 The Hannsiklub
The Association of
Hanns Seidel Foundation Scholars of the Philippines, Inc.
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Welcome to the Hannsiklub! About Us The Hannsiklub or the Association of Hanns Seidel Foundation Scholars of the Philippines, Inc. is an organization of former Filipino students and professionals who were granted scholarships and internships in various institutions in Germany by the Hanns Seidel Foundation. Each year, the Klub initiates several developmental projects and organizes meetings and seminars most notable of which are the Nachkontaktseminar, usually held in March or April, and the Octoberfest at the German Club. Short History In the period 1982-85, several young professionals (from industry and academe) were awarded scholarships to pursue advanced training in Germany under the sponsorship of the Hanns Seidel Foundation with the collaboration of the Center for Research and Communication ( a private economic think-tank now known as the University of Asia and the Pacific). The duration of the scholarships ranged between 1 -2 years depending on the scholar's program. Most of the scholars returned to the country with the hope of applying the education and training they received in various German universities, companies and institutions. Some went back to the academe, some worked for private companies and public institutions while others started their own businesses or private practice. In 1988, the alumni got together to form the Association of Hanns Seidel Foundation Scholars of the Phiippines (ASFSPI). This was formalized and incorporated under the guidance of Dr. Michael Czepalla and Mr. Paul Schäfer. The AHSFSPI is more familiarly called as The Hannsiklub. Links The Hanns Seidel Foundation Members and their Projects Contact Us [email protected] |
In the News 2008 2nd Hannsiklub Forum and Plenary Meeting The General Assembly Meeting was held on November 6 at Grappa's in Makati City. This was also an opportunity to hold simultaneously the 2nd Hannsiklub Forum. Dr. Emil Antonio, Economics Professor, a Hannsiklub member and former Dean of the School of Economics of the University of Asia and the Pacific, was the Klub's guest speaker. He gave a very insightful analysis in clear layman's talk about the current economic situation and what we can expect with the growing global financial crisis and its effects on the local domestic economy. His talk was entitled "With the US Economy down with flu, will the Philippines catch pneumonia". He pointed out that the global economic crisis will affect the country but will not be at a magnitude experienced by the developing countries like the US and those in Europe. The Filipinos remain resilient and, hopefully, the $14-16 Billion of OFW remittances per year will help dampen the negative effects of the crisis.
In the News 2007 Book Drive On December 3, Nori Grupo and Bobby Asuncion delivered 7 boxes of books, encyclopedias and magazines (including National Geographic Magazine collections) to the SSS Elementary School in Barangay Concepcion Dos, Marikina City. The School Principal, Mrs. Rosario Jocson, together with her other grade school teachers received the donation. The Klub would like to thank everybody who participated in this drive.
Oktoberfest 2007 The Hannsiklub once again celebrated the traditional Oktoberfest activities last Oktober 19 at the German Club. This is the 6th straight year that the Klub is celebrating the Oktoberfest at the still original and inflation-protected price of Pesos 500. Although an explosion which rocked the nearby Glorietta 3 Mall a few hours ago lowered the attendance number by 40%, this incident did not dampen the resolve of those who have committed to attend the celebration. As usual there were lots of fun, beer, food and prizes. A highlight of this celebration was the Ladies' Beer Drinking Contest.
Special thanks to our major sponsor:  Scholarship Fund The Hannsiklub was able to provide a scholarship fund for 2 Students of the Tarlac Industrial School in the first quarter of 2007. This was coordinated by Boots Bautista, a former HSF scholar and instrutor of the school. The amount of P7,000 was deposited to the account of the Jose and Demetria Cojuangco Foundation Inc. for the Tarlac Training Center. The scholarship amount came from the proceeds of the Oktoberfest 2006. The Hannsiklub received last September a report from the foundation (though inadvertently addressed directly to the Foundation :-) on the progress of this scholarship fund:  In the News 2006 The First Hannsiklub Forum TERROR: THE SUM OF ALL OUR FEARS The Hannsiklub hosted a forum on terrorism entitled "TERROR: THE SUM OF ALL OUR FEARS" at the German Club last December 8, 2006. This was Hannsiklub's first-ever organized special interest forum. Invited guest speakers were Ms. Maria Ressa, former CNN Bureau Director and current SVP-News and Public Affairs for ABS-CBN, Exec. Director Enrique Galang of the Bureau of Immigration and Col. Gilberto Abanto, Jr. of the Philippine Air Force who represented Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, AFP Chief of Staff. With the tag line: "Is the door to peace without a key?", the forum aimed to place the topic of terrorism in its proper context, i.e., what are the domestic roots of terrorism and how is this part of the global network? Is the threat just limited to a handful of people belonging to a single ideology or religion? What are the main drivers of terrorism? Are there social, political, cultural, economic or technological agenda behind these terror activities? Is the manner by which the nations respond to terror groups and activities effective or just fanning more the flames of terror? The forum hopes to end with an answer to the tag line, i.e., what is the key to peace and an end to terrorism? Ms. Ressa, with years of solid investigative reporting in the global arena, gave a very insightful analysis of the complex chain of terror. She focused on how this terror network affects the Philippine socio-political landscape. Col. Abanto spoke of how the AFP is fighting terrorism in the country. He mentioned that the AFP is trying to win the hearts and minds of the citizenry and, at the same time, defending the country from the violence brought about by various terror groups. Director Galang emphasized that there needs to be strong leadership and political will among all the stakeholders of the country. This includes the government, civic and business groups, academe, the religious and the laity. He said that if everybody works to eliminate fear, poverty, injustice, graft and corruption and ignorance then crime and terrorism will not flourish in the country. Lunch was served to the guests and audience at the end of the Forum. As one of the participants remarked, it was indeed a very interesting early morning to tackle Terrorism on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Oktoberfest 2006 at the German Club The Hannsiklub celebrated its 5th Oktoberfest at the German Club on Friday the 13th (October). There were about 00 guests in attendance. As usual, there were lots of fun, games, prizes and, of course, beer!
Special thanks to our sponsors:
World Cup 2006 Plenary To celebrate the World Cup 2006 in Germany, the Hannsiklub held its first plenary meeting for the year to coincide with the quarterfinal game between Germany and Argentina. Germany won on penalty, 4-2, after the game was drawn 1-1 in regulation and extra times. (Italy eventually won the World Cup 2006; Germany finished third).  Some genuine World Cup 2006 souvenirs, such as a miniature football, T-Shirts, socks and an World Cup mascot were sold to the Hannsiklub members. The German Club was filled with cheering fans until the wee hours of the folowing morning. It was an exciting game well worth watching. Some highlights of the Germany-Argentina World Cup 2006 game.
Nachkontaktseminar 2006 with former German and Korean HSF Scholars and Prof. Ursula Maennle (Vice-Chairperson of HSF and Member of Parliament, State of Bavaria) The Nachkontaktseminar 2006 was specially memorable due to the participation of a number of former German and Korean HSF scholars. The foreign scholar guests were treated to a tour of Laguna and surroundings including IRRI and UP Los Banos.
The AHSFSPI was specially honored to have Prof. Ursula Maennle, Vice-Chairperson of the Hanns Seidel Foundation and Member of the Bavarian Parliament. The seminar was held at the Hyatt Regency Manila from 24-26 March. Dr. Hans-Peter Niedermeier, Dr. Michael Czepalla and Mr. Paul G. Schaefer were on-hand to support the activity.  Shown above and seated at center (in red) is Prof. Ursula Maennle, Vice-Chairperson of the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Member of the Bavarian Parliament and former Bavarian State Minister. Also seated is Mr. Paul Schaefer, Director of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in the Philippines. Standing behind Prof. Maennle are Nori Grupo, Ernie Ng, Dr. Hans-Peter Niedermeyer and Dr. Michael Czepalla. Some of the Filipino and German delegation also paid a courtesy call to former Philippine President Corazon Aquino (below):  A very interesting part of the tour was a visit to Lufthansa Technik Philippines, a global player in the Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry that employs more than 2,300 Filipino managers, mechanics and engineers. The group also toured the Old City Walls in Intramuros, the Rizal Park, the Chinese Cemetery and the Dualtech facility in Binondo that was capped by a sumptous Chinese buffet in Manila's Chinatown.
In the News - The Past Years Hannsiklub celebrates Oktoberfest 2005 The traditional Oktoberfest celebration of the Hannsiklub was held on 13 October 2005 at the German Club. As many as 120 Filipinos and Germans attended this event. Special mention and our heartfelt appreciation goes to our first ever donors: Siemens and Kenneth & Mock --- Vielen Dank!
More prizes were awarded than last year. There was a special beer drinking contest for males and females. Lots of fun and merry get-togethers. With such a success, however, came a shortage of German sausages ... Oh well, maybe next year ;-) Special thanks to our FIRST sponsors:
50 Years of Philippine-German Relations highlight Nachkontaktseminar 2005 In celebration of 50 years of Philippine-German relations, the Hannsiklub invited Fr. Bacareza of UST and Mr. Rolf Saligmann of the German Embassy as guest speakers in this year's Nachkontaktseminar. Ms. April Al-Raschid of Informatica also updated the members about her current projects. Informatica is a Spanish-agency funded computer training center. Ms. Al Raschid is a member of CDAP. Unlike in the past years, this seminar was just a one-day seminar at the Dusit Hotel on April 23, 2005. A dinner sponsored by the Hanns Seidel Foundation was held at the Caffe Apasionatto at 7pm. A number of scholars from other German foundations have been invited to the dinner. Dr. Michael Czepalla and Mr. Paul Schaefer also attended the whole day seminar.  Hannsi Klub Celebrates Oktoberfest 2004 Former Hanns Seidel Foundation scholars, guests and friends celebrated Oktoberfest 2004 at the German Club last October 15. Food, music and, of course, beer were served. There were raffle prizes won by the lucky ones. A german harpsichord performer kept the atmosphere alive. This Oktoberfest was by far the most well-attended event with more than 150 guests filling up the German Club. Nachkontaktseminar 2004 in Island Cove, Cavite The Association of Hanns Seidel Foundation Scholars of the Philippines held its annual Nachkontaktseminar at the Island Cove Resort in Cavite on April, 2004. Dr. Michael Czepalla and Mr. Paul Schaefer were on hand to lend support. Representatives from the Carl-Duisberg Gesellschaft, Friedrich-Naumann Stiftung and the German Embassy were also invited to attend the seminar. Former Scholars Revisit Munich and Berlin, December 2003 Eight former scholars, mostly coming from the first big batches of 1983 and 1984, were invited by the Hanns Seidel Foundation to "revisit" Munich from December 10-17, 2003. The visit coincided with the 20th anniversary of the first big batch of HSF Scholars from the Philippines who came to Munich in February, 1983.
Hannsiklub donates to DSWD in 2003 The Hannsiklub donated several items of clothes and food to DSWD as part of its social consciousness activities.  Nachkontaktseminar 2002 in Island Cove, Cavite This was the first time that the Nachkontaktseminar was held in Island Cove. Several Hannsiklub members and members from other German political foundations attended. Dr. Hans-Peter Niedermeier and Dr. Michael Czepalla together with Mr. Paul Schaefer attended this event.  |
