Instructor Antonio Galang with some members of the first batch of students learning Filipino at Humboldt University (photo by A. Galang)

The Advancing Philippine Studies Program at Germany’s premiere tertiary-level educational institution, Humboldt University, just launched its first Filipino Language classes.

Offered to Humboldt University students, the classes offered for the Winter Term are being administered by Filipino Language Instructor Antonio Galang, Jr., from the University of the Philippines.

The language program is one of the major components of the Philippine Studies program launched in July 2019 and overseen by Humboldt University’s Institute of Asian and African Studies in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Germany. Filipino academic Dr. Rosa Cordillera Castillo serves as Program Director. The funding for the program was made possible through the assistance of the Office of former Senate Finance Committee Chair and now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda under the Cultural Diplomacy funds of the Department of Foreign Affairs. END

L-R Prof. Elsa Clavé, Prof. Jan van der Putten, Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega

Filipino historian and best-selling author Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, engaged an international audience at the Asian-Afrikan Institute of the University of Hamburg, Germany at a special lecture on 21 October 2010.

Prof. Ocampo’s talk entitled “Mapping the Philippines: Before Waze and Google Earth” is an examination of how the Philippines’ historical narrative and identity can be read partly through maps and other cartographic depictions across the centuries.

Drawing from his many years of research on maps done in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Prof. Ocampo shared some lesser known insights into Philippine history both past and contemporary.

The talk of Prof. Ocampo was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Berlin in cooperation with the Asian Afrikan Institute of the University of Hamburg. Prof. Dr. Jan van der Putten and Prof. Elsa Clavé of the Institute were on hand to welcome Prof. Ocampo.

Prof. van der Putten in his welcome remarks stated that it is a great privilege for the University of Hamburg to have Prof. Ocampo as a guest speaker and to hear his insights on Philippine history and identity, as well as the state of Philippine Studies in Europe.

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega shared that the Philippine Government is stepping up its efforts to promote Philippine Studies programs in German educational institutions such as the ongoing Advancing Philippine Studies Program at Humboldt University and the just concluded agreement for a Philippine Studies Program at RuHR University. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise announced the Embassy would collaborate more closely with the University of Hamburg in screening Philippine films and organizing Philippines-related discussions and activities at the Asian African Institute.

After the lecture, Prof. Ocampo responded to questions from the audience during the open forum and at the Post-talk reception catered by Filipino-German Chef Larry Galicia of Lubeck.

Filipino-German Divina Gracia-Martens, who taught Filipino Culture and Language at the University of Hamburg, shared that the talk presented fresh insights into approaching Philippine history and that Prof. Ocampo makes history come alive. END

Dr. Ocampo engages the audience with his take on Philippine historical narrative.

L-R Fr. Simon Boiser, Chaplain of the Filipino Ministry in Hamburg has his books signed by Prof. Ocampo; Prof. Ocampo talks about history being current and connected (all photos by Berlin PE)

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega with WiB members and Undersecretary Lorraine T. Badoy pose for a commemorative photo of the first WiB event for Fall 2019 (photos by PH Embassy, Carolyn Ramoran Hamilton-Malasig)

Philippine Ambassador to Germany brought a taste of the Philippines to members of the Wilkommen in Berlin (WiB) during an Filipino Afternoon Tea Reception at the official residence on 25 September 2019.

The WiB is the largest international club composed of members from the diplomatic corps, business, academe, media, and other sectors. It is the only international club which is affiliated with the German Federal Foreign Office which ensures its wide reach in the international community in Berlin.

The Filipino Tea Reception kicked off the WiB’s Fall 2019 calendar and saw members enjoying afternoon tea with a Philippine twist. Instead of scones and cream, guests were treated to Chicken Adobo Canapes, Cassava Cake, Kutsinta, Puto (Steamed Rice Cake), and empanadas. Also on offer were Philippine organic teas like Lemon Ginger, Tanglad, Banaba, Pandan, Coco Melange, and Blue Flower from fair trade company Tsaa Laya and organic coffee grown in Mt. Apo, Davao and Benguet. Guests were also given tokens of Philippine chocolate-covered dried mangoes.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega presented a glimpse of the Philippines during the reception focusing on the history, tourism sites, weaving traditions, and the cuisine of the country.  A special guest, Ms. Miranda Konstantinidou, owner of Konplott Jewelry which has 35 stores throughout Germany spoke about her Cebu-based design center and workshop. She shared her positive experiences working with Filipinos in Cebu and praised their creativity, discipline, and skill.

Chef Bulawan Callanta of AYAN Restaurant in Berlin and Lighting Designer Troy Gonzalez who also dabbles in cooking shared what makes Filipino cuisine special.

The WiB members expressed delight at being introduced to Philippine culture and cuisine and were particularly taken by the unique flavors in both the beverages and the dishes they sampled. WiB member Jane Williams-Boock, a German-American law professor, praised the Philippines for being a country doing its best to be more ecologically sensitive and for the warmth and positivity of its people. END

L-R Sampler display of featured dishes for the Filipino Tea with Philippine Tea from Tsaa Laya and Benguet Organic Coffee plus Recipe access via mobile QR codes; Miranda Konstantinidou of KonPlott Jewelry talks about her experiences doing business in the Philippines

International guests sample Philippine tea treats

Chef Bulawan Callanta and Mr. Troy Gonzalez with Ambassador Dizon-De Vega talk about Filipino food while WiB members listen intently