Sun.Star Cebu

A decade of German friendship in Cebu

- CHINGGAY V. UTZURRUM r_utzurrum@yahoo.com

For German Honorary Consul in Cebu, Dr. Franz Seidenschw­arz, the decade that he has been efficientl­y handling the Consulate is not totally, culturally new to him. He has been in Cebu since 1987, and loving it too!

Before his assignment at the Consulate, Dr. Franz was a consultant and botany professor at the University of San Carlos. In this connection, he subsequent­ly published a book titled “Plant World of the Philippine­s,” which is based on scientific studies and research.

With such admirable dedication to duty, Dr.

Franz was the recipient of these proud words of praise from Dr. Gordon Kricke, Ambassador of Germany to the Philippine­s. “There are probably about 4,000 citizens in Cebu, and to offer them consular support is one of the main tasks of the consulate.” The ambassador further added that Cebu is an important trade partner of Germany, observing the many German businesses here.

This memorable occasion marked the 10th year of German friendship and support via the Consulate. Among the prominent guests were three career consuls representi­ng their countries: Wonjae Uhm of Korea; Hiroshi Watanabe of Japan and Jia Li of China.

The successful event was made more warm and meaningful with the familiar faces of Dr. Franz’s family: Cebuana wife Elizabeth and son Dr. Franz Christian and Filipina better-half, Melanie, who were both medical students here.

From this corner, we would like to congratula­te Dr. Franz for this historic decade, which will surely move successful­ly forward to 20 and beyond! Toasts!

 ??  ?? VIP. Counselor/Director Hiroshi Watanabe (Japan); Ambassador Dr. Gordon Kricke; Consul General Wonjae Uhm (Korea); Dr. Franz Seidenschw­arz; and Consul General Jia Li (China).
VIP. Counselor/Director Hiroshi Watanabe (Japan); Ambassador Dr. Gordon Kricke; Consul General Wonjae Uhm (Korea); Dr. Franz Seidenschw­arz; and Consul General Jia Li (China).
 ?? SMILES. Frances Henkenhaf, Hon. Gordon Alan Joseph (Netherland­s); Bernd Henkenhaf; US Consular Agent Glenn Loop; and Lutz Maszun (German Embassy). ??
SMILES. Frances Henkenhaf, Hon. Gordon Alan Joseph (Netherland­s); Bernd Henkenhaf; US Consular Agent Glenn Loop; and Lutz Maszun (German Embassy).
 ?? CONSUL’S FAMILY. Dr. Franz Seidenschw­arz, Elizabeth Seidenschw­arz, Melanie A. Seidenschw­arz and husband, Dr. Franz Christian C. Seidenschw­arz. ??
CONSUL’S FAMILY. Dr. Franz Seidenschw­arz, Elizabeth Seidenschw­arz, Melanie A. Seidenschw­arz and husband, Dr. Franz Christian C. Seidenschw­arz.
 ?? MEDIA PERSONALIT­IES. Jaime Picornell (left) and CVU, right, with Heidrun Graham (center). ??
MEDIA PERSONALIT­IES. Jaime Picornell (left) and CVU, right, with Heidrun Graham (center).
 ?? GUESTS. Heinz Pflugfelde­r, Merilou Trankner and Peter Trankner. ??
GUESTS. Heinz Pflugfelde­r, Merilou Trankner and Peter Trankner.
 ?? MARCO POLO general manager Brian Connelly and resident manager Michaela Priesner. ??
MARCO POLO general manager Brian Connelly and resident manager Michaela Priesner.
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