Typical Filipino (IV) - Typisch Philippinisch (IV): "Tampo" - der große, leise Seufzer

 

"Tampo" - der große, leise Seufzer

Da Filipinos Ärger oder Verstimmung oft nicht gern offen ausdrücken wollen, äußert  sich das in der Form von stiller Mißbilligung und dem Vermeiden der sonst üblichen Fröhlichkeit in Anwesenheit jener Person, über die man sich ärgert. Solche Signale sollten genügen, um den Übeltäter zu veranlassen, die Harmonie wieder herzustellen, nicht notwendigerweise durch ein Gespräch über das Problem, sondern indem er sich über das Wohlergehen der verletzten Person besorgt zeigt.

Es ist wichtig, auf diese Zeichen mit freundlichen Angeboten zu reagieren, andernfalls werden die Beziehungen sich weiter verschlechtern. Filipinos lassen sich meist einige Zeit zum "Abkühlen" und antworten dann mit freundschaftlichen Annäherungsversuchen.

Since Filipinos often do not want to express anger or disgruntlement openly, this is expressed in the form of silent disapproval and avoiding the usual cheerfulness in the presence of the person they are angry about. Such signals should be enough to induce the culprit to restore harmony; not necessarily by talking about the problem, but by showing concern for the injured person's welfare.

It is important to respond to these signs with kind offers, otherwise the relationship will continue to deteriorate. Filipinos usually take some time to "cool down" and then respond with friendly advances.

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (X)

 

Chapter X: I married a family

Rossana and I invited 100 guests for our wedding reception. But more then 300 guests came. That was learned Filipino tradition. I felt very comfortable between all the many people. For some minutes, I missed "my" Ludwig van Beethoven" ... .

The farewell after our wedding was a mixture of sheer party happiness and many, many farewell tears. For the picture taken at the airport, one quickly shed all tears and smiled. We didn't know when we would come back to Davao City.

Our stay at the German Embassy in Manila lasted only 10 minutes. Rossana got her visa for Germany.

April 1983. Our 10-hours-flight from Manila to Frankfurt wasn't a problem. But my obligatory phone call at home Frankfurt. My mother had successfully survived the cancer operation but stayed in our best friends' house. My father had left.

After the connecting flight Frankfurt - Berlin, Rossana and I rushed to my apartment. A typical 1-room Bachelor apartment with bathroom, kitchen and balcony somewhere in the middle of the Berlin city. 

"I am hungry", sighed Rossana. "Don't you have rice or fish?" There was only canned Ravioli and bags of soups. " I like roasted chicken", replied Rossana. I was really too tired to go with her to a restaurant. She ate some of the Ravioli... . The first part of her culture shock had started.

Just a week later, my beloved Lola died. I almost got my heart out of my body. Rossana didn't get a visa for the other - the communist Eastern part  of Germany - the German Democratic Republic. My mother and I made us alone on the way to the funeral. It rained the whole day. "I hope one day I will get to meet your Asian wife!" Those were Lola's last words on my visit a week before my Philippine journey.

Rossana was getting more and more lonely in Germany. I was trying to help her.

"Your friends only speak to me in English, but I would like to speak in German", Rossana told me one day. Summer 1983, she enrolled in a German language course. Daily six hours Mondays until Fridays.

She liked our balcony and took care of the plants and flowers. 

"Would you like to go to the theatre one day?" I asked. As a member of the Berlin Theater Club, I got tickets for stage plays, classical music concerts and Musical performances. Rossana replied, "Yes. When?" " I have two tickets for a Broadway Dance Revue", I told her. Of course, it was not Beethoven and Co. But, it was exactly Rossana's style as a dancer.

(To be continued!)

GIVING WHILE LIVING

Philanthropy is a very interesting topic. Philanthropy comes from the Greek "philein" (to love) and "anthropos" (man) and means a desire to help mankind, especially as shown by gifts to charitable institutions.

Philanthropists are loving and seeking to do well to their fellow men (and women) and are paying more attention to how they give their money away. Especially during this pandemic, if more and more people get jobless and businesses crash down.

In times of pandemic, political crisis and corruption, we might only observe our own pockets becoming emptier and emptier, while others' slop over. Giving while living? Of course not, getting and receiving as much as possible seems to me the motto many times. 

One of the Bible's books of poetry, the Proverbs really offers advice on every imaginable area of life. The style of wise living described here leads to a fulfilled life. Proverbs 28:27 say:"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses!"

In view of a feature in an old issue of the magazine "The Economist" I learned that Andrew Carnegie ("The King of Steel'', 1835-1919) would surely have approved of Lord David Sainsbury. The supermarket tycoon turned politician was one of Great Britain's richest men. It was reported that he not only intended to give away at least $ 1.83 billion during his lifetime, but to insist that this charitable foundation spent both its income and capital before he passed away.

Few rich donors have yet gone this far. But Lord Sainsbury's decision was part of a broad trend among a new generation of philanthropists to play an active role in seeing that their money is very well spent. Such efforts should be applauded. In his great 1889 essay on wealth, Carnegie, who gave away about $7 billion in today's money - argued that the rich had the duty to use most of their money to benefit the community, and should do so actively during their lifetime. Let's look around if we can still find such donors and patrons in our daily life.

Typically Filipino (III) - Typisch Philippinisch (III)

"Aswang"

Aswang ist eine böse Kreatur der Unterwelt, die bisweilen die Gestalt eines Schweines oder eines Hundes annimmt, manchmal auch die eines Nachtvogels namens TIK-TIK. ASWANG mag jeder Person schaden, doch bewegt dieses Wesen schwangere Frauen, da menschliche Fötusse seine Lieblingsspeise sind.

Aswang is an evil creature of the underworld that sometimes takes the shape of a pig or a dog, sometimes that of a night bird named TIK-TIK. ASWANG may harm everyone, but this creature moves pregnant women as human fetuses are his favorite food.

Weekly oil price hikes: Profit-making or genuine market dynamics?

by Manila Bulletin

As consumers complain of dizzying hikes in oil prices, or at times, unsatisfied at the amount of rollbacks in recent weeks, the oil companies are consequentially suspect of profit-taking.

The deregulation of the downstream oil industry is already traversing roughly 23 years — yet the fires of controversies are still very much focused on the same concern — pricing.

Battle lines though may have been shifting a bit as industry competition gets tougher and the players’ trump card now hinges more on aggressive strategies to corner patrons and gobble up rivals’ market shares.

And in a legitimate sense of price competition, that would be a very acceptable proposition. However, recent swagger of big-time price hikes undoubtedly snitched thunders, and tugged all the other industry players into the ‘defensive’ side. Subsequently, politicians as well as advocacy groups are back in vilifying them – some want freeze in price hikes; while lawmakers and the Department of Energy (DOE) have been batting for more transparent pricing; hence, they’re urging the oil companies to itemize the cost components of their products retailed at the pumps.

With prospects of economic recovery post-COVID, the main question in consumers’ mind is: how are prices headed in the coming days? No one has a crystal ball; but there are pricing benchmarks and intervening factors that the industry has been analyzing weekly relative to their price adjustments.

The industry previously reached a consensus on weekly price movements referencing on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) or the moving average of prices of oil commodities traded in Singapore. Even refiner Petron Corporation adheres to MOPS-based pricing because that assures it of competitive pricing versus finished product importers.

Another factor influencing price movements is the fluctuation in peso-dollar exchange rates. Beyond these, competitive forces could be held as the strongest element affecting price movements. For example, if an oil company estimates price hike to be at P1.00/liter but its competitor station nearby is selling even lower, that player will be forced to match the price of the other firm so it will not lose customers – in the context of market competition, that is typically called “destroyer pricing.”

And since the Philippines is heavily dependent on importation for its oil supply, it is inextricably hostage to developments that have been affecting supply-demand balance and international price swings that are either triggered by geopolitical factors (i.e. weather conditions, terrorist assaults in oil-producing countries) or market speculation (including economic recovery forecasts). Other pricing pressures are traced to fluctuations in the consumption or the rise-and-fall in oil inventories of major economies, like the United States and China, which are closely monitored as these affect market fundamentals especially if there are depressing news, such as the lingering impact of the pandemic and slower economic growths.

So why would an oil company choose to stay in the market amid the rough patches? Beyond business, perhaps, it is because of the challenge of providing Filipinos such a basic commodity and in becoming part of an industry that supports the economic growth of the country.

Samantha Bernardo tops Miss Grand International 2020 swimsuit competition

Samantha Bernardo

 

by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin

Miss Philippines Samantha Bernardo topped the swimsuit round of the Miss Grand International 2020 pre-pageant competition.

On Facebook, organizers said Bernardo was ranked No. 1 in the swimsuit category as voted by pageant fans.

Aside from Bernardo, other beauties in the top 5 of the swimsuit round are delegates from 2) Indonesia; 3) Mexico; 4) Cambodia; and 5) Paraguay.

The judges will also announce the other top 5 candidates in swimsuits.

Sixty-candidates are competing in the Miss Grand International 2020 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.

Typically Filipino (II) - Typisch Philippinisch (II)

 "Tao"

Das Wort für Mensch heißt TAO. Es wird in verschiedenen Versionen verwandt, die aber alle die menschliche Würde oder Zerbrechlichkeit betonen. Menschliche Schwächen werden mit dem Satz "Wir sind alle nur Menschen" (Sapagkat kami ay tao lamang) entschuldigt.

Der Ausdruck TAO bezeichnet auch den einfachen Menschen, den Bauern und den Arbeiter. Und, wer seine Anwesenheit im Haus eines anderen ankündigen will, klopft an und sagt: "Tao po", was bedeutet "Ein Mensch ist hier!"

The word for human is tao. It is used in different versions, of all which emphasize human dignity or fragility. Human weaknesses are excused with the sentence: We are all just human beings.

The term TAO also describes the common man or woman, the farmer and the worker. And whoever wants announce his presence in someone's else house, knocks and says: "Tao po", which means "a human or a person ist hier!"

PMPC releases official list of nominees for 36th Star Awards for Movies

by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin

Mainstream and independently-produced movies are set to vie in the 29 categories as the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) announced its nominees for the 36th Star Awards for Movies.

Four Special Awards will be given to deserving awardees.

The Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Ms. Angie Ferro while the Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera Lifetime Achievement Award shall be conferred to Director Elwood Perez.

The 36th PMPC Star Awards edition will be led by 2021 PMPC President Roldan Castro together with 2020 PMPC President Sandy Es Mariano, and the officers and members of the Philippine Movie Press Club. Details of the awarding ceremonies will be announced soon.

Here is the official list of nominees:

MOVIE OF THE YEAR

• “Hello, Love, Goodbye” (Star Cinema)

• “LSS” (Globe Studios and Dokimos Media Inc.)

• “Maria” (BlackOps Studios Asia and Viva Films)

• “Quezon’s Game” (Star Cinema, Kinitek Productions, iWant)

• “The Panti Sisters” (Black Sheep Productions, The IdeaFirst Company, Quantum Films)

• “Unforgettable” (Viva Films and The IdeaFirst Company)

• “Write About Love” (TBA Studios)

MOVIE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

• Crisanto Aquino (Write About Love)

• Jade Castro (LSS)

• Cathy Garcia-Molina (Hello, Love, Goodbye)

• Pedring Lopez (Maria)

• Erik Matti (Kuwaresma)

• Jun Robles Lana (The Panti Sisters)

• Jun Robles Lana and Perci Intalan (Unforgettable)

INDIE MOVIE OF THE YEAR

• “Babae At Baril” (Cignal Entertainment, Epicmedia, QCinema)

• “Edward” (Cinemalaya Foundation, Awkward Penguin, Viva Films, Outpost Visual Frontier)

• “Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban” (EBC Films)

• “John Denver Trending” (Cinemalaya Foundation, What If Films Philippines, Southern Lantern Pictures, Tinker Bulb Productions, Outpost Visual Frontier)

• “Kalel, 15” (The IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films, Cignal Entertainment)

• “Lola Igna” (ERJ Found Films and EMBA Productions)

• “Metamorphosis” (Rebelde Films and Cinema One Originals)

• “Mindanao” (Center Stage Productions)

INDIE MOVIE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

• Arden Rod Condez (John Denver Trending)

• Carlo Ortega Cuevas (Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban)

• Brillante Mendoza (Mindanao)

• Thop Nazareno (Edward)

• Rae Red (Babae At Baril)

• Jun Robles Lana (Kalel, 15)

• Eduardo Roy, Jr. (Lola Igna)

• J.E. Tiglao (Metamorphosis)

MOVIE ACTOR OF THE YEAR

• Louise Abuel (Edward)

• Carlo Aquino (Isa Pa With Feelings)

• Gold Azeron (Metamorphosis)

• Raymond Bagatsing (Quezon’s Game)

• Elijah Canlas (Kalel, 15)

• Jansen Magpusao (John Dever Trending)

• Aga Muhlach (Miracle In Cell No. 7)

• Alden Richards (Hello, Love, Goodbye)

• Julio Sabenorio (Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban)

MOVIE ACTRESS OF THE YEAR

• Bea Alonzo (Unbreakable)

• Kathryn Bernardo (Hello, Love, Goodbye)

• Angie Ferro (Lola Igna)

• Sarah Geronimo (Unforgettable)

• Janine Gutierrez (Babae At Baril)

• Ruby Ruiz (Iska)

• Sylvia Sanchez (Jesusa)

• Judy Ann Santos (Mindanao)

• Jodi Sta. Maria (Clarita)

MOVIE SUPPORTING ACTOR OF THE YEAR

• John Arcilla (Miracle in Cell No. 7)

• Joem Bascon (Write About Love)

• Elijah Canlas (Babae At Baril)

• Ricky Davao (Fuccbois)

• Arturo De Guzman (Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban)

• Ronnie Lazaro (Maria)

• JC Santos (Miracle in Cell No. 7)

• Joel Torre (Miracle in Cell No. 7)

MOVIE SUPPORTING ACTRESS OF THE YEAR

• Yayo Aguila (Metamorphosis)

• Angel Aquino (Kaputol)

• Ella Cruz (Edward)

• Jaclyn Jose (Kalel, 15)

• Maricel Laxa (Hello, Love, Goodbye)

• Gina Pareño (Unforgettable)

• Meryll Soriano (John Denver Trending)

• Tuesday Vargas (LSS)

NEW MOVIE ACTOR OF THE YEAR

• Louise Abuel (Edward)

• Royce Cabrera (Fuccbois)

• Kent Gonzales (Kuwaresma)

• David Licauco (Because I Love You)

• Jin Macapagal (Damaso)

• Jansen Magpusao (John Denver Trending)

• Paolo Marcoleta (Guerrero Dos, Tuloy ang Laban)

• L.A. Santos (Maria)

NEW MOVIE ACTRESS OF THE YEAR

• Michelle Dee (Because I Love You)

• Laura Lehmann (Elise)

• Cindy Miranda (Adan)

• Alyssa Muhlach (Clarita)

• Riva Quenery (Damaso)

• KZ Tandingan (The Art Of Ligaw)

• Gillian Vicencio (Eerie)

• Xia Vigor (Miracle In Cell No. 7)

MOVIE CHILD PERFORMER OF THE YEAR

• Miel Espinoza (Elise)

• Grace Ann Betalmos (Pailalim)

• Pryle Gura (Iska)

• Elia Ilano (Ulan)

• Jorden Suan (Verdict)

• Yuna Tangog (Mindanao)

• Xia Vigor (Miracle In Cell No. 7)

MOVIE ENSEMBLE ACTING OF THE YEAR

• “Hello, Love, Goodbye”

• “Kuwaresma”

• “Miracle In Cell No. 7”

• “Quezon’s Game”

• “The Panti Sisters”

• “Unforgettable”

• “Write About Love”

INDIE MOVIE ENSEMBLE ACTING OF THE YEAR

• “Babae At Baril”

• “Circa”

• “Edward”

• “Iska”

• “John Denver Trending”

• “Lola Igna”

• “Metamorphosis”

• “Mindanao”

SHORT MOVIE OF THE YEAR

• “Forever” (Adlibs Entertainment Corp., Institute of the Moving Image, Bandido Media Productions)

• “Hele Ng Maharlika” (Newtown Pictures)

• “Kalakalaro” (What If? Productions)

• “Memories Of The Rising Sun” (Pelikulaw and College of Saint Benilde)

• “Panaghoy” (ABP Films and Memorya)

• “Para Kay James” (Oktopus Productions)

• “Tembong” (UP Film Production and UP Cinema)

• “Tokwifi” (Balay Habi Studio and QCinema)

SHORT MOVIE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

• Shaira Advincula (Tembong)

• Alvin Baloloy (Panaghoy)

• Norvin Delos Santos (Hele Ng Maharlika)

• Steven Paul Evangelio (Para Kay James)

• Lawrence Fajardo (Memories Of The Rising Sun)

• Domingo Molina (Forever)

• Carla Pulido Ocampo (Tokwifi)

• Rodson Suarez (Kalakalaro)

** TECHNICAL CATEGORIES ** (Mainstream and Indie)

MOVIE SCREENWRITER OF THE YEAR

• Cathy Garcia-Molina, Carmi Raymundo, Rona Co (Hello, Love, Goodbye)

• Crisanto Aquino and Janyx Regalo (Write About Love)

• Janice Perez and Dean Rosen (Quezon’s Game)

• Keavy Eunice Vicente and Ash Malanum (Unforgettable)

• Joel Ferrer and Miko Livelo (Elise)

• Jun Robles Lana and Ivan Andrew Payawal (The Panti Sisters)

• Pedring Lopez, Rex Lopez, YZ Carbonell (Maria)

MOVIE CINEMATOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

• Neil Daza (Alone / Together)

• Neil Daza (Write About Love)

• Mackie Galvez (Unforgettable)

• Noel Teehankee (Hello, Love, Goodbye)

• Noel Teehankee (Nuuk)

• Pao Orendain (Maria)

• Tom Redoble (Mina Anud)

MOVIE EDITOR OF THE YEAR

• Renewin Alano (Elise)

• Reuben Joseph Aquino (Quezon’s Game)

• Jason Cahapay (Maria)

• Vanessa De Leon (Write About Love)

• Jeremiah Domingo (LSS)

• Marya Ignacio (Hello, Love, Goodbye)

• Tara Illenberger (The Panti Sisters)

MOVIE PRODUCTION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

• Maolen Fadul (The Panti Sisters)

• Michael Españo and Roma Regala (Kuwaresma)

• Raymund Jorge Fernandez (Maria)

• Erik Manalo (Nuuk)

• Ana Lou Sanchez (Eerie)

• Norico Santos (Hello, Love, Goodbye)

• Maria Rowella Talusig (Quezon’s Game)

MOVIE MUSICAL SCORER OF THE YEAR

• Jessie Lasaten (Hello, Love, Goodbye)

• Jessie Lasaten (Nuuk)

• Pat Lasaten (LSS)

• Paulo Protacio (Just A Stranger)

• Dean Rosen (Quezon’s Game) )

• Jerrold Tarog (Write About Love)

• Emerzon Texon (Unforgettable)

MOVIE SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

• Albert Michael Idioma and Alex Tomboc (Maria)

• Anglea Pereyra (Quezon’s Game)

• Arnel Labayo and Aurel Bilbao (LSS)

• Corinne De San Jose (Unforgettable)

• Allen Roy Santos (Clarita)

• Immanuel Verona (Eerie)

• Steve Vesagas, Pau Javier, Whannie Dellosa (Kuwaresma)

MOVIE THEME SONG OF THE YEAR

• “Ang Tangi Kong Pangarap” (Unforgettable)

Composed by Rico Blanco

Arranged by Choi Padilla

Interpreted by Sarah Geronimo

• “Araw-Araw” (LSS)

Composed and arranged by Ben & Ben

Interpreted by Ben & Ben

• “Ikaw Ang Akin” (Write About Love)

Lyrics by Crisanto Aquino

Composed by Lloyd Tiny Corpuz

Arranged by Raizo Chabeldin

Interpreted by Yeng Constantino

• “Isang Himala” (Miracle In Cell No. 7)

Composed by Miguel Mendoza

Arranged by Arnold Buena

Interpreted by Katrina Velarde

• “Magkaibang Mundo” (Just A Stranger)

Music and lyrics by Sean Cedro

Arranged by Arnold Buena

Interpreted by Katrina Velarde

• “Maria” (Maria)

Lyrics by Bones Frankenstein

Composed by Bones Frankenstein, Alvin Chan, Karl Kliatchko, Aldreen Alcantara

Interpreted by Mr. Bones and The Boneyard Circus

• “Pansamantala” (Elise)

Composed by Tenten Abella and Paul Puti-an

Interpreted by Paul Puti-an

• “Unbreakable” (Unbreakable)

Composed by Trisha Denise, Jonathan Manalo, Vanessa Valdez

Arranged by Arnold Buena

Interpreted by Regine Velasquez and Moira Dela Torre

INDIE MOVIE SCREENWRITER OF THE YEAR

• Honee Alipio (Mindanao)

• Arden Rod Condez (John Denver Trending)

• Carlo Ortega Cuevas (Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban)

• Jun Robles Lana (Kalel, 15)

• Ricardo Lee (Kaputol)

• Eduardo Roy, Jr. and Margarette Labrador (Lola Igna)

• J.E. Tiglao and Boo Dabu (Metamorphosis)

INDIE MOVIE CINEMATOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

• Tey Clamor (Babae At Baril)

• Tey Clamor (Metamorphosis)

• Lav Diaz and Daniel Uy (Kaputol)

• Odyssey Flores (Mindanao)

• Carlo Mendoza (Kalel, 15)

• Kara Moreno (Edward)

• Rommel Sales (John Denver Trending)

INDIE MOVIE EDITOR OF THE YEAR

• Joyce Bernal, JR Cabrera, Thop Nazareno (Edward)

• Diego Marx Dobles (Mindanao)

• Benjo Ferrer (John Denver Trending)

• Ilsa Malsi (Babae At Baril)

• Carlo Francisco Manatad (Fuccbois)

• Carlo Francisco Manatad (Lola Igna)

• Renard Torres (Metamorphosis)

INDIE MOVIE PRODUCTION DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

• Harley Alcasid (John Denver Trending)

• Donald Russ Camon (Iska)

• Carmela Danao (Lola Igna)

• Maolen Fadul (Kalel, 15)

• Alvin Francisco (Edward)

• Brillante Mendoza (Mindanao)

• James Arvin Rosendal (Metamorphosis)

INDIE MOVIE MUSICAL SCORER OF THE YEAR

• Teresa Barrozo (Mindanao)

• Len Calvo (John Denver Trending)

• Divino Dayacap (Metamorphosis)

• Andrew Florentino (Lola Igna)

• Pepe Manikan (Edward)

· Abet Alfonso (Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban)

• Fatima Nerikka Salim and Immanuel Verona (Babae At Baril)

INDIE MOVIE SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

• Armand De Guzman (Lola Igna)

• Bryan Dumaguina (Watch Me Kill)

• Albert Michael Idioma (Kalel, 15)

• Albert Michael Idioma (Pailalim)

• Mikko Quizon and Kat Salinas (John Denver Trending)

• Fatima Nerrika Salim and Immanuel Verona (Babae At Baril)

• Immanuel Verona (Metamorphosis)

INDIE MOVIE THEME SONG OF THE YEAR

• “Hintay Lang” (Sila-Sila)

Composed and arranged by Aeron Jore

Interpreted by Aeron Jore

• “Kaibigan” (Kaibigan)

Lyrics and music by Vehnee Saturno

Arranged by Elmer Blancaflor

Interpreted by Perkins Twins

• “Kasunduan” (Watch Me Kill)

Composed by Riki Bolalin

Arranged by Skip Saturday

Interpreted by Skip Saturday

• “Mayroon Bang Pagbabago” (Damaso)

Composed by Joven Tan

Arranged by Paulo Zarate

Interpreted by Marlo Mortel

• “Quicksand” (The Art Of Ligaw)

Words and music by KZ Tandingan

Arranged by Arnold Buena

Interpreted by KZ Tandingan

• “Tuloy Ang Laban” (Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban)

Composed by Carlo Ortega Cuevas and Rapido Guerrero

Arranged by Marlon Barnuevo

Interpreted by Carlo Ortega Cuevas and Rapido Guerrero

• “Walang Katulad” (Immaculada)

Lyrics by Arlyn Dela Cruz-Bernal

Music by Ms. Elizabeth Oropesa

Arranged by Karl Ramirez with Earlmond Ross Lee

Interpreted by Ima Castro

SPECIAL AWARDS:

Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award – MS. ANGIE FERRO

Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera Lifetime Achievement Award – Director ELWOOD PEREZ

DARLING OF THE PRESS Nominees

• Gretchen Barretto

• Liza Diño-Seguerra

• Piolo Pascual

• Ahwel Paz

• Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr.

• Sylvia Sanchez

• Joed Serrano

• Alfred Vargas

MOVIE LOVETEAM OF THE YEAR Nominees

• Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil (Alone / Together)

• Julia Barretto and Gerald Anderson (Between Maybes)

• Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos (LSS)

• Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards (Hello, Love, Goodbye)

• Maine Mendoza and Carlo Aquino (Isa Pa With Feelings)

• Nadine Lustre and Carlo Aquino (Ulan)

• Janine Gutierrez and Enchong Dee (Elise)

• Anne Curtis and Marco Gumabao (Just A Stranger)

Duterte to Filipinos: Never again allow any other tribe to compromise our sovereignty

by Genalyn Kabiling, Manila Bulletin

As the nation marked the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Spanish expedition to the Philippines, President Duterte has called on Filipinos to guard against “invaders” who would compromise the country’s sovereignty.

Addressing the quincentennial commemorative rites in Easter Samar Thursday, March 18, the President said Filipinos must learn from the country’s colonial past and continue the aspirations of their ancestors.

Duterte traveled to Guiuan, Eastern Samar to attend the commemorative ceremony of 500th anniversary of the Philippines’ role in the first circumnavigation of the world. The event, that included the unveiling of a historical marker in Guiuan, formally kicked off the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines.

“While the events that we celebrate would therefore lead to the beginning of colonization, the Filipino people can find relief in the knowledge that we have gone far in our efforts to correct the mistakes of the past. As inheritors of this complicated yet glorious past, the duty now rests on our shoulders to continue the aspirations of our forebears,” the President said.

“I therefore call on all our kababayans to appreciate our rich history and learn from the experiences of those that came before us so that we may never again allow any other tribe to compromise our sovereignty — invaders who would come and who would stay here and contribute to the richness of our culture and of course in the way how we live,” he said.

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, leading a Spanish expedition, reached the Philippines in March 1521 during his circumnavigation of the globe. Lapu-Lapu, native chieftain of Mactan island, fought and killed Magellan during the famous battle of Mactan.

Back in 2019, Duterte refused to join upcoming celebration of the the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the country. Duterte, who considered Lapu-Lapu as the country’s first hero for fighting the colonizers, argued that faith was used by Spain to subjugate the Filipino people for three centuries.

In his remarks Thursday, the President admitted his different view about the arrival of the Spanish colonizers five centuries ago but recognized it was a historic event and contributed good to the country.

He said history should make people “reflect on the past and look beyond our future.” “We should therefore honor those who have toiled so that we may become a nation we are today – modern, progressive, and ever thriving,” he added

He acknowledged that the arrival of the Magellan-Elcano expedition in the Philippines was one of the most important parts of humanity’s first circumnavigation of the globe.

“And though they may somehow — we may differ in our interpretation, but the fact is that we are here and that contributed something that was good for our country,” he said.

“I do not have anything about religion but what was really planted here was the sword and the cross of Christianity. Hindi na bale ‘yan tutal dumaan na ‘yan. That we may remember their kindness and their bravery — to extol on their bravery to make this hazardous journey that completed the circumvention of the world,” he said.

Duterte said the historic expedition marked the Filipinos’ first contact with the Spaniards as well as gave an opportunity for the forebears “to show their unity, magnanimity, and sovereignty to our foreign guests.”

“In Homonhon, our ancestors exemplified the unique generosity of the Filipino when they helped the Spaniards expedition’s depleted crew upon their arrival,” he said.

“A few days later, in the Battle of Mactan, Lapulapu and his warriors – in an exemplary display of firm leadership and extraordinary courage – defeated and drove away the colonials,” he added.

As the nation commemorated the historic event, Duterte said he hoped that the historical and socio-civic consciousness of the Filipino, especially among the new generations would be reinvigorated.

“Let us therefore all take part in the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations slated this year so that we may bring our history, culture, and traditions closer to our hearts,” he said. 

Before ending his remarks, the President thanked Spain for its expedition to the country five centuries ago and expressed hope the bilateral relations would still be strengthened.

“We thank everybody, the ancestors of the Spaniards who came here. And we hope that this event goes further — fortify our relations with the Spaniards,” he said.

(C) 2021 by Manila Bulletin

 

Typically Filipino (I) - Typisch Philippinisch (I)

 

Typically Filipino. Typisch Philippinisch. Ein Miniführer für alle  Auswanderer zu den Philippinen zum besseren Verständnis aus der Sicht eines deutschen Auswanderes, der seit über 22 Jahren permanent auf den Philippinen lebt, der nie wieder nach Deutschland zurückgekehrt ist.

A mini guide for all Philippine Expats from the point of view of a German expat, living  permanently in the Philippines for over 22 years without ever having returned to Germany.

In English and in German.

"Pila" - Schlange stehen - Stand in a queue

Filipinos stehen nicht gern in Schlange. Während des zweiten Weltkrieges haben die Japaner ihnen beizubringen versucht, sich bei der Anstellung der dürftigen und dringend benötigten Reiserationen anzustellen. Ein ausländischer Freund von mir wurde von einem Filipino in die Methode eingewiesen, mit der sich ein Filipino sich seinen Weg zwar nicht durch die Schlange, aber durch eine Menschenmenge bahnt: er schiebt sich, Ellenbogen voran, diesmal in die andere Richtung blickend, und weiter und so fort durch die ganz Menge. Sie können es ja einmal selbst versuchen: es soll so funktionieren. Natürlich halten die Personen, die Sie so nacheinander mehr oder weniger grob anrempeln, Ausschau nach dem Übertäter - doch niemand fühlt sich beleidigt, da Sie Ihrem "Opfer" ja nie in die Augen schauen, sondern stets in die entgegensetzende Richtung.

Filipinos do not like to be in line. How does a Filipino go through a queue of people? He pushes himself elbow first into an opening, being careful not to face the person he is pushing aside. Then he does a half turn and boxed the other elbow first, this time looking the other way and so on - straight through the whole crowd. Try it yourself. Nobody feels offended because you never look in your "victim"'s eye - but always in the opposite direction.

(Fortsetzung folgt!)

(To be continued!)

I LOVE LIFE!

 

Sometimes, we feel our life is turning miserably. Especially now. Living with the big "C"! Our negativism doesn't allow us to keep our eyes, ears - and, most important! - our minds, hearts and souls opened. We're reaching our breaking point. Me and you!

This breaking point can be the prelude to our strongest moment. Can be! Must not! But try it! Despite the virus! But if yes, then it is when we reach our breaking point,  we discover our real strength. Allow me to ask you, my dear readers: "What happens to you or with you when you reach your breaking point?" Do you face it or do you run away? I'll be giving you a very simple answer: If you face it - you break it. If you run away (and/or close your ears, eyes and mouth) - it breaks you!

Are you in love with life? No? Why not? Sure, in my previous column at this corner, I stated that it's okay if you feel bad. But many have taken this as a general instruction.

Everyday - a dull reality! Many of us will answer this question with a big YES! Actually, we do like to cover a newborn day already with grey veil.But, each day has a new face, but sometimes we don't have the strength to watch its countenance. Of course, not every day has adventures and highlights. Would be really too easy!

Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that, at the same time, seemed especially desolating and painful with a particular satisfaction. Indeed, everything I have learned, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my existence, has been through affliction and not through happiness.

If it ever were to be possible to eliminate affliction from your earthly existence, the result would not be to make life delectable, but to make it too banal and trivial to be endurable.

By observation, we can feel that many of us need help to manage our everyday life. We need something that would keep us going as we journey through life. Many times we can also learn from other people and their experiences.

And here is one more thing: Affection is the humblest love - it gives itself no airs. It lives with humble and private things: soft slippers, old clothes, old jokes, and the thump of a sleepy dog's tail on the kitchen floor. The glory of affection, the disposition of mind, the good will and tender attachment, that can unite those who are not "made for one and another"! .

For me life has been a thing of ups and downs in approximately equal measure. I don't have something sensational to report every day about my progress. Often, I wonder if fulfillment in life is necessarily tied to change for the better. But one thing is for sure: I keep staying in love with life. Maybe you can feel my great optimism .... .

Das Auswärtige Amt gibt bekannt: Reisehinweise Philippinen (17.3.2021)

 

Philippinen: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (Teilreisewarnung und COVID-19-bedingte Reisewarnung)

17.03.2021

Letzte Änderung: Aktuelles (Einreise)


Lagen können sich schnell verändern und entwickeln. Wir empfehlen Ihnen:

- Verfolgen Sie Nachrichten und Wetterberichte

- Achten Sie auf einen ausreichenden Reisekrankenversicherungsschutz https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-gesundheit/-/350944

- Abonnieren Sie unseren Newsletter https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/newsroom/newsletter/bestellen-node oder nutzen Sie unsere App „Sicher Reisen“ https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/app-sicher-reisen/350382

- Folgen Sie uns auf Twitter: AA_SicherReisen https://twitter.com/AA_SicherReisen

- Registrieren Sie sich in unserer Krisenvorsorgeliste https://elefand.diplo.de/elefandextern/home/login!form.action 

Aktuelles

Die Ausbreitung von COVID-19 https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-gesundheit/gesundheit-fachinformationen/reisemedizinische-hinweise/Coronavirus/-/2309820 führt weiterhin zu Einschränkungen im internationalen Luft- und Reiseverkehr und Beeinträchtigungen des öffentlichen Lebens.

Vor nicht notwendigen, touristischen Reisen in die Philippinen wird derzeit gewarnt.

Epidemiologische Lage

Die Philippinen sind von COVID-19 stark betroffen. Regionaler Schwerpunkt ist die Hauptstadtregion Metro Manila.
Die Philippinen sind weiterhin als Risikogebiet https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete_neu.html eingestuft.
Aktuelle und detaillierte Zahlen bieten das philippinische Gesundheitsministerium https://www.doh.gov.ph/ und die Weltgesundheitsorganisation WHO https://covid19.who.int/.

Einreise

Mit Wirkung vom 20. März 2021 ist Ausländern die Einreise in die Philippinen bis zunächst 19. April 2021 landesweit verboten; davon ausgenommen sind nur Diplomaten und Angehörige internationaler Organisationen, die in den Philippinen akkreditiert und im Besitz gültiger 9(e)-Visa sind.  

Reisende unterliegen nach Einreise einer 14-tägigen Quarantänepflicht, während der am sechsten Tag ein PCR-Test durchgeführt werden muss.

Durch- und Weiterreise

Reisen zwischen den Provinzen sind eingeschränkt möglich. Es müssen Gesundheitszeugnisse, gegebenenfalls ein negativer PCR-Test, vorgelegt und in der Zielprovinz im Einzelfall Quarantäne abgeleistet werden. Die Ausreise ist Ausländern, die sich im Land aufhalten, jederzeit erlaubt. Viele Fluggesellschaften verlangen für den Reiseantritt in den Philippinen einen negativen COVID-19-Test.

Reiseverbindungen

Für die Einreise über den Flughafen in Manila bestehen Kontingente. Fluggesellschaften erhalten ihre Kontingente mit geringem zeitlichen Vorlauf, was zu kurzfristigen Umbuchungen oder Flugstornierungen führen kann.

Beschränkungen im Land

Die zwischenzeitlich unterbrochenen regulären Verkehrsverbindungen zwischen den Inseln des Landes wurden teilweise wiederaufgenommen, können jedoch jederzeit kurzfristig wiedereingestellt werden. Inlandsflüge nach Manila finden nur unzuverlässig statt.

Die touristische Infrastruktur ist seit Beginn der Pandemie stark eingeschränkt, zahlreiche Hotels und Resorts sind weiterhin geschlossen. Die Regierung der Philippinen ändert die landesweiten Quarantänemaßnahmen turnusmäßig im monatlichen Rhythmus, bei Bedarf auch sehr kurzfristig. Es bestehen weiterhin umfangreiche Einschränkungen bei Versorgung und Bewegungsfreiheit. Es gelten variable nächtliche Ausgangssperren im Zeitraum von 22 bis 5 Uhr.

Hygieneregeln

In der Öffentlichkeit gilt die Pflicht, einen Mund-Nasen-Schutz sowie zusätzlich einen Gesichtsschutz zu tragen. Es gibt das Gebot, sozialen Abstand zu wahren. Massenansammlungen sind verboten. Verstöße sind mit Geld- bis hin zu Gefängnisstrafen bewehrt.
Im Fall einer Infektion erfolgt die Isolierung in staatlicher Unterbringung.

• Achten Sie auf die Einhaltung der AHA-Vorschriften und befolgen Sie zusätzlich die Hinweise lokaler Behörden. Bei Verstößen gegen die Hygienevorschriften können hohe Geldstrafen oder Gefängnisstrafen verhängt werden.
• Informieren Sie sich über detaillierte Maßnahmen und ergänzende Informationen der philippinischen Regierung.

• Falls Sie im Besitz eines Langzeitvisums sind oder eine Sondereinreisegenehmigung mit bereits ausgestelltem und noch gültigem Touristenvisum beantragen möchten-, erkundigen Sie sich bei den philippinischen Behörden, in Deutschland z.B. bei der Philippinischen Botschaft, ob Sie zur Gruppe derjenigen gehören, für die eine Einreise möglich ist.

• Erkundigen Sie sich bei Ihrer Fluggesellschaft über die genauen Vorgaben.
• Bei COVID-19 Symptomen oder Kontakt mit Infizierten kontaktieren Sie das lokale Gesundheitsamt.
• Beachten Sie die Quarantäne-  und Testpflicht bei Einreise aus Risikogebieten nach Deutschland und kontaktieren Sie das Gesundheitsamt Ihres Aufenthaltsortes. Weitere Informationen zur Testpflicht bietet das Bundesministerium für Gesundheit.
• Aufenthalte in fremden Staaten können sich derzeit auf Einreisemöglichkeiten in andere Länder auswirken. Informieren Sie sich daher vor Antritt jeder Reise über aktuelle Bestimmungen zu Einreise, Durchreise und Quarantäne der jeweiligen Reiseländer über die Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise.
• Beachten Sie unsere fortlaufend aktualisierten Informationen zu COVID-19/Coronavirus.

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (IX)

 A GERMAN EXPAT IN THE PHILIPPINES

Chapter IX: Roller Coaster Life

"What would you like to drink?" - "Excuse me Sir, what would you like to drink?" The voice of the friendly smiling stewardess pulled me out of my dreams. "Coke Rum, please", I mumbled ... .

I couldn't believe I was engaged to Rossana. 

It was really a great coincidence that I met her. Rossana's Uncle, Nicolas Balcom, International Harvardian University Principal) and I met weeks earlier at the beach. "I have to go now, Klaus. My niece is leaving for Switzerland. We'll take her to the airport. Do you still have some time this afternoon?"  Of course I had time. 

At the Davao International Airport, I met Rossana for the first time. "Nice meeting you Miss. Uhm, again what's your name?" I must have been very excited. I asked her name several times. Uncle Nick invited me for coffee in his house. A week later, the remainder of my six-week vacation in his house.

Whenever I came back to Germany from a trip abroad, Frankfurt was the first destination. I always called at home to let my parents know that I would be back home safe and sound. The phone rang a lot. A strange woman's voice was at the end of the line. My father stayed already together with another woman. My mother's cancer had progressed dramatically. 

There was a lot of work waiting for me in Berlin. My publisher gave me all the work as Managing Editor for 4 law magazines. "Well, how was it in the Philippines?" he asked me with a bright smile on his face. He had long since discovered my engagement ring.

Since he was also a lawyer, he immediately started preparing the marriage documents. Yes, I wanted to fly back to the Philippines as soon as possible and get married. One week before my flight, my mother got operated again.  Cancer stage 3! "Just go, you can't help me anyway, it's just a shame that I can't be there at your wedding", she said.

Rossana and I got married  in 1983. The year before, I had already got to know what it means to live in a Filipino family. But even now already, I had the thought of wanting to stay in the Philippines forever. But, of course, the newlyweds should start their mutual life first in Germany. And Rossana's culture shock was just around the corner... .

(To be continued!)

Pope Francis thanks Filipinos for the joy ...

 

... they bring to the world, Christian communities; says Filipino women in Rome are ‘smugglers’ of faith

by Leslie Ann Aquino

Manila Bulletin

Pope Francis thanked Sunday, March 14, the Filipino people for the joy they bring to the whole world and Christian communities.

Pope Francis listens to Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (not in picture) during a mass to mark 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, on March 14, 2021 at St. Peter’s Basilica in The Vatican. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / POOL / AFP)

“Dear brothers and sisters, five hundred years have passed since the Christian message first arrived in the Philippines. You received the joy of the Gospel: the good news that God so loved us that he gave his Son for us. And this joy is evident in your people. We see it in your eyes, on your faces, in your songs and in your prayers. In the joy with which you bring your faith to other lands,”he said in a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in celebration of the 500 years of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines.

“I have often said that here in Rome, Filipino women are ‘smugglers’ of faith! Because wherever they go to work, they sow the faith. It is part of your genes, a blessed ‘infectiousness’ that I urge you to preserve,” added the Pope.

“I want to thank you, then, for the joy you bring to the whole world and to our Christian communities,” he said.

In his homily, the Pope also urged Filipinos to persevere in the work of evangelization and to keep bringing the faith, the good news they have received 500 years ago, to others.

“On this very important anniversary for God’s holy people in the Philippines, I also want to urge you to persevere in the work of evangelization – not proselytism, which is something else,” he said.

“The Christian proclamation that you have received needs constantly to be brought to others. The Gospel message of God’s closeness cries out to be expressed in love for our brothers and sisters,” added the Pope.

“I know that this is the pastoral program of your Church: a missionary commitment that involves everyone and reaches everyone. Never be discouraged as you walk this path. Never be afraid to proclaim the Gospel, to serve and to love,” he said.

The Mass started with a procession of an image of the Sto. Niño (child Jesus) and a replica of the Magellan’s cross.

The pontiff was joined by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, and Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the pope’s vicar of Rome.

In the Philippines, most dioceses will launch the year-long commemoration on April 4, Easter Sunday.

In 2019, Pope Francis also led the Philippine traditional “Simbang Gabi” Mass with the Filipino community in Rome and acknowledged the role of overseas Filipino workers in the growth of Catholic Church throughout the world.

In his message after the Mass, the Pope called on Filipinos, especially those who are living abroad, to “continue to be smugglers of the faith”.

When he visited Manila in 2015, he also described how the Philippines is gifted “for it is the foremost Catholic country in Asia”.

“This is itself a special gift of God, a special blessing,” the pope said in his homily during Mass at the Luneta Park. “But it is also a vocation. Filipinos are called to be outstanding missionaries of the faith in Asia.”

Italy hosts the largest population of OFWs in Western Europe.

Release of PH’s second nanosatellite, Maya-2 to space from ISS delayed

 

by Charissa Luci-Atienza, Manila Bulletin

This afternoon’s release of Maya-2, the country’s fourth satellite and second nanosatellite. to space from the International Space Station (ISS) will be delayed for more than one hour, the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) said Sunday, March 14.

“The release of Maya-2 will be delayed, the schedule has been adjusted to 6:50 p.m.,” DOST-ASTI Chief Science Research Specialist Alvin Retamar told the Manila Bulletin in a Viber message.

He said the reasons for the delay were not cited.

It was earlier announced that Maya-2, along with two other cube satellites–Japan’s Tsuru and Paraguay’s GuaraniSat-1–under the fourth Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite project or BIRDS-4 Project, was set to be deployed into orbit from the ISS on Sunday, March 14, at 5:25 p.m.

In a Facebook post, STAMINA4Space said the “program will start at 6:50 p.m. (Phillippine Time) instead of the originally announced 5:25 p.m.”

BIRDS-4 Project is a global small satellite development project under a strategic partnership pact between the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) and the Japan Aerospace and Exploration Agency (JAXA).

On Feb. 21, 2021 at 1:36 a.m. (local time), the 1.3 kilogram-cube satellite was successfully launched into space aboard the S.S. Katherine Johnson Cygnus spacecraft. The 1.3 kilogram-cube satellite was successfully launched together with the nanosatellites of Japan and Paraguay at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Station in Virginia, United States and was eventually launched to the ISS on Feb. 22.

The 1.3-kilogram Maya-2 is a technology demonstration and educational platform geared to collect data remotely by Store-and-Forward (S&F) Mechanism.

Aboard the satellite is a camera for image and video capture, an Automatic Packet Reporting System Message Digipeater (APRS-DP), attitude determination and control units for active attitude stabilization and control demonstrations, Perovskite solar cells and Latchup-detection chip.

The development of Maya-2 started in 2018.

Maya-2 was developed by three Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholars while pursuing their doctoral degree programs in Space Engineering in Kyutech in Japan. They are Engineers Izrael Zenar “IZ” Bautista, the BIRDS-4 project manager; Marloun Sejera, and Mark Angelo Purio.

An ideal Pilipina

by Sol Vanzi, Manila Bulletin

The Pilipina is eternally a work in progress, evolving with every political and social change. The females in five successive generations of my family illustrate how the Pilipina has adapted beautifully through 120 years.

THE LAST DALAGA

Florentina, born in 1901, belonged to the last generation of your typical dalagang Pilipina. She wore layers of clothing that hid every part of her body from the neck down to her ankles.

Her long hair was always twisted into a right bun, kept in place by a comb whittled from carabao horn or turtle shell. Gugo bark served as her shampoo; coconut milk her conditioner, and calamansi juice her final hair rinse. She stayed home until her hair was dry and coiffed; it was considered indecent for single women to appear in public with wet untied hair.

She could not curse or use foul language. Nor could she laugh out loud, run, skip rope, or play tag. She walked gracefully and kept her knees demurely together when she sat.

On moonlit nights young men serenaded her but tradition dictated that she stay away from windows lest they think she’s flirting with them. The young men were never invited into the house.

Her social life consisted of attending wakes, fiestas, trips to the barrio well to wash clothes, weekly excursions to the next town on market day to sell produce from their small farm, and worship day at the Aglipayan church, popular in communities which lost families during the revolt against Spain.

fter a long courtship, she married Alejandro, a kutsero who, like her, taught himself to read and write. They settled in the next town where Alejandro opened a carroceria (calesa repair shop). After World War II, he started converting US military jeeps into passenger jeepneys. Among his workers were Leonardo Sarao and Anastacio Francisco, who both became giants in the jeepney industry.

Florentina blossomed as Alejandro’s wife and partner, opening a convenience store and carinderia to cater to the needs of the community and those of her husband’s workers. Together, the couple earned enough to send two daughters to a top Catholic university in Manila. Ely became a teacher; Amor became the town’s first female doctor.

Florentina broke many rules and set new standards. She was owner, not mere storekeeper, of the sari-sari store and the carinderia. The businesses, which gave her financial independence, took her to market at dawn and kept her cooking all day. There was enough to send all their grandchildren to school.

PAYING FORWARD

Amor married Vic, a classmate, and considered the possibility of migrating to the US. The two physicians, however, decided to serve their countrymen first.

They enlisted as government rural doctors and were assigned to Bohol. Based in the remote town of Anda, they were the only doctors serving the medical needs of half a dozen towns. There was no electricity, no running water.

They were in Bohol during a cholera outbreak, the worst ever in the province. Their four kids had to be kept in boarding school in Tagbilaran while the two fought the epidemic.

Florentina and Alejandro were beaming with pride when told of the doctors’ sacrifices.

AHEAD OF HER TIME

Florentina stood out for being ahead of her time on the matter of LGBT rights. When told that three granddaughters and one grandson were gay, all she said was “As long as they are good persons.”

When a granddaughter started going bra-less, her only advice was to avoid wearing transparent shirts. She frowned upon heavy makeup, which to her looked “cheap” and ugly.

She also believed a harmonious live-in relationship was better than a violent marriage.

Hard to believe Florentina, my ideal Pilipina, was born only 120 years ago

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IT'S OK TO FEEL BAD

 

By accident, I stumbled upon an article of British writer Allie Volpe. Yes, Allie is so right when she says, "Amid grim times, putting on your biggest smile may seem like the best coping mechanism.  Over the last year, as the pandemic has morphed from terrifying to inconvenient to long-term life-altering event, our coping mechanisms have had to adapt and evolve. Yet there have been differences in the ways we’ve approached time spent in isolation".

For many, including me,  positivity has been essential to coping with the crisis – many have relished a chance to slow down and reevaluate, felt grateful to still have a job or kept the good things in perspective (even while balancing virtual schooling, remote work and keeping the family safe). 

I also caught myself writing columns that sounded as positive as possible in the past weeks. Of course, as Volpe wrote: staying upbeat and expressing gratitude are hardly adverse practices, but this unrelenting optimism – known as ‘toxic positivity’ – paints negative emotions as a failure or weakness. Plus, there are few things more grating than encountering a toxic positivist when you’re grappling with grim reality.

And failing to acknowledge hardships can have a detrimental effect on our mental health. Persistent reminders to reflect on ‘how good we have it’ in the midst of strife and struggle don’t make sadness, fear or anxiety dissipate, research shows. Instead, suppressing negative emotions can actually make us feel worse.

By contrast, another mindset approach boasts a more realistic framing. ‘Tragic optimism’ posits there is hope and meaning to be found in life while also acknowledging the existence of loss, pain and suffering. First defined by Austrian psychologist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl in 1985, proponents of tragic optimism maintain there is space to experience both the good and the bad, and that we can grow from each.

Experts suggest that this kind of philosophy may be exactly what we need to cope as we’re still trudging through the pandemic – and may help us once we’re on the other side, too.

A cornerstone of the philosophy is the ability to find meaning and purpose amid challenges and setbacks. “Suffering is a part of life, and the question is how are you going to cope with it?” explains Esfahani Smith, author of The Power of Meaning. “A lot of people are going to deny or ignore their suffering, and a lot of other people are going to be completely overwhelmed by it.” To be tragically optimistic is a happy medium where instead of crushing our spirit, difficulties and challenges provide us with a learning moment, like re-framing the stress of giving a public speech as a challenge rather than a threat.

Meanwhile I learned how to face and adapt to whatever life throws at me. I learned that people who had accepted that life comes with difficulties – and were prepared for them – coped with lockdowns more effectively than those who did not. I learned from Paul Wong, a psychologist and professor emeritus of Trent University in Ontario, who says the road to this transformation may be uncomfortable, because life currently isn’t easy. “It’s OK to be lonely,” he says. “It’s OK to feel bad, it's OK to feel anxious. Welcome to the human club.”

So, although it may feel tempting just to grin and bear it, taking the slightly more uncomfortable route of a tragic optimist may actually help us see that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel – and help us take a breath as we wait to reach it.

Honestly, right now I do enjoy all possible re-openings in the Philippines. I take every chance e.g. to travel, to swim, to unwind - of course, with strict compliance with still existing health regulations.