The Goethe-Institut Philippinen (1961-2017)
Weaving strong and sustainable cultural ties
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 56 years through diverse activities in the fields of music, architecture, dance, theatre, film, literature and German language teaching.
The first Goethe-Institut—the “Goethe-Haus” 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. Last 2006, the Goethe-Institut moved to its current home at the Adamson Center along L.P. Leviste Street in Makati City.
In its 56 years here in the Philippines, GoetheInstitut 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 with their ties to the Philippines—its 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 the film version 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 Goethe-Institut here in the Philippines was made extra special as the Philippine Postal Corporation released four special stamps in commemoration of the two coinciding events and in honor of GoetheInstitut’s continuous efforts to strengthen cultural relations between the two countries. Three of the stamps paid tribute to Rizal and his influence on German culture. The first stamp features Rizal; the second shows a fountain that once stood at Pastor Karl Ulmer’s residence, where Rizal stayed in Wilhelmsfeld, Heidelberg; and the third stamp depicts Pastor Ulmer’s former home in Pfarrgasse Street, which now bears Rizal’s name. On the other hand, the last of the four stamps, featured the colors of the Philippine and German flags, paying tribute to the long-standing relations between the two countries whose cultural ties have remained strong throughout the years.
Goethe-Institut Philippinen has been conveying a comprehensive image of Germany here in the Philippines since 1961. And as it celebrates its 56th year of cultural cooperation with the Philippines, it continues to actively promote German language to Filipinos who want to increase their opportunities through the language. It has also activities in the field of cultural exchange, which include projects on education, preparation of qualified Filipino immigrants to Germany, film, fashion, music, architecture, design, and now its new addition, photography and video games. 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.
For more information, contact: Goethe-Institut Philippinen G/4-5/F Adamson Center 121 Leviste St., Salcedo Village 1227 Makati City, Philippines Tel. nos. 840-5723/840-5724/817-0978 Email: info@manila.goethe.org Website: www.goethe.de Facebook: facebook.com/goetheinstitut.philippinen Instagram: @goetheinstitut_philippinen YouTube: @Goethe-Institut Philippinen