BERLIN 06 March 2026 – Ambassador Maria Teresa T. Almojuela formally presented her Letters of Credence to His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, on 06 March 2026 at Schloss Bellevue. With this ceremony, Ambassador Almojuela has officially assumed her functions as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Federal Republic of Germany.

She takes charge of heading the Philippine government’s representation in Germany, becoming the 21st Philippine Ambassador to Germany and the seventh consecutive female envoy to hold the post in the over 70 years of diplomatic relations. 

Amb. Maria Teresa Almojuela and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. (Photo credit: Bundesregierung/Tobias Koch)

“I am honored to assure this post as our nations are broadening cooperation in many areas and reaching a new understanding on what we can do further ahead, not only as bilateral partners, but also in bringing ASEAN and the European Union closer, and in promoting multilateralism and international law,”  Ambassador Almojuela said.  

A career diplomat since 1995, Ambassador Almojuela brings to Berlin over three decades of distinguished service, with expertise in multilateral diplomacy, regional security, maritime affairs, and United Nations engagement. She holds the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I, the highest rank in the Philippine career foreign service. 

Amb. Maria Teresa Almojuela presents her Letter of Credence to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. (Photo credit: Bundesregierung/Tobias Koch)

A Distinguished Career in Global Diplomacy

Ambassador Almojuela was the Assistant Secretary for United Nations and International Organizations of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) from June 2023 to December 2025. Prior to this, she served in senior diplomatic positions in the Permanent  Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva, the Philippine Embassy in Beijing and the Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the UN in Vienna.  In Manila, she has held portfolios spanning China and North Asia policy, maritime and ocean affairs, and regional security.

Ambassador Almojuela holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of the Philippines. Before joining the diplomatic service,  she served as Public Information Officer at the Office of the Senate President of the Philippines from 1993 to 1995. 

(Photo credit: Bundesregierung/Tobias Koch)

Ambassador Almojuela’ mission in Berlin begins in the backdrop of a vibrant expansion of bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Germany across trade and investment, climate action, renewable energy, innovation, defense, labor mobility, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Germany is one of the Philippines’ key partners in the European Union and it is actively engaged in dialogue and cooperation with ASEAN and in the Indo-Pacific region.

Her appointment underscores the Philippines’ commitment to principled diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and constructive partnerships with Germany and the broader European community.

BERLIN 03 March 20256 – For the first time in its over 40 years of participation in the International Tourismus Boerse Berlin (ITB-Berlin), Filipino cuisine received the spotlight in ITB’s busy halls through the creative renditions of renowned Filipino celebrity Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou. ITB Berlin, the biggest business-to-business fair in the industry, is taking place from 3 to 5 March 2026 in Berlin.  

L-R: Renowned Filipino Chef Tatung’s sisig made palates sizzle on the first day of the ITB; 
A Ramon Obusan dancer performs during the inauguration of the Philippine booth

Chef Tatung, the brains behind the Michelin-Selected Lore Restaurant, animates the Philippine space for three (3) days, with his demonstrations of lumpiang shanghai, sisig na baboy, chicken inasal, arroz valenciana, adobong manok and tuna kinilaw.  The Philippine booth also features Filipino fare from Berlin-based restaurant owned by Filipino Rosalinda Jecht, flare bartender Dennis Barela Adiuba, aromatic coffee sourced from small-scale Filipino farmers, and performances by Ramon Obusan dancers. 

“Filipino cuisine taking centerstage at ITB is perfectly-timed, coming about as our food is earning its rightful place on the global food map, with the launch of the inaugural Michelin Guide Philippine edition.  Thanks to DOT’s efforts and partnership with Michelin, the Philippines now boasts of a 2-star restaurant, eight 1-star establishments, 25 Bib Gourmand restaurants, and 74 Guide-Selected ones — a real game-changer for Philippine tourism!” said Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Teresa Almojuela. 

Department of Tourism Undersecretary and Tourism Promotions Board Alternate Chair Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso headed the Philippine Delegation which was composed of 36 co-exhibitors and stakeholders from the hotel, resort, tour operator, and local government sectors.

The Philippines’ 2026 participation in ITB Berlin marks the country’s sustained tourism market development efforts, supported by structured trade engagement.  

Now on its 60th anniversary, ITB Berlin has served as a premier global marketplace for the travel and tourism industry.  This year’s edition is expected to gather 1,300 qualified top buyers, alongside 5,800 exhibitors, and around 100,000 visitors.  END