Philippine-German Relations (XIV)
Permanent readers of this blog may observed my serial “Philippine-German Relations” since a couple of month. I was inspired to write about it because of my mentor Professor Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, former Philippine Chaplain of the Philippine Community in Berlin /Germany. “Father Gene”, born in Maribojoc, Bohol, is an internationally known scholar, author, linguist, lawyer and historian, holding two degrees in Modern European History and Canon Law. He studied at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila (where he is still teaching up to now), Goethe-Institut Inter Naciones in Munich/Germany, at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts/USA, and the Pontificial Greogorian University of Rome, specializing in Ecclesiastical Rotal Jurisprudence with a garde of Summa cum Laude.
He has written several books and published numerous articles in different journals. He stayed in Germany for 15 years. During this time I was able to publish two magazines (in German and English) together with him.
His present book, Philippine-German Relations: A Modern History (1834-2006), deals mainly on the subject of Philippine-German relations. The book is now available in all National Book Stores nationwide. I got the permission to share with you some more aspects of this topic. I can tell you, even you, my dear reader, are not a German, it might me be very interesting for you, because Philippine-German relations always involved also other nations.
The President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, stated in the foreword: “The close relations between the Philippines and the Federal Republic of Germany have been evident in all aspects, especially in the economic and cultural fields. … I would like to congratulate Father Bacareza for his scholar historical work, which will certainly add more strength to the traditional ties of friendship … and which already found roots even in the life and activities of our great national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.”
I would be glad, if you, my dear reader, would continue enjoy reading this serial from time to time in my blog. Unfortunately I can only provide you with an English version.
(To be continued!)
Hi Klaus- For me your article’s are most interesting due to my close association with Germany, working for a German company.
I will be in Germany on the 13th,14th and 15th February as the sole representative of the UK in a joint inititive with German,Lithuanian and Hungarian companies in the field of present day manufacturing methodology. This combined venture is funded by the EU and the launch will be held in Gerlingen (Stutgart) on the 14th concluding with a dinner hosted by the Burger Meister and Stadt officials that evening.
So I just thought I would keep you posted on my own effort of UK/German relations.
Hi Jim, thanks for stopping by. Yup, that’s very interesting. I wish you a nice and interesting stay in Germany. Give my regards to every body. And, I am glad and honoured you keep me posted. I enjoy of course (our) UK/German relations.
Hi Klaus,
I think this is my first time to comment on your post but I have been following your articles.
I’m interested in your articles about Phil-German relations because I have personally witnessed the kindness of the German people in their founding and funding of the School for the Blind there in Davao (if I remember correctly in or near Toril). I have visited that beautiful school many times when I was a child, as my father was involved in some church activities. I hope it still exists today.
Hi Dex U, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I am very happy to read your comment. I have heard about it during the time when I was still in Germany. But I am not sure if i can still find this school in Toril. I would be glad if you could give more details. Maybe it’s sponsored by the Christoffel Blindenmission, which I always supported when I was in Germany. Anyway SALAMAT PO!
Hi Klaus, I could not remember the exact details, but searching the internet, I think the following are the details. Also, I think Toril is not the right location, sorry, it’s been a long time since the last time I visited the place.
DAVAO SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND REHABILITATION CENTRE (DSBRC)
Km 10 Bago Aplaya Davao City
Sponsored by Hildesheimer Blindenmission
Hi Dex, thanks a lot. Now I know the location and also the Hildesheimer Blindenmission. That’s the institution I was in contact also before.
Dear Sir:
The Davao School for the Blind in Km 10 Bago Aplaya, Toril, Davao City is now called the “Davao School and Rehabilitation Center for the Visually Impaired” (DSRCVI).
The Hildesheimer Blindenmission of Hildesheim is still supporting it.
The Christian Society for the Prevention of Blindness and Rehabilitation of the Blind Inc., the foundation managing the school recently got accreditatiion from the government qualifying it as a donee institution…this means donations to the school are tax deductible.
Dear Mr. Rodolfo Kintanar, thanks for stopping by and giving these valuable informations. I am sure to drop by your institution in near future. Best wishes and God bless…