The event has a big potential to introduce Philippines culture in Germany. However, the event yesterday (15 June 2024) failed to deliver. I understand that they were shocked on the number of attendees, but they should've opted first with closed event, i.e., with entrance ticket (and that ticket will also serve as voucher for one meal). So they could have controlled the crowd better and the participating booths were not overwhelmed as well. Or, they should've worked with experienced event organizers, I bet there are German partners, or Filipinos themselves, who are active in organizing annual German events like Kerb, Oktoberfest, Jahrmarkt, Medieval Fests and the like. Kerb, for example, is free for all and no entrance tickets needed, so they could learn from it, if they really wanted to open it for all.
If they want to make this an annual event like Ubefest in California, here are some ideas they could add up next time:
● Cultural show all-day long and not just as opening and closing. Coordinate with various Filipino groups and ask for dance numbers, choral presentation, theater play, and the like - anything that will highlight Philippines culture.
● Cultural activities for adults. There are Germans who aren't married to Filipinos but are definitely interested to know about our culture and they would definitely also want to try to do some Philippines arts and crafts themselves.
● Activity area for kids - with focus on Philippines traditional games. This could be the only chance these kids could get closer to Philippines culture.
● More food and drinks stalls. Add "fishball-an" or any typical streetfood stalls if possible, so that people will not get hungry waiting in line. And have separated drinks stall, staying hydrated is important esp. in summer!
● German foods and drinks stall would also be a nice addition. Not all who would attend, esp. kids, would be really into Filipino foods, so instead of seeing some parents running around the city and nearby shops to buy Brezeln, Bratwurst and the like, it would be nice if it's already within the venue.
● Set-up chairs and tables (beer banks) at the center of event area. As said, attend annual German fests and there you will notice that there are seats near the stage.
● More trash bins. Or at least better coordination/ frequent emptying of existing bins.
● Add on invitational flyers/ posters information about how to get to venue and where are the parking areas. Put in consideration too that there are parking areas for people with disabilities. (I have disability and we had to park almost a kilometer away from the venue, I am already tired when we got in venue.)
Those are so far my observations that were lacking at the event yesterday and I hope they could take these as constructive feedbacks and do it better next year.
Were you also at the UbeFest in Wiesbaden yesterday? You can leave a comment below if you want to share your experience.
