Weaving strong and sustainable cultural ties

The Goethe-Institut Philippinen (1961–2018)

The history of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Germany would be incomplete without the vibrant cultural partnerships between the two countries, which the Goethe-Institut has continuously supported for 57 years through diverse activities in the fields of music, architecture, dance, theatre, film, literature and German language teaching.

The first Goethe-Institut — the “GoetheHaus” as it was initially called, opened its doors in the Philippines on April 7, 1961, at Roberts Street in Pasay City. In 1978, it moved to a bigger and more accessible location at 687 Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City. In 2006, the Goethe-Institut moved to its current home at the Adamson Center along L. P. Leviste Street in Makati City. GoetHe-InstItut In MaKatI

In its 57 years here in the Philippines, Goethe-Institut has created a platform where Filipino and German artists, experts, and decision makers in the cultural field meet to encourage intercultural dialogue and enable cultural involvement.

In 2011, Goethe-Institut Philippinen celebrated two meaningful events in relation to its ties to the Philippines — the 50th year of cultural cooperation with the Philippines, and the 150th birth anniversary of Philippine National Hero, Dr. José Rizal, who served as a catalyst for cultural exchange between the Philippines and Germany. Part of the celebration was a nationwide screening of Noli Me Tangere, which was restored in Koblenz, Germany upon the initiative of the Goethe-Institut and the German Embassy in Manila.

The golden anniversary of GoetheInstitut here in the Philippines was made extra special as the Philippine Postal Corporation released four special stamps. The first stamp features José Rizal; the second shows a fountain that once stood in Pastor Karl Ullmer’s residence where Rizal stayed in Wilhelmsfeld near Heidelberg; and the third stamp depicts Pastor Ullmer’s former home in Pfarrgasse Street, which now bears Rizal’s name. The last of the four stamps, featured the colors of the Philippine and German flags, paying tribute to the longstanding relations between the two countries whose cultural ties have remained strong throughout the years. tHe GerMan fIlM weeK 2017

Goethe-Institut Philippinen has been conveying a comprehensive image of Germany here in the Philippines since 1961. And as it celebrates its 57th year of cultural cooperation with the Philippines, it continues to actively promote the German language to Filipinos who want to increase their opportunities through it. It has also activities in the field of cultural exchange which include projects on education, preparation of qualified Filipino immigrants to Germany, film, music, architecture, design, and photography. All these are carried out by a young, dynamic team whose ideas cultivate a rich exchange with partner institutions. These activities and more guarantee continued collaboration between the two countries, and offer new and exciting prospects for fostering stronger Filipino-German cultural ties.