Philippine tourist spot in Berlin

Tourism executives should be happy with a new landmark in Berlin – a Philippine Bear with an incongruous name “Malakas@Maganda.” His name is derived from the Filipino legend of the first man and the first woman.

He lifts barbells (Malakas “the Strong One”) garbed in weight-lifter’s jersey in Philippine tricolors with sponsor’s logo (“the Beautiful”) breaking out of the bamboo stock.

The work is in interaction between artists Banal Pasaiyo and Pierre Patricio.

The Philippines pulled a coup when Berlin District Mayor Andreas Statzkowski and Ambassador Jose Abeto Zaide unveiled the Philip+pine bear at corner of Berlinerstrasse and Uhlandstrasse during the Asia-Pacific Week celebrations in Berlin.

The Philippine Embassy joined the “Buddy Bear” program — an event engaging shop owners, restaurants, boutiques, department stores, cinemas, art patrons, etc. to join in celebrating Berlin’s mascot with a seven-foot tall robust version painted according to one’s fantasy.

Because it was the first embassy bear, the German radio-TV international network Deutschewelle documented “Malakas@Maganda” from the initial sketching to unveiling.

The bear literally stands on Philippine soil, which was flown in for the groundbreaking ceremony.

Some favorites along Ku’damn and Unter den Linden are:

l “Say ‘Yes’ Bear” — bridal bear in white, string pearls and veil, holding up an oversized wedding ring. Paired with a groom in morning frock and striped pants, somersaulting head o’ heels. (sponsor: wedding ring jewelers).

l The “Ice Polar Bear”—ice cream melting on its back. (sponsor: ice cream parlor).

l Circus Bear — twirling a vase. (sponsor: KPM porcelain manufacturer).

l A Golden Bear is somersaulting on the Dresdner Bank roof in Pariser Platz, and another Blue Bear with Eurostars waving from the Balcony.

l Other winners include the “Pharaoh Bear”; somersaulting and juggling bear with European balls: a “Bird Bear”; etc.

Pinoys and visitors now find the Philippine Embassy with greater ease, because of the “Malakas@Maganda” landmark.

Passing pedestrians and kids like to rub its protruding tummy — a touchstone for the day’s good luck.

Graffiti? Artist Pierre Patricio gives 365-day guarantee to retouch.

The embassy hopes for the perpetual presence of “Malakas@Maganda” on that corner. What if the officials decided to remove it?

“That,” said the ambassador, “could be casus belli.”