Philippine Ambassador-designate to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega was among the special guests at the last performance of “The True Story of King Kong” a new opera written by famed Filipino composer Jeffrey Ching. The opera, essentially a re-telling of the popular King Kong story weaves in themes of discrimination, racism, identity, inclusiveness, and diversity in society.

The innovative staging incorporating video techniques, puppetry, and pantomime made for a compelling presentation. The opera staging ran for six (6) performances at the Magdeburg Schauspielhaus.  The work was commissioned by Theater Magdeburg’s Opera House and was undertaken in cooperation with the Puppentheater Magdeburg, winner of the prestigious Bundes Theater Prize.

The international cast of classical singers and performers included Mr. Ching’s spouse, the acclaimed Filipino soprano Andion Fernandez who once again excelled in the one of the principal roles.

Both Mr. Ching and Ms. Fernandez continue to premiere new works and perform in Germany. Jeffrey Ching is set to premier a new work in the coming months as he continues to blaze trails in the classical and new music scene in Europe. END

The celebration of National Heritage Month was marked by the Filipino community with a traditional Santacruzan procession last May 26 in Berlin’s Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district.

The Catholic celebration commemorates Roman Empress Helena’s finding of the true cross, enriched with elements of Filipino culture and society, such as the inclusion of the indigenous, non-Christian Aetas and the Reyna Mora (Muslim Queen).

In her remarks during the event, Ambassador-designate Maria Theresa Dizon-de Vega underscored the message of inclusivity which the Santacruzan conveys and the openness of Filipino society. She also expressed appreciation for the youth’s participation and the community’s efforts to keep their Filipino heritage alive.

The Ambassador led the Philippine Embassy contingent in this year’s procession, which included Ms. Carolyn Ramoran-Malasig as Reyna Banderada (Queen of the Banner), the character that heralds the arrival of Christianity.

The event was organized by the Filipino community led by Fr. Jun de Ocampo, SVD, and was participated in by first and second generation members of Filipino-German families who took the role of various religious and historical figures.

Churchgoers and Embassy personnel gathered for an open-air salu-salo after the event and enjoyed home-cooked Filipino dishes and desserts that were on offer. END