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?
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!
Thursday, July 13, 2023
VP Duterte to graduates: Honor parents’ sacrifices
When Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte graced the graduation of a school in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, it was to ask students there to honor their parents, whose sacrifices made possible the fruits of their labor.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte at the graduation ceremonies of Mangaldan National High School in Pangasinan. (OVP photo)
Speaking as keynote speaker during a commencement exercise, the official gave tribute to parents for supporting their children and providing them with the means to achieve their dreams.
“This journey would have been unimaginably impossible if not for your parents, whose unconditional love for you they may have shown in a thousand different ways — one of which was the unbelievable amount of sacrifice they had to make to give you the best kind of life,” she told graduates.
Duterte credited the parents for the success of their children finishing senior high, saying that the milestone was also an achievement for them.
“Ang graduation ninyo ngayong hapon na ito ay hindi lang para sa inyo, kundi para sa mga magulang ninyo at sa mga guro ninyo (Your graduation this afternoon isn’t only for you, but for your parents and teachers, too),” she told graduates who braved the rain during the ceremony on Wednesday, July 12.
“Ang araw na ito ay para sa kanila dahil sila ang naghirap. Ang kanilang luha, dugo, at pawis ang rason kung bakit kayo nakaupo dyan ngayon (This day is for them because they were the ones who worked hard. Their tears, blood, and sweat are the reason why you are seated there now),” she added.
Similar to her earlier messages to graduates, the Vice President also advised them about how to face challenges and failures.
“Ang tao na dumanas ng sakit, dumaan sa challenges, failures — yon ang may matututunan (Someone who went through pain, went through challenges, failures — they are the ones who learn),” she said.
Duterte reminded graduates to be open and optimistic as unfulfilled dreams are avenues for much greater opportunities.
“But there are times that even with hard work, even with determination, a dream slips through one’s fingers, causing disappointment and despair,” she said.
“I learned that sometimes, instead of aspiring for the impossible, we should follow the path that leads us to a place that allows us to reach our full potential,” the official added.
July orchids of the month: Trichoglottis orchids
BY JAMES TABABA
Trichoglottis orchids are known to be in full bloom during the month of July. It is a time when these beautiful orchids showcase their captivating and vibrant flowers. The name "Trichoglottis" is derived from two Greek words: "trichos" meaning "hair" or "hairy" and "glotta" meaning "tongue." This name refers to the characteristic tongue-like labellum, or lip, of the orchid flowers and the presence of fine hairs or trichomes on certain parts of the plant. Trichoglottis orchids are native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines.
Trichoglottis gubertti (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
Growth habits and mounting
Trichoglottis orchids stand tall with an upright or sometimes pendulous growth habit that has alternating spikes. These remarkable plants typically are found mounted on tree branches or tree fern plaques in the market. While some may mistake them for regular Vanda orchids, it's crucial to acknowledge that Trichoglottis orchids require a more humid environment due to their natural inclination to thrive near rivers. Daily watering is recommended, preferably in the morning, ensuring the plants start their day refreshed.
Mounting plays a vital role in the successful growth of Trichoglottis orchids. Despite their thick roots, these orchids need proper anchoring to establish themselves in their new environment. Firmly mounting them allows their roots to settle and secure their footing, enabling them to absorb moisture and nutrients efficiently. By providing a stable foundation, we offer these blooms the opportunity to flourish magnificently in our gardens.
Trichovanda Thai Velvet/ Trichoglottis artropurpurea x Vanda kinzweiler (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
Thick and waxy petals
One of the key attributes that make Trichoglottis orchids highly sought after for hybridization is the thickness and waxy texture of their petals. These characteristics contribute to the longevity and shelf life of their flowers. An excellent example of the successful outcome of hybridization involving Trichoglottis orchids is the Trichovanda Thai Velvet. This mesmerizing hybrid, born from the union of Trichoglottis artropurpurea and Vanda kinzweiler, showcases larger flowers compared to its parents. Such hybrids with enhanced qualities demonstrate the remarkable characteristics inherent in Trichoglottis orchids.
Trichovanda Thai Velvet/ Trichoglottis artropurpurea x Vanda kinzweiler (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
Beautiful colors
Trichoglottis orchids exhibit a stunning array of colors and patterns, further enhancing their allure. Some varieties show intricate combinations and striking blotches that add a more artistic touch to their blooms. Take, for instance, Trichoglottis rosea, a captivating orchid showcasing a blend of pink, lavender, or rose hues, earning its specific epithet "rosea." The elongated and somewhat twisted petals and sepals of Trichoglottis orchids create an elegant and unique appearance.
Trichoglottis rosea (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
Small but compact
While some Trichoglottis orchids may have relatively small individual flowers, they compensate by forming dense clusters that exude a symphony of beauty. Trichoglottis gubertti, a native species of the Philippines. When in full bloom, this species captivates onlookers with its impressive floral display. The number of flowers per inflorescence may vary depending on the plant and growing conditions, but Trichoglottis gubertti consistently offers a generous presentation.
Trichoglottis gubertti (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
Cultivating Trichoglottis orchids requires attention to their specific needs, such as mounting them securely, providing a humid environment, and ensuring they receive bright but indirect light. The rewards, however, are well worth the effort.
Photo courtesy ofManila Bulletin Agriculture
Cargo Movers, Cool Smashers seek to seal semis berths
AT A GLANCE
F2 Logistics and Creamline gun for semifinal berths when they clash with separate foes on Thursday, July 13, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
F2 Logistics and Creamline gun for semifinal berths when they clash with separate foes on Thursday, July 13, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers try to preserve their unbeaten run. (PVL Images)
The Cargo Movers seek a fourth straight win in Pool B when they take on the Petro Gazz Angels at 12 noon, while the Cool Smashers aim for third consecutive victory in Pool A in their 4 p.m. tussle with the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
Gerflor and Chery Tiggo also collide in the 9:30 a.m. curtain raiser to bolster their respective semis bids, even as Cignal also tries to keep its semis campaign afloat in its 6:30 p.m. confrontation with Farm Fresh.
Recovery is in the mind of F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego after surviving a classic 21-25, 25-17, 17-25, 25-21, 18-16 win over Choco Mucho late Tuesday, July 13, that saw Des Cheng quit in the fourth set due to exhaustion.
“We have to recover more. Sleep, nutrition and supplementation, we got coaches for that and they’re doing really well,” said Diego, who will continue to rely on Kianna Dy and Aby Maraño after the power duo unleashed 24 and 14 points the last time.
“I know these girls are not going to be overconfident for the next game. So we’re just going to celebrate for a second here and we’ll just move on and continue to work,” she added.
Locked in a three-way tie behind F2 Logistics at 2-1, Petro Gazz, for its part, is expected to muster all its might anchored on Grethcel Soltones, Aiza Pontillas and Remy Palma to challenge the Cargo Movers.
The clash between Creamline and PLDT is also tipped to be a toss-up. While the Cool Smashers remain the slight favorites with their tested crew made up of Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Alyssa Valdez, Ced Domingo and Michele Gumabao, the High Speed Hitters, led by Jovie Prado, Dell Palomata, Michelle Morante, toughened up by tapping former Army hitter Honey Royse Tubino.
Mika Reyes and Me-an Mendez, who didn’t see action in PLDT’s straight-set romp over Akari last June 1, are also expected to suit up to reinforce the squad against the solid Cool Smashers, who swept their first two games against Chery Tiggo and Gerflor.