Ambassador Natividad Graces Opening of Ocean Futures Exhibit at Futurium 

 

Futurium’s first special exhibition dedicated to the world’s oceans and their future under the UN Ocean Decade opened to the public on 14 November 2025.  The exhibition features an impressive large-scale installation by internationally-renowned Filipino artist Leeroy New, created in collaboration with The Mind Museum in Manila.

At the opening ceremony, Ambassador Irene Susan Natividad delivered a keynote message highlighting the importance of international cooperation for the Philippines and small island developing states in protecting the oceans,  preserving marine biodiversity, and in combating climate change. 

“Small countries like ours suffer the most, yet contribute the least to global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.  The Philippines accounts for only three-tenths of one percent, while the small island developing states account for less than one percent of global emissions.  

“Governments are now in Belem for COP30 to review progress on climate targets.  While we have achieved progress, we need to do more, we need to do it faster, and we need to do it together.  International cooperation and assistance in providing the most vulnerable access to finance and the best available science for anticipatory evidence-based and sustained action to combat climate change is key,” said Ambassador Natividad.    

The keynote kicked off a discussion on visions of the future of the oceans, and strategies, resources and options for action by panelists Dr. Stefan Brandt, Director of the Futurium, Dr. Effrosyni Chelioti of the German Federal Ministry of Research Technology and Space and Dr. Ute Wilhelmsen of the Marine Research Alliance.  

Dancers in sea creature costumes fashioned from plastic bottles brought New’s walk-through installation to life and transformed the space into a mysterious underwater world. 

At the heart of “Ocean Futures” are the stories of a Filipino and a German fishing family—personal narratives of life with the sea, filled with hopes, concerns, dreams, and wishes for the ocean’s future. These stories are interwoven with scientific and societal insights on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable fisheries.

The exhibition runs until August 2025.  Entrance to the exhibition is free of charge. 

Dive in and explore the oceans of tomorrow!

Club Bol-Anon e.V. Hosts Another Successful Benefit Gala in Berlin

BERLIN, 13 September 2025 — Club Bol-Anon e.V., under the leadership of Mrs. Veronica Boensch, successfully held another benefit gala at the Gemeinschaftshaus Gropiusstadt in Berlin on 13 September 2025.  

The event drew strong support from both Filipino and German communities, all united by a common cause of supporting programs for underprivileged children and orphans in Bohol, Philippines.

Ambassador Irene Susan B. Natividad’s opening message set the tone for the night.  She remarked that compassion and a sense of community spirit are inherent in our culture.  She commended Club Bol-Anon for its civic activities in the Philippines.

Highlighting the gala night were captivating performances of Bulaklakan, Singkil and Tinikling by the Filipiniana Dance Group. 

Cultural Attaché Mylah Rubio, joined by her husband and fellow UST Singers alumni Jose Mari and their daughter Mikaela, also captivated the audience with a heart-rending Visayan classic “Matud Nila” along with a selection of other well-loved Filipino and international songs.

One of Club Bol-Anon e.V.’s mission is the  preservation and promotion of Philippine culture and traditions in Germany.  Ms. Veronica Boensch, the Club’s President, teaches  traditional Filipino dances to second-generation Filipino-German youth and Filipino migrants.   Proceeds from their cultural performances and annual gala night continue to support various civic initiatives in Bohol,  a testament to the enduring ties between the Filipino diaspora and their homeland.— END

FFONG Celebrates 3rd Philippine Day and Barrio Fiesta in Hamburg-Altona

HAMBURG, 13 September 2025 — The Federation of Filipino Organizations in Northern Germany e.V. (FFONG) successfully held its 3rd Philippine Day and Barrio Fiesta at Grosse Bergstrasse in Hamburg-Altona on 13 September 2025, drawing a large crowd and fostering a strong sense of community and cultural pride.

The event featured a lively street fair with booths showcasing Filipino products and serving a variety of Filipino dishes, giving visitors a taste of the Philippines in the heart of Hamburg.

The Philippine Embassy participated with a special booth highlighting the Philippines’ role as this year’s Guest of Honor country at the Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse). The booth showcased a book display of selected German-translated literary works of Filipino authors. 

The event was a joyful celebration of Filipino culture and community through live performances from local artists as well as traditional Filipino games that engaged and delighted children and adults alike, bringing together Filipinos, Germans and other expatriates in a shared appreciation of the Philippines’ vibrant culture.— END