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
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