Philippines Honors Rizal at Frankfurt Book Fair with German Editions of Classics
Philippine Senator Loren Legarda honored Dr. Jose Rizal at the Frankfurt Book Fair, celebrating the launch of German editions of 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo'. The event, part of the Philippines' Guest of Honour program, saw Senator Legarda encourage Filipinos abroad to embrace Rizal's legacy and German readers to see the translations as bridges of understanding.
Legarda highlighted the relevance of Rizal's works, stating that 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo' still address issues like global injustice and the loss of truth today. She quoted Rizal's alter ego, Crisostomo Ibarra, saying 'I seek truth by means of study, for I wish to be human'.
The Senator expressed gratitude to Insel Verlag, the translators, and scholars who made the German editions possible. She framed the launch as an act of renewal, promising that shared stories can change lives and nations. The significance of launching the translations in Frankfurt, close to Berlin and Ghent where Rizal's novels were first published over a century ago, was also noted.
The German-language editions of 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo' were published by Insel Verlag in 2025, with 'Noli Me Tangere' released in August in a revised new edition. The event took place from October 15 to 19, 2025, marking a significant moment in cultural exchange and understanding between the Philippines and Germany.
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