Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany
March 10, 2024
In anticipation of the first Working Visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the Federal Republic of Germany this 11-13 March 2024, various stories of Filipinos living and working in Berlin continue to make the rounds amongst the Filipino community as they share their thoughts on their continuing journey to become a better Filipino under a ‘Bagong Pilipinas.’
Mr. Norbert Elnar has already adjusted to his new life in Germany despite being in the country for two (2) years. A native of Cebu, he works as a brand designer and operates his own podcast. Admitting that he still has a lot to learn and regardless of the adjustments, Mr. Elnar continues to survive and finds comfort from the support and warmth of the Filipino community in Berlin.
“Ang Bagong Pilipinas for me is a thriving Philippines. I think tapos na tayo sa stage na nagsu-survive lang tayo. Maganda yung resilient tayo pero para sa akin, mas maganda kapag thriving ang Pilipinas… I think a new Filipino is somebody who embraces innovation and who is really rooted to his creativity,” he says.
Meanwhile, Ms. Maerashyl Sia has been living in Germany for the past seven (7) years. A native of Davao City, she works as a sales associate for a known real estate company, juggling her duties as a full-time mother and an empowered Filipina. Ms. Sia believes that the government, under a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ continues to be in the right path of providing better lives for Filipinos despite criticisms, and urges her kababayans to fulfill their part in this endeavor.
“Ang Bagong Pilipinas for me, it [should] start within ourselves, within us as a Filipino. Because you cannot do something to other people if you do not do something or improve yourself… Do something for the community, sa kapwa mo, sa ka-trabaho mo and it will start from that,” she conveys.
Mr. Mark Bravo Auxtero hails from Pasay City and is currently working as a Business Ecosystem Strategist for an HR consulting firm in Berlin. Seven (7) years of living in Germany and he can already say that he has been able to adjust to his life in Berlin, though he admits that he still misses the Philippines. He vows to continue working and showing the true essence of being a Filipino abroad as he joins thousands of Filipinos in welcoming President Marcos Jr. in a gathering.
“Para sa akin, ang Bagong Pilipinas ay kung saan ang mga Pilipino ay di na nagugutom or wala na tayong maririnig na nagugutom at ang lahat ng mga kabataang Pilipino ay makakapasok sa mga paaralan nang hindi namomroblema sa mga gamit at kung paano sila makapapasok,” he stresses.
According to the Embassy of the Philippines in Germany, there are currently more than 35,000 Filipinos living and working in the European nation. They are present in various industries such as healthcare, information technology (IT), hotel and hospitality, as well as in the academe.
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