Davao Watersheds Home to Half the Philippines' Bird Species

I was really happy to learn about it because of an article in MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR several days ago.

Imagine, 70 percent of the Philippine inventory of endemic bird species have been confirmed to be living in the Mount Talomo-Pangigan area. Results rom a recent study conducted by the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. (PEF) revealed that the watershed is home to at least 124 bird species as studied in a series of field surveys conducted from 1997-2012.

The Philippines has currently 169 endemic bird species on record., 45 of which are only found in Mindanao. According to the report, 66 of the 124 species which were covered by the research study are Philippine endemic, while 24 of them are Mindanao endemic. This led the study authors to conclude that the watersheds hold an "impressive" percentage of local avian fauna.

Interface Development Interventions, Inc. Executive Director Ann Fuentes said that this significant find underscored the importance of Davao's watersheds in protecting and sustaining a rich biodiversity of organism that can only be found in the Mindanao region.

Other than the Philippine Eagle, the report also identified that the Tarictic of Mindanao hornbill, Penelopides panini, is the second most threatened bird in the watersheds due to illegal pet trade and because it also being hunted for food. Dwindling forest cover has contributed much to the decline of the local populations.

The Talomo-Panigan watershed areas along with the adjacent Lipadas, are the sites of aquifers which provide the current and future supply for Dabawenyos.

In 2010, the department of Tourism has announced that bird watching tours are becoming an emerging option in Philippine tourism. As a biodiversity hotspot, the Philippines has over 600 bird species with a high concentration of bird species per kilometer.  

What Do YOU Know About GERMANY?

What do you know about Germany? You will find out if you are an expert and if you try the German Embassy's quiz at this year's MABUHAY GERMANY from October 12 - 14, 2012.

Lots of prizes are waiting...!

Coach Michael Weiss of the Philippines' Men's National Football Team

Davao Celebrity Bangs Garcia Back Home

 

 Yes, it was great to see Bangs back in Davao! It was during the "Beauty Fair 2012" last Sunday in Gaisano Mall here in Davao City.

Bang started already as teen star and became famous through ABS-CBN's afternoon "OFW-serye" "Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo" together with Jake Cuenca and Shaina Magdayao. Bangs was already a local ABS-CBN talent in Davao City and one of those hopefuls in local talent searches.

Many important chapters in her career followed: As Cindy Kurleto's best friend in the Vic Sotto "Da De Di Do Du" - as to mention one.

Good luck for your future, Bangs Garcia!

Race to Save the Philippine Eagle

Re-post of MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR Editorial from Wednesday, September 26, 2012 with friendly permission of publisher Marietta Singco).(

The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) continues to dwindle in number despite the valiant effort of some stakeholders, chief of which is the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF). According to the International Union for Consideration of Nature (IUCN), the Eagle qualifies as a Critically Endangered Species because it has "an extremely small population ... owing to extensive deforestation." Decades of unmitigated deforestation to fill the need of a growing human population have rendered the Eagles' habitat unviable, and now they number only between 180 and 500 adult individuals.

"Forest destruction and fragmentation, through commercial timber extraction and shifting cultivation, is the principal long-term threat, "the IUCN says. "Old-growth forest continues to be lost within the eagle's range. Moreover, most remaining lowland forest is leased to logging concessions. Mining applications pose an additional threat." Human activities, especially in Mindanao where the Eagles used to thrive, are driving the national bird to extinction.

Naturwunder in meinem Garten/A Natural Phenomenon

Ich traute meinen Augen nicht;
I thought, I am in a deep dream:

Wing span/Fluegelspannweite: 23 cm... .

Muenchen Kommt Nach Davao City/Munich Comes to Davao City

For the first time ever: Munich comes to Davao City! 

Mark these days in your calender: Saturday,October 27 and Sunday 28, 2012.

Das aller erste Mal ueberhaupt: Muenchen kommt nach Davao City!

Merken Sie sich diese Tage im Kalender vor: Samstag, dem 27. und Sonntag, dem 28. Oktober 2012.

Oktoberfest 2012 - DAS ORIGINAL im Apo View Hotel, Davao City  mit dem

BAVARIAN SOUND EXPRESS vom Tegernsee/Bayern

live an beiden Abenden von 18:00 bis 1:00 Uhr morgens

mit grossartiger Unterstuetzung des German Club's, Makati City.

Oktoberfest 2012 - THE ORIGINAL in Apo View Hotel, Davao City with the

BAVARIAN SOUND EXPRESS from Tegern Lake/Bavaria

live on both evenings from 6 pm till 1 am.

with generous support of German Club, Makati City.

Essen, Bier, Wein, Spass - soviel wie gewuenscht fuer 1,950 Pesos pro Kopf und Abend (Kinder von 12 bis 17 Jahren 50% Rabatt).

Food, beer, wine, fun - unlimited for 1,950 Pesos per head and evening (children at the age from 12 till 17 years 50% discount).

Fuer Reservierungen und weitere Informationen AB SOFORT DIREKT: MISS GUIA KATHRYN GABUNI, Apo View Hotel, Banquet Office: (6382) - 221-6430 - 40. Innerhalb der Philippinen: 082 - 221-6430 - 40. ODER 0917 706 8911.

For reservations and more information DIRECTLY IN: Apo View Hotel, MISS GUIA KATHRYN GABUNI, Banquet Office: (6382) - 221-6430 - 40. In the Philippines please call: 082 - 221-6430 - 40. 
OR 0917 7068911.

Or check: http://www.apoview.com

MEN DON'T CRY?

This is a re-post of my column IN MY OPINION from September 7, 2012 in MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR with friendly permission of my publisher Miss Marietta Siongco.

Since I was a little boy, my whole family and our neighbors liked to hammer into my mind and heart the slogan:"Boys (men) don't cry!" Many incidents happened in my life as a young boy. Later too. Up to now - after reaching the second half of my life. Incidents with oppressed and held back tears and emotions... .

I made a complete fool, when, when I tried to satisfy my inquotable thirst and insatiable hunger as a young boy by penetrating the closed kitchen of our neighbour. A terrible good hiding followed together with the comment: "Don't cry or you'll never become a real man!" Bursting into tears (BAHALA NA - SO WHAT!), I didn't understand, why a boy should bear the pain of trashing but knowing during the same time that he might never become a real man! What an untenbale mug's game!

I never became a whipping boy or fan of brawl and fight because I always tried  to search for ways, not to cry. "You'll never become a real man, because a real man knows how to fight without bursting into tears." Longing I did watch the girls in our neighborhood, who always had been allowed to cry because of any non-important thing or trifling matter.

My thirst of knowledge let me start travelling around the world (and, also to the Philippines!), when I became 18. I learned that this silly custom seemed to exist more or less world-wide. In different Asian countries I learned the nonsense (sorry!) parents explaining their sons, "If you'll not stop crying, you might become a gay!"

Step by step I experienced myself many examples, incidents or reasons when I didn't care any more fortunately about my tears and emotions. A special place with a good or bad remembrance can make me cry. Salt dissolves in water like emotions in tears:  an unjustified treatment, arrogance and ignorance from people around me, a heartfelt condolence, a rejected or non-returned love or friendship, a very special song, a very touching situation or speech, being choked with emotions - but ALSO crying because of happiness or never expected gratitude... .

Are all these privileges only allowed for females? Are males only robots with hearts of stone? Objection my dear fellow creatures!

When I stayed in Israel long time ago: An Israelian solder lost his his right arm during a (nonsensical!) battle at the Golan Heights - and, this wounded soldier started crying! Of course, why not? After my stay in Japan (YMCA family exchange), the other of one of my families in Kyoto couldn't hold his tears, when time came to say "Sayonara". Sure, why not? In South Africa I became a sudden witness of a burial, because an original inhabitant family lost a child because of starving to death. The mother cried much.

Allow me to cry what ever the reason might be. Even, if it is because I help cutting onions and garlic for lunch... .

Smarter Cities Conversations - Mayor of Davao Sara Duterte

She is Pregnant!

After years of trying, Mayor Sara Duterte is finally pregnant with her husband lawyer Mans Carpio.

Her husband has also posted a status update on his Facebook timeline that simply said, "proof of life."

Congratulations!!!

Wishing you all the best!!!