PH Embassy in Berlin Introduces Philippine Culture to Gustav-Heinemann Oberschule Students

28 June 2022, Berlin – The Philippine Embassy in Berlin conducted a workshop on PHL culture for Year 12 students from the  Gustav-Heinemann Oberschule, in line with the school’s  Projekt Woche.

 The Project Woche is an annual school event that allows German students to transform their classes into workshops that  allow them to  develop and expand  their interests.  This year, the Year 12 class selected the Philippines as their country of interest.

CDA Lillibeth Pono, with  Ministers Gerardo Abiog and Mary Luck Hicarte welcomed the students by sharing how and why  it is “More Fun in the Philippines.”  Vice-Consul Mina Ganzon gave  a presentation on Philippine geography, history, economics, and culture.   The  students were then made to   experience PHL gastronomy through a Pinoy merienda of pancit, chicken adobo, mais con yelo, and ube ice cream.

A virtual banig-weaving workshop was also offered to the students.  Ms.  Judith Basco, a Philippine-based modern weaver and founder of The Art of Yarn, guided the students on paper banig-weaving, as she lectured on the cultural relevance and sustainability of banig production. The students were able to produce their own paper banig after the workshop.

Mr. Peer Sylvester, the Class 12 teacher, expressed satisfaction for the positive outcome of the workshop, especially on how it deepened the students’ appreciation of the Philippines.  END

 

Source: PR-LVP-10-2022

FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE, MUSIC AND DANCE, MARK CELEBRATION OF KALAYAAN 2022 IN BERLIN

12 June 2022, Berlin – Philippine Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje was the guest of honor of the Philippine Community in Berlin as they commemorated Kalayaan 2022 or the 124th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. 

Secretary Robert E.A. Borje delivered a message about the Philippines’ efforts in combating climate change and its call for climate justice.  He explained that the Philippines contributes a mere 0.4% of the world’s greenhouse emissions, and yet, it is one of those most adversely affected by climate change.  Linking climate change with our own forebears’ struggle for independence, he stressed that the issue of climate change is indeed also a struggle, but it is one that surpasses many boundaries, and can only be effectively fought through cooperation among peoples and nations, aided by the contribution of each person towards this struggle. 

Kalayaan 2022 celebrations were kicked off by a thanksgiving mass, or Misa ng Pasasalamat  which was presided by Filipino Chaplain Fr. Tranquilino “Jun” De Ocampo.  In his message, Fr. De Ocampo expressed gratitude that the Filipino Community in Berlin remains strong and resilient throughout the pandemic.  Prayers for the Philippines and the Filipino community in Germany were offered in several Philippine languages by the officers and staff of the Embassy.

The community then listened to the video-streamed messages of President Rodrigo R. Duterte and DFA Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr.  Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz imparted the message of DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III. 

Philippine Embassy in Berlin Chargé d’affaires a.i.  Lillibeth V. Pono, in her remarks, reminded the community that “In the here and now we can all be heroes who continue to safeguard the freedom of every Filipino – like Apolinario Mabini, Andres Bonifacio and Jose Rizal.”   She stressed that heroism may come in many forms – a person’s fight to preserve the environment; a person’s efforts to be a good public servant; a person’s sacrifice to help a kababayan; or even someone’s struggle to be the best in his craft.  “There is, in every one of us, that ability to be a hero in our own special way,” she said.

The commemoration was capped by top-class singers Mylah Rubio, Jomar Rubio  and Kevin Orteza, doing a rendition of O Bayan Ko by Ryan Cayabyab.  They also led the solemn communal singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal.  Filipino-German teenagers showed their skills through a dance performance at the grounds during the fellowship. 

The community was treated to a Filipino spread with, among others, inihaw na liempo, pancit, ensaladang pipino, and barako-coffee jelly.

Philippine Independence Day celebrations bring together Filipinos and Filipino-German community members across several generations to re-affirm their love of the Philippines and their Filipino roots. END

 

Source: FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE, MUSIC AND DANCE, MARK CELEBRATION OF KALAYAAN 2022 IN BERLIN