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The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, in partnership with the National Book Development Board (NBDB), today hosted an inspiring book presentation that captivated German readers with the rich narratives of Philippine literature.

During the online book presentation, NBDB Director Anthony John Balisi and NBDB German consultant Baerbel Baecker explored universal yet distinctly Filipino themes in Philippine literature, such as colonial legacy, family, migration, identity, and resilience. The event introduced the German audience to both revered Filipino literary icons such as Jose Rizal and Nick Joaquin and rising contemporary authors such as Patricia Evangelista and Jessica Hagedorn, with the hope of sparking a growing interest in their works among German readers.

Meanwhile, Vice Consul Fatima Mueller emphasized that Filipino stories of struggle, perseverance, and identity, along with themes of social justice, migration, and the environment, resonate deeply with any audience. She added that these narratives draw meaningful parallels with global issues while offering fresh, uniquely Filipino perspectives.

As the Philippines prepares to be the Guest of Honor at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, the event set the tone for a vibrant literary exchange between the Philippines and Germany. END

Consul General Ivy Banzon Abalos extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Philippine Cultural Organization in Saarland (PCOS) and its founder, Ms. Josie Hahn, applauding their invaluable contribution to fostering cultural understanding and strengthening ties between the Filipino and German communities.

The cultural group commemorated its 40th anniversary on 14 September 2024, in Dudweiler, Saarland celebrating four decades of promoting Filipino culture in Germany. The event highlighted the organization’s lasting impact on cultural exchange and community building over the past four decades. END

Consul General Ivy Banzon Abalos warmly welcomed today Filipino exchange students Criz Bernadette de Castro and Audrey Caunceran from Jose Lopez Manzano High School in Tuy, Batangas, underscoring the role of the youth in enhancing PH-German relations. The students are participating in the “ART and SUSTAINABILITY” program at IGS-Schrenzerschule in Butzbach, Germany from September 10-18, 2024. This follows a reciprocal visit in April by three German students to the Philippines.

The Filipino and German exchange students were supported and coordinated by their school administrators from the Philippines Cristina Arguelles and Dr. Maricel Mercado, and German coordinators Jessica Gross and Tim Nungesser. The exchange program is being funded by the Entwicklungspolitisches Schulaustauschprogramm (ENSA) and aims to promote global understanding and sustainability through youth collaboration, reinforcing bilateral ties and future partnerships. END

As part of its continuing information drive on dual citizenship services, the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt held its third info session on Republic Act 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Reacquisiton Act of 2003) in St. Michael Church in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg. The event aimed to inform the public of the procedures and requirements for applying for dual citizenship.

After their presentations, Deputy Consul General Rogelio Villanueva, Jr. and Consul Cecille Joyce Lao responded to questions during the open forum and individual queries after the program. The event in Heidelberg was made possible with the support of Ms. Cristina Del Castillo Stahl and members of the von Herz zu Herz Deutsch-Philippinische Partnerschaft e.V. Dielheim and Silayan Group, Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis TBB-Miltenberg e.V. Sitz I Schelflenz.

The Consulate has been receiving numerous applications for dual citizenship from former natural-born Filipinos and naturalized Germans since the German Law on the Modernization of Nationality Law (StARMoDG) took effect on June 27. END

In recognition of his extraordinary commitment to fostering cultural relations and enhancing people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Germany, Consul General Ivy Banzon Abalos awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Gross today at the Consulate.

For over 40 years, Mr. Gross has generously supported visiting Filipino choral groups, significantly enriching the cultural landscape of Germany. His dedication has greatly strengthened the bond between the two nations, promoting mutual respect and understanding through the arts. END

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