This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading! Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
600 Bikers For Peace in Mindanao
I love biking since my childhood. Several health circumstances held me back to such events, I am writing about here and now.
More than 600 bikers pushed their way uphill as the first "Bike for Peace" sponsored by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process outside of Metro Manila.
Participants from local government sectors along with other peace advocats, biking enthusiasts and media guests trekked the mountainous terrain staring from the People Park in Cotabato City (city hall), where I have been staying in 1989 during an interview with during that time acting mayor Mr. Badoy, to North Upi in Maguindanao.
Beyond the physical activity, this event also mirror (hopefully!) the Philippine goverment's goal in reaching a final peace agreement with the MILF, which has been going in for years niow.
"Bike for Peace" is usually held in Manila. Peace for Mindanao! Is it really such a never ending story???
Friday, May 27, 2011
Mindanao Daily Mirror A Finalist in PPI Press Awards
The Mindanao Daily Mirror is among the six newspapers that made it as finalists in the daily category of the 2010 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards to be held by the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) on June 22 and 23, 2011 at the Traders Hotel in Manila.
The awarding night is part of the activities of the 15th National Press Forum and 2011 Annual Membership Meeting, which has the theme "Reporting Governance and Human Rights".
The other daily newspapers vying for the award are Sun Star Cebu, Cebu Daily News, The Freeman, Sun Star Cagayan de Oro and Sun Star Davao.
You can imagine, that I am really blessed and honoured having my regular column in the "Mirror" since February 2011.
Go to ARCHIVES and check it out:
http://www.dailymirror.ph
Go to ARCHIVES and check it out:
http://www.dailymirror.ph
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Media Must Tell the Truth in The Philippines
Please check out this very important post and a statement, which is also coming from the bottom of my heart being a foreign journalist, living in the wonderful Philippines for good since 1999 and forever... .
Media must tell the truth, says priest
Camiguin Island - an Island of Your Imagination Born On Fire
I never expected having a very hectic schedule as an expatriate living in the Philippines. BUT, I still take my time out, travelling around this beautiful country, especially Mindanao.
Camiguin is a very small island province of the Philippines off the northern coast of Mindanao. Its capital is Mambajao. The island of Camiguin is in the Bohol Sea about 10 km north of Misamis Oriental.
Sagay Church facade
The name Camiguin is derived from the native word "Kamagong", a tree of the Ebony family that thrives near Lake Mainit in the province of Surigao del Norte. The original inhabitants of Camiguin were "manobos" who migrated from Surigao. The old native language in Camigiun is called "Kinamiguin", which is similar to the dialcet speaken in Suriago.
(During the volcanic birth of mount Vulcan, some areas in the town of Bonbon subsided, sinking the cemetery of the town below sea level.)
There are a lot of tourist destinations, i.e. the Old Catarman Church Ruins in Bonbon, 16 km's from the center of Catarman. What remains are ruins of adobe walls, belfry and convent that are testimonials to the devastating 1871 earthquake which wiped out the illustrious town of Catarman established earlier as a Spanish settlement in 1967.
(Katibawasan Falls, 5 km South East from Mambajao)
Camiguin Island - this means Tuasan Falls, Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Mount Hibok-Hibok, Old Vulcan, 13 kms west of the capital Mambajao, the "White Island", 3 kms across Agogo and Yumbing, an uninhabited small white sand bar and many other places to be discovered.
Remembering the history of classical composers - Klaus Doring's Classical Music
Many people misunderstand, if I am talking about classical music. they think about the Beatles during the 1960s and maybe about some Swing from the 1930s. Sure, it's also classical music.
I am talking about the last 400 years - and hey, please don't misinterpret me. Not every classical music is Beethoven or "terrible opera music", by the way, why "terrible"???
Check out Franz von Suppe.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Peace Education in Mindanao
Peace education in Mindanao - very important. Check out my post here;
http://www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com
Saturday, May 21, 2011
SMART, GLOBE, SUN - An Amazing Cellphone Company Competition in The Philippines
The cellphone companies' competition in the Philippines is becoming smarter and smarter, more globally under the sun.
Speaking of competition: Leading wireless service provider SMART is rallying running enthusiasts and nature lovers (including me) to join an advocacy run for the benefit of the environment.
Dubbed "Run for the Environment', the event will be held in partnership with the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature - Philippines) on May 22, at 5 a.m. at SM City of Davao City.
Be there and JOIN! See you there!
And check out more:
http://www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com
And check out more:
http://www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com
14 Points to Ponder For a Solar Home in The Philippines
Every time I stayed in Spain during the 1980s in my friend's Solar home I planned to ponder for a solar house in the Philippines. During the 1990s my house has been almost finished. 1999 me and my family moved in. Solar? No question! No decision yes! The prizes kept me breathless - and also the monthly electric bill.
Philippines, a "sunny country"... . BUT... !
Check out also the following post:
14 points to ponder for a solar home
Friday, May 20, 2011
MILF Flags Possible Peace Deal
(MILF panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal)
The Philippine government peace panel's target to strike a comprehensive agreement with Muslim rebels within one year "is very possible"... .
Check out more here:
MILF flags possible peace deal
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Studying in Germany? Studieren in Deutschland? (III)
Postgratuate Courses with Special Relevance to Devolping Countries have been launched!
The funds for its programme are provided by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, which aims its giving junior executives an opportunity to attend such degree courses.
The typical scholarship holder will come either from a public authority or state or private company and as such be engaged in the planning and execution of directors and projects with emphasis on development policy having a bearing on technogicial, economic or social areas.
Applicants should be submitted to any of the following:
- Application to the German Embassy Manila no later then July 31, 2011;
- Or, application to the DAAD Head Office no later then August 31, 2011;
- Or directly to the university no later then October 15, 2011.
Visit also:
Should there be any more questions please don't hesitate to contact the German Embassy in Manila/Philippines, Miss Davina Dy, Press and Cultural Section, Tel. 02-7023000 during office hours.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Manny Pacquiao - The Spirit of Filipino Unity
I must confess, I have never been a boxing fan, and I am pretty sure, I'll never become one. But meanwhile I became a fan of Manny Pacquiao. If I read all published articles and columns about him, I can't help myself, agreeing with them all. Even as an expat, who really doesn't like boxing.
Manny is Maximus. And as a Manila Bulletin writer voiced out: "He is pound-for-pound the best boxer in the world, the Fighter of the Decade, the People's champion, the fighting pride of Sarangani, a testament to the Filipinio spirit, a symbol of national unity, an inspiration.
Yes, I don't enjoy watching this bloody sport too as it pits one with killer instinct over another, as Philippine Star columnist Domini M. Torrevillas,wrote a couple of days ago. But, of course, it feels good that there is someone with brave and simple "probinsyano" (provincial) charm giving the Philippines a good image.
Boxing is a job, but as he said, he'll not do it forever. Filipino people love him, people in general, people everywhere... .
For living up to his "lofty billing as the mythical pound-for-bound best boxer in the world when he dominated and outclassed his American opponent Sugar Shane Mosly", ComVal Rep. Zamora-Apsay commended Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel D. Pacquiao in House Resolution No. 1207, which she filed on May 9, 2011.
"We have so gotten used to his victories that there is no doubt he will win every time he steps on the ring, But his latest triumph cemented the recognition that he is one of the history's best if not the best prizefight ever", she said.
HR No. 1207 also recognizes the fact that rep. Pacquiao continues to make the country proud and the House of Representatives in particular being the only elected official in the Philippines to have won a world title in the sport of boxing.
"What makes Congressman Manny's accomplishment extra special and meaningful is the fact that he dedicates every fight and victory to the Filipino people. He even symbolically wore yellow gloves to call for unity among Filipino", the lady solon added.
Manny Pacquiao - not such a successful boxer here in the Philippines. For some readers surely not easy to understand and believe... .
Boots in The Philippines
Since I was able to meet and talk to some Philippine fashion designers, I learned, that "everything can be"!
Yes, also boots in the Philippines.
From knee-high boots to wedge booties, the ironic Parisian's (French) boot collection is over the top in style and attitude. Also here in the Philippines. As a national paper published two weeks ago: Boots are back in the Philippines.
Girls, walk the streets of your city in style with booties that take the chic-to-edgy route in sophisticated hues of brown or black. That's what the commercials said... .
Sure, it looks great.
How about the tropical temperatures in this wonderful country...?
2 Swedes Guilty of Human Trafficking in Mindanao
Check out this important post by JB Deveza from the Inquirer Mindanao:
2 Swedes guilty of human trafficking - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
2 Swedes guilty of human trafficking - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
BRITANNIA GROUP OF ISLANDS: Surigao del Sur’s Best Kept Secret
A great post and wonderful photos you shouldn't miss. Check out:
BRITANNIA GROUP OF ISLANDS: Surigao del Sur’s Best Kept Secret
Studying in Germany?/Studieren in Deutschland ? (II)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a joint association of the German higher education institutions and is responsible for promoting academic relations with institutions abroad, above all by awarding scholarships. Its programmes are open for all countries and all subjects, and aim to benefit foreigners and Germans alike, In addition, the DAAD supports the international activities of Germany's higher education institutions by providing various services - such as information and publication programmes, advice, support and guidance - and by playing an advisory role in the formation of foreign cultural, education and research policy.
I learned this during my last stay in Manila while meeting DAAD-lecture Miss Natalie Lange (just being back from Indonesia!), who holds office at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Faculty Center in Quezon City.
For detailed information on all the activity fields of the DAAD please go to http://www.daad.de.
Hopefully and with the support of the DOST - Department of Science and Technology, some time this year an information event will be launched also in Davao City.
Scholarships for foreign advanced students, graduates and holders of doctorates are awarded for study, research or continuing training stays at state and state-recognized education institutions as well as non-university research institutions in Germany.
General information on study opportunities in Germany and on the contact addresses for the German universities can be found on the following website: http://www.hochschulkompass.de or in English http://www.higher-education-compass.de.
By the way: the level of German language skills required depends primarily on the planned study or research project. Foreign students who wish to matriculate at a German university, must, as a rule, be able to prove that they are adequately proficient in the German language. Where can I study the German language in the Philippines? Check out my Goethe Institute Manila link on this website (Important links), where you can also find several partner schools, i.e. the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City, where I am teaching German as faculty member since almost three years now.
More specific information will be following soon this website - and hopefully in future personal a DAAD info point in Davao City too.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Check Out Also My Second Site....
It might helpful also to check out my second expat site. Enjoy reading and have fun.
Sicher hilft es auch ab und zu, meine zweite Auswandererseite zu besuchen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und gute Unterhaltung!
http://www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com
http://www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Studying in Germany? Studieren in Deutschland?
It would be a good choice.
During my last stay in Manila, I was able to meet DAAD-Lektorin Natalie Lange, from the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst) with main office at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Faculty Center, Department of European Languages, Quezon City.
After an interesting brainstorming I learned that the DAAD is also planning to open a branch office for consultations in Davao City with Engineer Dietmar Speckmaier. I'll be meeting Dietmar Speckmaier also soon this coming week. Hopefully I can report more about our plan here on my website soon.
Studying in Germany! Sure, many are interested, but many more questions are coming up.
Studieren in Deutschland! Klar, viele sind daran interessiert, aber noch viel mehr Fragen kommen auf.
Sarangani Bay Festival 2011
The Mindanao Tourism Council is ready for the "Southern Invasion" from May 20-21, 2011 with a delegation of its officers, travel operators, members of the media (I am glad, I'll be joining!) and other tourism stakeholders for the biggest beach party in Southern Philippines.
The Sarangani Bay Fest 2011 will be sponsored by Hon. Congressman Manny Pacquiao, Hon. Board Member Nene Saguitguit and the Provincial Government of Sarangani for the hosted meals and accomodation.
See you there - and/or expect more details here on my website.
Carmen and Goerges Bizet
If you talk or write about Classical Music and its composers, he shouldn't be forgotten:
Georges Bizet
Check out more here:
http://www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com
Day Off in The Philippines
That's why I also love to stay (and work) in the Philippines... .
Das ist auch ein Grund, warum ich gern auf den Philippinen lebe und arbeite... .
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Swiss Embassy Manila Listed Me as Official Translator
The Swiss Embassy in the Republic of the Philippines, Manila, has officially accredited and listed me as one of their translators/interpreters for Mindanao (Davao City).
Die Schweizer Botschaft in der Republik der Philippinen, Manila, hat mich offiziell akkrediert und auf die Liste ihrer Uebersetzer/Dolmetscher fuer Mindanao (Davao City) gesetzt.
http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/asia/vphl/ref_livfor/livphl/trans.html
Or go to
http://www.eda.admin.ch/manila
Santacruzan is an Occasion to Deepen Faith
Santa Cruzan, one of my most favourite (Philippine) occasions, which has been also celebrated in the Philippine Community Berlin during my stay there from 1983-1999.
Here are some more thoughtful details:
Santacruzan is an occasion to deepen faith, says bishop
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Another Italian Maestro, Who Touched My Heart
Pietro Mascagni
and his
Cavalleria Rusticana.
Check out more here
http://www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)