Christmas Party in Institute of Languages/USEP Davao City

It was indeed a very wonderful and meaningful Christmas Party in the Institute of Languages of the University of Southeastern Philippines. It's really an honour for me being invited to teach German language in this university.

The VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Daniel T. Ugay, Jr., the VP for Administration Dr. Rodulfo C. Sumugat, my good friend the Executive Director of the Institute of Languages Dr. Patricia O. Elbanbuena, our Administrative Assistant Shella Lariosa, teacher colleagues such as Joan Jontilano and Jojean Retardo-Kwak, Professor Fernando Magdato, Jr. from the Lifelong Studycenter, and many visitors from different university departments joined us.

The inspirational talks of the two vice presidents and Ma-am "Pattie" said it: "It's really an honour and privilege to be part of the USEP-family"!

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Promotion on my own account: Start for new enrolments and for re-enrolments regarding the German Course will be on January 4, 2010.

HAPPY NEW YEAR and GOD BLESS!

10th Christmas in the Philippines/10.Weihnachtsfest auf den Philippinen

This has been our 10th Christmas in the Philippines together with some family members - and, I must confess, it was wonderful.

Dies war das 10. Weihnachtsfest auf den Philippinen zusammen mit einigen Familienmitgliedern, und, ich muss sagen, es war wunderschoen.

Christmas in the Philippines - no more culture shock for me as before... .

Weihnachten auf den Philippinen - kein Kulturschock mehr fuer mich ... .

German, Philippine, and International Music in Davao City

ADI (Advanced Design & Innovation) Davao City presents the "Musikverein Kressbronn Brass Band" from Germany LIVE, featuring German, Philippine, and international music on January 9, 2010, at 7 pm at the People's Park, Davao City, and on January 10, 2010, at 11:00 am at the Paradise Park and Beach Resort on Samal Island. For further information you might call Luz at the Paradise Park and Beach Resort city office (082) - 234 2926.

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Der Musikverein Kressbronn Brass Band von Deutschland ist fuer zwei Tage live in Davao City - und zwar am 9. Januar 2010 um 19 Uhr im People's Park und am 10. Januar 2010 um 11 Uhr im Paradise Park and Beach Resort auf Samal Island. Viel Spass bei deutscher, philippinischer und internationaler Musik.

Are YOU a credit card holder?

It's really amazing: three Philippine financial institutions took home top honours in MasterCard Worldwide's Hall of Fame Marketing Awards, which had its inaugural launch in Singapore on the first of December 2009.

Banco de Oro, Allied Bank and RCBC Bankard won three out of the ten awards - Best Cardholder Promotion, Most Effective Card Marketing Program and Best Usage Campaign (cross-border), respectively - for their outstanding marketing efforts in launching or promoting MasterCard card programs in South- and Southeast Asia. Their wins inducted them,along with 23 other Asian banks, into MasterCard's Marketing Hall of Fame. Congratulations.

I am glad to know that. As an expat it's necessary to know which bank should be choosed for money transfers from abroad, i.e. for pension transfers.

NOCH EIN BUCH UEBER DIE PHILIPPINEN/BOOKREVIEW

Es gibt unzaehlige Buecher, die sich mit dem Thema "Philippinen" beschaeftigen. Darunter findet der Leser (immer noch) jede Menge Reisefuehrer, die, kaum veroeffentlicht, schon wieder ueberholt sind. Davon habe ich "tonnenweise" (aeltere und ganz alte!) Ausgaben in meiner Buecherei.

Vor einigen Monaten erhielt ich vom Verlag Shaker Media GmbH in Aachen "noch ein Buch ueber die Philippinen" - aber, ein ganz Besonderes. Es ist Wolfgang Bethge's "Die Philippinen" mit wirklich grandiosen Einblicken in Natur, Kultur, Geschichte und Gesellschaft der Philippinen. Der Autor hat dieses Werk seiner philippinischen Ehegattin Eva A. Torres gewidmet. Eine wunderbare Geste - dieses in Leinen gebundene Epos faellt aus dem Rahmen vieler Buecher ueber die Philippinen, die ich jemals in den Haenden hatte.

Autor Bethe erwaehnt (zu Recht) das Resultat "aus einer nun doch schon mehrjaehrigen Bechaeftigung mit dem faszinierenden Land Philippinen". Natuerlich versteht sich das Buch als Ergaenzung zu vielen auf dem Markt befindlichen Reisefuehrern. Und, es ist das wirklich. Ich habe manche Stunde fasziniert gelesen - und noch viel dazu gelernt, wenn es zu bestimmten Themen ueber die Philippinen kam.

Das Buch bietet wirklich jedem etwas. Auswanderer, die hier schon leben - so wie ich, oder solche, die es werden wollen. Bethge's Werk gleicht einem Gemischtwarenladen - aber, das ist gerade das, was es so faszinierend macht.

Wolfgang Bethe, Die Philippinen, 314 Seiten, gebunden, 27 EURO, www.shaker-media.de.

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Again another book about the Philippines - but, a very special one. It's unfortunately only in German. Really unfortunately, because an English translation would help many expats living in the Philippines to overcome the culture clash, which can't be avoid - where ever you live on this globe, or where ever you live in this beautful country named Philippines.

What's YOUR favourite Philippine Airline?

Honestly, it's very difficult for me to explain by mentioning several airlines. I got some very bad experiences with one! Let's talk about good things happened right now.

Just being back again from Manila in Davao, I really enjoyed Philippine Airlines: excellent service and very much being on time departure and arrival. The new slogan 'With us, you're ALWAYS NO. 1' let me really feel smiling.

By the way, if you plan to travel to Sydney you can avail the "777 only" (US$ 777) for round trip economy class, all-in-fare (excluding government taxes). Don't get me wrong, this is not a paid advertisement. I only got this information from  an Australian expat friend, who also kept on praising the nation's flagship Philippine Airlines.

Maybe you have some other experiences. Feel free to post your comment here on www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com.

My (Philippine) Music/Meine (philippinische) Musik

I love music since I was four years young. I started playing piano and got my first "Hohner" accordion. I really love any kind of music: from Beethoven up to the Beatles.

Moving to the Philippines for good meant also to bring my whole music collection (and library with more then 2000 books). It helped very much to ease some "culture shocks" in the beginning of my expat life here in the Philippines.

I started being very much interested in Philippine music.

Meanwhile I could mention hundreds of favourite Philippine compositions: "Dahil Mahal Na Mahal" (Pinoy Biggie Hits), MINDANAO, or Kung Ako Na Lang (Sana: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).

Talking about movie themes: I was really lucky to find in SM City Davao finest music by the best artists - YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE 101. These are 101 digitally remastered recordings on 6 CD's. A really awesome collection for music lovers produced in 2009 by Universal Music International. Check out www.getmusic.com.ph.

Have you ever heard about "Manilac Lay Labi"? This is the second part of a Philippine suite for piano by Ryan Cayabyab "Pahilaga" which is Ilocano meaning in an easterly direction. Manilac Lay Labi means a quite night and this delicate piece transports us to just that - a calm, untroubled and peaceful night.

How about "Pandangguhan"? This is a popular and well-loved Filipino dance piece. One can imagine a Filipino couple dance skillfully and rhythmically to the familiar tune. The piano arrangement is really interesting and exciting.

And, I love Philippine Telenovelas' music. For avid followers of well-known Tagalog TV series such as "Pangako Sa Iyo" or "Sana'y Wala Ng Wakas" these melodies evoke the familiar and the intimate.

Merry Christmas to all of you my dear readers!Froehliche Weihnachten fuer alle meine Leser hier!

German Christmas Party in Davao City/Deutsche Weihnachtsfeier in Davao City

My wife and me got an idea. Why not inviting German nationals from Davao City and its surroundings for a Christmas party? Here they came- and, I am sure, they enjoyed! Good food, some drinks, some very enjoyable hours with a touch of German AND Filipino Christmas spirit at the Roadway Inn Hotel in Davao City. Merry Christmas!

Meine Frau und ich hatten eine Idee. Warum sollten nicht deutsche Staatsbuerger von Davao City und Umgebung zu einer Weihnachtsfeier eingeladen werden? Und siehe, sie kamen- und, ich bin mir sehr sicher, sie fuehlten sich alle sehr wohl. Gutes Essen, einige Drinks und einige sehr unterhaltsame Stunden mit deutsch-philippinischen Flair von Weihnachten im Roadway-Inn-Hotel in Davao werden unvergesslich bleiben. Frohe Weihnachten!

Philippine Long Distance Company and its goals

PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone -Company-) has been my sponsor for six months for my former radio show "Classics at Night"on an FM station in Davao City together with "Deutsche Welle" (the "German International BBC") as a rebroadcasting partner.

Some of my in-laws are still working with and for PLDT.

Please bear with me, if PLDT feels great to be a winner! I am not talking about PLDT's 3rd quarter results, which shows a core net income up to 11% to 31 billion PHP! Allow me, my dear readers, to mention the Quill Awards!

PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone) and SMART received a total of 13 Quill Awards from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), one of the world's most prestigious of business communicators.

The Philippine Quill Awards of Excellence and Merit are conferred to organizations that have the highest level  of thought leadership, strategic management, creativity, resourefulness and succesful solutions.

SMART Communications also bagged eight Quill Awards including three awards for its various communication campaigns and programs for 'Tipid Sulit  Pinas!"

Minus 6 Grad und Schneefall/6 degress below Zero and Snowfall

Waehrend ich diese Zeilen schreibe, erhalte ich gerade den neuesten Wetterbericht aus Deutschland. Nun, ich war noch nie ein Freund vom Winter. Vielleicht war dies auch ein Grund, warum ich immer in die Heimat meiner Familie auswandern wollte. So sah es in unserer Umgebung am 1.1.2005 (Neujahr) aus. Aehnlich ist es auch heute, wenn auch der Himmel wolkenverhangen ist und gelegentliche Regenschauer ueber uns herniedergehen. Frohe Weihnachten!

While writing this post, I am receiving the last weather forecast from Germany. Honestly, I have never been a fan of winter time. Maybe this has been one reason for me and my family to move to the Philippines for good. Watch the photo: that's how our surroundings looked like on New Year 2005. Today it's very cloudy with some rain showers. Anyway: Merry Christmas!

Climate Changes - where is the end of the tunnel?

Every time I stayed on one of my favourite islands in the Davao Gulf, I experienced the same worries of the people living there. Yes Sir, the sea level is rising... .

I took this photo during my last visit in a beach resort. I know this place since 26 years. High tide... . Yes, even several years ago I could sit down there and enjoy my lunch. Now tables and chairs have been removed while high tide... .

After two weeks of discussion in Copenhagen/Denmark, an outline plan to tackle climate change was finally hammered out. But the deal has been strongly criticized for not setting tough limits on emissions. The UN-climate talks avoided a total collapse by skirting bitter opposition from several nations to a deal championed by the United States of America and five emerging economies.

And? Where is the end of the tunnel?

The Song of Christmas

Christmas, the song, awakens our hardened hearts and move us to create a hopefully better world. Maybe a new earth and new people at last - if we allow ourselves to be showered by the real spirit of our Lord.

Christmas, this great day bears the message that God is with us. He has not abandoned his world, and even in the darkest moments of our time.We might live in corrupt and dirty times, as we experienced daily and as many people like to preach us more and more.

Let us not despair then even if difficulties rise before us, either in our personal lives or in the life of humanity. Christmas holiday should be spent at home where love binds us together. Somebody has prepared delicious food for the Media Noche. We have brought our gifts for every one. My family and i happily arrange our gifts under the colorful Christmas tree.

On the streets everybody lingers around. Houses are well lighted, there's music, there's is laughter, noise. Enemies hopefully come into reconciliation; jealous hearts change. Rich and poor people try to overcome their mutual gaps in life for this very special season.

Next year nobody can tell how we might celebrate Christmas again. Will it be the same? Will it be with a difference? We therefore hope the best.

This will be my 10th Christmas as an expat in the Philippines. Meanwhile the culture shock has gone.

Merry Christmas to all of you my dear readers. And: PEACE all over the world!

Classic Concert TO END POLIO IN THE PHILIPPINES a BIG SUCCESS/Klassisches Konzert in Davao grosser Erfolg!

My friend and President of the Rotary Club of East Davao Ronald Go voiced it out: "As we fast approach Christmas and the end of this year, I am ecstatic over the results of our recently concluded fund raising activity, which we held last December 5, 2009. We practically filled the CAP auditorium with a crowd of 900 or more people... . Generally, I believe those who went, truly enjoyed the concert and more importantly our club earned a substantial amount allowing us to contribute to the Polio plus program of Rotary International." Very well stated, Ronnie.

As event chairman I also love to express my deepest gratitude to the Four Davao Pianist Ladies Daphne Cabaguio Jocson, Mila Cabaguio Jocson, Evelyn Abellera Magno and Ma. Luisa Fucoy Montero for a wonderful and unforgettable enchanting evening. A big thanks to the event sponsor Smart Communications, Inc. and a lot of sponsors and benefactors, such as Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, Stanfilco - Dole Philippines Inc., PAGCOR Davao City, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, Vice Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, Hon. Councilor Mabel Acosta, Davao Light and Power, Kia Motors, Bureau of Customs, and many many more.

From the bottom of my heart I also like to thank all Rotary Club member's, spouses and friends. Without them this event wouldn't have been so successful. Maraming salamat and Mabuhay!

DUST TO DUST... .

No, one can't scatter a person's ashes in the sea or the air, nor keep the urn in your home. I have heard such things many times - and, I saw the family grave somewhere on a big lot and compound... .

In 1963, shortly after Vatican II the Catholic church "determined that cremation was no longer absolutely forbidden. Only with the New Code of Canon Law (1983) did the Church lift the prohibition.

Monsignor Joselito C. de Asis, JCD, assistant secretary general of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and a canon lawyer, who completed his doctoral studies in Rome informed, that the CBCP has issued a number of guidelines, such as follows:

- Cremation may take place before or after the funeral mass.

- After cremation, the ashes are to be placed in a worthy urn and brought reverently to the place of burial.

- The cremated remains should be buried in a grave, mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering the ashes in the sea or from the air is not keeping with the Church's norm regarding the proper disposal of the remains of the dead. 

- The urn holding the ashes should not be kept permanently at home for family altar... .

 

Der Kulturschock (Teil 2)

Wie ich schon im ersten Teil erwaehnte: der verspaetete Kulturschock trifft jeden. Risse im Paradies. Permanent leben auf den Philippinen heisst nicht, nur Urlaub zu machen.

In vielen anderen Teilen Asiens wird die Andersartigkeit durch die Sprachbarriere oder andere Kleidung und Traditionen sehr schnell und klar herausgestellt. Filipinos allerdings fuehren mit vielen westlichen Einfluessen in die Irre. Einige Aspekte des Lebens der Filipinos werden uns Expats wahrscheinlich fuer immer fremdbleiben. Sie haben die Wurzeln in der uralten Vorgeschichte und sind oftmals die Auswirkungen der spanischen und amerikanischen Kolonisierung.

Es ist auf alle Faelle vorteilhaft, in Alltagsangelegenheiten, wo man als Expat mit Filipinos zusammenkommt, Erlaubtes und Verbotenes, das Tun und Lassen und die allgemeinen Umgangsformen im Alltag der Filipinos mit der Zeit zu lernen - und auch mit anzuwenden.

(Mehr dazu demnaechst hier in Teil 3)

NOTICE: GERMAN CONSULAR DAY! BEKANNTMACHUNG: KONSULARSPRECHTAG!

Die Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in Manila/Philippinen gibt hiermit bekannt, dass am Mittwoch, dem 27. Januar 2010 von 9:00 bis 12:30 und von 14:00 bis 16:00 ein Konsularsprechtag stattfinden wird im Business Center Davao, Inc. (BCD), G/Floor, BCD Training Center, SME-Union Ave., 8000 Davao City; Tel./Fax (082) 297-0739. Ansprechpartner ist der Leiter der Rechts- und Konsularabteilung der Deutschen Botschaft, der Erste Sekretaer, Herr KLAUS MUELLER.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass nur noch Antraege auf Ausstellung vorlaeufiger Reisepaesse und Kinderreisepaesse - nicht jedoch Antraege auf Europapaesse entgegengenommen werden koennen.

Weitere Informationen und Formulare finden Sie unter www.manila.diplo.de.

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The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Manila/Philippines would like to inform you that the Head of the Legal and Consular Section, the First Secretary Mr. KLAUS MUELLER, will hold office on Wednesday, the 27nd January 2010. Visit our website for more information and application forms www.manila.diplo.de.

Season is Thoughts

The most awaited season of the year has finally come. The most joyous month is here at least. At times it makes me really wonder what life would be without December. Something is indeed very special on this season, which brings about changes not only in the atmosphere but also in our zest of life and living.

Yes, the air begins to get cooler especially in the mornings when the field and remaining forests are embraced and kissed by the fog that slowly descends upon the earth. The first streak of light that pierces the darkness of earth is the sign of life. the stillness of the dawn which has long been awakened by the crowning of the fowls and singing of the birds only add more color and harmony to the many fabrics of creation, all for the beauty of life and for the joy of mankind.

Yes, we may not have snow in the Philippines to behold and touch as the music lanes blast to the tune of 'White Christmas' like I grew up in my home country Germany. But out in the grassy fields, as you feel the earth with your feet, the fog and the dew give testimony that the earth is still full of life.

December is Christmas, although Christmas in the Philippines is much more different then in Germany. I am looking forward to my 10th Christmas in the Philippines. I love it here. I learned something here: December and Christmas should be the song to awaken our hardened hearts, to touch those people around us, who might have waited a long time for such a move.

Einen frohen und besinnlichen 1. Advent!

Hochzeitspaten auf den Philippinen: Ninong und Ninang

Ich glaube, dieses war die 45. Hochzeit, bei der ich als Pate eingeladen wurde. Criselda (eine meiner frueheren Deutschstudentinnen) heiratete Thomas aus Deutschland.

I guess, it has been the 45th wedding for me being invited as godfather (or Ninong). Criselda (one of my students) got married to Thomas from Germany.

Hochzeitspaten auf den Philippinen nehmen immer Ehrenplaetze ein. Anders als der Taufpate legt sich der Hochzeitspate ueber Nacht zwei erwachsene Kinder zu, die dabei sind, verantwortungsvolle Aufgaben in der Gesellschaft zu uebernehmen, so dass seine Verpflichtung, beim Aufbau einer Karriere zu helfen, viel unmittelbar auf ihn zukommt. Nun, man ist nicht allein in der Verantwortung. Oftmals waehlt das Brautpaar 20 und mehr ninongs and ninangs aus.

Aufwendige Feiern koennen nicht nur eine Anzahl von Paten auf den Plan rufen, sondern auch einen Begleitzug von Blumenmaedchen, einen Ringetraeger, eine Ehrenjungfer, Kerzenspender, Band- und Schleierspender. Hochzeiten laufen nach einem fuer philippinische Verhaeltnisse strikten Zeitplan ab.

Eine Hochzeit auf den Philippinen ist immer ein grossartiges Erlebnis.

My queen is blooming again...

It was a gift given to me by my old friend Lisa (now residing in Nambia/Southwest Africa). It's the Queen of Orchids, the "waling-waling".

She's blooming again - and only for the second time... . I love it!

The Culture Shock - Der Kulturschock

I spent some time in almost 65 countries all over the world. Sometimes one day - sometimes several months. Now I stay in the Philippines for good since 1999. My Filipina wife has been obliged to acquaint me about the differences in living and working conditions in this part of the world - which is named The Philippines.

Every country has its own versions of culture shock of its own - including here in the Philippines. Especially if you stay as an expatriat. Permanent life is no more holidays or vacations... .

Filipinos are friendly people.

Filipinos are smiling at you even in the midst of misfortune brought about by calamity or disaster.

Filipinas women enjoy the same rights with men.

Filipinos and Filipinas dress up as they please.

In the Philippines is freedom in the practice of one's faith.

In the Philippines one can find a nice climate.

Fact is: culture shock has to do with custom and tradition in the host country. As an expat, one has to adopt such things step by step without loosing the own identity.

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Die meisten Auslaender, die die Philippinen besuchen, sind angenehm ueberrascht. wenn sie feststellen, dass fast ueberall Englisch gesprochen wird. Man kleidet sich oftmals sehr westlich - der gesamte Prunk der westlichen Zivilisation ist sichtbar. Hamburgerketten, Luxushotels, Supermaerkte... . Ja, ist doch alles kein Problem hier zu leben.

Der Schock kommt spaeter. Waehrend der westliche Prunk da ist und man ja auch dieselbe Sprache (Englisch) spricht - hat man am Anfang Schwierigkeiten, sich wirklich zu verstaendigen. Ich habe aus dem Grund auch Bisaya (Cebuano) versucht zu lernen.

Eine Vielzahl von Auswanderen kritisiert sehr schnell die neue Heimat Philippinen und die hier lebenden Menschen. Es folgen sarkastische Anmerkungen ueber die "filipino-time" (klar, ich habe mich auch heute noch nicht an die Unpuenktlichkeit gewoehnen koennen!) und die philippinische Buerokratie. Halt, gibt's keine in unseren Heimatlaendern?

(To be continued!)

(Fortsetzung folgt!

Oktoberfest (Deutsche in Davao)

Oktoberfest has been celebrated also all over the Philippines. In Davao City more then 40 German expats with spouses and friends gathered together in Swiss Deli in Damosa and had a lot of beer, pork sausages, pork knuckles, sauerkraut, cold cuts - and fun!

Every year great musician Rolf from Manila came all the way down south and entertained us formidable.

Oktoberfest and several other gatherings together and fellowships help to enjoy life as expats in the Philippines.

Oktoberfest wurde natuerlich auch ueberall auf den Philippinen gefeiert. In Davao City fanden sich u.a. im Swiss Deli in Damosa ueber 40 deutsche Auswanderer, Ehegatten und Freunde ein - und genossen eine Menge Bier, Wuerstchen, Eisbein, Sauerkraut und Aufschnitt. Man hatte wirklich eine Menge Spass! Aus Manila war der grossartige Akkordeonspieler Rolf eingeflogen worden. Wie immer unterhielt er uns grossartig!

Nicht nur das Oktoberfest - auch andere Zusammenkuenfte hier lebender Deutsche (mit auch anderen Nationalitaeten) lassen das Leben als Auswanderer auf den Philippinen lebenswert erscheinen!

WHY PHILIPPINES? Warum Philippinen?

There might be a lot of different reasons for each and every one why to live in the Philippines for good. Family, Philippine spouse, doing business or just enjoying a great pensioner's life.

The Philippine Retirement Authority (Manila) describes it with its slogan "Smile at Life in the Philippines". This slogan indeed encapsulates the spirit behind PRA's vision. Retirees who choose the Philippines can look forward to being treated as a person, not as a statistic. PRA helps provide the good life for retirees (NOT being married to a Philippine national) not only for their material comfort, but also for their psychological and emotional well being as well.

By the way, the Philippine Retirement Authority is a government owned and controlled corporation created by virtue of Executive order no. 1037, signed by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, on July 4, 1985. On August 31, 2001, through E.o. no 26, the control and supervision of PRA was transferred to the Board of Investments (BOI) from the Office of the President.

PRA's head office is in Makati City (Hotline +632.848-1412 or email: inquiry@pra.gov.ph. but there are several satellite offices in Cebu City, Olangapo City, Angeles City Pampanga, Baguio City - and since a couple of months also in Davao City (headed by my friend Mr. Jimmy Llames).

Why choose the Philippines? In the Philippines, retirees (and also all other expats and businesspeople) have the chance a lot to smile about it!

Mabuhay and welcome to the Philippines!

My New Baby/Mein neues Baby

I love dogs since my childhood. Living in the Philippines for good as an expat and having enough space, I enjoy 12 dogs now.

This is my "new baby"...

Seit meiner Kindheit liebe ich Hunde. Seitdem ich auf die Philippinen ausgewandert bin und genuegend Platz vorhanden ist, habe ich viel Spass an 12 Hunden.

Dies ist mein "neues Baby" ...

Institute of Languages: Universty of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City - Davao City - Other Classes - whole Mindanao

Institute of Languages - University of Southeastern Philippines Davao City - Davao City - Other Classes - whole Mindanao

offers language courses French, Italian, german, Spanish, nihonggo, Mandarin, Arabic, Bahasa (Indonesia) and other Philippine dialects.

(Reviewing for the TOEFL, IELTS and NCLEX).

For details please contact faculty assistant Shella Lariosa (0909-2220986 or 0915-1855855 or 082-225-4696 loc. 209/241 or email to inst_lang@usep.edu.ph or visit www.usep.edu.ph (and go to Centers and then Institute of Languages).

German Course in Davao City/Philippines - Davao City - Language Classes - whole Mindanao - language courses davao city

German Course in Davao City/Philippines - Davao City - Language Classes - whole Mindanao - Language Courses Davao City

The University of Southeastern Philippines (Institute of Languages) is offering a German course for Filipinos and Filipinas, such as business professionals, relations students, nurses, OFW's and many more.

I am teaching German following the guidelines of the Goetheinstitut Manila and use its study material.

For details please contact faculty assistant Shella Lariossa (0909-2220986/0915-1855855 or 082-225-4696 loc. 209/241 or email to inst_lang@usep.edu.ph or visit www.usep.edu.ph

Do you need a German-English/English-German translation? - Davao City - Writing - Editing - Translating - whole Mindanao

Do you need a German-English/English-German translation? - Davao City - Writing - Editing - Translating - whole Mindanao

I am by court certified translator and interpreter (Judicial Region XI Mindanao) and listed as translator and interpreter by the German Embassy Manila.

Email me to doringklaus@gmail.com.

Processing Marriage and Visa Documents for Philippines and Germany - Davao City - Other Services - ganz Mindanao

Processing Marriage and Visa Documents for Philippines and Germany - Davao City - Other Services - ganz Mindanao

Assistance in obtaining formal and government documents for Philippines and Germany.

Accredited Philippine Retirement Authority, Manila

Email me: doringklaus@gmail.com

DEUTSCHKURS in Davao City - Davao City - Language Classes - ganz Mindanao

DEUTSCHKURS in Davao City - Davao City - Language Classes - ganz Mindanao

Die University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City, bietet seit ueber einem Jahr einen Deutschkurs fuer philippinische Staatsbuerger an. Seitdem ich Fakultaetsmitglied des Institute of Languages geworden bin, unterrichte ich nach den Richtlinien und mit dem Studienmaterial des Goetheinstitutes Manila.

Fuer Einzelheiten kontaktieren Sie bitte Fakultaetsassistentin Shella Lariosa (0909-2220986, 0915-1855855 oder 082-4696 App. 209/24) oder per email inst_lang@usep.edu.ph oder www.usep.edu.ph/version (Centers, Institute of Languages).

ADVANCE NOTICE - VORANKUENDIGUNG

Many things have been written about the culture shock for foreigners (expats - expatriats) after moving to the Philippines for good. I experienced my very own culture shock during my first year's stay here. I like to share it with you, my dear readers - in English and in German! Watch out for it here on this site in a few days!

Viele Dinge wurden bereits ueber den Kulturschock von Auslaendern (Auswanderer) auf den Philippinen geschrieben. Ich habe meinen ganz eigenen Kulturschock speziell im ersten Jahr meines permanenten Aufenthaltes hier erlebt. Ich moechte meine Erfahrungen mit Ihnen, lieber Leser, demnaechst hier teilen - in Englisch und in Deutsch. Klicken Sie sich hier wieder ein in den naechsten Tagen!

Philippine Food - You Might NOT Like... .

I have been travelling around the world since the age of 16. I stayed in almost 65 countries worldwide. Sure, I learned to eat a lot of things. Many times, as a real newcomer I started shudder while tasting a new dish.

Of course, every country has some disgusting special food that foreigners are forced to eat. It's an invitation rite before strangers are allow to enter the new community. Here in Davao City/Mindanao, where I am residing since 1999 for good, one can find for example the fruit Durian (smells hell but tastes heaven!). Yeah, it's true... .

In other parts of the Philippines you might be forced to try cows stomach pickled in vinegar. Not such strange as monkey brain (China) or "drunken prawns" (Japan).

Back to the Philippines: here one can really find a first class disgusting dish, which is called BALUT! Heaven forbid! Give me a million, but I wouldn't try it again. Fear Factor! Yeah... .! Howard Belton, in the Philippines living U.S. columnist, voiced it out: "How can a good Catholic country enjoy eating aborted duck?"

Going native in the Philippines? Maybe - but without me... !

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Ein philippinisches Gericht (?), dass Sie bestimmt nicht moegen... .

Seit meinem 16. Lebensjahr bin ich einige Male um die Welt geflogen und habe mich in fast 65 Laendern aufgehalten. Klar, dabei habe ich gelernt, eine Menge Dinge zu essen. Tja, und als "Neuling" habe ich mich manches Mal geschuettelt und geekelt, wenn ich ein neues Gericht ausprobierte... .

Natuerlich hat jede Nation einige ekelhaftige Gerichte, die man trotzdem als Auslaender kosten soll. Man gehoert erst zur lokalen Gemeinschaft, wenn man es versucht hat. Hier in Davao City/Mindanao, wo ich seit 1999 permanent lebe, gibt es zum Beispiel die Frucht DURIAN (stinkt wie die Hoelle, schmeckt wie der Himmel!). Ja, und das stimmt wirklich!

In einigen anderen Gegenden der Philippinen bietet man Ihnen vielleicht Kuhmagen (in Essig eingelegt!) an. Das mag vielleicht nicht einmal so fremdartig sein wie Affenhirn (China) oder "betrunkener Hummer" (Japan).

Zurueck zu den Philippinen: hier findet man ein wirklich 1. Klasse (fuer mich ekel-erregendes) Gericht, das BALUT heisst. Ein sogenanntes "angebruetetes Entenei"! Also, man moege mir 'ne Million geben, aber mich kann niemand mehr ueberreden, das noch einmal zu probieren. Howard Belton, ein auf den Philippinen lebender U.S.-Kolumnist, hat es so ausgedrueckt: "Wie kann ein katholisch-religioeses Land ein fruehgeborenes Entenkueken im Ei essen!" Vielleicht ein wenig ueberspitzt formuliert, aber ICH versuche es NICHT noch einmal... !

PLDT gives twice as much!

This holiday season every member of the household gets a turn to share an update very time you call your family or friends overseas because PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company),  has slashed per minute rates to America and Canada. PLDT Budget card gives you the longest talk time when calling abroad, at affordable call rate and with ever reliable service and clear connection that only PLDT can provide.

Might sound like a promotion article, but it isn't... .

I tried it, and it's so very true. The prepaid overseas calling card allows subscribers nationwide to make financially-smart decisions about those traditional holidaya calls at the lowest per-minute-rate of 1.50 Pesos to the U.S. and Canada, with any PLDT postpaid landline and payphone nationwide. Also European countries can be reached by 5 Pesos per minute - unbeatable rates... .

Go to your nearest PLDT office or selected branches of Cebuana Lhuillier and Tambunting Pawnshops.

Happy Season Calls!!!

Rotary Club East Davao helps ENDING POLIO

We have seen the ravages of polio many times in the past. An individual with an underdeveloped limb, a child who cannot walk because of an absence of muscular development, and a young girl who has drag herself on the floor because of her abnormal legs. These are all images of how this disease can hamper the quality of life of its victims. Rotary International has long been at the forefront of the fight to eradicate polio throughout the world.

As a part of this organization, the Rotary Club of East Davao realizes the urgency of totally eradicating this disease as soon as possible. Therefore in spite of the challenges in securing funding RCED believes there are benevolent individuals and groups out there who can help to erase this devastating disease from the earth.

As such and as Project Chairman, we have decided to embark on a fund raising event that will allow us to contribute to this noble endeavor.

WE WILL BE HOLDING A CLASSIC MUSIC CONCERT entitled "The Music We Share Will Show the World that We Care". In this concert we will be featuring four talented pianists, who will perform for a diverse audience from Davao City and other parts of Mindanao.

THIS WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE 5TH OF DECEMBER 2009 AT 6 PM AT THE CAP AUDITORIUM, ANDA STREET, DAVAO CITY.

Purchase tickets NOW and be a part as an invaluable supporter in making this concert a very fruitful and successful one.

Please contact SHEILA, Rotary Club of East Davao, CP# 0920-9534196 or landline (082) 302 8956 or KLAUS DORING, CP# 0927-4963149 or landline (082) 227 1761. Tickets are still availabe for PHP 1,000, 500, 300 and 100.

God bless!

Ein klassisches Konzert ganz besonderer Art erwartet Sie am 5. Dezember 2009 im CAP Auditorium in Davao City. Und Sie helfen!!! Beim Kauf einer Eintrittskarte spenden Sie automatisch fuer END POLIO IN THE PHILIPPINES! Der Rotary Club East Davao ist der Schirmherr fuer diese Benefizveranstaltung. Helfen Sie mit - und geniesen Sie Musik in hoechster Klasse und Guete!

Off to Davao Oriental

If you're looking for "nature pure" should you travel to Davao Oriental. I did this several times - and surely not for the last time!

Suchen Sie "Natur pur"? Dann sollten Sie, wenn in Mindanao, unbedingt Davao Oriental besuchen. Ich habe es schon einige Male getan - und sicherlich nicht zum letzten Mal!

Several months ago I stopped for the first time at the "Sleeping Dinosaur Peninsula" - visible upon passing the 8km Zigzag road downtown Mati. The 57-hectare island resembles a sleeping dinosaur.

In Barangay La Union, San Isidro Mt. Hamiguitan is home to thousands of centuries-old pygmy trees. Nearby is an upland lake called Tinagong Dagat (Hidden Sea) that serves as a haven for various species of rare and exotic birds and other animals.

When in Mati, a visit of Waniban Island is a must. It's just a 15-minute boat ride from Cinco Masao Resort in Mati. This 40-hectare island is surrounded by white sandy beaches and is home of local tribes who make a living through hunting and fishing.

A closer look, please!

Do you know the African proverb: "The camel never sees its own hump, but that of its brother is always before its eyes!"

Maybe it's true, because most of us forget to see our very own self. But does it really help, if we always see "this way" - US in a mirror?

Our tendency to focus on the irritating faults of others most of the time obscures our vision of the positive aspects of others, as Karyl Yvette stresses already several years ago in "Pinoy Balita Korea". Yes, we lose sight of the good and decent qualities of others, the true essence of who and what they are, and we all see only the humps in life. Also as expats living in the Philippines... .

Shouldn't we use our own eyes clearly and effectively? So, let's start a new day with a positive look over our own whole, even being in front of our mirror, then taking a glimpse on the good things around us. Have you watched a butterfly over a flower? Wow, we have a lot here in the Philippines. Have you used your freedom of expression over loud music? I mean, not the whole day or during night time, if others want to sleep.

Yes, I must confess, many times I also forgot those simple rules - and, I forgot how to stay young, happy and healthy. It's so easy, especially while living in the Philippines.

Did I say "young"? Yes, because it's not a time of life - it's a state of mind. Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years; people grow old only by deserting their ideals. Yes, wrinkle the skin, but to surrender enthusiasm wrinkles the sou. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear - these are the long, long years that bow the head and turn growing spirit to dust.

Susconsciously we 'cook our ideas' while being passive. I met a lot of fellow expats, who are doing so. Of ocurse, Newton relaxed, when he saw the apple falling from the tree - and got the idea of gravity, Watt relaxed in the kitchen while watching the jumping steam boiler cover - and got the idea of the steam engine. We have much more good ideas during two hours of creative muse and leisure time, then waiting eight hours in an office... .

I love nature... - and you?

When I still stayed in Germany, I always dreamt of an own (wild) garden. Wild means natural. The more flowers and trees, the better. The more nature - the better.

My dream became true!

Climate Changes - A Global Problem

While writing this piece another typhoon hits the Philippines. One of many other natural disasters worldwide... .

My worries and fears that nothing would happen to preserve and project our nature have been proven to be well founded. Sure, climatic change is a global problem, but even while writing this piece, I do have again and again this disgusting smell of burning and plastic and rubber "basura" in my nose. My neighbours don't care! Bahala na! how gruesome and horrid! I would love to pray for more rain to "kill these fires". But the Philippines got rain more then enough!

The term "hothouse earth" as well as 'hothouse effect" describe the dramatic climatic changes in our daily life conditions. Here in the Philippines and everywhere in the world. The hothouse effect has its cause and origin on the way we are living. Effects and consequences of excessive consumption of so-called "fossil fuels" are one of the main reasons. Our industrial society's ecological footprint becomes too big; its ecological rucksack becomes too heavy. Remaining "ecological niches' become smaller and smaller.

The report of the "Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes from March 2001 (!) showed us the startling dramatic scenario:

- The 1990s have been the warmest decade (1998 the warmest year) since 1861.

- The eternal snow and polar ice have become dramatically smaller.

- The average sea level rises and will rise up to 88cm in the year 2100 according to this report.

Now it's 2009! Heat waves, increasing tropical cyclone activities, intensified precipitations (heavy rain and landslides) are also reasons for tourism destination changes. Losses of human life, appearing epidemics, increasing of erosion - as well as infrastructure damages, especially in coastal areas are more complex extremes.

The essential and vital resource water becomes a scarce, meager and barely sufficient good.

National and international climatic policies have born fantastic rules and regulations, such as 'Emission Trading', 'Clean Development Mechanism' or the 'United Nation Environment Programmer" as well as the 'World Environment and Development Organization'. So far so good. Where are the deeds?

We sing our praises as the most stable and secure form of human knowledge, but we leave the practice to others without envy. Fixed in their views worldwide, politicians accept oppression from company monopolies and allow deforestation and burnt patches. Fishing with dynamite, pale corals, sick animals, melting icebergs and the ozone hole... .

Climatic changes are a global problem. But every one of us should start cleaning up his own compound first without burning poisonous garbage while only a short distance away our little children are playing!