WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XXX): The Last Chapter

Beginning with a decree of the German Foreign Office dated October 17, 2016 the Federal Republic of Germany called me as Honorary Consul for Mindanao. After the Philippine Government accepted my appointment through the Department of Foreign Affairs, then German Ambassador to the Philippines  Dr.Jan-Christian Gordon Kricke arrived in Davao City on June 20, 2017. I took my oath and served Filipino and German nationals until my retirement as consul in December 2020. My administrative district encompassed all of Mindanao except Sulu Archipelo, Tawi-Tawi, and Basilan. It was a challenging job especially acting as notary public: issuing Legal Capacities to Contract Marriage in the Philippines or Philippine Driver's Licenses, urn/cadaver  certificates, certified true copies of German and Philippine documents, consultations - the list would all be long. 

[Members of the Diplomatic Corps:

Hon. Consul Joji Ilagan-Bian (Bangladesh), Consul Yosiaki Miwa (Japan), Acting Consul General Mohd Jafri Bin Mohd Sharif (Malaysia), Asec. Romeo Montenegro (MINDA), Hon. Consul Maria Lourdes Garcia-Monteverde (Mexico), Madame Elisabeth Napitupulu, Atty. Zuleika Lopez (City Administrator), Hon. Consul Peter Faistauer (Austria), Consul General Berlian Napitupulu (Indonesia), Asec Robert Ferrer (DFA for Mindanao), Consul General Li Lin (China), Hon. Consul Edgar Ang (South Korea) and Hon. Consul Klaus Doring (Germany)]

It was one of the greatest honors that I, as a German national in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, received. Being a member of the diplomatic family opened many new opportunities for me. Retirement means very often the end of everything. The last chapter in life. Not for me. 

After leaving the diplomatic stage and the University of Southeastern Philippines, suddenly other interesting tasks didn't make my "old age" seem boring.

Teaching (again!) German at Ateneo de Davao University, Language Center and a lot of translation works - my home office keeps on booming. One of my hobbies, exploring German-Philippine relations and the differences between both countries' culture and tradition and writing about, takes up most of my free time now. And another hobby that I have neglected very often recently is to be revived: Classical Music. Myself at the piano or some other audio carrier... .

The last chapter - here. But I pray to our good  and Almighty Lord, that He might allow me some more chapters on earth - together with my wife Rossana, to whom I dedicate this 30-part biography and together with our awesome Philippine family, to whom I owe a lot if not everything!

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XXIX) : Back on air and first diplomatic impressions

A great day of honor awaited all of us: my mother became 90. She had "one more wish". "Let's go to the Waterfront Insular Hotel again", she asked Rossana and me. We went there. After that, she never left the house again. A year later, just four days after my birthday, she never woke up from her nap. In the morning, during breakfast, were her last words, "Those were the best 16 years in my life that I was  allowed to spend with you and our Filipino family".

Yes, that's so true:  the most important thing about having a Filipino family is that you will always have someplace to go, even if it’s your third or fourth cousin from your mom’s side whom you haven’t seen in fifteen years. For Filipinos, when a family shows up at your door, you let them in. Much like how Robert Frost’s famous poem goes, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”

For months I have received phone calls, emails and even letters telling me when I would finally be hosting a classical music show on the radio again. "And what do you want to do? Can you still manage of all this in addition to your teaching and other work"? Rossana asked me with a big frown. "If you help me, I can do anything", I answered her in a confident voice. The then 104.3 FM Edge Radio Davao gave me time-slots on Sundays: in the morning from 9 to 11 and as replay from 7 to 9 PM. Ludwig van Beethoven and all classic masters were back again. 

While Rossana kept our business in Davao City going, I traveled to Manila several times a year. For several years I have enjoyed speaking to the different ambassadors (photo with Ambassador Thomas Ossowski). Main topics were the situation in Mindanao and the Philippine-German relations. I had learned a lot on the latter subject from my mentor, Monsignore Hermogenes Bacareza, Father Gene. The former Philippine Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Minerva Jean A. Falcon mentioned it during on of her speeches: Philippine-German relations are built on the strong foundations that link the people and culture of two countries. Formal relations between the Philippines and Germany began only in the 1950's, but the social  and economic relations date back to the colonial times when Hamburg opened  a consulate in Manila. The Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, stayed in Germany from 1886 to 1887. It was in Berlin where he published his novel Noli Me Tangere.

Rossana and I were then invited to Manila: 60 years of Diplomatic Relations between Germany and the Philippines & 24 years of United Germany. A touching event, i.e. together with the Philippine Madrigal Singers and  an amazing violin soloist a la Vanessa Mae.

Back in Davao, I continued my German language teaching. In the meantime, I, as well as my students, had got used to a very special phenomenon: Filipino Time. Picture this: You turn up at an event 30 minutes late. You probably didn't mean to, but that's just how things turned out. When you get there, you realize you're not late at all because the organizers accounted for Filipino time and set the real start of the event an hour later than stated. But I could never imagine being late with my radio program as well as teacher at the university ... .

(To be continued!)

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XXVIII): Christmas and Teaching

Yes, Christmas was celebrated differently in the Philippines than in Germany. We had got used to it over the years. Our family adopted some of our German traditions too - as much as possible.

As in many other Christian countries, Christmas is the most special time of the year in Germany. Though the most important ingredients of Christmas across the world are the same – festive cheer, family time and delicious food – each country has its own special way of celebrating this magical festival. There are some  Christmas traditions and rituals that are quintessentially German.

St Nicholas Day is a favorite holiday with German children. On the night of December 5, children clean and polish their boots and leave them outside the door before going to sleep. Next morning, they find their shoes filled with nuts, candy, and small gifts from St Nicholas. He also makes an appearance in shopping malls and children’s clubs. Though Santa Claus has also become popular in Germany, St Nicholas is much more important than his American counterpart. 

The Advent calendar is an important countdown to Christmas for German children. Everyday for four weeks preceding Christmas, a window in the advent calendar is opened to reveal a poem, parts of a story, candy or a small gift. Advent calendars flood shops across Germany during this season, while many parents prefer to make their own.

The tradition of Advent wreaths was started by German Lutherans in the 16th century, and today the wreath is still an icon of Christmas in Germany. The wreath consists of four candles in a bed of pine cones, berries, dried flowers and Christmas ornaments. Different families have different traditions when it comes to Adventskranz. Some will bring it out during the first week of December and burn one candle every Sunday in the lead up to Christmas. Others will display the advent wreath on the last Sunday before Christmas and have the entire family sit around it, munching on Christmas delicacies, singing Christmas songs and watching Christmas movies.

Granted, the magic of Christmas markets has spread to many other countries and continents, but the origins of Christmas markets can be traced back to the German-speaking part of Europe in the Middle Ages. A few thousand Christmas markets are held all over Germany each year. The next time your heart warms at the sight of twinkling lights adorning the adorable Christmas market in your part of the world, remember that you have the Germans to thank for it. Of course, Christmas Markets with mugs of steaming hot Glühwein, and the Feuerzangenbowle, which is an immensely potent German Christmas beverage that is as much a feast for the taste buds as for the eyes. Rum with a high alcohol level is added generously to mulled wine, and the concoction is set in flames. Memories that faded over time in the Philippines. Freezing temperatures and lots of snow on the way to the Christmas Mass - only possible in Germany.

One day I got a call from the University of Southeastern Philippines, Institute of Languages and Cultural Arts. in Davao City. There had been a large number of inquiries regarding German Language Classes. "Well, I have never been a teacher before", I replied Dr. Patricia Elbanbuena, the then Director of the institute. "But you are a journalist, and I think your German is perfect to be a German language teacher", she tried to allay my fears.

I taught German at USEP for almost 12 years. 

(To be continued!)

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XXVI): "Who dares wins" and Philippine Family Life

Tom Anthony and I met again and again. For lunch, for dinner, just for a talk between very close friends. He really had written this great story entitled "Sabine". I was amazed being with him and with the script writer of a movie,  shot in the Philippines especially in Davao City. Who dares wins! Yes, and everyone was ready. At the moment, his book has been published. During that time, as columnist of Mindanao Daily Mirror, I wrote: "Emotional and breathtaking. Heartily told and with unlimited elbow room. A novel about misery, poverty, distress, love and forgiveness".

The premiere night was getting closer and closer. Something was clear. It was originally planned that I would appear in this movie as well. It was eliminated by a sore throat infection. Well ... .

Rossana was thrilled being in another world while meeting actor James Monson from the U.S.

SABINE - as a movie and as a book became an awesome success. I was overwhelmed being a closed friend of Tom and being introduced to the international film economy.

It was time for me to learn that a life in the movie world is different from a real original family world. My radio fans kept on waiting for me every time I left the studio after my show.

"Sabine" became an awesome success. Even without me. But with an outstanding cast - especially with Davao Celebrity Bangs Garcia  in her main role "Sabine". And well, yes with Felix Roco, James Monson, VIVA hot babe Gwen Garci and many more. The unique and awesome movie director was friend Ian del Carmen. 

Did I forget my own family? No.

I learned within the following years that happiness in Filipino culture is habitual and a trait most of them possess. If you have visited the Philippines, whether it’s for travel or business, you can tell that Filipinos are amazing people. The way they politely greet, smile, and interact with others shows the lightheartedness in them despite the chaos and difficulty of life.

Over the years, the Philippines ranked as one of the top happiest countries in the world, making the Filipinos become a trademark in fulfilling happiness. While they are naturally drawn happy, some say the vitamins from the sun brings them more joy every day. Wonder why? Because sunlight triggers the release of a hormone in the brain called serotonin that boosts people’s mood and promotes happiness.

Happiness in Filipino culture is habitual and a trait most of them possess. If you have visited the Philippines, whether it’s for travel or business, you can tell that Filipinos are amazing people. The way they politely greet, smile, and interact with others shows the lightheartedness in them despite the chaos and difficulty of life. Being from a country with being more sad and lonely or self-reliant people, the Filipinos surprised me. 

Many beliefs and studies on why Filipinos are naturally happy but listed below are the main reasons for it. Number 1 is  love of food and eating. Oh yes, I strongly agree.

Close family ties are another very important reason. As a German expat in the Philippines, I do experience it really daily. Despite the differences in religions and beliefs in the Philippines, the Filipino people are truly religious and spiritual. You can see it by how they value Sunday as a day of praising the Lord and going to church. One of the most significant religious traditions in the Philippines is the parade of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo church, where many Filipinos devoted their vows every year. This tradition showcases the high place of religion for most Filipinos, and they believe that spirituality develops positive emotions and feelings to make them happier in life.

Of course, I felt much at home as member of a Philippine family. I forgot more and more Germany. Really sad to say.

(To be continued!)

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XXV): Movie Shooting, parties and new dishes

After many years living in the Philippines, I also got used to new flavors when it comes to eating and drinking. "Balut" for example. A balut is a fertilized bird egg (usually a duck) which is incubated for a period of 14 to 21 days, depending on the local culture, and then steamed. Balut is common street food in the Philippines and other localities, and is also sold in stores and malls. It is a relatively cheap source of protein and calcium. Well, it took some effort to try it first. 

The Durian fruit was no challenge for me from the start. Maybe because my wife Rossana comes from here - from "Durianburg". Durian is a tropical fruit distinguished by its large size and spiky, hard outer shell. It has a smelly, custard-like flesh with large seeds. There are several varieties, but the most common one is Durio zibethinus. The fruit's flesh can range in color.

Lechon, derived from a Spanish word for roasted suckling pig, is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines. The slowly-roasted suckling pig is usually stuffed with lemongrass, tamarind, garlic, onions, and chives, and is then roasted on a large bamboo spit over an open fire. I loved it - as many other typical Filipino dishes. I am a lucky guy, because Rossana learned how to cook typical German dishes - as well as French and Italian. So I don't have to go without roast beef in red wine sauce with red cabbage and potatoes. And barbecues are at least as popular in Germany as they are in the Philippines.

Yes, Tuba. I like it. Some of Rossana's (and my) relatives lived on Samal Island in the Gulf of Davao. They let me try Tuba a long time ago. Tubâ  is a Filipino alcoholic beverage created from the sap of various species of palm trees. My relatives told me, Palm wine contains potassium which has been proven by research to improve heart health and bring down hypertension. However drinking it in excess has adverse effects like destroying the liver. 3 Palm Wine can help Fight against Cancer: Palm wine contains vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin.

Eating, drinking - and yes parties. In Germany as well as in the Philippines. Our circle of friends with Filipinos and Germans and other foreigners grew.

One day during my classical music radio shows , I received a text message from a certain Tom Anthony. An U.S.-American, who could speak German fluently. At that time, Beethoven's  Eroica Symphony, byname of Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55, known as the Eroica Symphony for its supposed heroic nature was on air. The work premiered in Vienna on April 7, 1805, and was grander and more dramatic than customary for symphonies at the time. It was Beethoven’s largest solely instrumental work.

Tom and I met after the show. We became great friends. I learned that he was an amazing writer. And, movie shooting in Davao with Gwen Garci, China Roces, Bonz Militar, and James Monson was planned.

(To be continued!)

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XXIII): Right in the Middle of Full Life

Chapter XXIII:  Right in the Middle of Full Life

A big hello sounded. GMA-TV director Bam Salavani recognized Rossana immediately. Then schoolmate and host Onnie Alfaro. "What are you doing here in Davao? Are you on vacation?" Questions about questions from all sides stormed us. "After the short commercial break, you are part of the show", called Bam Salvani. And so we were German guests on this TV show for the first time. During the following years we became an integral part of the show.

 "Testigo" and "Singgit Davao" were re-launched and were taken under the wing of GMA News & Public Affairs and GMA Entertainment TV Group respectively. In August of the same year, "Singgit Davao" was relaunched as "Kuyaw!" in time for the Kadayawan Festival.  Just to mention some: other hosts were Eureka, Emily Urgino and Al Ryan Alejandre - later City Councilor of Davao City.

I felt very much at home with the radio, newspapers and television. Mindanao Times Lifestyle writer Josie San Pedro had mentioned my mother, Rossana and me in her column "passages" during the great event "Singgit Davao at two"  - the stepping stone for our future. I must confess, not all expats in the Philippines went the same or similar path as me.

For the first years I liked to take a jeepney. I found it interesting to get to know a lot of people while driving. And, step by step, I learned Bisaya. Nevertheless, one day a VW-beetle from the Archdiocese parked in our garden. A little old but he drove. We called him affectionalle "Knatterton". But it really never cracked.

I started writing lifestyle columns. The International Harvardian University (IHU) Grand Alumni Homecoming was a special event. It was at the same time the rebirth of the IHU - Manisan Dancegroup. The dream of the old and new lead dancer Rossana had come true. It was at the event that I met Rodrigo Duterte for the first time - then Vice Mayor of Davao City.

The month of October approached. It was the time when Rossana and I stayed regularly in Manila: October 3 - the German National Day - or the Day of Unity, and -of course- Oktoberfest. This time everything was different. The then General Manager of the Apo View Hotel, my friend Wolfgang and I did it: the Bavarian Sound Express from Germany was on stage in Davao City too. Unfortunately only once and never again. 

Oktoberfest, an annual festival in Munich, Germany, held over a two-week period and ending on the first Sunday in October. The festival originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festival concluded five days later with a horse race held in an open area that came to be called Theresienwiese (“Therese’s green”). The following year the race was combined with a state agricultural fair, and in 1818 booths serving food and drink were introduced. By the late 20th century the booths had developed into large beer halls made of plywood, with interior balconies and bandstands. Each of the Munich brewers erects one of the temporary structures, with seating capacities of some 6,000. The mayor of Munich taps the first keg to open the festival. Total beer consumption during Oktoberfest is upwards of 75,800 hectolitres (about 2 million gallons). The breweries are also represented in parades that feature beer wagons and floats along with people in folk costumes. Other entertainment includes games, amusement rides, music, and dancing. Oktoberfest draws more than six million people each year, many of them tourists.

Rossana  was meanwhile working as supervisor at  Merco-Mercantile Corporation Of Davao, with different branches all over Davao City. Merco has become a household name, Since 1946, it has continued to serve the growing city of Davao. At the helm of running things is Johnny Ferrazzini, president of the Mercantile Corp.of Davao or Merco. During that time he ran the family-owned business with his son Anton, who was the general manager, and heir apparent. One day, Johnny asked me, "Klaus, do you want to do your radio show at a bigger radio station? I can introduce you to Mr. Willie Torres, the president and top gun of UMBN - University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network!"

Well, I jumped into the deep end, after all, I had brought my large CD collection from Germany with me. My first time slot was Sundays from 10 pm - midnight. "Let's find out the feedback of our listeners", Willie Torres told me. "Classics at Night with Klaus Döring"  has started.

And then came the big surprise that really nobody had expected, least of all me.

(To be continued!)

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XXII): New Start with many Challenges

All four of us (my mother, Rossana and her brother Archie and myself) were standing in front of our two containers. Expectant and happy at the same time. But, our knees kept on shaking. The faces of the customs officers looked very, very serious. Of course, our inventory list for both containers was excessively long. "Why did you bring three washing machines, three bicycles, three television sets, three radios, three stereo units and so on...! Maybe you are hiding three cars too?"  Rossana replied quickly and with presence of mind, " Because we are three migrants to the Philippines and we belong to the same household!" The customs officers were flabbergasted and smiled. After a few hours of waiting and a lot of paperwork, our two containers were released. 

Yes, our first two years were full of surprises. Father Bacarez, our former Philippine Community Berlin chaplain visited us and blessed our whole compound. Meanwhile my mentor returned back to the Philippines and taught at Santo Tomas University Manila - among several subjects European History and also German Language. His books about German-Philippine Relationships and many talks with Monsignore Hermogenes "Gene' Bacareza gave me many inputs and knowledge. On January 25, 2003 in appreciation of his efforts promoting harmonious relations between both countries, Dr. Johannes Rau, then German Federal President conferred on Father Gene the highest honor of Germany, das Grosse Bundesverdienstkreuz  1. Klasse (Insignia of the Order of Merit). 

Father Gene was so happy knowing of my new work in Philippine media. Yes, meanwhile I had become Marketing Director of the Davao Carholic Herald and the radio station DXGN 89.9 "Good News Radio '', both located at the Bishop Thibault Center Davao City in the San Pablo Church Compound. I was allowed to contribute my regular column "The Daily Life" - and, I started my first radio program - entitled "The Passion of Music". Ludwig van Beethoven and all other classical masters could be heard in my Sunday program right after the life coverage of the 9 o'clock mass from San Pablo Church. Yes, it became true: Beethoven resides already under palms... . 

Rossana suffered from her first culture shock. "In Germany everything is so fast - the traffic, people, talking, everything somehow", she let me know. After 16 years she had become a typical German. We looked at photos together - photos from back then. Like this one from 1977: American-Philippine Friendship Day at Talomo Beach in Davao City. I felt that she was longing to dance again. Said and done. 

Maybe we became (again) risk takers. But the Manisan Dance Studio opened ... ! 

When we were strolling through the Victoria Plaza Mall on a beautiful Sunday morning after attending mass, Rossana wondered to herself; "Look over there, there is a TV recording or even life broadcasting. Yes, it was "Singgit Davao", and the host and director were former classmates of Rossana. And it was indeed life. 

Finally a big surprise happened!

(To be continued!)

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XXI): Epilogue and Preface to my Expat Life

Over the past few years we have flown to the Philippines with various airlines such as Lufthansa, Thai Airways, or Emirates. This time everything was different. Singapore Airlines took us direct from Berlin via Singapore and Cebu and then SilkAir to Davao City. All three of us had one-way-tickets. 

At the same time, our two containers were on their way to Davao by ship via  Hamburg and Singapore. The containers were packed with many memories. We decided before, we could take everything from our both households with us. Maybe a little crazy or funny. At the beginning we thought that when we woke up in the morning, we would still be in Germany. Only the car was not allowed. Everything was in the name of Rossana because during this time a Filipino citizen was allowed to send everything back to the Philippines tax-free once in a lifetime.

When we arrived in Davao, we were amazed. Our house looked almost finished from the outside. But there was still a lot to do inside. The greeting was exuberant. We lay in each other's arms and cried for joy. 

Rossana's brothers Archie and Ricardo had taken over the building supervision last year. They had already lived on the property with their families and had also laid out the small garden. A small swimming pool was there and my greatest wish had come true: dogs.

Everything seemed perfect down to the last. We lived wall to wall with our American Ninong Maurice and his Filipina wife, our Ninang Alicia. They had bought the property right next to us already in 1959.

In the next few days and weeks there was a lot for us to do. Unpacking suitcases, arranging the interior fittings and doing paperwork after paperwork. Rossana, my mother and I hardly got time to think about Germany. Homesickness did not arise. Not yet.

Rossana was especially busy sorting out the dance group costumes from Berlin. Maybe there will be another chance to perform in Davao City as a New Manisan Cultural  Dance Troupe? Well, that should become reality faster than we thought. I thought about my music library and several thousand books. 

And then events rolled over! One telephone call from the Davao City Port Customs Office in particular kept us in suspense. Our knees shook.

To be continued!)

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XX)

Chapter XX: We all pack our things! Goodbye Germany!

It did not last long. Rossana agreed. We set up an appointment with the then Philippine Vice Consul Armando L. Comia in the Philippine Embassy Berlin. He looked amazed at us  - at me specially. We could get on very  personally through many events in the Filipino Community in Berlin. Then his secretary gave us a list. 18 requirements on how to apply for a Non-Quota-Visa Section 13 (G) of the Philippine Immigration Act. 

Yes, my decision was firm. I wanted to immigrate to the Philippines with my wife and, of course, with my mother too, forever. Eighteen requirements - I took a deep breath. Rossana too. My mother, well, several months later, too.

Fact is, our subsequent stays in the Philippines made her feel very much at home. Rossana's family had no doubt that sooner or later, we would settle here in the Philippines. Me too. Rossana too.

Our coming and numerous trips to the Philippines each together with my mother followed. Meanwhile she became 73. "You don't transplant an old tree!" Many of our old acquaintances and friends in the place where I was born tried to intervene against our plan. "Where else do I have family?" my mother asked.

Back in Berlin, we went on many trips. Poland, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland ... . I was a really passionate driver without speed limit on German highways (Autobahn). Sometimes, my car and I reached 200 km per hour. But my thoughts stayed in the Philippines. A never-ending journey of my  mind. In Germany, Rossana and I had a steady and well-paid job. My mother was already a lucky retiree. 

The construction work for our new house in the Philippines has begun. Who lives where? Where is my bathroom? Where is the kitchen? How does our furniture fit where. Ask about questions?  In the meantime, Rossana and I tried to answer all the questions the Philipine Embassy Berlin gave us for the emigration.

I tried to capture more and more reports on camera about the Philippines for Germany, But somehow I already lived here.

On October 30, 1998 our non-quota visa was issued and signed by Vice Consul Armando L. Comia. Our households were packed in two containers. A 40 feet and a 20 feet container. Christa, our special friend, gave us shelter in her apartment for the last few days. Meanwhile, she worked at the Australian Embassy. 

Goodbye Germany. We left a lot behind. No mention of any details. Many things awaited us. Good and bad, But my life as an expat in the Philippines started now. Ludwig van Beethoven was with me. And some others too. Should my trip around the world come to an end? Maybe. But with which amazing consequences?

(To be continued!)