in Frankfurt, the PH Consulate General in Frankfurt hosted on 30 May the event titled “Tinig at Titik: Philippine Heritage Night”. This cultural celebration showcased a rich blend of artistic expressions, featuring soulful acoustic OPM performances that resonated with attendees. The event also offered an open mic segment for poetry readings and storytelling, providing a platform for Filipino voices to share their poems, stories and literary works which served as a way to raise awareness and build excitement around the Philippines’ prestigious role as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. Held at Café Schee, a Filipino-owned coffee shop, the event celebrated Filipino entrepreneurship while promoting cultural exchange and community solidarity. Guests savored traditional Filipino dishes at the tasting corner, joined by a diverse crowd of Filipino-German youth, artists, professionals, and German patrons of Café Schee, all fostering pride and appreciation for Filipino heritage. END
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Filipino Company’s Innovative Materials Attract Interest at Cologne Conference on Sustainable Materials

Nature’s Legacy, an award-winning Cebu-based manufacturer that produces innovative materials for use in a broad range of applications, attracted the interest of German and other European businesses at the Sustainable Materials Conference & Expo held on 13-14 November 2024 in Köln, Germany.

Nature’s Legacy featured its NUCAST and NATURESCAST materials – the first, a patented reengineered recycled paper composite, and the second, a material made from rescued agro-forest debris held by a proprietary water-based binder, both of which provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional but finite materials such as stone, wood, and steel to create designs and products for various construction, design, architecture, and industrial applications using what would otherwise have been organic waste materials. The interest of many European companies in the innovative sustainable materials from Cebu shows that Filipino ingenuity and Filipino sustainable materials can complement the sustainability trajectory of German and European businesses.

The Sustainable Materials Conference and Expo, Europe’s largest free-to-attend event for renewable and circular materials and manufacturing solutions, was held in tandem with the Sustainable Chemicals Conference & Expo and the Plastic Waste Free World Conference & Expo to form Cologne’s Sustainable Industry Week and provide visitors with the opportunity to source new solutions across the entire supply chain to meet the growing demand for sustainable and circular products.

(On the left: Nature’s Legacy demonstrates its NUCAST material and how it may be combined with other waste products to produce different textures and applications.

On the right: Nature’s Legacy co-founders Pete and Cathy Delantar with Philippine Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos at the Nature’s Legacy booth at Köln Messe)
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TEAM PHILIPPINES BAGS MAJOR AWARDS DURING ASEAN IN FRANKFURT BOWLING TOURNAMENT 2024

Congratulations to the members of the Team Philippines bowling team for bagging the major awards during the ASEAN in Frankfurt Bowling Tournament 2024. The 4-member Philippine team composed of Deputy Consul General Rogelio Villanueva Jr., Eric Garcia, Adam Rosete and Rico Fajardo obtained the Highest Series – Overall for the group category followed by Malaysia and Indonesia. Mr. Adam Rosete was awarded the Highest Series – Overall for individual category while Mr. Rico Fajardo took home the Most Valuable Player award for garnering the Highest Score in a single game.

Competing teams from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam participated in the one-day tournament held in Bowling World in Frankfurt. Aside from the competition, the event included bowling fun games for the ASEAN countries including Cambodia. Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos joined the ceremonial throw along with the other Consuls General to officially open the games and boost the morale of the team. The event was made possible through the active support of the Filipino community in Frankfurt and bowling coordinator Mr. Ernesto “Nestie” Catibog, president of B.V. Pinoy Frankfurt e.V. END

Info Session in Bonn Boosts Awareness of Filipinos on Dual Citizenship and Pag-IBIG Services

As part of its continuing information campaign for the Filipino-German communities under its jurisdiction, the Philippine Consulate General held an info session on Dual Citizenship and Pag-IBIG services in St. Winfried Church in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia. Deputy Consul General Rogelio Villanueva, Jr. led the team composed of Consul Cecille Joyce Lao together with Ms. Marivic Agot, Area Head Pag-IBIG and Ms. Mylene Lontoc, Pag-IBIG Milan. The event in Bonn was made possible with the support of Father Rodel Liguid, Filipino chaplaincy of the Archdiocese of Cologne and the council of leaders. END

PHILIPPINE MADRIGAL SINGERS ELEVATE FILIPINO ARTISTRY IN FRANKFURT PERFORMANCE

Fresh from their celebrated appearance at the Philippines Guest of Honor FBM 2025 Kickoff Program in Heidelberg and Wilhelmsfeld, the Philippine Madrigal Singers continued their tour with a breathtaking performance on Sunday, 3 November at St. Ignatius Church in Frankfurt. Known for their world-class harmonies, the choir captivated the audience, showcasing the beauty and depth of Filipino music. Their performance not only filled the church with awe but also highlighted the cultural richness that the Philippines brings to the international stage. The Madrigal Singers’ tour marks an inspiring chapter in the celebration of Filipino talent and heritage in Germany. END

PHILIPPINES DISPLAYS DEPTH AND DIVERSITY OF ITS CULTURAL AND LITERARY TRADITIONS DURING GUEST OF HONOUR KICKOFF EVENTS IN HEIDELBERG AND WILHELMSFELD

29 October 2024- Following the 2024 Buchmesse, the Philippines officially launched its role as Guest of Honour at the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse with a series of impactful events from
October 24 to 27 in Heidelberg and Wilhelmsfeld. Spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Book Development Board (NBDB), and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the visionary behind the Philippines Guest of Honour role, in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt and the Philippine Embassy in Berlin, the 4-day program showcased a rich array of Filipino literature, history, and art, celebrating the unique cultural bonds between the Philippines and Germany and attracting significant international attention.

The launch began with a ceremonial program at the Völkerkundemuseum in Heidelberg, featuring Philippine Ambassador to Germany H.E. Irene Susan Natividad, NBDB Executive
Director Charisse Tugade, and CCP President Kay Tinga, alongside performances by the Philippine
Madrigal Singers and indigenous artist Waway Saway. The kickoff program, which showcased Filipino writers and performance artist, set the stage for a year of activities leading up to the
Frankfurt Book Fair 2025.

The GOH kickoff program also featured Rizal walking tours in Heidelberg by historian Ambeth Ocampo dubbed ‘Lakbay Rizal’, retracing José Rizal’s experiences while studying ophthalmology, while the “Lebendes Bild” performance in Wilhelmsfeld brought scenes from Noli Me Tangere to life. The kickoff program ended with a ‘Tertulia’ where Filipino and German writers shared their perspectives about Rizal. These events underscored the vibrant dialogue between art and history as the Philippines prepares for its prominent role at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. END

PHILIPPINES EMBRACES GLOBAL LITERARY STAGE AS THE NEXT GUEST OF HONOR AT FRANKFURT BOOK FAIR

21 October 2024 – The Philippines has officially assumed its role as the Guest of Honor for the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, following the ceremonial handover from this year’s Guest of Honor, Italy, on 20 October 2024. The handover event marks the beginning of the Philippines’ journey into the spotlight of the global literary community. The theme for the Philippine participation, “The Imagination Peoples the Air,” inspired by national hero José Rizal’s work Noli Me Tangere, will showcase the country’s rich literary tradition and diverse cultural heritage.

The handover ceremony celebrated a cultural exchange between Italy and the Philippines, with notable speakers including Special Commissioner of the Guest of Honour 2024 Italy Mauro Mazza and Philippine ambassador Irene Susan Natividad who delivered the message of Philippine Senator and Culture Champion Loren Legarda, the force behind the country’s bid to be the Guest of Honor at the Buchmesse. As a unique opportunity to share with the world the nation’s story of “creativity, resilience, and collective hope”, the Filipino narratives will include the perspectives of the indigenous peoples in the country and the Filipino diaspora all over the world. The program included performances from The Philippine Madrigal Singers and musician Waway Saway, as well as presentations by Filipino illustrator Isabel Roxas and Italian artist Alessandro Sanna.

The handover will be followed by a Filipino cultural program in Heidelberg and Wilhelmsfeld from 24 to 27 October 2024 that will serve as the official launch of the Philippine term as Buchmesse Guest of Honor. Highlights will include the Lakbay Rizal Walking Tour led by renowned Filipino historian Ambeth Ocampo, talks by authors, and a concert featuring The Philippine Madrigal Singers and Waway Saway. The Philippine literary and cultural program will then culminate at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair. END

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

16 October 2024- 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

SAN LORENZO RUIZ DE MANILA FIESTA BRINGS TOGETHER FILIPINO COMMUNITIES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF COLOGNE

This year’s celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Steyler Missionare, Sankt Agustin brought together members of the Filipino Catholic Communities of Bergheim, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Euskirchen, Gummersbach, Hennef, Mönchengladbach, Siegburg and Wuppertal in praying for the intercession of the San Lorenzo Ruiz during the Holy Mass officiated by Father Rodel Liguid, Filipino Chaplain of the Archdiocese of Cologne. Deputy Consul General Rogelio Villanueva, Jr. led Consulate personnel during the festivities honoring the first Filipino saint. END

 

25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FILIPINO CATHOLIC COMMUNITY IN LIMBURG: A CELEBRATION OF FILIPINO UNITY, BAYANIHAN SPIRIT AND UNWAVERING DEVOTION

Addressing the members of the Filipino Catholic Community in Limburg, Westerburg and Diez (FCC Limburg) during their 25th Anniversary Celebration, Deputy Consul General Rogelio Villanueva, Jr. highlighted the unity, bayanihan spirit and deep religious devotion that has bound the members of the community. He also lauded the pioneers of FCC Limburg for remaining dedicated and serving as inspiration for the younger members of the community.

Father Francis Ofrancia, Filipino Chaplain and Father Mares Estrella, former Filipino Chaplain who travelled from the Philippines, led the faithful in commemorating this important milestone through a Holy Mass followed by an anniversary program where they also delivered their inspirational messages.

Established in 1999 under the spiritual guidance of Father Fernando Santos SVD, the FCC Limburg, under the able leadership of Filipino coordinator Ms. Niza Weihs, has grown to become an active member of the larger Filipino Catholic Community in Bistum Limburg, together with the communities of Bad Homburg, Frankfurt, Wiesbaden and Wetzlar.

The members of the FCC Limburg showcased their talents through their impressive performance in their colorful buri-style costume during the Ube Fiesta event held in Wiesbaden, Hessen last June 15. END