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

 

Notice of Hearing with List of Applicants for 01 July to 30 September 2024

In compliance with Section 43.a of COMELEC Resolution No. 10833 promulgated 07 September 2022, Frankfurt PCG  wishes to notify the public of the following schedule of Hearing of its Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) in relation to the continuing registration of qualified overseas Filipinos for purposes of the 2025 National and Local Elections:

Notice of Hearing with List of Applicants for 01 July to 30 September 2024

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.

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

 

NARRATIVES FROM THE PH ISLANDS’ IGNITE CURIOUSITY AMONG GERMAN READERS AT FRANKFURT BOOK FAIR PREVIEW

17 September- The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, in partnership with the National Book Development Board (NBDB), today hosted an inspiring book presentation that captivated German readers with the rich narratives of Philippine literature.

During the online book presentation, NBDB Director Anthony John Balisi and NBDB German consultant Baerbel Baecker explored universal yet distinctly Filipino themes in Philippine literature, such as colonial legacy, family, migration, identity, and resilience. The event introduced the German audience to both revered Filipino literary icons such as Jose Rizal and Nick Joaquin and rising contemporary authors such as Patricia Evangelista and Jessica Hagedorn, with the hope of sparking a growing interest in their works among German readers.

Meanwhile, Vice Consul Fatima Mueller emphasized that Filipino stories of struggle, perseverance, and identity, along with themes of social justice, migration, and the environment, resonate deeply with any audience. She added that these narratives draw meaningful parallels with global issues while offering fresh, uniquely Filipino perspectives.

As the Philippines prepares to be the Guest of Honor at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, the event set the tone for a vibrant literary exchange between the Philippines and Germany. END

 

CONSUL GENERAL IVY BANZON ABALOS HAILS CONTRIBUTION OF PH CULTURAL ORGANIZATION IN PROMOTING FILIPINO CULTURE OVER THE PAST FOUR DECADES IN SAARLAND

Consul General Ivy Banzon Abalos extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Philippine Cultural Organization in Saarland (PCOS) and its founder, Ms. Josie Hahn, applauding their invaluable contribution to fostering cultural understanding and strengthening ties between the Filipino and German communities.

The cultural group commemorated its 40th anniversary on 14 September 2024, in Dudweiler, Saarland celebrating four decades of promoting Filipino culture in Germany. The event highlighted the organization’s lasting impact on cultural exchange and community building over the past four decades. END

 

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL HOLDS INFO SESSION ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP IN HEIDELBERG

As part of its continuing information drive on dual citizenship services, the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt held its third info session on Republic Act 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Reacquisiton Act of 2003) in St. Michael Church in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg. The event aimed to inform the public of the procedures and requirements for applying for dual citizenship.

After their presentations, Deputy Consul General Rogelio Villanueva, Jr. and Consul Cecille Joyce Lao responded to questions during the open forum and individual queries after the program. The event in Heidelberg was made possible with the support of Ms. Cristina Del Castillo Stahl and members of the von Herz zu Herz Deutsch-Philippinische Partnerschaft e.V. Dielheim and Silayan Group, Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis TBB-Miltenberg e.V. Sitz I Schelflenz.

The Consulate has been receiving numerous applications for dual citizenship from former natural-born Filipinos and naturalized Germans since the German Law on the Modernization of Nationality Law (StARMoDG) took effect on June 27. END