Senator Legarda (center) hands over a token to officials of the Berlin Ethnological Museum. From left: Third Secretary and Vice Consul Alvin Malasig (Philippine Embassy), Dr. Maria Gaida (Head, Collections Depart-ment) Dr. Lars Christian Koch (Director, Berlin Ethnological Museum), Dr. Roland Platz (Curator, Southeast Asian collection).

During her recent visit to Germany, Senator Loren Legarda took the opportunity to support the Philippine Embassy in Berlin’s efforts to secure the loan of Rizal artifacts from the Berlin Ethnological Museum.

 In her meeting last April 5 with Dr. Lars Christian Koch, newly-appointed director of the Ethnological Museum, the Senator stressed the importance that the Philippines attaches to the artifacts. She also conveyed her appreciation for the Ethnological Museum’s willingness to lend such an important part of its extensive Southeast Asian collection to the National Museum of the Philippines.

Dr. Rizal, who actively engaged in various intellectual pursuits during his stay in Germany from 1886 to 1887, donated to the Ethnological Museum items such as traditional Filipino clothing, including a Barong Tagalog, and indigenous fabric from Mindanao.

 “The artifacts are tangible proof of the longstanding friendship and strong people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Germany. The fact that they were donated personally by no less than our revered national hero gives them even greater intrinsic value,” Senator Legarda said.

“There are, of course, administrative and logistical concerns that we have to address as these are fragile objects that require utmost care. But I am happy to note that the Embassy, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the Ethnological Museum are all eager and committed to seeing this project come to fruition,” the Senator added.

 The two museums, with the assistance of the Embassy, have started initial preparations for the loan. Plans have also been drawn for the mounting of a special exhibit in 2020 at the National Museum featuring the donated artifacts along with Rizal-related artworks and original manuscripts of his literary works, among others. END

Some of the artifacts in the Berlin Ethnological Museum’s Rizal collection.

“Walk tall, women—the world is your stage.” This was the refrain of the fashion and musical show The Philippines: A Tropical Tapestry organized by the Philippine Embassy in Berlin and the Department of Tourism on 10 March at the Arndt Art Agency, to shine the spotlight on Philippine culture and tourism, as well as to celebrate National Women’s Month. More than 75 guests, including foreign ambassadors and diplomats, and business and cultural contacts, attended the event, aside from the members of the Embassy and its attached agencies, led by Chargé d’Affaires Lillibeth Pono.

CDA Lillibeth Pono with the DOT team led by TPB Deputy COO Maricon Ebron and Tourism Director Meggie Valdes with models clad in Renee Salud creations.

Top Filipino models took to the catwalk wearing the creations of leading Filipino designer Renee Salud, while the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS) serenaded the audience with their renditions of Filipino classics and original Pilipino music (OPM). Managing the show were production director Concon Siñel and stage director Raymond Villanueva.

“Many of you would have seen our barong and terno made of jusi or pineapple silk, but few among you would be familiar with the weaves of our indigenous peoples, such as the Igorot in our northern highlands or our Tboli, or dreamweavers, from the south,” Ms. Maricon Ebron, Deputy COO of the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), said in her opening remarks.

The fashion show included segments on Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with videos of top attractions in these major island groups playing in the background as the models walked down the runway.

The Ryan Cayabyab Singers—Kaye, Nica, Celine, Erwin, V.J., Anthony, and Poppert—entertain the audience with renditions of Filipino favorites.

As a tribute to the women in the audience, the RCS performed a playful suite of Sylvia Latorre classics, including “Waray-waray,” “Galawgaw,” and “No Money, No Honey.” In their spiel between the songs, they highlighted the strength of Filipino women and the need to continue working for gender equality in spite of the gains that have been made.

Designer Renee Salud draws resounding applause from the multicultural audience. Also seen in the background are the artworks of Nona Garcia.

The show was followed by a cocktail reception, where the guests had the opportunity to sample traditional Filipino delicacies such as puto, empanada, adobo paté, and chicken and pork barbecue, while enjoying the artworks of Filipino artist Nona Garcia on the gallery walls. Mango juice was also served, together with Don Papa rum from the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Berlin.

“What better way to mark Women’s Month than through a celebration of our culture,” Ms. Pono said. “Like the artisans who wove the fabrics in those dresses and the artist who painted the works on these walls, women have long played a vital role in keeping our arts and culture alive.”

The guests were sent off with capiz-shell frames from the Philippines as souvenirs, as well as long-stemmed roses for the women. END