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!
Friday, October 6, 2023
LTO: Plastic driver’s license cards out now; schedule of renewal announcment
Pag-asa, Kalayaan Island Group could become PH's own 'Maldives', says Romualdez
AT A GLANCE
House Speaker Martin Romualdez believes that with the right funding and intervention, Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) could be turned into the country’s own "Maldives".
Maldives is a famous tourist destination thanks to its stunning beach resorts.
Soneva Jani, Noonu Atoll, Maldives. (Unsplash)
House Speaker Martin Romualdez believes that with the right funding and intervention, Pag-asa Island and the rest of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) could be developed into a "Maldives"-style tourist destination.
Romualdez had this to say in a press conference Thursday night, Oct. 5 at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City. That same morning, the Speaker led a small group of congressmen to Pag-asa.
"The beauty of the area is astounding. If you just go and visit there, you'll see how beautiful the place is, so there are many potentials," he said.
Romualdez said that he was reminded of the world-famous tourist destination of Maldives during his short time visiting the remote Palawan island.
"This I will tell you as we were flying over the Kalayan Island Groups, it's as if we were flying over the Maldives.
“So we’re looking at hindi lang to support, hindi lang 'yung budget ng DND, hindi lang DOTr baka pwede rin yung DOT, kasi napakaganda dito baka pwede itong maging tourist destination," Romualdez said.
(So we’re looking at not just support, not just the budget of the Department of National Defense, not just the Department of Transportation, but probably also the Department of Tourism, because it was so beautiful there maybe it could be turned into a tourist destination.)
"There are other islands that we would like to develop…parang sa Maldives, so pwede sigurong maging Philippine Maldives… So we shall invite everyone to come and visit," the Leyte 1st district representative noted.
(We'll copy Maldives, this can become the Maldives of the Philippines.)
"But we shall develop the facilities here, the airport, the seaport and the other facilities within the Kalayaan Island Group,” Romualdez said.
Maldives is famous for its stunning beach resorts.
All wind signals lifted as typhoon Jenny no longer affecting PH — PAGASA
Brewing cyclone monitored outside PAR
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, Oct. 6 lifted all tropical cyclone wind warnings issued due to typhoon Jenny (international name: Koinu), as it no longer directly affected any part of the country.
In its final bulletin for Jenny, PAGASA last spotted the center of the eye of the typhoon 385 kilometers (km) west-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.
It left the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 5.
“Typhoon Jenny is less likely to directly bring heavy rainfall over the country throughout the forecast period. Furthermore, the effect of the typhoon on the southwest monsoon (habagat) has weakened, although the western section of Luzon may still experience some rain showers,” PAGASA said.
Improved weather
Meanwhile, the trough or extension of Jenny may still bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Ilocos Norte, Batanes, and Babuyan Islands.
Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to habagat may also affect Metro Manila, Zambales. Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.
The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
New LPA
PAGASA is also monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) outside the PAR that may develop into a tropical cyclone in the next few days.
Weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the LPA was located 1,950 km east of Luzon.
It is moving westward and may enter the PAR by weekend, he pointed out.
The next tropical cyclone name on PAGASA’s list is “Kabayan.”
What to expect at Enchanted Kingdom's 28th anniversary celebration this October
EK also unveiled their newest offerings and developments at the theme park
The theme "What’s Your Enchanted Story?" places the spotlight on recreating enchanting stories from the past and creating new magical experiences for every Enchanted Kingdom (EK) guest over the past 28 years. And they officially launched its year-long celebration with the announcement of its roster of events at the Eldar’s Theater in EK last Oct. 1, 2023.
“Enchanted Kingdom remains to be part of our guests’ personal milestones throughout its 28 years. We are very excited to capture these enchanting stories from our past and present guests, and celebrate these magical experiences with the future generation,” said 28th Anniversary Celebration Wizard and the Head of Organization Development and Corporate Planning Nico Mamon.
Due to popular demand, the main anniversary highlight will be the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition, returning eight years after its last spectacle and happening every Saturdays in October. “Apart from entertaining and dazzling the guests, Enchanted Kingdom has collaborated with Filipino fireworks manufacturers to showcase their products and creativity. As a proud Filipino company, we highlight local artistry with pyrotechnics and music, enchanting Filipinos for the past 28 years,” Mamon shared.
Aside from the fireworks competition, Enchanted Kingdom has so much in-store for all types of guests:
On Oct. 7, Enchanted Kingdom recognizes teachers through activities and entertainment with the World Teachers Day Celebration event as part of National Teachers Month.
On Oct. 14, EK will conduct Storytime with Eldar, An Enchanting Kids Event to start off the kids activities, followed by its very own Grand Storybook Characters Parade to introduce other Enchanted Kingdom characters.
On Oct. 21, Eldar’s E-Kreators will host, dance and perform for loyal park goers and fans as part of the worldclass theme park’s collaboration with social media influencers and content creator partners.
Lastly, on Oct. 28, the Grand Finale of the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition will dazzle guests, and the Be Enchanted! Concert will headline Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan together with other best local acts to cap off the anniversary month.
EK will also re-launch its nostalgic menu items from the past 28 years from its restaurants and the launch of new merchandise to commemorate the 28th anniversary.
During the launch, EK also unveiled their newest offerings and developments at the theme park in line with its 28th year of creating and providing magical experiences and memories that last a lifetime. These include the:
EK mobile app which features the park’s interactive map as well as ride and show schedules. Through the mobile app, guests can also access the EK online store (EKOS). Anna Mamon-Aban, EK’s Head of Business Development & Digital Transformation, encouraged everyone to download the app for a more seamless and magical guest experience.
Starbooks, the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) interactive kiosk system and digital library in a box, containing thousands of carefully-curated knowledge content. Two units will be installed at the park’s Agila the EKsperience in partnership with DOST.
Guests can also expect a new and improved Fun Kart, EK’s 800-meter go-kart race track; and the official launch of EK’s new partner tenants: Tater’s, Fortune Bakeshop, and Dash Premium Ice Scramble. EK also launched their own food offerings, Tropical Coolers and Princess Cookies.
Finally, EK’s President and Chairman Mario Mamon teased that Enchanted Kingdom is working its magic in bringing their guests an enhanced and dining experience with branded dining outlets planned. Furthermore, EK announced that starting Dec. 17, the theme park will open its gate every day of the week and continuously provide wholesome family leisure and entertainment especially during the holiday season
For more information about this celebration and other upcoming events, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/
PLGU Davao de Oro sustains progress; ISO certification maintained
With the persistent efforts of the employees and officials of the provincial government of Davao de Oro, headed by Governor Dorothy P. Montejo-Gonzaga, to continually improve its systems and processes, another milestone has been achieved as the institution maintained the ISO 9001:2015 Certification.
On Monday, October 2, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) auditors, namely Christine Anne Formalejo and Len Marc Tagud from TUV SUD PSB Philippines Inc., conducted the 2nd Surveillance Audit for the various offices of the provincial government.
After the rigorous evaluation, these offices passed the audit, meeting all the standard requirements, which, in turn, supports the recommendation for certificate maintenance. This achievement underscored the collective endeavors of these offices in delivering high-quality services for the people.
Quality Management Representative and PHRMDO Head Lara Zhaphire Kristy Bermejo thanked Governor Gonzaga and Vice Governor Tyron Uy for the support given and commended the people behind the feat, saying "We made it again! To all the men and women behind this journey, thank you for your hard work and dedication to live up to our commitment - to be part of our PLGU’s continual improvement".
On August 11, 2022, the institution also maintained its ISO certification after passing the 1st Surveillance Audit. The continued certification brought several advantages, including contented clients, effective management, and satisfied employees.
Furthermore, these successes were product of Governor Gonzaga's leadership, as she consistently prioritized and envisioned good governance in the province through efficient service delivery and the responsible management of public resources, with a strong emphasis on accountability, transparency, and proficiency. (Jaynus Fernandez)
4th Floor, Executive Building, Provincial Capitol Complex, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro