Being deep in thought

My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro Times

OPINION

 January 16, 2020

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VERY often - sometimes too often! - the thought is back! If we wake up in the morning (or even many times in the middle of the night), the thought is back. Sometimes, the thought will not let us sleep. The "act of thinking". the "reflection", the "opinion" or the "serious consideration", no matter, how we describe it - our memory and conscience is always with us as a permanent companion.

We brood over unsettled problem. Sometimes we bear unfair treatments, arrogance, ignorance, incompetent know-it-all-betters, and unbearable oddballs, who inexorable love to make our life a hell while living themselves a disorderly life.

We would not like to be distracted, but we're toying with some good ideas how we could throw overboard all that "human garbage". What will come next is a matter of conjecture.

Of course, I've got my ideas, but I'm not a mind reader. Too many trains of thought make us thoughtless and absent-minded especially in difficult and important daily life situations.

Does waiting and/or sleeping solve our problems? Or is it just again in time? Our life's central idea should not be, that while waiting, time solves all our problems. Thoughts should intensify, condense and deepen plans follow by actions.

It's good and helpful to carry thoughts in us all the time. Incomprehensible, or better unfinished and unmatured thoughts, no matter whether positive or negative, should be slept on, before tiredness outstrips us with supersonic speed.

Sometimes, we feel that our thoughts and ideas can't be fulfilled with life. Where the heart is willing, it will find a thousand ways; but where the heart is weak, it will find a thousands excuses. If doubts begin to take roots, we should rouse from pink-tinted idealism or wear down and annihilate nightmares and erase and wipe out such thoughts and ideas.

If our thoughts are good and have the chance to be fulfilled in action, especially if "the other side" is prepared and willing to step on to such a bridge of life, we might get a support and words of encouragement.

And, if not? No action? Maybe it is God's will to keep and protect us from a careless, rash, disadvantageous and uneasy action. Every new day gives us new inexhaustible possibilities to survive, to bear trials and to start a new beginning. We overlook and fail to notice many chances in lie through our sluggishness and laziness while thinking and dreaming of unequaled and unfulfilled ideas.

To Err is Human - To Forgive is Divine

The British poet Alexander Pope (1688-1744) created this saying. And, in my opinion, he is so very right.

In our daily life struggles we also pass innumerable periods of splendid isolation and act, as William Shakespeare said  "Thoughts are Free" by hurting and insulting relatives, friends, and colleagues. Many times we err, and, even we know it, we don't care. BAHAL SILA...

We pray and ask for forgiveness. And, we are so sure of having our complementary ticket in our pockets and pouches. Nobody is perfect - sure! Me too! Yes, I confess! But that's no excuse for broken promises.]

How many times do we commit a mistake? How many times are we mistaken, or get astray? How many times to we sin?

How often do we catch ourselves being roving, wandering and acting eccentric, changeable capricious and not dependable? Or, how many people in our surroundings do we meet daily, who err terrible on their decisions? 

To err is human, sure - but not if we err wilfully, intentionally or if legal premeditation is done. But, the second part of this column is much more important: forgiveness...

(To be continued!)

(Re-post of my column IN MY OPINION in MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR from November 16, 2012.)

Why is The Filipino Special?

Writer's note: This is an article written by former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., which has been re-posted several times in the past, and several days ago in Mindanao Daily Mirror, where fellow columnist Juan L. Mercado commented: "YOU MAY FIND MUCH TO AGREE WITH IT - OR DISAGREE. ANYWAY READ ON...". I would say the same. As an expatriate, living in the Philippines since 1999 for good, I found Magsaysay's article very interesting... .

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Filipinos are brown. Our color should not be a reason for an inferiority complex. (Some) pine for a fair complexion, white people tan themselves - approximate the Filipino complexion.

Filipinos are a touching people. We create human chains with our perennial AKBAY (putting an arm around another's shoulder, HAWAK (hold), KALABIT (touching with the tip of a finger). We seek inter connections.

Filipinos are linguists. It is not uncommon for Filipinos to speak at least three: his own dialect, Filipino and English. A lot speak an added language, Chinese, Spanish, or, if he works abroad, thelanguage of his host country.

Filipinos are "groupists". We surround ourselves with people and hover over them. An average Filipino would have and know at least 300 relatives, notes Dr. Patricia Licuanan of Ateneo and Miriam College.

At work, we live BAYANIHAN (mutual help). We want a KALARA (playmate) more than LARUAN (toy). At socials, even guests bring in other guests. When the is no more space in the vehicle, we KALONG KALONG (sit on anoher!). No one suggests splitting.

Filipinos are weavers. Look at our baskets, mats and other crafts. This art is metaphor. We are social weavers. We weave their into ours that we all become parts of another. Thus, we put preium  on PAKIKISAMA (getting along) and PAKIKIPAGKAPWA (relating). WALANG PAKIKI-PAGKAPWA (inability to relate) is one of the worst labels. 

We harmonize with people and include them in our "tribe", our "family". We seek to be included. Thus, we call our friend's mother NANAY. We ca a friend's sister ATE (eldest sister), and so on. We even call strangers TIA/TITA (aunt) or TIO/TITO (uncle).

We have the "KA" - institution - loosely translated as "equal to the same kind" as in KASAMA (of the same company), KAISA (of the same cause), KAPANALIG (of the same believe), etc. In our social fiber, we treat other people as co-equals. 

Filipinos are adventurers. We have a tradition of separation. Our legends speak of heroes and heroines who almost always get separated from loved ones, and move to far-away lands. There, they find wealth and power.

Our Spanish colonial history is filled with separations caused by the reduccion (hamleting), and forced migration to build towns, churches and galleons. American occupation enlarged the space of Filipino wandering, including America. There is documented evidence of Filipino presence in America as far as back as 1587.

Now, Filipinos composed the world's largest population of overseas workers. Today's citizens of the world bring BAGOONG (salty shrimps paste), PANSIT (sauteed noodles), SIOPAO (meat-filled dough), including the TABO (ladle) and TSINELAS  (slippers).

Filipinos recreate their home, or feel at home anywhere. Filipinos have PAKIRAMDAM (deep feeling/discernment). We know how to feel what others feel. Being MANHID (dense) is slur. In our PAKIKI-PAGKAPWA (relating), we get not only to wear another man's shoe but also his heart.

Filipinos are very spiritual. We transcend the physical world. We have a sense of KABA (hunch). A Filipino wife instinctively feels her husband or child is going astray, whether or not tell-tale signs present themselves. Filipinos spiritually makes him invoke divine intervention. Rightly or wrongly, Filipinos are always acknowledging, invoking or driving away spirits into and from their life.

Filipinos are timeless. For nearly half-a-millennium now, the Western clock encroached into our lives. Except for official functions, Filipinos will still measure the time with feeling. Our time is diffused, not framed.

Appointments are defined by UMAGA (morning), TANGHALI (noon), HAPON (afternoon), or GABI (evening). Our most exact time reference is probably KATANGHALIANG-TAPAT (high noon), which allows many minutes of leeway. There is really no defenite time. A Filipino event has no clear-cut beginning nor ending. We have a fiesta, but there is VISPERAS (evening), a day after the fiesta is still considered a good time to visit. The Filipino Christmas is not confined on December 25, it somehow begins months before December and extends up to beyond the first days of January.

Filipinos are spaceless. The Filipino concept of space is not expressed in kilometers but with feelings. We say MALAYO (far) or MALAPIT (near). Indigenous culture did not divide land into private lots but kept it open for all to partake of its abundance.

One's party may expropriate the street! So do SARI SARI - stores! Provincial folks dry PALAYAN (rice grain) on the high ways. Religious groups matter-of-factly commandeer streets for processions and parades. "Filipinos eat, sleep, chat, socialize, quarrel, even urinate ANYWHERE!

So what makes the Filipino special? Brown, spiritual, timeless, spaceless, linguists, groupists, weavers, adventures? Filipinos should contribute their traits to the world-wide-community of men. But first, they should know, like and love themselves...!

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Again: this is an article, written by former Senator Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. - Comments are very much welcome here.

Implementing Ban on Plastics is a Challenge

Last week Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte admitted that implementing the ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam containers is "challenging" but said it is a challenge the city is willing to take.

"For a city as big as Davao City, the implementation is a challenge, but the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) is determined to implement the law," the mayor said in an interview.

The ban of the use of plastics is contained in the Solid Waster Management Ordinance approved in 2012. The city will start the implementation on June 28, 2012, two years after the ordinance was submitted. 

I agree with mayor saying while the ordinance contains some "grey areas", it will take time so the city has no choice but to work on the current law. 

Some manufactures, vendors' associations, store owners, and other business establishments made an appeal, because they have yet to get rid of their stock of old plastics.  Also wet food products should be exempted from the ban. The ban covers the use of all plastic bags used for grocery and shopping, packaging for meats and fish in wet markets including materials made of polystyrene foam or Styrofoam. 

The ban is aimed at further mitigating the harmful effects of non-biodegradable materials littered in the environment or dumped at the sanitary landfill. 

Standing By Myself?

(Pre-published in Mindanao Daily Mirror, Friday, November 4, 2011)

While being a columnist of "Tinig ng Bayan" (published in Abra) during the 1980s I remember our Taiwanese coordinator Cristina Lising-Geronga, who expressed herself in innumerable write-ups about the topic loneliness. Sure, "Tinig ng Bayan" has been a publication for Filipinos abroad. Loneliness, borne by Filipinos living abroad while missing their families in the philippines became a very "normal" expression.

During that time my late mentor Monsignor Professor Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, Chaplain of the Philippine Community in Berlin, started together with me publishing "Ang Mabuhay". Believe me, "loneliness" became a main topic in many write-ups.

How comes that loneliness is still a general topic in so many families?

Loneliness has been called one of the main diseases of this century. It really doesn't strike not only the Filipinos abroad and their love ones back home. Too often loneliness is being followed by alcoholism, drug abuse and even suicide. Yes, loneliness becomes a modern day plague. I observed several people (also expatriates) trying to surround themselves with so-called "friends" only to find that such relationships are often shallow and unsatisfying.

Loneliness can be painful but being lonely or alone at that is not always a bad thing. Ask yourself, how do you use your time, if you are really alone? Do you simply let the time passes without doing anything at all? Why not use such time productively? There are many worthwhile activities to engage in, even if you are alone, such as reading, writing, listen to good (light?) music, play an (forgotten?) instrument, gardening... .

Reading the bible can be also very particularly beneficial. The  Word of God is "alive and exerts in power" and can take  our minds off ourselves.

To break the cycle of loneliness, one must be a giver. Let's keep an eye, not only and always on our personal interests but also on the interests of others. Look around and watch out who needs help, or who needs a real friend or good listener. Once you have spotted such a person, act! Thus, in order to have you must act like a friend. Luke 6:38 says, "Give to others, and God will give it to you!"

A blessed and relaxing Sunday to all of you!

Manny Pacquiao - Retirement and Darts Propaganda

Philippine boxing superstar Manny said he considers retiring after a couple of fights to concentrate on his duties as public servant. "I am not gonna stay long in boxing. A couple of fights - ant then, it should be enough!"

Manny's iconic status will help promote the sport of darts in the Philippines, according to English darts legend Rod Harrington.

Harrington said Pacquiao, who now has his own line of darts courtesy of Target Darts, can influence his fellow Filipinos to enjoy the benefits of darts because they look up to him. 

Harrington was a former No. 1 darts player in the world. he won the 1991 Darts World Masters and the World Matchplay in 1998 and 1999.

Good luck, Manny!!!

Lazy Summerdays

You don't get anything for nothing in life. This is the main motto of our life. This is the epigraph of our biography - whether we like it our not.

According to the book of Genesis, after God created the universe in six days, he rested on the seventh day. In other words, He took a vacation. So, if God reted after working for the some period of time, there is no reason why man, who is finite and limited in his physical streng, should not take a vacation.

Hurray, doing nothing is really something. No, I don't mean those people, who just hang out day-by-day and week-by-week (Filipinos and/or expatriates!) doing nothing. No, I mean, doing nothing is really something after a period of really hard work. By the way, it doesn't matter, if it regards our children or us. None of us need all our time. Also my nieces and nephews started now enjoying some lazy summerdays. At home, at a beach, during a trip somehow somewhere... .

I met innumerable kids, who don't go to dances, gymnastics, piano or trampoline lessons. One of nieces loves take-wan-do. Okay lang. Others don't want to, and that's fine with their parents. When the kids are ready, they will surely join a sport or ask to take lessons in something that interests them. No, not now. Pwede! Enjoy some lazy summer days. It's vacation time in the Philippines. 

For now, especially during school vacation, time off is just time off and should be - from time to time. Lazy summer days - if we're not on duty - how cool such days could be: Stay outside and so absolutely nothing structured. Maybe, go for walks, ride bikes (ignore the rain!), go to the beach (swimming while raining is wonderful!), have a picnic somewhere. Or, if you really can't survive the bad weather, stay home drawing, playing games, write something

 or read one of those books, waiting for you since years.

I still remember my lazy summer days, when I wasn't yet living in the Philippines, sitting in the blazing sun, eating a Popsicle, getting all sticky, and running after the bees. Those (old) lazy summer days even turned into lazy winter days in my home country Germany, and shaped and characterized my whole life.

So guys, enjoy some lazy summer days right now - somewhere - somehow, especially if you're stressed, overwhelmed or depressed. You really deserve it! Let's rest for a while to acquire new energy. Me too! Yes, me too! While you might read this, I also enjoy the first of my lazy summer days - somewhere - somehow!

After the Japan Disaster/Nach dem Japandisaster: Deutschenliste und Krisenvorsorge Philippinen

Mitteilung der Deutschen Botschaft in Manila/Philippinen:

Krisenvorsorge - Anmeldung ab sofort im Internet!

Die bisherige Deutschenliste wurde bereits 2009 abgeschafft. Ihre Daten, die auf der manuell gefuehrten Krisenvorsorgeliste registriert wurden, koennen leider nicht mehr uebernommen werden.

Die Aufnahme in die Krisenvorsorgeliste erfolgt nur noch passwortgeschuetzt im on-line Verfahren.

Die elektronische Registrierung ersetzt die bisher manuell gefuehrte Krisenvorsorgeliste der Botschaft/und-oder des naechsten Generalkonsulats. Es wird gebeten, Ihre Daten bald ueber das Internet einzugeben, auch wenn Sie bisher schon registriert waren. Sie werden ausserdem kuenftig automatisch in regelmaessigen Abstaenden aufgefordert werden, Ihre Angaben zu bestaetigen bzw. zu aktualisieren. Damit sollen Vollstaendigkeit und Aktualitaet der Registrierungen im Sinne einer wirksamen Krisenvorsorge und -bewaeltigung sichergestellt werden. Bitte beantworten Sie daher die Ihnen automatisch zugehenden Anforderungen deshalb in Ihrem eigenen Interess

Sollten Sie bei der Online-Registrierung auf Schwierigkeiten stossen, senden Sie bitte eine E-Mail (rk-101@auswaertiges-amt-de) mit einer kurzen Erlaeuterung oder rufen Sie an (fuer die Philippinen): 02 - 702 3044.

Are You Lonely Today? A Typical Expat Question!

Check out more:

http://www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com

What Foreigners Sometimes Ask About the Philippines... .

I am living in the Philippines for good since January 1999. Being involved in several businesses - as you can read in profile - I do get a lot of emails every day. Mostly from concerned foreigners, who plan to put up a business here in the Philippines, to get married to a Philippine national -or plan to settle down here. Not only inquiries because of this and that - no, but also a lot of questions. Sometimes it's indeed very difficult to formulate the correct (or best) replay and answer. 

Of course, foreigners, who are still planning to stay here for good, should plan very well and ask a lot of questions, because law and requirements change always. All updates regarding all concerns can't even be published here.

But here are also some (additional) questions, I get on a regular basis:

- A doctor from a Western country asked, if Filipinos are also wearing shoes, because he only (?) sam them wearing slippers.

- A business man asked, why most Filipinos try to avoid  to speak  the Spanish language. (I suggested the man to research in Philippine history...).

-  A German woman asked, if the Philippines (in general) are really poor, and if  we would experience hunger here. What would you answer her?

- Another doctor from an European country, who planned to open a clinic in "the capital of the Philippines - and really only there!", asked me, if I really would enjoy living and working - in "Jakarta" (!?).

Some questions are really more then unbelievable. Asking me, if Filipinos can survive without electricity, or, if we also have chickens and tomatoes - oh boy, I am sure, everybody understands that I left such questions unanswered.

As Philippine Star columnist Jessica Zafra voiced out last year: "The Philippines is an entire country also outside its national borders. All those Filipinos have have friends, foreign classmates, colleagues and family members living and working all over the globe!"

Those Filipinos are also helping to promote the right imagine of this wonderful country. Who else could help?

Expats and Healthcare in The Philippines

I am lucky. Yes, I am! When I moved to the Philippines for good in 1999, i was still able to get some very good health insurance plans: critical illness, accident, death because of accident etcetera etcetera....

And, I also joined PHILHEALTH.

I informed several other expats and (Filipino) friends of mine about it. One of them became very lucky. He has been hospitalized and needed a blood transfusion several months ago. I informed him about the latest statement of Dr. Rey B. Aquino, President and CEO of PhilHealth: "In keeping with its trust objective of providing its members with responsive benefits, blood transfusions done even as an outpatient is now being paid  for by the state run Philippine Health Insurance cooperation (PhilHealth). This took effect already on al claims for outpatient blood transfusions starting one year ago.

Of course, it should be clarified that while purchase of blood is not included in the benefits , all medically-necessary drugs and medicines used during the transfusion shall be compensated in addition to the usual blood donor screening test.

What ever, however, being a PhilHealth member is a must - also and/or especially for expatriates living here in the Philippines.

What Do Filipinos Value Most?

When I read one of a national papers' poll, I could only strongly agree. Yes, that's what I experienced since the first moment I stepped on Philippine soil.

Allow me to share it with you:

Family comes first: Filipinos value most their families. Filipinos are very much family-oriented that they will sacrifice everything just to be able to give their children the best of life. It is indeed the family that matters most to all Filipinos. Close family ties characterize the typical Filipino clan. No other values could displace it in the hearts of true-blooded Filipinos. 

I also agree with several poll joiners, that Pinoys indeed give prime concern  to bonding with relatives AND FRIENDS., ready to spent the last penny to impress their unlimited hospitality. 

Time changes everything. Not only I observed it - also a lot of Filipinos joining this poll. Yes, it's true: there has been a paradigm shift in what Filipinos value. These values have eroded slowly. 

A good education still seems to be a status symbol in many Filipino families. Many Filipinos are keep on dreaming (and trying their best!) for the children to have a good education and a better future. And, Filipinos value loyality and honesty at work. 

"Crab mentality" is and will remain as a bane. 

Although, after 12 years living in the Philippines for good as an expat, I also value many things here: especially the hospitality, gratefulness and credibility, I can experience every single day. And, I feel save and happy and so very much secure in this family-oriented society. 

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow / Gestern, heute, morgen

Do you always count the days up to the next legal holiday without being on duty? Or do you start as early as September longing for Christmas? And do you wish the weeks or months to hopefully pass by like an assault up to the next possible salary increase?

Many times we are really too much in a hurry while feeling uncomfortable if we noticed how time flies. We have no time for some one or something, or even for ourselves. We don't make time for some one of something or even for ourselves.

When I was still a teenager, I was longing for the time to be a grown up already. Later, I enjoyed listening to my grandmother's stories such as "Once Upon A Time" or 'When I Was Young" from her "yesterday's life".

After a couple of years, especially while observing that time really flies like a rocket to the moon, I always have the same question in my mind: Are the present hours and days less valuable? 

These days between Christmas and New Year, between yesterday and tomorrow, I used to slow down and to relax. I even ignore my cellphone most of the time. I hide at a secret place to unwind. 

The next turn of the year is just around the corner. For most of us it's the time  to come to our senses. The future prospects smile at us already. What might the New Year 2011 bring us? Another hectic schedule of course! But hopefully also happiness, joy and health. 

Is life in future easier, nicer, more charming and being more fulfilled compared to the present? Many of us retreat into the past and forget their present existence. A possible topsy-turved world of a golden youth tries to let us forget that also the past have had its share of disappointments, pains, tears, darkness, as well as desperate days. Dreamy and sleepy days - yes, lost days, irretrievable time... .

I am glad and happy being able to live a wonderful life as an expatriate here in the Philippines - together with my family and many very good friends. It hasn't been easy during the first years. Now we stand on our own feet, because we worked hard and adjusted very well. 

Happy New Year to all of you and May God bless us!

Poll says 9 of 10 Filipinos hopeful about 2011

Poll says 9 of 10 Filipinos hopeful about 2011

As always, the optimistic Philippinos! Check out this post.
Merry Christmas!

Wie immer - die optimistischen Philippinos! Lesen Sie diesen Artikel!
Froehliche Weihnachten!

Cute - But Please Don't Wait For the Bite!

I love dogs since my childhood. I still have seven dogs here in the Philippines. Here are some puppies. Aren't they cute???

Without timely treatment, rabies infection is 100 percent fatal. Rabies is the best example of an illness in which prevention is better than cure, as it is a vaccine-preventable disease. 

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), more than 55,00 people die of rabies every year, with dog bites as the cause of 99 percent of rabies deaths. Every year, more than  15 million people worldwide (!) receive post-exposure prophylaxis, preventing an estimated 327,000 rabies deaths annually.

Following the official announcements rabies remains a significant public heath concern in the Philippines where only 25 percent of dogs are vaccinated against the viral infection and only 17 (!) rabies diagnostic laboratories are currently in operation. 

Come and visit me and my dogs. Yes, they are very cute - not only as puppies. And, if they might bite you, youhave nothing to worry!

Mr. Eric van Oppens, president and CEO of Novartis Healthcare Philippines voiced it out very clearly: 

"Our commitment to increase public awareness on rabies begins within the company and among our employees. Rest assured that we will expand our rabies awareness campaign to include the general public. This is our humble contribution to preventing and controlling rabies in the Philippines!"

Why Do I Live in The Philippines? Warum lebe ich auf den Philippinen?

 

That's why! Try to get an idea of it!

Darum! Bilder sagen mehr als Worte!

A closer look, please!

Do you know the African proverb: "The camel never sees its own hump, but that of its brother is always before its eyes!"

Maybe it's true, because most of us forget to see our very own self. But does it really help, if we always see "this way" - US in a mirror?

Our tendency to focus on the irritating faults of others most of the time obscures our vision of the positive aspects of others, as Karyl Yvette stresses already several years ago in "Pinoy Balita Korea". Yes, we lose sight of the good and decent qualities of others, the true essence of who and what they are, and we all see only the humps in life. Also as expats living in the Philippines... .

Shouldn't we use our own eyes clearly and effectively? So, let's start a new day with a positive look over our own whole, even being in front of our mirror, then taking a glimpse on the good things around us. Have you watched a butterfly over a flower? Wow, we have a lot here in the Philippines. Have you used your freedom of expression over loud music? I mean, not the whole day or during night time, if others want to sleep.

Yes, I must confess, many times I also forgot those simple rules - and, I forgot how to stay young, happy and healthy. It's so easy, especially while living in the Philippines.

Did I say "young"? Yes, because it's not a time of life - it's a state of mind. Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years; people grow old only by deserting their ideals. Yes, wrinkle the skin, but to surrender enthusiasm wrinkles the sou. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear - these are the long, long years that bow the head and turn growing spirit to dust.

Susconsciously we 'cook our ideas' while being passive. I met a lot of fellow expats, who are doing so. Of ocurse, Newton relaxed, when he saw the apple falling from the tree - and got the idea of gravity, Watt relaxed in the kitchen while watching the jumping steam boiler cover - and got the idea of the steam engine. We have much more good ideas during two hours of creative muse and leisure time, then waiting eight hours in an office... .