Mabuhay Germany 2012: Step Forward + Have Fun

On October 12 to 14, 2012, the German community with its companies and institutions operating in the Philippines will once again gather at the Bonifacio Global City for the annual Mabuhay Germany celebrations.  Now on its 5th year, this year's theme, "Step Forward + Have Fun," demonstrates the German community’s commitment to promote a better life and at the same time provide enjoyment for Filipinos through German opportunities, products, services, culture and influences.

With their more than 140 years of presence in the country, German influences and practices are not only felt through business, trade and education—these have also been integrated into the Filipino culture by way of food and music, among others.   The annual Mabuhay Germany festivities,organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (GPCCI), allow the German community in the Philippines to showcase its businesses, products, and community building initiatives through a weekend celebration during the German month.

This year’s celebration kicks-off with a VIP Opening Ceremony for the diplomatic corps and business representatives of Germany and the EU member states and their Filipino counterparts and a breathtakingopera performance by “Frankie & Friends.” The Saturday activities include an experttalk from Goethe Institut entitled‘How German helps your career‘,the 3^rd GPCCI Table Soccer Cup, and the “Groovy Doovy German Party Night”with the Authority Band and German- Filipina DJ Badkiss. Sunday activities include the traditionalCatholic mass followed by a German brunch with live music entertainment, a Broadway performance by German school kids, a “Move to the German Groove” singing and dancing contest, and a German Movie Night featuring ‘Kokowääh.’  Throughout the three-day event, kids will also be invited to several activities at the Hänsel and Gretel Haus. 

German food, prepared al fresco, like grilled sausages with potato salad, cabbage and Schnitzel with Bavarian beers, home-made desserts, cakes, and cookies will be served during the event. Concessionaires in this 5th annual event include the German Club, Giger’s, BrummsWein, Säntis Delicatessen and DusitThani Hotel.There will also beWursty-Wursty, a fast-growing and popular restaurant which serves authentic German food enjoyed by locals and Booze On-Line, which brings to the country various German beers that Filipinos enjoy.

This year’s Mabuhay Germany exhibitors, which will showcase a comprehensive collection of German products, services, culture, and lifestyle in the Philippines, includeAyala Land Sales, Inc.,BASF Philippines, Inc., Club Paradise Resort, Palawan, CONTINENTAL, Doehle Ship management Phils. Corp, The German Embassy Manila, German European School Manila, Lufthansa German Airlines, Deutsche Gesellschaftfuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Lufthansa Technik Philippines, MAN Automotive Concessionaires Corporation, MATEC Maschinen Technik,Robert Bosch, Inc., Schenker Philippines Inc., andTriple I Consulting Inc.

The affair is sponsored by BAGElectronics,Cats Motors/Mercedes Benz, Doehle Ship managementPhils.Corp., Deutsche Gesellschaftfuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Greenpowerphils, Inc.,Hansa Meyer - ATS Projects Inc.,Hapag-Lloyd Philippine, CONTINENTAL, MAN Automotive Concessionaires Corporation, SSI Schaefer, STEAG State Power Inc., and TüVRheinland Philippines.

More information about the 5th Mabuhay Germany is available at www.gpcci.org

Homemade food still best for tots

Many busy moms nowadays have no time to prepare nutritious baby food. But when opting for store-bought bottled food, moms are not assured of the freshness and quality of these mixes, and that is why homemade food are still the better choice, says mother of five and Philips Avent brand ambassador, Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan.

“I am very particular when it comes to feeding my children. While there are many respectable brands of bottled baby food in the market, I still believe that nothing compares to homemade food that has been greatly thought out and considered for baby’s particular needs,” Maricel explains.

Me-Ann Achacoso, Philips Avent’s Business Development Manager for Health and Wellness, agrees. “The modern Filipina mom is hands-on and busy. That’s why Philips Avent’s Combined Steamer and Blender is the perfect ally for moms who want to ensure that their baby gets only the freshest and most nutritious food without having to sacrifice time in food preparation,” says Ms. Achacoso.

Ms. Achacoso adds that the Philips Avent Combined Steamer and Blender lets moms craft quick and healthy meals for baby. Its built-in steamer helps lock in food’s nutrients and natural flavors and with the flip of the steamer and blender, moms can instantly make fine purees to soft and small pieces of food that baby can consume for the different stages of weaning.

 

She adds that if moms don’t have time to prepare food, they can choose to make this ahead of time by storing the pre-made meals into Philips Avent’s Via Cups range which are ideal for storage in the refrigerator or freezer.

Ms. Achacoso concludes, “Creating your own baby food with the Combined Steamer and Blender promotes a healthy bond between parents, siblings and baby. You are also assured that you are giving your baby meals that contain natural vitamins and minerals without the harmful chemicals.”