28 September 2015 - Philippine Embassy officials visited cities and towns in the States of Rhineland Palatinate and Lower Saxony on September 12, upon the invitation of Filipino-German community groups. They conveyed the country’s appreciation of the significant humanitarian help to the Philippines by Filipino-Germans and extended an invitation for them to visit the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador to Germany Melita Sta.Maria-Thomeczek was the honored guest of the City of Cloppenburg in Lower Saxony as it opened its annual Market Festival. The festival is 350 years old. The Ambassador was given the privilege of being the first diplomat and the first Filipino official to sign the city’s “Golden Book.”

In her speech before city officials and prominent citizens, she expressed the country’s gratitude for the city’s support to Reunion e.V. The Ambassador acknowledged the work of the organization, an incorporated association of Cloppenburg citizens which has extended humanitarian assistance to the Philippines for 21 years now. The group is under the leadership of Filipina Gloria Bachoco, a nurse by profession.

The Ambassador also introduced the Philippines to the audience, and informed them of existing projects with Germany. These included the Triple Win Nurse-Exchange Program. She invited them to visit the country, whether it is to accompany Reunion e.V. to its yearly humanitarian trip to the Philippines, or to travel as tourists, volunteers, or as business people interested in the country’s economic growth.

Meanwhile, Consul General Donna Rodriguez visited the picturesque municipality of Linz am Rhein to attend a charity event hosted by the Purple Hearts Society Mercy Foundation e.v., headed by Mrs. Merceditas Simon. The charity event was attended by more than one hundred Filipinos, along with their German spouses, families and friends, from all over Germany.

Enjoying good food and company, the guests were entertained by the Philippine folk dancing competition and musical performances by some of their fellow guests. They also witnessed the crowning of the Ms. Purple Hearts Society Beauty Queen and the Ms. Purple Hearts Society Charity Queen. The evening was rounded off by a raffle draw for several prizes.

Proceeds from the charity event will support the work of the Purple Hearts Society in partnership with a foundation from the Philippines focused on helping poor Filipino children finish their education.

On the same day, Consul Rona Beth Goce joined the Philippine Cultural Association Braunschweig in celebrating their annual summer festival in Schöppenstedt. The association has 88 members from the Braunschweig and surrounding areas. More than 200 Filipino and German guests packed the Eulenspiegel-Halle in an event that showcased Filipino food, dances and songs. The association also held a raffle to raise funds for a charity that supports the street children of Cebu, Philippines. END