New SSS Guidelines Bared

Also being an SSS member in the Philippines I learned that SSS has cut down its interest rates and relaxed its lending requirements to enable more companies to avail themselves of its social and business loans. The agency revised its loan guidelines to give companies easier access to credit, boost employment and expand SSS membership.

The interest rate of loan granted will remain fixed for a period of one year. The loan will be subject to change based on the prevailing interest rate on its anniversary month to match market rates. ]

Under the new guidelines, employers can use the loan to acquire existing structures, expand and diversify business and fund projects in forest development and sustainable energy.

I learned from SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr., that in a span of over 23 years, SSS has released more than 23 billion Pesos to fund more then 5,000 projects that have generated more then 99,000 jobs, created more then 4,000 hospital beds and many things more.

Interested employers can contact the SSS Corporate Bonds and Loans Department at 02 - 920-6401 local 5113 and 5115 or send an email to urbanogm@sss.gov.ph.

No Divorce in The Philippines

Check out more here in the post of the INQUIRER...

No divorce an ‘honor’ for Philippines – Papal Nuncio

Charles Gounod - another Classic Music Composer

Get to know more about him here:

http://klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com

Kadayawan Festival in Davao City 2011

Neverheard? You should NOW!

My life as an expat in the Philippines is indeed very colorful (as I just stated in my weekly column in Mindanao Daily Mirror). I met a lot of people - and, my hobby, the music, has become also my "job" several times, i.e. as radio host for several years in Davao City.

I love to support local Philippino talents, i.e. NEVERHEARD. These young talented boys were born and raised in the lands where many and mostly talented people are, in Davao and Digos City. Please correct me, if I am wrong. They are presently studying in exclusive colleges and universities. This band (Alternative, experimental -!- and hard rock!)  may not be your real alternative rock band. They may jove to the sails (as they said) where the waters bring them. But, believe me, give them a try. 

Jediver Pontilar - vocalist, Richmond Damag - guitars, Simon Guillen - bass, Francis Dy - keyboards, Rav Estores - drums are the band members.

For more info please contact Joveth Gabutero Tubiano (also my Facebook friend), the band manager and event organizer of NeverHeard at 0942-7828030 or 0939-2242991.

Believe me, I seldom use this site for any promotions. NEVERHEARD is one of the very rare examples... .

Again: You Like to Study in Germany?

Signing of Memorandum of Agreement after the orientation of German Scholarship and Grant Opportunities at the Social Hall, University of Southeastern Philippines, Obrero, Davao City on July 25, 2011 hosted by DOST (Department of Science and technology) assistant regional director Miss Elsie Mae Solidum.

Signatories: Dr. Anthony Sales (DOST regional director Region XI) and new appointed DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, German Academic Exchange Service) representative and consultant "yours truly" Klaus Doring,

witnessed by Mr. Shadin Paulo Kitma, Project coordinator Goethe Institut (German Cultural Center), Manila, Mrs. Natalie Lange, DAAD main office Philippines, UP Diliman and Mr. Elmo Dela Cruz, DAAD Alumnus, present city planning officer in Davao City.

What A Small World - Was fuer eine kleine Welt...

My wife and I love to take time out in a very special beach resort on Samal Island. Years passed by, sometimes even a whole decade... suddenly we meet friends here never having seen for quite a long time. What a small world.

Meine Frau und ich lieben es, ab und zu in einem ganz speziellen "beach resort" auf Samal Island auszuspannen. Jahre vergehen, manchmal eine ganze Dekade - und tja, ploetzlich sieht man sich wieder - nach vielen, vielen Jahren. Was fuer eine kleine Welt.

The Cool Advocate: Jesus "Jess" Dureza

"He is a cool guy!" That has been one of the first comments of one of my FACEBOOK friends after posting a photo and mentioning about Jess' visit in my residence a couple of days ago. Yes, he is indeed a cool guy - he's a cool advocate.

That's why I entitled  my today's post like this.

I met him several times before - a couple of months ago in General Santos City during a lunch break in the hotel before my friends and I were leaving for Sarangani and Lake Sebu.

We are "friends" in Facebook. During our dinner in my house he testified, that he has a lot of friends. Friends in its real meaning. No wonder... .

Jesus "Jess" Dureza, an enigmatic character being a great friend and personality at the same time with short but very clear and understandable answers to all my questions.

Davao City's mayor Sara Duterte's punching incident is human, but must not be accepted and tolerated by some people. My "green solidarity sign" has been accepted by him. Democracy and free opinion in the Philippines...?

Jesus "Jess" Dureza, leaving the political stage... . He likes to be "involved in other things" - maybe. Dureza, now publisher of the Davao City based "Mindanao Times" (by the way, my column tabloid before for many years), tells his opinion in many other publications, also in Mindanao Daily Mirror - the daily with my presently weekly Friday column "In my opinion".

Questions regarding the present political situation in the Philippines, Jess has a lot of very understandable answers. Honestly, I agree with them very strongly. Why are people asking to replace the present government in the Philippines? Crossing the line? I quote Jess: "Whether we are happy or unhappy with the present state of affairs under the PNoy presidency is of no moment. Whatever it is, that doesn't justify another "adventurism" to take place."

Jess Dureza "loves to live in Davao City, visit Cebu City from time to time and do business in Manila".

Living abroad? No question. NO!

God and religion is very important for him and his family. Family and its bounds  are to be described as primarily. 

Is Dr. Jose Rizal still his (national) hero? Of course, NOT. Rizal is history. His idol has been his father - a simple bus driver, who feed the whole family with this little income. 

Foreigners in the Philippines are still very welcome... .

And, fears in life? Not at all. Live your life as it is!

Jesus "Jess" Dureza, a "cool guy" with simple but very meaningful answers to all questions. Jesus "Jess" Dureza", Press Secretary during the administration of Gloria Arroyo from 2008-2009... . Not only during that time - a cool advocate.

International Harvardian University Alumni in Davao City

PAGCOR Launches Search for Miss Casino Filipino 2011

Be the first MISS CASINO FILIPINO! It's opened to all single Filipinas, aged 18-25, who poses poise, personality, intelligence,  and charm.

The winner gets 300,000 Pesos plus in-kind donation  to the charity of choice.

You can download application forms at http://www.pagcor.ph or visit Casino Filipino in Davao City (Tel. 082 - 234 3997.

Deadline of submission of entries is July 29, 2011. Hurry up!