BERLIN, 20 October 2026 – A stand-out concert performance of University of Santo Tomas Singers Alumni International (UST-SAI) in Berlin marked the commemoration of the 72nd anniversary of formal Philippines-Germany diplomatic ties, established on 8 October 1954. 

Entitled “Music, Love, and Friendship”, the concert held in Berlin’s iconic Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis-Kirche on 19 October 2026, mesmerized a crowd of over 500 attendees, including members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of German public and cultural institutions, and the Filipino-German community.

In her welcome remarks, Her Excellency Maria Teresa Torres Almojuela, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Federal Republic of Germany, said the concert was “a special evening of remembrance” of the long journey of the friendship of the Philippines and Germany, which presently enjoys a high level of confidence and trust most recently affirmed by the visit of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Philippines last June. 

She recalled the remarkable history of human connection between the Filipino and German nations, predating the establishment of formal diplomatic ties. She cited the unique footprint of Philippine national hero Dr. José Rizal, who studied medicine at the University of Santo Tomas before pursuing further studies in Germany. Dr. Jose Rizal who referred to Germany as his “scientific motherland” lived in Berlin, the bustling capital of the then German Empire and published his seminal novel Noli Me Tangere in 1887.  These abiding ties are expressed today in a diaspora of 48,000 Filipinos in Germany and over 4,000 German nationals in the Philippines.

Ambassador Almojuela also highlighted the musical traditions connecting the Philippines with Germany, known as the cradle of musical geniuses such as Johann Sebastian Bach,  Ludwig van Beethoven and Richard Wagner.   

Under the baton of renowned Maestro Professor Fidel Gener Calalang, Jr., the 53-member international ensemble of UST SAI delivered a breathtaking repertoire, moving the crowd to multiple thundering applause and standing ovations.  Blending the soulful depths of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) with German songs, the twice-crowned “Choir of the World Luciano Pavarotti Trophy” alumni ensemble showcased their signature global excellence.  The choir graciously extended the evening with three off-repertoire encore pieces, to the added delight of the audience.

The concert was the maiden reunion of global UST-SAI choristers spanning multiple generations since the choir’s founding in 1992.

Formed in 2006 to bridge UST choristers residing across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, the UST-SAI chose Berlin as the grand finale of their maiden world tour, spanning the major cities of Valencia and Barcelona in Spain, alongside Freiburg and Weilburg in Germany, from 4 to 21 October 2026.  Adding a distinct touch of homegrown pride, the Embassy’s very own Cultural Attaché, Mylah Ann Rubio, alongside her husband Jomari Rubio, performed as active members of the ensemble during the Berlin concert.  The UST choir has performed nine times in Berlin since 1995.

The successful event served as a resounding testament to the enduring cross-cultural and human connections that define the Philippines and Germany relations.

The Philippines and Germany formalized their diplomatic relations on 8 October 1954 with the initial opening of a first Philippine consular representation in Hamburg that year. Shortly after, the Philippines opened a legation in Bonn in 1955, which was upgraded to an embassy in 1962. –END