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!
THE Marcos administration plans to improve the internet connection in Visayas and Mindanao with the help of mega-billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink satellite communications network.
Information and Communications Secretary Ivan John Uy on Monday said Starlink is ideal for such an upgrade because it uses low-orbit satellites.
"The scope of coverage is far greater and can reach areas that can't be reached or are hard to reach," Uy said in a press briefing.
He said telecommunications companies or telcos usually find it hard to set up in "missionary routes" or areas that have few users.
A network of low-orbit satellites like Starlink's is ideal for such a venture, he said.
"So far, the coverages are [in] the northern part of the Philippines and not much in the southern part where we badly need satellite connectivity. That is why a new satellite might be launched that would cover central Philippines," Uy said.
He did not say if the project will be handled by the government or a private firm, but that it is targeted to be done by the end of the year.
Uy said that right now he is reviewing the projects of the agency since there are numerous problems that need to be dealt with first.
Among them is the strengthening or reviving of the free public WiFi.
"We are studying it; we have to sit down and work on it. There are many and different issues that need to be resolved first," he said.
The free WiFi project has been saddled with problems, including the nonpayment to the subscriptions for connectivity, and hardware and contractor issues.
Uy vowed that the DICT "will continue to make the free public WiFi more effective."
Residents of Caraga, Davao Region, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and SOCCSKSARGEN may experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in the next 24 hours due to the low pressure area (LPA) and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), said the state weather bureau on Thursday, May 12.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that the LPA was last spotted 490 kilometers (km) east of Davao City. It is embedded along the ITCZ affecting Mindanao.
“Ayon sa ating latest analysis ay mababa ‘yung tiyansa nito na maging bagyo ngunit continuous monitoring pa rin tayo. Ngayong araw ay nakikita po natin na magdudulot ang LPA at ITCZ na ito ng mga pag-ulan sa malaking bahagi ng Mindanao (Based on our latest analysis, this weather disturbance remains less likely to develop into a tropical cyclone, however we will be monitoring it continuously. Today, this LPA and ITCZ may bring rains in most parts of Mindanao),” said PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda in a public weather forecast.
Meanwhile, generally fair weather with a slight chance of isolated rains may prevail in most of Luzon, including Metro Manila.
Due to the expected prevalence of hot and humid weather, residents were advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight in order to prevent heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
No gale warning is issued over the country’s seaboards. Fisherfolk and seafarers are free to sail, added Castañeda.
Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said Dabawenyos can now access their vaccination certificate at the VaxCertPH booths set up at the different malls in Davao City.
The VaxCertPh booths were opened at SM Lanang Premier, Abreeza Mall, Gaisano Mall Bajada, SM Ecoland, and Gmall of Toril.
The opening of booths aims to give Dabawenyos the convenience of accessing their vaccination certificate because back then it was difficult for them to download their vaccination certificates online for international travels and travel to other LGUs.
Before we had had mga concerns asa nila kuhaon ang ilahang mga vaccination certificate for those who want to travel abroad and to other LGUs na nanginahanglan ug certificate. I would like to announce na ang atoang mga VaxCertPh booth is already available sa atoang mga different malls Wala na’y rason na maglisod sila ug download sa online ug avail sa online,” Schlosser said.
The vaccination certificate can be availed by those planning to travel abroad since countries are now requiring people entering their territory to be fully vaccinated. It will also serve as proof that an individual has completed the required doses.
“I hope this will serve as our answer sa inyong concerns before na puwede namo maka pa-print or maka-avail sa inyong vaccination certificate which will be needed sa mga international travels and other LGU travels,” Schlosser said.
Davao City has been chosen for the pilot implementation of the digital vaccination certificate which can be done only online in October last year. However, the booth only catered to those Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are required to secure a digital vaccination certificate.
Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) that set up the VaxCertPH information technology system for the issuance of vaccination certificates was reported updating the system with added security features and information on booster shots received.
Now that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases have peaked in several parts of the country, an OCTA research fellow said that “the worst is probably over in most parts of the Philippines” in terms of the COVID-19 surge.
“The good news is, and I want to emphasize, is that we could imagine that the worst is probably over for most of the country because cases have peaked or peaking,” said OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David during a virtual forum on Monday, Jan. 31.
However, David reiterated that this does not mean that the viral transmission is over.
“It doesn’t mean that it’s all clear. We should still follow health protocols as we go out because there is still a significant number of cases, especially in many parts of the country,” he added.
David said that among the provinces which are still seeing a significant increase in new COVID-19 infections were Bukidnon, Camiguin, Cotabato, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Maguindanao, Negros Oriental, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
“Except for Negros Oriental which is in Visayas, most of the provinces are in Mindanao. What happened was that the surge happened later in these provinces, that’s why they’re still at an accelerating stage, whereas the surge has already matured and is now on a downward trend in Visayas and Luzon,” said David.
The OCTA research group previously stated that the Omicron-driven surge of COVID-19 is less likely to return in Metro Manila, but provinces outside the region should brace for the rise in infections.
Meanwhile, David still urged the public to continue adhering to the minimum public health standards such as the proper wearing of mask and observing physical distancing to further prevent the transmission of the disease.
THE low pressure area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has now developed into a Tropical Depression (TD).
Based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Tropical Cyclone Advisory Number One issued at 11 a.m. Sunday, December 12, 2021, the center of the tropical depression was located at 2.095 kilometers east of Mindanao.
The tropical depression is expected to enter the PAR on Tuesday, December 14, and will be named “TD Odette.”
Due to favorable environmental conditions, the tropical cyclone will likely continue to intensify and may reach the Typhoon Category with a maximum sustained wind of 120 kilometers per hour.
According to the forecast of Pagasa, by the evening of December 15 or the morning of December 16, the tropical cyclone will begin to move westward and may make landfall over the Eastern Visayas-Caraga area.
The highest possible wind signal that may be hoisted for this tropical cyclone is Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Number Four.
Sarangani Southern Philippines’ front door to BIMP-EAGA, is the southern most province in the mainland of Mindanao. It is cut midway by the city of General Santos giving its two sections hammock-like shapes that hug the mountains and Sarangani Bay. Sarangani is surrounded by the Celebes Sea, Sarangani Bay, and the province of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur.
The Province is also a coastal zone of SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), one of the country’s fastest growing development clusters.
Sarangani has seven municipalities (Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, Malungon, Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum) with 141 Barangays. Its vast beachfront, rolling hills and plains offers plenty of opportunities.
Major Industries: Aquaculture, Fishery, Agriculture Plantations and Tourism.
Power supply comes from the National Power Corporation (NPC) 69-KV transmission line and redistributed by a local electric cooperative, SOCOTECO II. The Southern Philippines Power Corporation (SPPC) stationed in Brgy. Baluntay, Alabel also supplies 55-MW from its diesel power plant, By 2015, Sarangani Energy Corporation, a coil-fired power plant located at Maasim will be operational with 200-MW capacity.
Water supply is sustained by spring development projects, construction of water systems and digging of artesian and swallow tube wells.
Telephone lines are connected in all seven towns of the province. All seven towns are now covered by the services of the cellular phone networks and wireless internet connection.
A 145Kms. world-class road network connects the seven municipalities and traversing through the city of General Santos, which maintains an international airport and a wharf. Commercial and rural banks provide business institutions and populace easy and efficient access to financial services in each municipality.
... unlike Luzon and Visayas in spite the Philippines being a Spanish colony for over 3 centuries?
By: John Carlo Dacillo
Mechanical Engineer
Space, Technology, Military and Philippine Culture, Politics and History enthusiast. Loves to read all stuff
Because the Spaniards failed to conquer them. The Moros along with Lumads had resisted them successfully. Thing is, only parts of Mindanao were not conquered. Some parts of it were conquered. The natives absorbed Spanish influences like Luzon and Visayas, take Butuan for example and Zamboanga that even speaks a Spanish Creole language. Also, Luzon was not converted in its entirety too because the Spaniards failed to conquer the Highlands, the land of Igorots.
Back in March 2020, the Philippines was put under an enhanced community quarantine to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safe from the virus that put the entire world at a standstill.
While inside their homes, many people were getting antsy, not only because of the impending threat to their health, but also because of the frustration with their confinement, which offered little to no chance of leaving unless it was to buy food, medicine, and other necessities.
Many people took up new hobbies to combat their boredom and anxiety. And one of the most popular hobbies taken up during lockdown was gardening or farming. During the previous years, there has been a rise in the number of urban farmers since they found the activity of growing food to be efficient in alleviating their worries as well as keeping their food source sustainable and secure.
Noel Sablay, a physics teacher by profession, decided to engage in farming during the quarantine as well. But instead of doing it in his house, he and his family decided to travel to Mindanao to “escape” the quarantine in Manila.
Instead of farming in the city, Sablay and his family decided to farm in the province.
Before the pandemic, Sablay was teaching in an international school in China. He has also worked at the Philippine Normal University, along with another international school in Indonesia.
Artemio Heritage Ecofarm is an agri-tourism and learning spot for livestock, plants, and fish. It was established in August 2020 at Palomoc-Culasian Rd, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, where Sablay and his family retreated to pass the time during the quarantine period.
It was named after the late Artemio Pusta, Sablay’s father-in-law, a retired policeman who was known to locals to have a tough yet kind heart and to have enjoyed family fun.
“Since we went to Mindanao during the quarantine periods in Manila, we stayed here for a month, and so we thought to develop my wife’s property,” Sablay said.
His affinity for farming came from his upbringing, as he was born to a family of farmers in Ilocos Sur. At a young age, Sablay experienced planting rice and tobacco; raising goats, cows, and carabaos; as well as managing a backyard piggery.
Using that knowledge and experience, Sablay and his wife started their farming journey with a piggery that follows the concept of Babuyang-Walang-Amoy, using rice hull substrate in the pigpen. Babuyang-Walang-Amoy is the process of raising pigs without the distinct stench that comes from their pens and minimizing health risks while mimicking the pigs’ natural environment to promote humane practices.
One of the early projects of Sablay and his wife is a piggery that followed the Babuyang-Walang-Amoy concept.
The couple developed the property until it accommodated more elements other than a piggery such as a poultry farm and tilapia pond. They’re also growing green lady papaya and backyard vegetables.
They started with a grassy hill area which was improved through landscaping, but without changing much of the natural landscape. When the area was cleared, they found it suitable for camping, adventure trails, other crops, a restaurant and function hall, and a training area.
Eventually, the couple developed the farm further to accommodate poultry, a tilapia pond, backyard vegetables, and even a high-value crops section. Now, the couple is nearly done establishing their high-yield crops and dragon fruit section.
Maintaining the farm
Each element on their farm is routinely maintained by five staff members who have different roles and specialties in farm management. Through it all, Sablay also plays an active role on their farm as he does the planning and directing. He also trains their staff.
Chickens raised on Artemio’s Heritage Ecofarm.
“Occasionally I would also sleep on the farm for straight seven days and do farming myself. I also take charge of landscaping and beautification of the farm. My wife and son take charge of our e-farming side, which is the online promotion of our farm and services,” he said.
Presently, their piggery is the most prolific element on their farm. Next are the red lady papaya and the tilapia-koi section. With incoming flowing in from these sources, the couple can continue their daily farm operations.
The tilapia pond in the farm.
“Our farm works on the farm-to-table concept, which uses our products and produce at our agritourism space. We have a campsite and farm restaurant opening in a week or two, depending on the condition of lockdown due to COVID in the area,” Sablay said.
According to Sablay, one of their goals for the farm is for it to become the first to practice the farm-to-table concept in their area. They produce what they sell and in the process of doing so, they hope to connect with other farms and inspire them to do the same.
ome of their products include a special large-size lechon that’s directly sourced from their piggery; consumers can choose between three variants such as regular, salty, and seafood stuffed.
They also offer fresh produce like herbs and naturally-grown vegetables as well as processed items like gourmet tuyo, drip coffee, and homemade jams. Sablay said that they plan to make all these available at their on-site cafe.
Running off to the province did more for Sablay and his family than to just “escape” the community quarantine in the city. It became a way for them to start their farming journey which allowed them to create a sustainable source of income through the crops, livestock, and farm tourism aspect of Artemio’s Heritage Ecofarm.
For more information, visit Artemio’s Heritage Ecofarm on Facebook.
Photos courtesy from Artemio’s Heritage Ecofarm on Facebook
MANILA. A health worker conducts a Covid-19 swab test on a resident as they monitor cases in a village in Quezon City on May 31, 2021. (AP)
THE uptick in new coronavirus infections nationwide has become more evident over the past week, with Mindanao's case growth outpacing those in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the rest of Luzon, the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau noted Thursday, June 3, 2021.
On Thursday, the DOH case bulletin listed 7,217 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and 199 additional mortalities, the highest in the last seven days, as 141 cases that were previously tagged as recoveries were validated as deaths.
New infections have gone past 5,000 for nine consecutive days while deaths have exceeded 100 for seven out of the recent eight days.
These brought the cumulative case count to 1,247,899. There were 34 duplicates, including 16 recoveries, that were removed from the total.
The number of active cases climbed to 55,790, now comprising 4.5 percent of the total count, as recoveries were fewer at 3,483 than the new cases. Total recoveries went up to 1,170,752, or 93.8 percent of the total.
The additional mortalities raised the death toll to 21,357. The case fatality rate remained at 1.71 percent.
The daily positivity rate has also been increasing, reaching 14 percent on June 1 out of 44,197 samples tested, while testing output has been on a downtrend.
Trends
Dr. Alethea de Guzman, director of the Epidemiology Bureau, said in a media forum Thursday that cases nationwide averaged 6,691 per day from May 27 to June 2, nearly 30 percent higher than the 5,214 daily average from May 20 to 26.
Three regions, namely NCR, Cagayan Valley and Cordillera, continued to post high average daily attack rates, exceeding the DOH benchmark of 7 per 100,000 population.
Twelve regions continued to post positive two-week growth rates and are classified as moderate risk. Six of these 12 regions are in Mindanao, three in the Visayas and the rest are in Luzon.
The 12 regions are Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Soccsksargen, Ilocos, Davao, Central Visayas, Bicol, Eastern Visayas and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The daily tally of cases in Mindanao regions is just a fraction of those in the NCR Plus, but De Guzman said they noted that these were increasing faster as reflected in a steep incline in the epidemic curve.
“As cases continue to increase, there’s a risk of cases rising exponentially,” she said.
Of the three regions in the Visayas, Western Visayas posted a faster growth in cases compared to Central and Eastern Visayas, which are seeing a gradual increase.
Health system
De Guzman also said they were closely watching regions with high healthcare and intensive care unit (ICU) utilization rates.
Cagayan Valley is at high risk with an healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) of 71 percent and ICU occupancy of 78 percent as of June 1.
In Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro and Northern Mindanao are at high risk with ICU occupancy of 91 percent, 83 percent and 71 percent, respectively.
The ICU occupancy rate and HCUR in Central Visayas have gone down to 30 percent and 33 percent, respectively, as of June 1.
The regions with ICU occupancy rates of more than 60 percent were Bicol (69 percent), Western Visayas and Soccsksargen (both at 68 percent), and Caraga (64 percent).
On Wednesday, Davao Region with 368 new cases showed up on the list of regions with the highest number of new cases, after NCR (954), Calabarzon (775), Central Luzon (533) and Western Visayas (391).
Among the cities and provinces, the highest new cases on Wednesday were recorded in Cavite (285), Davao City (226), Quezon City (222), Laguna (183) and Batangas (150).
The daily average of new cases in the country peaked at around 10,800 in the week from April 9 to 15, but went down to 7,595 in the period from April 29 to May 5 and plateaued for most of May.
De Guzman said the daily average went down to 6,410 on May 6 to 12, 5,827 on May 13 to 19, and further to 5,214 on May 20 to 26.
Covid-19 deaths have decreased to 77 a day in May from 111 a day in April, but the daily average of 77 was still higher than the 2020 peak of 69 in August. (Marites Villamor-Ilano / SunStar Philippines)
Davao de Oro --- More than five hundred micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in 23 identified barangays in the province received over P2.5-million livelihood assistance under the DTI’s Livelihood Seeding Program–Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay – Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (LSP-NSB PBG) with strict adherence of health protocols for COVID-19.
Each beneficiary received a package of various livelihood kits amounting to PHP5, 000 who were residents of Barangay Longanapan, Aguinaldo, Anitipan, Bahi, Golden Valley, Linoan, New Visayas, Bayabas, Sto. Niño, Pagsabangan, Andap, Panansalan, Diwalwal, San Isidro, Bawani, Araibo, Bongabong, Tibagon, Manipongol, Panangan, New Dalaguete, Mayaon, and Conception in this province.
The program aims to boost micro-enterprises affected by natural and human-induced calamities such as pandemic brought by COVID-19 and intends to provide livelihood opportunities for identified beneficiaries in areas considered as priorities. They also underwent four modules of capability building seminar to develop and strengthen their entrepreneurial competencies during the turn-over ceremony.
There is a Negosyo Center per municipality that promotes ease of doing business and providing access to development services for MSMEs through business counselors in their areas of responsibilities.
This was made successful in partnership with the provincial and local government units that allows a wider reach of business development assistance by bringing government services closer to the people especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDAs) and vulnerable communities. (Rheafe C. Hortizano, Provincial Information Office, Photo Courtesy of DTI-DdO)
Please be informed that due to so many requests the German Honorary Consulate in Davao City for Mindanao is reopening starting next Tuesday May 26, 2020 following the strict health and hygiene measures. Personal appointments are limited to 3 clients per day and only after setting an appointment via 0915 219 9002 or 082 227 1761. NO WALK-INS ALLOWED! If you miss your scheduled appointment, you shall set up anew appointment because you'll be entertained on your scheduled appointment only. For your guidance.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) acute respiratory disease has no effect yet on the tourism industry in some parts of Northern Mindanao as health authorities prepare personnel and facilities in case it reaches the region.
In Misamis Oriental, there is no report yet of individuals having 2019-nCoV symptoms either from local residents or foreign nationals who are visiting the province, said lawyer Jeffrey Saclot, provincial tourism officer, on Tuesday (Feb. 4).
The 2019-nCoV originated in Wuhan, a city in Hubei province, China, and was first detected last December.
The coronavirus has since spread to other countries, including the Philippines where the Department of Health was able to confirm that a Chinese national died from the disease, the first fatality outside of China.
Saclot said that since foreign travelers form only a fraction of tourist arrivals to the province, the ban, especially on travellers coming from China, has no impact on the local tourism industry.
Another factor is that the Laguindingan Airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, does not have international flights yet, he said.
He stated that foreign tourists constitute only five percent of the total number of arrivals in the province.
“Most of our tourists are locals. That’s why our tourism industry has not been affected by the travel ban due to the novel coronavirus,” Saclot said.
He added, however, that once the Laguindingan Airport caters to international flights, tourism officials will expect more foreign tourists to visit Misamis Oriental.
The province boasts of some of the most-visited tourist sites in the region, including the Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador City, the Flight 387 memorial park in Gingoog City, and the healing pool in Binuangan town.
Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano has announced that he will provide thermal scanners to various points of entry in the province and in Cagayan de Oro.
According to the provincial information office, thermal scanners will be distributed to the Laguindingan Airport, Mindanao Container Terminal sub-port in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, and the Macabalan seaport in Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro.
The devices will be used to scan passengers entering the province and city.
In an interview, Emano said he will use the provincial government’s emergency funds to buy the scanners, although the gadgets’ cost is not yet specified.
Emano said he has included the Macabalan port among the ports that will be provided with thermal scanners because many of the passengers who disembark from ships coming from different parts of the country pass through or go to Misamis Oriental.
The governor said the thermal scanners will be distributed within the week to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the agency that manages the Laguindingan Airport, the Philippine Ports Authority, and the entity that handles the day-to-day operations at the Mindanao Container Terminal.
Carlo Dugaduga, the provincial information officer, said the amount allocated to obtain the scanners will be made known once the provincial health office (PHO) has already made the purchase.
Dugaduga said the PHO is still in the process of gathering prices of the thermal scanners.
On Monday, officials from different government agencies in Cagayan de Oro formed the Task Force Novel Coronavirus to address the threat posed by this deadly virus. (davaotoday.com)
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.
Bei einer Erdbebenserie auf der philippinischen Insel Mindanao sind mindestens vier Menschen ums Leben gekommen. Das heftigste Beben hatte die Stärke 6,8 und ereignete sich in der Davao-Region. Anschließend kam es zu etlichen Nachbeben. Im Ort Padada stürzte ein mehrstöckiges Supermarkt-Gebäude ein. Dabei starben nach Feuerwehr-Angaben mindestens drei Menschen. Eine unbekannte Zahl von Menschen wurde noch in den Trümmern vermutet. In Matanao starb nach Angaben von Bürgermeister Vincent Fernandez ein sechsjähriges Mädchen, als eine Betonwand umstürzte. (C) DW
Impressions from the commemorating the 156th Birth Anniversary of the Great Plebeian, Gat. Andres Bonifacio at the Bonifacio Circle, corner C.M. Recto and Magallanes Street in Davao City.
Thank you very much for the invitation City Government of Davao City thru City Administrator Attorney Zuleika Lopez.
The Honorary German Consulate in Davao City joined also by participating in the floral offering.
ANDRES BONIFACIO
Andres Bonifacio (November 30,1863 – May 10,1897)
Portrait of Andres BonifacioAndres Bonifacio was born on November 30, 1863 to Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro in Tondo located in Manila Philippines. He was a Filipino revolutionary hero who founded the Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan a secret society devoted to fighting the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. He was the first one to have a clear vision of what a Filipino nation should be—The Father of the Filipino Nation. He would later be known as Supremo; destined to change the history of the Filipino people.
Bonifacio was not born and raised a plebeian, his mother was half-Spanish and he was privately tutored by a certain Guillermo Osmeña. But things became tough for him when his parents died when he was 14 years old forcing him to quit his studies and look after his 5 younger brothers and sisters. He earned a living as a craftsman and seller of canes and fans and then he became clerk and agent for a foreign commercial firm, Fleming and Company. In spite of his lack of formal education, he taught himself to read and write in Spanish and Tagalog, and was actually so good at it that he later got a job as a clerk-messenger for the German trading firm Fressel and Company. It was said that Bonifacio was interested in Western classic rationalism and read the works of Victor Hugo, Jose Rizal, and Eugene Sue. He had a deep interest in reading books on the French Revolution and the lives of the presidents of the United States and acquired a good understanding of the socio-historical process. Although it must be argued that the main thing that made his later organizing activities successful would be his savvy to appropriate local consciousness and ancient Filipino concepts to the Katipunan—Inang Bayan, sandugo, kapatiran, kaginhawaan, and katimawaan or kalayaan. His passion for changing the plight of his countrymen under colonialism encouraged him to join La Liga Filipina. La Liga Filipina was organized in July 3, 1892 by Jose Rizal with the purpose of uniting the people under “one compact homogenous body” which is the nation, instituting reform, education and cooperation, building the nation in the grassroots.
Rise of the Katipunan
Four days after the establishment of the Liga, July 7,1892, the arrest and banishment of Jose Rizal the day before made it practically nonexistent as an organization. Andres Bonifacio along side Ladislao Diwa, Teodoro Plata and others decided to continue the struggle and formed the Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang ang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or Katipunan at the home of Deodato Arellano in Calle Azcarraga, Manila. A small room lit only by a table lamp they signed a solemn compact with blood drawn from their forearm to symbolized the birth of the Katipunan the sandugo was not just a blood pact but a pledge to love each compatriot as brothers and sisters as the ancients did when they consolidate the bayan—kapatiran.
Only when people have mabuting kalooban (good intentions, thus the Kartilya) for each other, will true kaginhawaan (total well-being) and kalayaan (freedom) be attained. Thus it must be said that the Katipunan was not just a mere organization that wanted to unite the people to topple the Spanish Empire, but wanted a true unity of mind and hearts among the Tagalogs (Taga-ilog, river people, referring to peoples/mga bayan from the whole archipelago) under one Inang Bayan seeking the enlightened and straight path, an original Filipino concept of the nation. After two previous Supremos, the humble founder of the Katipunan Andres Bonifacio finally agreed to be Supremo of the Katipunan.
An Excursion to the Mountains
As a theater actor himself, Bonifacio had a favourite character to play—Bernardo Carpio, the mythical Tagalog king trapped in between two mountains who will soon be freed to fight and free the people from the bondage of colonialism. On Good Friday of 1895, he went to the caves of Mt. Tapusi, Montalban, Rizal with his men. They wrote through charcoals on the walls of the caves “Naparito ang mga Anak ng Bayan, hinahanap ang Kalayaan. Mabuhay ang Kalayaan.” (The Sons of the People came here searching for freedom. Long live freedom!) Definitely, it was not a coincidence why he chose that time place for this, a declaration of independence: The Katipunan will be the Bernardo Carpio who will free Inang Bayan. They are willing to sacrifice their lives for the altar of freedom.
(Members of the Diplomatic Corps during the commemorating)
Photo Courtesy: Pibi Ann Neri Balcom, German Honorary Consulate, Davao City.
Compostela Valley Province---The provincial government of Compostela Valley under the leadership of Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) joins the observance of the "World Tsunami Awareness Day 2019" on November 5, 2019.
The project aims to install a community-based tsunami preparedness program in the province and strengthen readiness of the coastal communities not only on Tsunami hazard but also threat of storm surge during typhoon.
PDRRMO chief Joseph Randy M. Loy, RN, lead in organizing the event to all coastal Municipalities of the province namely: Maco, Mabini and Pantukan through their Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs) made the pioneering event a success.
Loy expressed his gratitude to the officials of the Action Against Hunger (AAH) for providing the Information Education Campaign (IEC) materials and for providing Six (6) units of Tsunami Warning signage in addition to the province's 18 tsunami signage installed in all coastal communities of ComVal.
"Thanks a lot to our supportive stakeholders especially from the DepEd Family of Compostela Valley Province and all Barangay Councils who made this event successful," said Loy.(PDRRMO/ID Comval)
We had both started out on the same path before we ever knew each other existed. We both decided to leave the nine-to-five career lifestyle, sell off our possessions and travel the world. Our paths first crossed in the small, historic town of Luang Prabang in Laos. I (Jonathan) was on a budget motorbike trip around Asia, while Kach was backpacking with her brother and sister.
We spent a lot of time together for a couple of days, visiting waterfalls and exploring the countryside on my motorbike, but then it was time to continue on our separate ways.
1. Caraga Church
Caraga Church, also known as San Salvador del Mundo Church, was built in 1884 and was known to be the oldest church in Mindanao and one of the few remaining Spanish colonial era churches in Mindanao. In 2012, it has been declared as a National Historical Site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Not only an important cultural property, this church is significant not only in the province but to the whole country, since it is where Christianity began, in the Eastern part of the Philippines. This old stone church is made of coral and limestone blocks/rocks placed on top of each other, while the upper half is constructed mainly of wood. Main door has inscription of the symbol of Christ which dates the structure’s foundation in 1884. It also houses several artifacts including the two centuries-old giant seashells that serve as holy water font, a baptismal font used during the Spanish era, church bell that dates back to 1802 and an antique statue of San Isidro Labrador. Fascinating relics, a significant part of Christianity in the country, truly, this is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Davao
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Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Pearl Farm Beach Resort offers guests with serene ambiance, excellent customer service – a true paradise, very highly recommended. It is a well situated property in a private beach, ideal for snorkeling. No doubt, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.
With the secured location and the comfort of being just across the mall, this hotel is very much recommendable for travelers who are looking for simple elegance and comfort without the fancy accommodation from known five star hotels. Highly recommended, this is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.
San Juan Bautista Church, or commonly known as Jimenez Church, was built in the second half of the 19th century by the Augustinian Recollects. This Baroque and Renaissance styled structure is known to be one one of the best preserved interior of a Roman Catholic church in Mindanao. In 2001, it has been declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and one of the 26 Spanish Colonial Era churches under the conservation program of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). An important heritage, and one of the chief attractions of Misamis Occidental, this is definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Misamis Occidental
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Royal Garden Hotel
Royal Garden Hotel has a good location, in the middle of the city and within walking distance to mall, eating places and almost everything you need. A classy budget hotel, it offers guests with clean rooms, spacious convention hall and lovely interior decors. A pleasant surprise in the city, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Misamis Occidental.
GV Hotel – Ozamiz is a convenient and affordable accommodation. In a good location, within walking distance from the pier and the ambiance is good as well. Staff is nice too, very helpful. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Misamis Occidental.
St. James Church in Dapitan is a Baroque styled church built in 1871 by the Jesuits, in honor of St. James the Great. This magnificent creation, in the heart of Dapitan City, is made of indigenous materials such as rocks, sea corals and lime, and is still still well-preserved up to this day. This old Spanish structure symbolizes the early Christianization of the city. Interior is quite fascinating, specially the ceiling and dome design, with amusing patterns, catchy to the eyes. Part of history, this church is where Dr. Jose Rizal attends mass during Sundays, during his exile in Dapitan. Truly, this is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Dapitan
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Dakak Park and Beach Resort
A mixture of fun and relaxation, it’s a sure wonderful stay in Dakak Park and Beach Resort. White sand, clear waters, relaxing ambiance, definitely an excellent resort. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Dapitan.
Travelbee Heritage Inn provides guests with a homey ambiance, clean rooms at affordable prices. Food is excellent too and it is well located in a quiet area. Definitely, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Dapitan.
Built in 1894 by the Spanish friars, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral (or also known as Dipolog Cathedral), was made in honor of Our Lady of Holy Rosary. It was believed that the original altar of the cathedral was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, during his exile in Dapitan. Like other churches, it has undergone several renovations, with the latest, in 2009, rebuilding the facade of the cathedral with marbles. Interior is just simply astounding, with ceilings made of Narra wood. Authentic grandeur, this is definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation Near Dapitan
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Ariana Hotel
Ariana Hotel is a stone’s throw away from the airport and is a reasonably priced accommodation. Rooms are spacious, has a swimming pool with sun lounge and good quality food. Service is excellent, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Dapitan.
Hotel Camila 2 is a comfortable place to stay in Dipolog, with a good location, accessible along the highway. Rooms are clean and has comfortable bedding, plus they have this cute Mickey Mouse shaped swimming pool. A quaint hotel with efficient service,definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Dapitan.
Immaculate Concepcion Church is the first church of Jasaan, built between 1723 to 1830. This Barn Style Baroque architecture was a provincial attempt to mimic the famous San Ignacio Church of Intramuros in Manila. Significant features of this structure includes the original brick paving, neo-Gothic retablo, and ceiling woodwork. It also has two bell towers, with an old bell dated back in 1807. With it historical and cultural value, the church was declared to be a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum in 2001. Truly, this magnificent creation is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation Near Misamis Oriental
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Pearlmont Hotel
Pearlmont Hotel is an accessible budget hotel. Rooms are very spacious, staff and room service are very accommodating. Location is great, just few steps away from shopping malls and restaurants. This is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Misamis Oriental.
Conchita Hotel is an accessible accommodation, situated in the middle of the market, nearby the Centrio Mall, the famous White Water Rafting River and the beaches of CDO. Rooms are comfortable and spacious, staff is attentive and friendly. This is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation near Misamis Oriental.
Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral is located in Cagayan de Oro, was founded in 1624, in dedication to Saint Augustine. History tells that the church was previously settled in an area called Huluga or Himologan, and was later on moved to Cagayan de Oro, founded by the Augustinian Recollects. It was moved to its current location to their belief that it would be easier to defend the church from marauding pirates and enemies. It was attacked several times by Non Christian soldiers from the areas of Mindanao, not spared by fire, due to its light materials. It has undergone renovations due to these instances, rebuilding the church from wood to stone. This Neo Gothic styled structure boast its magnificent interior, of Raphaelite-inspired stained-glass windows. The church is said to be part of the destinations for Cagayan de Oro Heritage Walk Tour, a simple evidence that it is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Cagayan de Oro
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LOHAS airport hotel
LOHAS airport hotel has a strategic location in Cagayan de Oro, 5 minutes away from the airport, and they can arrange guest’s airport transfer which is very convenient. Beach is located 10 minutes away from the hotel and they also offer aqua sports activities. Cosy and relaxing pit stop, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cagayan de Oro.
GC Suites offers guests with spacious and properly lit rooms. Bathroom is big too and room design is very fancy. The interior design of each room is quite hip plus snack bar items are all reasonably-priced. Staffis very attentive too. Truly one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cagayan de Oro.
San Pedro Cathedral or Davao Cathedral is a city’s premier landmark, built in 1847 by the first Spanish settlers in the area. This Neo-Gothic styled architecture serves as as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao and is considered as a National Cultural Treasure. Special features of the oldest cathedral of Davao include the frontal-curved roofing, designed to resemble the prow of a vinta, gliding over waters, carrying a Cross at the helm. Vinta, representing the Muslim Mindanao and the Cross representing Christianity. Another notable feauture is the Bell Tower which houses the image of Pieta, a statue depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus, and the tablets of the Ten Commandments of God. A true historical landmark, definitely one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Davao
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Seda Abreeza
Seda Abreeza is a great modern style hotel with clean spacious room, furnished with an elegant modern touch. Facilities and accommodations are great with exemplary service. Excellent value for money, this is definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.
The service and facilities in the hotel are first class and the location via a covered walkway to the shops and restaurants of the SM mall make it a great all-round place to stay. Room is clean, pool and food are great! High quality service in great location, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Davao.
The Christ the King Cathedral in Tagum City, was built in 1993, solely from donations, and was completed along the the celebration of the silver anniversary of the Diocese of Tagum City in 2005. In this cathedral is where you can find the largest and longest wooden rosary in the world. This magnificent art work is made of magcono (iron wood), which is native to the mountains of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur. The giant rosary was a project of the Knights of Columbus to commemorate the silver anniversary of the Catholic diocese of Tagum City. A combination of modern and traditional design, the biggest basilica in Mindanao serves as a chief attraction for tourists. Truly, it is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Tagum
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Big 8 Corporate Hotel
Big 8 Corporate Hotel is a nice place, with spacious and clean rooms, basic amenities included and a good selection of breakfast. Excellent service, well-trained and courteous staff. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tagum.
Heroben Hometel offers guests with comfort with their huge bed, yellow lights and ultra quiet air conditioner. Bathroom is decent and clean too, with shower heater, and a countertop to provide space for your toiletries. A fairly priced place to stay, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tagum.
Tamontaka Church (Cotabato City) by Shubert Ciencia / CC BY 2.0
Tamontaka Church in Cotabato City was built in 1872 and is the first Christian church in the city. In 1879, the church has been relocated in its present location. Like other churches, it has been damaged as well by earthquake and even fire, with only the facade spared with its original structure. It also has an interesting underground passageway leading you to a catacomb, which is a part of the network of caves from which the name of the city was derived. A Spanish influenced architecture, with relics of the living past, truly one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Cotabato
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Butlers House at Koronadal
Butlers House at Koronadal has a convenient location, an easy access to most of the must-see in the city. Excellent service and superior facilities, accommodation tastefully furnished. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cotabato.
My Home Trio Dormitel is well situated hotel conveniently located in Koronadal City. It offers guests with comfort and convenience with their many facilities. Professional service and quality rooms, definitely one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Cotabato.
San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral can be found in the isolated community of Tandag, in the eastern side of Mindanao, part of Surigao Peninsula. It was built in the 1950’s and was expanded during the 80’s, adding improvements and extensions to the structures and interior. It is said that the church started as a “kamalig”, made of Nipa leaves, on the same spot where it is standing now. A cathedral with a very grand design, truly one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
Recommended Accommodation in Tandag
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Villa Maria Luisa Hotel
Villa Maria Luisa Hotel offers guests with luxurious amenities, wonderful views and clean spacious rooms. Staff is courteous, always smiling and very accommodating. Great deal, definitely one of the best and a well recommended accommodation in Tandag.
Donelles Haven Pension House is conveniently situated in Tandag City, offering guests with high quality room facilities. It’s a great base for exploring the city, an easy access to the city’s must-see places. Truly, this is one of the best and well recommended accommodation in Tandag.
