BERLIN 06 March 2026 – To mark the Women’s Month, the Philippine Embassy gathered over 50 members of the Filipino community in Berlin, Brandenburg and Hamburg on Friday, 06 March 2026, at Sentro Rizal to celebrate women leadership. 

Under the theme of the Philippines’ Women’s Month Celebration, “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the salon-style talk honored modern-day Babaylans, who are artists, teachers, community leaders and entrepreneurs in Berlin whose journeys affirm the courage, humanity and visions of Filipino women.

In her opening message, Ambassador Maria Teresa Torres Almojuela feted the heritage of the Babaylan as icons of Filipino women leadership and the recognition that the Filipino nation enjoys as a gender champion. She noted the role of the Babaylans in the gender-equal pre-colonial societies of the Philippines and how their spirit resonates today in the accomplishments of Filipino women.

Participants shared and heard powerful stories from Filipinas thriving in their professional endeavors and vocations in Germany, namely,  Arianne Reyes, Lawyer and President of UP Alumni Association in Germany; Lynda Marie Sylvester, Teacher at Nelson Mandela International Schule; Isa Tabasuares, Mental Health Advocate, Nurse, Singer-Songwriter, and Visual Artist; Patricia Villaseñor Krause, Entrepreneur, Kape de Filipina; Aureen Aipoh, Entrepreneur, Oshione Bakery; and Abbey Sy, Calligraphy and Graphic Artist.

Attendees immersed themselves in interactive experience, including a Baybayin Station curated by Den Argao, where guests were invited to have a word of personal significance written in the indigenous pre-colonial script of the Philippines, and the Babaylan Wall, where guests were encouraged to write affirmations. Food and beverage from Filipino women entrepreneurs further enriched the gathering and complemented the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

The evening carried special significance, as it also marked a milestone for the Embassy as Ambassador Almojuela completed her Presentation of Credentials to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of the Federal Republic of Germany earlier that day.  This made the occasion a double celebration: of a new chapter in Philippine diplomacy in Germany, and of the enduring legacy of Filipina leadership.

The event inaugurates the Embassy’s UPLIFT Series, which promotes the community’s spirit of thriving together through meaningful conversations. END