127TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC COMMEMORATED BY FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN BERLIN

14 June 2025 – Filipinos from Berlin, Hamburg, Dresden and Goslar joined the Philippine Embassy in commemorating the 127th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Sentro Rizal in Berlin on 14 June 2025.  

The simple commemoration included the singing of the Philippine National anthem,  a panalangin para sa bayan led by Father Simon Boiser of the Philippine Catholic Community Pastoral Council of Berlin, Sister Mary Ann Heinze of Jesus is Lord and Brother Edward Taduran of the Christ Commission Fellowship – Berlin, and messages from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo,  and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.  The event’s highlight was Mr. Hari Antonio King’s passionate declamation piece on Philippine heroes and the symbolism of the Philippine Flag.  

In her remarks, Ambassador Irene Susan B. Natividad highlighted the importance of safeguarding the freedoms that Filipinos enjoy today.  “Tuwing Hunyo, tumigil po tayo nang panandali, magnilay-nilay at magpasalamat sa kalayaang ating tinatamasa ngayon na ipinaglaban ng ating mga bayani at ninuno.  Pangalagaan po natin ito para sa susunod na mga henerasyon,  na nawa’y patuloy na makapamuhay nang malaya, mapayapa at matiwasay.”   

During the commemoration, the Embassy took the occasion to present a plaque of appreciation to Mrs. Lourdes Mueller (posthumous) and her husband, Mr. Gerhard Mueller,  for their invaluable contribution to  people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and Germany.  Mr. and Mrs. Mueller played host family to countless visiting Filipino artists and scholars for many years, and was active in the activities of the Filipino community and the Knights and Ladies of Rizal.  

A Filipino breakfast with the community capped the event. END