Somehow

 

"Somehow", I am a retiree now. As German Consul to Mindanao in example. The Consular German laws are so strict. Actually at the age of 65. Ok "lang". A German proverb goes like this: Who is resting who is rusting. Mmmh. But I keep myself busy. Though, I'll be teaching German language online again. (Thank you Ateneo de Davao!) I'm still doing translations for several institutions. And at the age of "almost" 68, I started writing my biography. As I was writing, I noticed the following: the music has me again. From my first strumming on an old piano up to several radio broadcasts beyond the borders of Davao City of classical music in the Philippines, I was honored to bring on air.

I AM A RETIREE NOW

Yes, I am a German retiree in the Philippines. Well, actually I became a retiree in accordance with German law 2 years ago already. Being retired didn't mean for me to stop working or being active in daily life though I could already enjoy my German pensions. But that's not my lifestyle.

Of course, I stopped teaching after many years. And, my service as German Honorary Consul for the island of Mindanao will soon come to an end. Such are the laws.

Being retired has many meanings for me. Maybe, being free of any kind of constriction. Having time for all these things I have actually wanted to do for years. Don't get me wrong: I really enjoyed everything I was able to do in the Philippines: being a radio host, being a Rotary Club member, being a marketing director, being a professor teaching the German language, or being a Honorary Consul on service for Filipinos and German nationals.

At the age of almost 68, it's time to focus on all the other possibilities, life has still to offer me. And believe me, there are so many possibilities. 

One thing for sure is: writing. My biography, which I started 15 years ago, should be brought to an end. I am still looking for a publisher and printing press. "With Beethoven under Palms" - yes, my life takes place under palm trees for several decades. And with me was and is Ludwig van Beethoven - my favorite German classical composer and hero. Of course not only him. Try to read my biography if it is published soon.

I am a retiree now. It doesn't mean that I don't have to do anything anymore. After all accomplishments in my past life, I am happy and satisfied. I thank our good Lord for everything he has given to me.

It's really the time now for me to focus on other things. And I know, our good Lord will guide me - as he always did during the last 68 years, while I was travelling around the world and being able to meet so many different people and being able to learn from so many cultures up to the moment I settled down in the Philippines 22 years ago.

Mabuhay Philippines!

Retirement In The Philippines: Top 20 Best Places To Live

Interesting post. Take a look...

Retirement In The Philippines: Top 20 Best Places To Live

Living in The Philippines/Leben auf den Philippinen

Live in style... live in the Philippines! Great locations, facilities entertainment and leisure activities, matched by some of the warmest smiles in the world. You can't get a better deal than that. That's how the PRA brochure for the SRRVisa (Special Resident Retiree's Visa) goes. It's indeed a hassle-free visa, as I could learn (again!) during an interview with Jaime "Jimmy" B. LLames, good friend and OiC of the Davao Satellite Office of the Philippine Retirement Authority.

Its slogan "Smile at Life in the Philippines" indeed encapsulates the spirit behind the vision. Retirees who choose the Philippines can look forward to being treated as a person, not as a statistic. PRA helps provide the good life for retirees - not only for their material comfort, but also for their physiological and emotional well being as well.

My agency YONNEX became already a merchant partner of PRA - an accredited partner. That's why I am pretty sure, that also its programs will work FOR YOU! If you need any assistance, please contact me. I am glad to help you - without any costs!

The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) is a government owned and controlled corporation created by the Executive Order  No. 1037, which wqas signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos, on July 4, 1985. On August 31, 2001, through E.O. No. 26, the control and supervision of PRA was transferred to the Board of Investments from the Office of the President.

The SRRV is indeed a non-immigrant multiple-entry visa issued by the Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines through the PRA to foreigners and former Filipino citizens.

The benefits are really amazing:

- Options of permanent residency - may live, retire and invest in the Philippines indefinitely;

- Muliple-entry privileges - may come in and go out of the Philippines, anytime;

- Exempted from the Bureau of Immigration Exit Clearance and Re-Entry Permits;

-Exempted from the Bureau of Immigration's Annual Registration requirement;

-Exempted from the Bureau of Immigration's "I-Card";

-Exempted from the Custom's Duties and Taxes for the importation of personal effects and household goods including personal car;

-Exempted from Trave Tax, Special Study Permit;

-Assistance in securing/obtaining documents from other other government authorities;

-Tax free remittance of annuities and pensions -

and many others... .

More about the documentary requirements can be read on the website www.pra.gov.ph, or don't hesitate to contact me as well as Mr. Jaime B. LLames, davao@pra.gov.ph or +63 929-5510954 or +63 82 2258888 loc. 6299.