Last week, the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) hosted its Economic Forum at the German Club in Manila, celebrating a year of diplomatic relations between Germany and the Philippines under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke.
The recently concluded Economic Forum brought together the Chamber’s Honorary members such as Mr. Claus Sudhoff, Mr. Horst Kessler von Sprengeisen, Mr. Klaus Schroeder, Dr. Bodo Goerlich and its Premium Partners: ANTRAK, BDO, Boehringer Ingelheim, GOLDMUNZEN, Konecranes, PPI Pazifik Power, STEAG State Power, and TUV Rheinland.
The event opened with remarks from GPCCI President Ms. Maan Mariano, followed by the Ambassador’s speech. In his address, the Ambassador spoke about Germany’s “second honeymoon” with the Philippines throughout their 70-year partnership.
The Ambassador recounted that upon their arrival in the Philippines, he and his wife, Ms. Marina Pfaffernoschke, encountered challenges in adjusting to the adverse weather conditions of the monsoon season. However, these initial obstacles did not dampen his curiosity. He dedicated himself to exploring and understanding the rich social fabric of the Philippines, eager to connect with its culture and people.
What followed were months of immersing himself in a culture by discovering remnants of 300 years of Spanish rule, and noticing similarities between the Makati skyline and New York, a place the Ambassador once called home.
His first encounter with diplomatic work occurred after an unexpected act of aggression in the West Philippine Sea, which required him to take immediate action as the official Ambassador to the Philippines. He recognized this as the moment when the real work on the political front began.
He further elaborated on the state’s priorities in the Philippines, emphasizing security in the West Philippine Sea, alleviating the effects of the climate crisis with the help of GIZ, promoting trade, and recognizing skilled workers, noting that the Philippine government was keen on collaborating with Ambassadors.
Towards the end of his address, H.E. Ambassador Pfaffernoschke remarked that during his year in the Philippines, the country has gained more importance and recognition back home at the Bundestag, which he fondly refers to as Berlin.
The session was then followed by a highly engaging Q&A segment where the Ambassador addressed both economic and bureaucratic concerns related to embassy processes.
The session was closed by Mr. Simon Hofmann of the German Club Manila, acknowledging all event patrons with gratitude. The German Club Manila was grateful to the GPCCI for co-hosting the month's economic forum and celebrated the Ambassador's first year in Manila by presenting him a token of gratitude.
From a country that greeted him with rain and thunder, H.E. Ambassador Pfaffernoschke has now learned to brave every storm with the warmth of the Filipino people.
