26 June 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to Germany Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek, together with the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Berlin, celebrated the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a concert featuring concert pianist Cecile Licad and a reception at the Palaisaal of the renowned Hotel Adlon Kempinski.
In her speech, Ambassador Sta. Maria-Thomeczek noted the enduring friendship between Germany and the Philippines and the shared commitment towards better bilateral relations saying, “It is in the spirit of progress, solidarity and adherence to the rule of law that we look at 60 years of good diplomatic relations with Germany. The Philippines and Germany have been pursuing a partnership among equals.”
In his response, Ambassador Peter Prügel of the Federal Foreign Office also spoke about the growing robustness of the bilateral relations and especially the successful celebration of the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, highlighted by the visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III in September 2014.
Virtuoso pianist Ms. Cecile Licad performed a one-hour program which included works by Frederic Chopin, Edward Macdowell, Louis Moreau Gottschalk and Francisco Buencamino, her great grand uncle. An immensely impressed audience clamored for a zugabe (encore) to which the artist willingly obliged.
An art exhibit showcasing winning entries from Kunst Pilipino & Kunsthaus and the Essen Philippine Honorary Consulate’s 2015 Art Contest, “Quo Vadis OF?” focused on manifestations of the lives, struggles, sacrifices and contributions of Overseas Filipino workers. The exhibit also featured works by Filipino artist Mr. Aris Bagtas. END