22 June 2012- The Philippine Embassy in Berlin hosted a Vin d' Honneur on the occasion of the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Hotel Intercontinental Berlin last June 13.
The event, celebrated with the theme Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan" (Freedom: The Accountability of a Sovereign Nation of Responsible Citizenry), drew in representatives from the diplomatic corps, the German federal government, the business community, and leaders of Filipino organizations based in Germany.
High ranking officials, led by Ambassador Clemens von Götze, Head of the German Federal Foreign Office (FFO) Political Department, and Ms. Birgit Ory, Director of the FFO Asia-Pacific Department, also graced the event.
Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Cleofe R. Natividad opened the event with her National Day message.
The Ambassador, speaking in both German and English, reflected on the year's theme and said, "The message is clear: that the Filipino people, as inheritors of freedoms fought for by the heroes of our revolution, have duties and responsibilities."
"Every Filipino, wherever he or she may be, has a role to play in the nation's development. One duty is the commitment to follow the straight and righteous path. Our hard-earned independence comes with the responsibility to build a prosperous nation founded on truth, justice and equity," she added.
In her message, the Ambassador also stressed that through his platform of good governance, President Benigno S. Aquino III was steering the Philippines towards rapid and sustainable growth.
She cited the concrete gains of the President's efforts, including the 6.4% economic growth for the first quarter, improved credit ratings, robust stock exchange, and positive economic forecasts of analysts such as HSBC.
Noting the importance of relations with Germany in sustaining this rapid and inclusive growth, the Ambassador said: "My country considers Germany as one of its solid and invaluable partners bilaterally and in sustaining peace and prosperity for all nations."
The event was capped with a concert featuring respected Filipino artists based in Berlin: Dr. Aberlardo Galang II, a pianist, and Bass-Baritone Jonathan dela Paz Zaens. Together, they performed a medley of traditional Filipino musical pieces and German classics.
Mr. Zaens also serenaded Vice Consuls Anna Marie de Vera and Azela Arumpac and Mrs. Stella Schnell of the Ladies for Rizal who showcased their Philippine terno gowns.
As a side event, an exhibit of paintings by Filipino artists Rafael Cusi and Ernesto "Aris" Bagtas was held at the foyer of the Hotel Intercontinental.
The exhibit was organized by the Kunst Group of Galleries and Kunst Pilipino under the curatorship of Mr. Virgilio Cuizon.
On June 12, the Embassy also held a ceremony at the Embassy's Bulwagang Jose Rizal with a flag ceremony, singing of the national anthem, reciting "Panunumpa sa Watawat" and reading the messages of President Aquino and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario.
Members of the Filipino Community attended the event culminating with a Filipino breakfast. END