Foreign Language Education in The Philippines

As faculty member (German Language, Institute of Languages) I do enjoy teaching at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City, starting almost three years ago. Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Goetheinstitut in Manila, USEP became one of its partner schools:

http://www.goethe.de/ins/ph/map/net/ska/enindex.htm

I'll be attending the collaborative conference  on "Sustainable Development of Foreign Language Education in the Philippines (Secondary and Tertiary Levels)" in Manila, organized by the Alliance Francaise de Manille, Embassy of France, Embassy of Germany, Embassy of Japan, Embassy of Spain, Embassy of Italy, Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes, and the japan Foundation, Manila.

I like to quote Japan Foundation Manila Director Shuji Takatori:

"The said event will showcase the cooperative efforts of various foreign government cultural/language agencies and pertinent institutions in promoting a long-term implementation of the Philippin Government's program in foreign language education, it's significant for foreign organizations to be engaged in a laudable endeavor - the Filipino student's communicative competence in foreign language as well as in depth understanding and appreciation of foreign culture in preparation for a linguistically diverse workplace; thus, the undertaking - "working hand-in-hand / strengthened partnership" with the host country leading to the inclusion of Foreign Language Education in the standard academic curriculum is for the attainment of the Filipino's youth's global competitiveness."

The Department of Education and the CHED will inform about the current situation of the participating languages in the Philippines in High-Schools as well as in universities (e.g.existing language programs, possible teacher trainings, teacher education, evaluation, quality standards, needs, program goals and questions.

I am sure, it will be an exciting time for me while joining this event. I am also sure, that I'll be reporting more details about this topic after being back from Manila.

An Email from InterNations GmbH in Germany

I was very glad to receive the following email from Germany:

Dear Mr. Klaus Doring,

First of all let me congratulate you on your informative website. I liked the way you structured the information in order to give useful tips for your visitors about culture, lifestyle, your adventures and a lot more! I was personally happy to see your commitment and ability to write interesting posts about the daily life in the Philippines as an expatriate!

I am sure that our expatriate members would be happy to have a look at your blog! ... I will be more than happy to create an entry for you in our City Guide. This way we can draw our members' attention to your website and promote it among 200,000 members. 

... Here is some more information about InterNations: InterNations is the biggest global networking site for expats of various nationalities and their family members. At the moment InterNations unites more than 200,000 members in 235 cities worldwide. On our platform, expatriates and their partners can connect with compariots, ask for advice on everyday life in their host country, provide other members with useful tips, make new contacts and find information in our City Guides.

... The restrictions - membership is invitation-only - are necessary for our community in order to maintain a high level of quality, trust and confidence for our member base. The registration process is easy, safe, free of charge, and it will take you only a few minutes.

...Keep on updating your exciting Blog!

Sincerely 

PHILIPP VON PLATO

Founder & Managing Director InterNations GmbH, Muenchen/Germany.

Thank you very much Philipp von Plato. I joined already your community and for all those, you like to join also, here is the link:

http://www.internations.org/expats/home/philippines
http://www.internations.org

Or visit my "Important Links/Wichtige Links" and click "Expatriats"!

German Christmas Party German Community and International Friends (II)

 

Mayor of Davao City Miss Sara Inday Duterte-Carpio

Barangay Captain, Buhangin, Davao City, James "Jimmy" Salvador (during an interview after his re-election!).

Both of them (among many others!) to grace the Christmas party of the German Community and International Friends.

Call now and reserve your tickets now: 082 -227 1761 (Rossana Balcom-Doring in Davao City!)

The Depressant Alcohol

"Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complains/ Who has wounds without cases? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long for the wine, those who go in search of mixed wines? Do not look at the wine, when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse words. ... When I shall awake, that i may seek another drink!" (Proverbs 23:29-35)

When I recopy this part of the bible several years ago, I got already the idea to write about this topic. I joined, and I am still joining circles of many other fellows around me - Filipinos AND expatriats more or less (?) with regular social drinking and/or habitual drinking with meals (beer or wine!). Imagine, when I stayed in France, I couldn't believe that for many Frenchmen a breakfast consists of bread (French baguette), cheese, coffee - and read wine! 

For many among us (and I learned it from several expats living in the Philippines) social drinking also also occasional drinks to relieve stress and boredom. Doing nothing can become stress! And a lot of expats are getting bored even in this beautiful country Philippines, because they have nothing to do!

Suddenly the devil alcohol creates a feeling of freedom without worries and euphoria. Feelings are free flowing: stress and/or boredom have gone! Suddenly gulping drinks and daily secret drinking might relieve stress  but makes one loose also control. Yes guys, alcohol is soooo cheap in the Philippines!!!

Suddenly loss of interest stays at any corner, conflicts with the law, conflicts in the family, accidents, mental deterioration, even death...! Hold on guys, the sad consequences should let us  tremble with fair! That's not the reason staying in the Philippines!

Every time I enjoy a drink in acceptable measurements I try asking myself: Am I drinking too heavily? Do I sneak drinks? Do I drink because of frustrations or just because the world is so nice and pink tinted? Can I stop drinking right now?

Wait, yes, it's true! Since several years I avoid joining circles of heavy drinking people - no matter circles of Filipino or expat friends... .

Do YOU pay YOUR taxes ON TIME?

As an expat living in the Philippines and doing several businesses and having certain incomes I do pay my taxes on time.

Other people don't care!

It was really interesting to learn, that the Philippine Bureau of internal Revenue's campaign against tax evaders and tax cheats is slowly (but surely) paying off after a popular Philippine television and movie personality paid 17 million Pesos in tax obligations after learning that she is the subject of the next tax evasion case to be filed supposedly by the BIR.

No names have been mentioned, but according to well-placed sources at the Bureau, a female television and movie personality of the Philippines, a daughter also of a well known actor and actress (separated for many years now!) has paid the 17 million last week. Good. Congrats! Why not?

Last October 21, the BIR has filed charges against controversial film and television director Carlo J. Caparas for his failure to pay the right amount of taxes. The case against him marks the Aquino's administration's first tax case against a high-profile television and movie personality. I hope, more cases are on the road.

The Philippine Box Icon: Manny Pacquiao

I must confess: I have never been a friend of boxing sport. I changed my mind since last year or so (I don't remember the exact date or incident!). I met Manny Pacquiao's mother during a Rotary convention in General Santos City. I didn't understand, why so many Filipinos admired (and are still admiring!) Manny even as a National hero. Maybe I go the point now... .

Let's face it: when it comes to international sport events: where are the Philippines? When it comes to international sport events, Manny appears more and more in media's headlines.

Looking forward to his next match: it should be the last time Manny will fight at a catch weight. It will be as a welter weight at 147 lb, where he is reigning WBO champaign. No more, no less.

When I browsed www.maxboxing.com I got surprised, learning about trainer Freddie Roach, telling the world, "that he hates catch weight fights"!

Manny Pacquiao is the only fighter in history to win seven world titles in seven different weight classes and will face Antonio Margarito for the vacant WBC super-welter weight  title on November 14, 2010 in Arlington/Texas.

If I ask my fellow Filipino friends and neighbors, if they are confident of a win by the Philippine's champ Manny over Antonio, one might not surprised to learn:

- I am always confident that he will win, and we all should be!

- I am confident with his God-given talent, because he is a world-class boxer.

- I am NOT confident, because Antonio is too tall, heavier and used to the welter weight division and had defeated top-ranking welter weights with flourish!

Mmmh - anyway, good luck Manny!

Tropical Garden - my secret hiding place...

 

I love it here...

 

Christmas Party German Community and International Friends Davao City/Mindanao - Weihnachtsfeier Deutsche Gemeinschaft und Internationale Freunde in Davao City/Mindanao

The Christmas Party of the "German Community Davao City/Mindanao and International Friends" is being scheduled for

Saturday, December 11, 2010

from 12:00 noon till ? (open end!)

in

Casino Filipino Davao City, Pantawan Hall, Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang, Davao City.

International (European) and Filipino Food, drinks, coffee, cake, raffle (sponsor i.e. is  Casino Filipino Davao City), exchange gifts, live band (dance?), program, Christmas spirit and several surprises are waiting for you.

For further information and ticket reservations you might call 082 - 227 1761 (Davao City) and ask for Rossana Balcom-Doring or email me: doringklaus@gmail.com.

Don't miss this event!

+++

Die Weihnachtsfeier der Deutschen Gemeinschaft und Internationale Freunde wird stattfinden am

Samstag, 11. Dezember 2010

von 12:00 mittags bis ? (Ende offen!) im

Casino Filipino Davao City, Pantawan Hall, Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. 

Internationale (Europaeische) und Philippinische Gerichte, Getraenke, Kaffee, Kuchen, Verlosung (Sponsor ist u.a. das Casino Filipino Davao City), eine Liveband (Tanz?), Unterhaltungsprogram, das Gefuehl von Weihnachten und viele Ueberraschungen warten auf Sie! 

Fuer weitere Informationen und Ticketreservierungen sollten Sie bald anrufen: 082- 227 1761 (Davao City) und sprechen Sie mit Rossana Balcom-Doring oder senden Sie mir eine Email: doringklaus@gmail.com.

Versaeumen Sie nicht dieses grossartige Ereignis!!!

Rueckblick: Weihnachtsfeier 2010/Christparty 2010   

                                                                                                             

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!

Filipino Cuisine and Tuna

Filipino cuisine is indeed a uniquely delicious smorgasbord of flavours resulting from an adventurous mix of indigenous ingredients and liberal sprinklings of culinary influences of contact with East and West. 

Food plays really a major role in promoting the Philippines' national identity and culture. Filipino food is so very varied and in some cases, unique , such as "adobo, batchoy, sisig, kalamay, and many others. Believe, I love Philippine cuisine. And, I also love Tuna, or Sashimi.

During my last stay in General Santos City a few days ago I learned that the tuna supply in Mindanao has reached a critical level and a further study is needed on how to make the supply sustainable. A two-year fishing ban has been declared starting this year, on fishing boats like tuna purse seiners to allow the dwindling tuna stocks to regenerate. I am pretty sure we have to believe, that the tuna resources are in a critical stage now. 

By the way: Region XII of Mindanao has exported 34 million kilograms of frozen whole round tuna, pouched and canned tuna products to the European Union markets from January to June 2010 alone... .