CHAPTER XI: Dancing in Germany
My story of a German-Filipino mixed marriage life in Germany began. A life especially with elements of dance and music. The Broadway Dancing and Music Show at the Theater des Westens in Berlin was an unforgettable experience for Rossana. Sure, for me too. I love classical music. I love Jazz. Until now.
The same evening we got home, she looked at me and asked, "Can you imagine that we will start a Filipino Cultural Dance Group here in Berlin? Just like my Manisan Dance Group in the Philippines?" I saw her shining eyes... .
"Sure, I will try and support your plan and idea", I replied. But before that, I would like to introduce more classical music. 'The Merry Wifes of Windsor' followed. An opera by German composer Otto Nicolai. Rossana got a headache. Beethoven followed. She smiled... .
The weeks passed. I really got very busy in the office. Overtime at home. "If I could help you finish the layout and proof-reading", Rossana asked me. "You have to be able to master the German language very well", I replied. "Where can I learn German?" Rossana asked me. The German Cultural Center, the Goethe Institut had its office in Berlin near our residence. Rossana enrolled as soon as possible and finished her studies with the C2- exam (the highest language level for applying for German citizenship) after 1 1/2 years.
During this period, she started several jobs as a babysitter in a family of a French soldier. During that time too, West-Berlin was divided in the three western sectors British, French and United States. Later, she would work in the Stars and Stripes Bookstore at the American Airbase at the Military Airport Berlin-Tempelhof. No entry even for me!
In the meantime, Rossana and I were able to set up the "New Manisan Dance Group Berlin". Several performances followed. Several talk shows too. I was very proud that the Berlin Theater Club arranged a performance for us as talk members at the Berlin Intercontinental Hotel. The Annual International Tourism Fair Berlin allowed Rossana and our dance ensemble to perform as Philippine representatives.
And another aspect helped Rossana delete her loneliness. The Philippine Community Berlin and its chaplain, the legendary Father Gene, Professor Dr. Hermogenes Bacareza, author of the book "German-Philippine Relations", my major mentor in future. In the next few years, he "opened all doors for me", especially for journalistic work in the Philippines, while we were still living in the Philippines. My first column was published in "Tinig ng Bayan" (Voice of the Nation), a global mission-oriented publication based in Abra. Father Gene would visit us already in 2000 and blessed our house and lot in Davao City.
Our honeymoon took us to Switzerland. And then: a big visit from the Philippines had been announced. Vice President Laurel and family. Huge excitement in the Philippine community Berlin.
(To be continued!)
