MANILA, Philippines - The German Community recently held the 2012 Mabuhay Germany celebrations, which gathered the German community in the Philippines. The event organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GPCCI) carried the theme “Step Forward + Have Fun” to demonstrate the German community’s commitment to promote better life and at the same time provide enjoyment for Filipinos through German opportunities, products, services, culture and influences in a weekend-long celebration during German month.
This year’s celebration highlights the community’s “Step Forward” initiative with the roll-out of the “Night High School Scholarship Program,” a six-year program led by the GPCCI to support the high school education of underprivileged teenagers. Forty-five scholars will be chosen from Siena College campuses in Taytay, Rizal; Quezon City; and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
Mabuhay Germany featured activities, performances and talks for the whole family, which included an opera performance by “Frankie & Friends,” an expert talk from Goethe Institut entitled “Step Forward! Learn German! Land a Job!”, the 3rd GPCCI Table Soccer Cup, the Groovy Doovy German Party Night with the Authority Band and German-Filipina DJ, Badkiss, a Broadway performance by German school kids, “Move to the German Groove” singing and dancing contest, and German Movie Night featuring “Kokowääh.”
Guests also enjoyed German food, prepared al fresco, like grilled sausages with potato salad, cabbage and schnitzel with Bavarian beers, home-made desserts, cakes, and cookies from the German Club, Giger’s, Brumms Wein, Säntis Delicatessen, Dusit Thani Hotel, and Wursty-Wursty. German beers were made available by Booze On-Line.