WHAT’S GANAP: Celebrating 20 Years of Helping Hands e.V.
by Heyz dela Cruz · October 24, 2025
An Evening of Unity, Hope, Love, and Culture
📍 Stadthalle Boppard | October 18, 2025
Some nights go beyond celebration, they touch hearts and remind us why we come together. The 20th Anniversary Benefit Gala of Helping Hands e.V. was one of those nights: “Ein Abend für den guten Zweck” dedicated to giving back, connecting cultures, and celebrating two decades of compassion in action.
Filled with laughter, music, and the vibrant colors of Filipino culture, the evening united friends, families, and community partners, raising awareness and support for humanitarian causes that Helping Hands e.V. continues to champion.
Two Decades of Compassion 💖
Under the steady leadership of President Gretchen Gipp, alongside Vice President Emma Schindewolf-Vogel, Secretary Rochelle Heuser, Treasurer Rose Manns, 2nd Treasurer Helen Kiay-Bersch, and Advisers Melinda Haas, Araceli Quiming, and Marlet Adlawan, the organization marked twenty years of service quietly, selflessly, and wholeheartedly.
Behind every outreach stands a circle of volunteers who believe that kindness can heal and uplift lives. With the guidance of Auditors Liberty Schneider and Mildred Alex, the legacy of transparency and service continues to shine brightly.
Guest of Honour: Consul Miguel Hornilla
The event was graced by Consul Miguel Hornilla from the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, who took office in Germany in July 2025. His message of unity and compassion deeply moved the crowd.
He praised the Filipino-German community for embodying the spirit of resilience, generosity, and service, reminding everyone that “each helping hand extended, no matter how small, becomes a light of hope.”
His presence connected the mission of Helping Hands e.V. with the broader vision of Filipinos abroad making a difference wherever they are.
Voices that Connected Hearts
Charming hosts from TTPM ACT and SAGO International Club e.V., Ms. Heyz Dela Cruz, Nurse Gian Manalo, and BFT carried the night with empathy and joy.
As they were introduced, the official theme song of TTPM ACT “Tulong Tulong Para Makabangon” played, filling the hall with rhythm and emotion. One by one, the audience stood, clapping in time, feeling the spirit of unity.
That moment captured the essence of the evening helping one another rise, united in one purpose and one heart.
Celebrating Culture and Togetherness
The night came alive with performances by the Dancing Mamas of Koblenz, Limburg All-Star Dancers, Tinikling Dancers Kim Schindewolf and Jovel Nano, and Kawayan e.V.
Guests enjoyed a buffet of Filipino and German dishes, refreshing drinks, and a Pinoy product market that brought a taste of home. Every smile and song reflected gratitude, joy, and community spirit.
Honoring the Hands that Help
A heartfelt moment honored members who have been part of Helping Hands e.V. since 2005, the roots of the organization’s enduring success.
Long-Time Members of Honor (Since 2005)
Emma Schindewolf-Vogel, Bernd Schindewolf, Amelia Dapprich, Amelia Leimbach, Clarita Wagner, Rose Manns. Their years of dedication embody tulong-tulong para makabangon — helping one another rise, together.
Awardees: Partner Associations, Performers and Friends
Certificates of Appreciation were also presented to those who give their unwavering partnership and community spirit. . Here are the awardees:
TTPM ACT Advocacy Channel, SAGO International Club e.V., Isla Magazine, Limburg All-Star Dancers, Dancing Mamas of Koblenz, Ms. Heyz Dela Cruz, BesfrenTofi, Nurse Gian Manalo, Gemma Salize, Nathan & Ethan Manalo, Jem Birkner, Florian Mark Roque, Custer Aranas, Nely Meyer, Maricor Librando Cruz, Kim Schindewolf, Jovel Nano, and Jaime Goloyugo
TTPM ACT Advocacy Channel, SAGO International Club e.V., Isla Magazine, Limburg All-Star Dancers, Dancing Mamas of Koblenz, Ms. Heyz Dela Cruz, BesfrenTofi, Nurse Gian Manalo, Gemma Salize, Nathan & Ethan Manalo, Jem Birkner, Florian Mark Roque, Custer Aranas, Nely Meyer, Maricor Librando Cruz, Kim Schindewolf, Jovel Nano, and Jaime Goloyugo
When the Lights Went Out, the Hearts Shone Bright
A touching highlight was the “Heal The World” collaboration by SAGO on the GO and Helping Hands e.V.
As the lights dimmed and flashlights glowed, the audience felt a shared pulse of unity, the living heartbeat of TTPM ACT, Tulong-tulong para Makabangon, Sama-sama sa Pag-ahon, Tuloy-tuloy para Masaya.
Attendees commented, “Wir bekommen Gänsehaut” (we’re getting goosebumps), capturing exactly the emotions in that unforgettable moment.
The Joy That Filled the Night and Tombola
True to the Filipino spirit, the celebration ended with music, laughter, and dancing — a joyful reminder that service and togetherness are reasons to celebrate.
The much-awaited Tombola Raffle Draw brought excitement to the room.
1st Prize (Flypino Travels) Winner – Steuerberater Peter Christ
2nd Prize 400€: Winner – Perla Schmitz aus Lohmar
3rd Prize 200€: Winner – Lorena Calderon aus Nicaragua
Congratulations to all winners and to everyone who took part in this meaningful Benefit Gala!
20 Years of Helping Hands: A Legacy of Love
Twenty years of compassion, twenty years of tulong-tulong para makabangon spirit, twenty years of proving that kindness knows no borders…
From humble beginnings to this shining milestone, Helping Hands e.V. stands as a living reminder that when hearts unite for a good cause, miracles truly happen. Here’s to many more years of hope, service, and love that heal the world, one helping hand at a time.
Written by: Heyz Dela Cruz
Photos Credits: Jaime Goloyugo & Isla Magazine/Jem Birkner