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!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
Jordan Clarkson is now in the Philippines to join the national team's preparations for the Fiba World Cup. (Marlo Cueto)
Hey there sports fan,
One World Cup stint for the country done. Another one looms in the horizon.
After all the problems Gilas Pilipinas encountered over the past months—even years—leading to the Fiba World Cup, things are starting to have a little clarity now.
And he's ready to spearhead the country's participation in basketball's global showcase.
The Philippines is looking to score a different kind of win in the World Cup. Aftern all, it wouldn't be realistic to think that Gilas Pilipinas can go all the way to the title match. But if the team becomes the highest ranking Asian squad at the end of the tournament, the Philippines qualifies for the Paris Olympics next year.
Meanwhile, in a tournament devoid of stars, let's all be thankful Luka Doncic is still raring to play in the World Cup, and he's showing glimpses of what he will put on display when Slovenia opens its bid.
And as Doncic and his teammates continue preparing, the United States continues to show why it remains the team to beat in the tournament.
Fans welcome Reina Bonta to . (AFP)
Meanwhile...
Still yearning for more Filipinas content? We've got a couple for you, on homecomings and "aww" moments with coach Alen Stajcic.
If you need a football fix, though, the Women's World Cup is still ongoing, which gives us time to throw this trivia question at you: Of the quarterfinalists in the Women’s World Cup, which country is the only one with a female coach?
Also, Ateneo is in Japan now, getting ready to defend its UAAP crown by defending another collegiate title in the Land of the Rising Sun. The team will get to test its new core while battling some of the best school basketball programs from different countries.
What we're up to next:
Watch out for our subscriber-only side feature on the Women's World Cup, which is being prepared by Mr. Jonas Terrado, our intrepid football journalist who covered history in New Zealand. We will also begin stories on the Asian Games in China, which will serve as Olympic qualifiers for some sports, like boxing. We will also begin PBA updates. All these, while we provide stories and updates on Gilas Pilipinas' preparations for the Fiba World Cup.
Number of the Week: 5
Number of goals scored by Japan's Hinata Miyazawa so far in the Women's World Cup, a tournament-best.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“We didn’t have long enough, really. But all the superlatives, I’ve used them all up. It was memorable, magical and unforgettable to feel and see that many Filipinos connected and engaged with the team.”
—Alen Stajcic, Filipinas coach, on his stint with the national women's football team.
If you answered England to the question above, you are right. And you have a shot at going 7-for-7 on our weekly sports quiz. Go check out the rest of the questions by joining our Viber community, which also features the freshest sports updates.
Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read.
Have a great and safe weekend! See you next Friday.
Francis
Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).
Wild and natural form of the waling-waling orchid flower. (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
The waling-waling orchid, scientifically known as Vanda sanderiana, is a stunning and highly prized orchid species native to the Philippines. Also referred to as the "Queen of Philippine Flowers," the waling-waling orchid is renowned for its exceptional beauty and unique characteristics.
The waling-waling orchid typically blooms during the months of June to August, although there may be some variations in blooming periods depending on specific growing conditions and environmental factors. This period is considered the peak flowering season for the waling-waling orchid.
Waling-waling orchid flowers with yellow, green, and white is the alba form which came about with intense breeding efforts in Hawaii in the 1950s. (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
The waling-waling orchid exhibits various forms, each with its unique charm. The froebeliana variety showcases a dark coloration while the albata exhibit lighter hues with purplish markings. Additionally, there is the alba, which was artificially induced through intensive inbreeding in Hawaii, resulting in green and yellow forms. The diversity of waling-waling varieties contributes to its immense popularity among orchid enthusiasts.
This orchid species has a monopodial growth habit, meaning it grows vertically, with a single stem that produces leaves and flowers along its length. The leaves are long, narrow, and leathery, providing an elegant backdrop to the remarkable blooms.
Due to its beauty, the waling-waling orchid has become a foundation for breeding programs. Its bloodline has been utilized to develop other vanda orchids with desirable traits such as vigorous growth and large, round flowers. While the waling-waling's own flower characteristics may not be strongly inherited by its progenies, its robust vegetative properties are often passed down.
Papilionanda Antonio Puyat orchid is an example of the heavy influence of waling waling in orchid breeding. (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
The waling-waling orchid is indigenous to the foothills of Mount Apo in the province of Davao, located on the island of Mindanao. While the waling-waling orchid's natural range is predominantly in Davao, it can also be found in other regions of Mindanao such as Maguindanao, South Cotabato, and possibly Basilan.
Cultivation and care
As a tropical flower, the waling-waling orchid flourishes in warm environments and does not thrive in cool climates. It has been extensively propagated, leading to a significant global population. However, its rarity is still recognized due to the challenges of finding it in its natural habitat, mainly due to intensive collection and poaching. To cultivate waling-waling successfully, understanding its specific requirements is crucial.
Waling-waling orchids prefer bright, indirect sunlight, mimicking their natural habitat under the shade of trees. Care should be taken to prevent direct exposure to sunlight during the summer months, which can lead to leaf burning. Adequate watering is vital, considering its tropical origins. Daily watering is recommended, especially in regions with high humidity. The root tips should appear fleshy, green, or purple, indicating sufficient hydration. Watering should be done before 4 PM to allow excess water to evaporate, reducing the risk of diseases and root rot.
Waling-waling orchids with superior forms and colors. (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
Providing the waling-waling orchid with proper nutrition is essential for its healthy growth. Regular fertilizer application during watering, once a week, helps supply essential nutrients. Additionally, ensuring adequate air circulation is crucial. Spacing individual waling-waling plants apart prevents the spread of diseases, and the leaves should not touch each other, allowing free airflow.
Waling-waling orchids naturally grow on tree trunks, making it beneficial to provide a potting medium for them to cling onto, such as wood or bark. While they can survive without a medium, their survival is more reliant on careful watering and regular fertilizer application, as they have no alternative moisture source. Utilizing potting media can encourage keiki production and reduce maintenance efforts. Keiki is an offshoot plant that develops on the stem or base of the parent orchid. However, for those with limited resources and space, hanging the orchid using wire or vanda baskets with charcoal or wood can also be suitable as long as the growth remains upright.
Wild and natural form of the waling-waling orchid flower. (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
One intriguing characteristic of the waling-waling orchid is its propensity to produce keikis, which are offshoots that sap nutrients from the mother plant. To prevent the decline of the mother plant, it is recommended to separate the keikis individually before they start affecting the parent's vitality. The waling-waling orchid is widely propagated commercially and readily available in the market, making it accessible to enthusiasts and collectors.
The waling-waling orchid, with its noble beauty and intriguing characteristics, holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos. There have been movements and discussions advocating for the Waling-waling to be recognized as the national flower of the Philippines. Despite challenges in establishing it as the national flower, its cultural significance remains undeniable. With proper care and understanding of its tropical requirements, enthusiasts can cultivate and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the waling-waling orchid. Its varied forms, captivating blooms, and rich history continue to inspire awe and admiration, making it a treasured gem of the Philippines.
