WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XV)

Chapter XV: My home - two countries

Meanwhile, Rossana and I had been married for over six years. We commuted back and forth between a lot of work for various publishing houses and several trips within Germany. Our flights for the next stop in the Philippines were also already booked. 

"Can't we go to the theatre or a concert again?" Rossana asked. "I already miss Ludwig van Beethoven and all the others", she added. Said and done. Although we were both piano lovers, this time a violin concerto awaited us. The one in d-major, opus 61 - Beethoven's only completed concert in this genre. Rossana was particularly fond of the third movement Rondo-Allegro. With its 6/8 theme, it is reminiscent of a hunting theme, which is later processed in a virtuoso cadence.

From Beethoven to Imelda Papin - from Germany to the Philippines. The difference couldn't be greater. But Imelda Papin was on a European tour and also paid a visit to Berlin for a performance in our Philippine Community.

Imelda Arcilla Papin (born January 26, 1956) is a Filipino singer and one of the bigger names in the Philippine music industry. Dubbed the "Sentimental Songstress", Imelda Papin is responsible for songs such as "Bakit (Kung Liligaya Ka Sa Piling Ng Iba)" and "Isang Linggong Pag-ibig". 

Our life became once again a roller coaster. "She" really came to Berlin. Maria Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, born Maria Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco; January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009), popularly known as Cory Aquino, was a Filipino politician who served as the 11th President of the Philippines from 1986 - 1992 as the first woman to hold that office. It was an official state visit. 

Once again, I developed feelings of wanting to live in the Philippines forever, although Rossana and I were really not doing badly in Germany especially in Berlin.

In March 1989, we flew again to Rossana's (and meanwhile my second) home - this time for another six weeks and with our best friends from Berlin: Christa, who worked then at the American Embassy, Barbara and Ronald as well as Jochen. 

First travel destination: Cotabato City. At that time, it wasn't exactly a safe plan... !

(To be continued!)