Senator Legarda Highlights Philippines Frankfurt Book Fair Role
Senator Loren Legarda recently emphasized the strong cultural connections between the Philippines and Germany during the International Media Visit by a German media delegation. She proudly shared the ambitious vision behind the Philippines’ upcoming role as Guest of Honour at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest and most influential book fair.
Legarda, the driving force behind the Philippines Frankfurt Book Fair Guest of Honour status, described it as her personal mission to bring this achievement to life. According to sources familiar with the matter, she recalled, “When the Philippines made its modest return to the Frankfurter Buchmesse in 2015 after a 15-year absence, I dared to ask, ‘Why not the Philippines as Guest of Honour?’ I took this as a personal mission.”
She added that groundwork began in 2017 after meeting with key organizers in Manila. Despite the pandemic’s challenges, the team remained steadfast, turning the vision into reality by 2023 when the invitation was officially confirmed.
Celebrating the Richness of Filipino Culture and Literature
During the event held at the National Museum of the Philippines, Legarda described the diverse cultural fabric that defines Filipino identity. “As you have now seen for yourselves, we are a people of many languages, layered histories, and living traditions. Our literature arises from the confluence of indigenous wisdom, colonial legacies, ecological wonder, and global conversations,” she explained.
She further highlighted how Filipino writers explore themes of struggle, healing, memory, and the experience of home and the wider world. These stories reflect the complex history and vibrant spirit of the nation.
Legarda’s Commitment to Media and Cultural Preservation
Legarda also shared her personal journey from a young journalist reporting on everyday Filipino realities to becoming the longest-serving female senator in the country. She stated, “That pursuit of truth deepened into a commitment to action when I was elected senator at the age of 38. Today, I continue to dedicate myself to the noble work of uplifting Filipino lives.”
Among her key contributions are laws protecting cultural heritage, such as the National Cultural Heritage Act and the Cultural Mapping Law. On an international level, initiatives like Sentro Rizal and the Philippine Studies Program help promote Filipino identity and scholarship worldwide.
Strengthening Filipino-German Relations Through History and Culture
Legarda also spoke about the longstanding ties between the Philippines and Germany, especially through the legacy of national hero José Rizal. Rizal published his seminal novel “Noli Me Tangere” in Berlin in 1887, connecting Filipino history with German culture.
She recalled visiting the Ullmer vicarage in Wilhelmsfeld, where Rizal completed his work, and expressed her efforts to secure this site as a permanent venue for Filipino-German cultural exchange.
With the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair approaching, Legarda expressed hope that the German delegation’s recent experiences in the Philippines would inspire their future storytelling. “As you traveled across our islands these past days, I hope you have felt the force of imagination around you, flowing through our stories, etched in our landscapes, and alive in the spirited conversations that welcomed you,” she said.
For more news and updates on the Philippines Frankfurt Book Fair, visit Filipinokami.com.