I am in no laughing mood ...

I am in no laughing mood…

TUE, JUNE 13, 2017 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINION

A friend of mine contacted me recently. Another said, “This is hardly the time to do so.” Understandable, if I consider his very personal situation.

Anyway, it seems we have no more time and no reason for laughter if we look around. That can wait until tomorrow or better until the day after tomorrow. Anticipation is better… .

Our enemies laugh up their sleeves, and most of the time we miss to recognize the fortune still smiling at us. But hold on: he who laughs last laughs longest. Remember?

American neurologist Henri Rubenstein says, laughter lowers high blood pressure while aiding digestion and fostering sleep. Well, give me even a simple smile and believe in what  experts say: “Good humor can help the gravely or terminally ill to hear their ordeal”.

Of course, if we look around us these days, we might really don’t roar with laughter or split our sides laughing. Or even more then this! have you heard about the incident at the Danish Imperial Theatre in Copenhagen/Denmark sometime during the 1980s, when a spectator dropped dead of heart attack while watching the movie “A Fish Called Wanda” starring John Cheese of my favorite Great Britain’s Monty Python Comedy Team? Sure, a heart attack is indeed not funny, and honestly, I still love to watch this movie on VHS.

Well, even if we think we don’t have reasons to laugh, we should try to express mirth spontaneously, and we should try to be merry or gay. We still have reasons to start with the softest form of audible laughter – the vocalized smile. This is what I learned and experienced from the first moment on while travelling in Asia since 1978, and being an expat living in the Philippines since 1999 for good. Keep smiling – even you are overloaded with huge problems.

Experts also say good humor works because it helps people feel easier in mind. The French psychotherapist Sylvie Tenenbaum stressed, that, in her patients, laughter often signals the dawning of a wholesome awakening to reality. Gallow humor might be dubious in the eyes of others. But try to sing out loud, try to cry, but try to laugh!

As a devote Christian I love reading the bible. Ecclessiastes 3:1-4 say: “There is a time for everything … a time to be born and a time to die ,,, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh!”

Comval Holds Independence Day

Comval holds Independence day

by Fe F Maestre

Compostela Valley Province-- The province joins the nation in commemorating the 119th Philippine Independence Day celebration in a simple yet signifcant ceremony that started with a motorcade at the capital town of Nabunturan before proceeding at the provincial capitol early morning on June 12, 2017.

"Today, we commemorate our Independence. We remember our heroes who valiantly fought to reclaim our freedom--from the likes of Jose Rizal, the Katipuneros, the Moro warriors and the unsung men and women whose names are unknown. We owe them the freedom that we enjoy now. And it is only fitting that we extend our thanks and gratitude by celebrating their heroism," Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy said.

Delivering his message before local officials and employees, national government agencies and other sectors, the governor also took the opportunity to remind the public to "use freedom responsibly" such as in the use of social media to educate and influence other people.  "Do not share fake news, do not spread wrong information, " he said.

The governor also underscored one of the country's tradition in enhancing freedom which is the culture of Bayanihan. "We are free because we stood up together and we can only remain free by doing the same..let's start to be unifying rather than divisive. Let's continue to pracice bayanihan and to be "bayanis" in our own little ways," the governor added.

Incidentally, Comval culminated the National Gawad Kalinga Build on June 11 in Barangay Pasian, Monkayo where an initial  14 houses (7 duplex-type) were built through the GK way for the family-beneficiaries who were affected in the road widening project in the area.  

BGen. Macairog S. Alberto, 1001st Brigade Commanding Officer, 10th ID also shared his message as the guest speaker along with SP Member Vivencia Secuya, in behalf of Vice-Gov. Manuel Zamora, and Cong. Ruwell Peter Gonzaga, Dist. II  who gave their opening and closing message, respectively.

"Let us use this day to remind ourselves of the duty we need to fulfill as part of one free community. Sila tung-una, kita na pud karon. Kinahanglan natong ipahinumdum sa atong mga kaugalingon na angay natong panalipdan ang atong kagawasan,"  Gov. Uy said. (fe f. maestre, ids comval)   

Bridges

MON, JUNE 12, 2017 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring

In 1982, I visited Davao City for the first time in my life. I learned about the awesome project of a bridge from Davao City to Samal Island. I can’t see this bridge till today.

We are all bridge builders during our whole life. I am not talking about the raised platform on a ship or a bridge mounting for false teeth or, as in the bony part of the nose. I am talking about spiritual bridges establishing connections between us and other people – or, between God and us.

Another elementary example is the “birthday bridge” or the turn to the year, that takes us from the old into a new period of life. A very important bridge in life takes people to me and me to people. It matters not if our skin is black or white, if we are rich or or poor, man or woman, being sad or happy.

So obvious our daily life is that we might even forget simple things easily. Self-esteem, respect and freedom from anxiety are the necessary and conclusive foundations for this kind of bridge.

Small but important bridges every day – how easily are they to be built: gestures of love – like a medicine; a handshake together with commen-dation and praise, encouraging words, a warm smile, instead of a superficial “How are you?” and the expected “Fine” or “OKAY LANG!”.

Allow me to say it clearly and direct to the point: Separations result from crumbled or fit for demolition bridges. Destroyed spiritual bridges can be found at any corner. Look into your neigh-borhood or, don’t drive away and repress this topic in your family. Insignificant trifling matters, minor arguing, misinterpretations, results in silence – and after the des-troyed bridge follows an in invincible wall not only between estates but also in the hearts and minds of stubborn human beings.

I was born and grew up together with my parents in a parish house. Up to the time of my active performances – among many other things – I did learn this:

“Build your own bridge to God and never doubt in Him. Always remember His promise. When a rainbow appears, it confirms His proximity and neighborhood and His faith. God’s unique bridge, a rainbow, is always there and durable, long lasting and solid. The main bridge, which afford passage to God, is the institution “church”.

National Science and Technology Week in Davao

DOST XI to celebrate National Science and Technology Week on July 3-5

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the region is set to conduct its annual National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on July 3-5, 2017 at the NCCC Mall of Davao. In line with the directives of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to bring science and technology services to the region, this year’s theme would be “Science for the People”.

The three-day celebration will also coincide with the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) 2017. This nationwide activity is conducted in every region to recognize the ingenuity of local researchers and inventors. There are six (6) categories for the competition, namely: Invention (Tuklas Award), Utility Model, Industrial Design, Creative Research (Likha Award), Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for High School and College. Winners will receive cash prizes and will have the chance to represent Davao Region in the National Invention Contest and Exhibit (NICE) in 2018.

As initiated by DOST Region XI, a new category will be added, the Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for Elementary Students. This is to encourage young students to create innovative researches and models. In this category, however, students will be competing only here in the region.

Meanwhile, all projects and programs of the DOST in the region will be featured and will have a space during the NSTW. The Scholarship programs, Davao Food Safety Team, OneLab, Food Processing and Innovation Center (FPIC), and Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) among others will be showcased. There would also be a scientific fora and lectures on topics that are related to science and technology.

To submit entries to the RICE 2017, you may download the contest rules, criteria, and entry forms at region11.dost.gov.ph/downloads. Deadline of submission is on June 26, 2017, 5:00 PM For more information regarding the NSTW 2017 celebration, you may visit region11.dost.gov.ph and or contact us at (082) 227-1313 or info.dost11@gmail.com.

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Resorts World Manila set to reopen shopping section

 (philstar.com) | Updated June 9, 2017 - 11:16am

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Employees of Resorts World Manila Casino and Shopping mall pray at he memorial for the victims of the deadly attack by a lone gunman Sunday, June 4, 2017 in suburban Pasay city, southeast of Manila, Philippines. The lone suspect behind the deadly attack in Manila was a heavily indebted Filipino gambling addict, police said Sunday, bolstering their claim the assault was not terrorism-related. AP/Bullit Marquez

MANILA, Philippines — Recovering from a deadly tragedy, the hotel-casino complex set on fire by an attacker last week will begin to open its retail section soon.

Stephen Reilly, chief operations officer of Resorts World Manila, said that while management has been eyeing to open the shopping area which had 114 outlets, the gaming area will remain closed.

"We're not intending to open the gaming facilities at this given time. It's insensitive to do so," Reilly said on ANC's "Headstart" on Friday.

–– ADVERTISEMENT ––

"But for the retail component, people still love to come to Resorts World. Go to restaurants, go to the cinema, go and dine and shop. We'd be looking to open up the retail component by the end of this week," he added.

Reilly maintained, however, that the business keeps as its priority the victims and families of the fatal incident on June 2 when gunman Jessie Javier Carlos armed with a rifle entered its premises and set parts of the gaming area on fire.

Javier, the lone suspect behind the deadly attack, was a heavily indebted gambling addict, police said Sunday. Thirty-seven died due to suffocation while 78 others were injured. Outside the premises, people are still holding a vigil before a memorial set up for the victims of the assault.

Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Reilly said Resorts World Manila is wholly shouldering medical expenses of the victims, among whom were its own employees, giving out P1 million for each and setting aside funding for their dependents' education.

Financial matters 'irrelevant,' says exec

Asked how much the company is losing each day it remains closed, Reilly chose not to disclose and dismissed the concern as "irrelevant."

"What is important to me, to the company and to the executives is: let's work through this in the best interest of everybody, the victims, the families, the industry, and also how the Philippines is perceived," he said.

Stephen Reilly, Chief Operating Officer of Resorts World Manila speaks with reporters at the Resorts World Manila complex, Friday, June 2, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. AP/Aaron Favila

Still, the franchise of casino giant based in Pasay City is facing threat as it remains in hot water over possible security lapses that resulted in scores of casualties.

"I wouldn't like to comment that we would lose our franchise. We'll wait for the investigations to be concluded. That would also include PAGCOR. They are our governing body," Reilly said.

The executive, who has over a decade of experience in surveillance and security before helping set up Resorts World in the Philippines, also said experts and third parties are coming in to sort out the establishment's fault in the tragedy.

While insisting that the complex has followed international security standards, Reilly said it would not be foolproof.

"We're engaging experts from prior military field, intelligence field to totally review all areas of operation with regards to security protocols of Resorts World Manila," he said. — Camille Diola

Wahlen zum Deutschen Bundestag am 24. September 2017

Hartkopien, fuer alle die, die an der Bundestagswahl 2017 teilnehmen moechten und die Formulare NICHT im Internet herunterladen koennen, moegen diese in meinem Buero (University of Southeastern Philippines, Institute of Languages and Creative Arts, Room 201, Science Building 2nd floor) waehrend meiner Konsularsprechzeiten montags bis donnerstags von 8 bis  9 Uhr) abholen.

Der Tag für die Wahl zum 19. Deutschen Bundestag ist vom Bundespräsidenten auf den 24. September 2017 festgesetzt worden. Auslandsdeutsche können unter bestimmten Bedingungen an der Wahl teilnehmen, sofern sie das achtzehnte Lebensjahr vollendet haben und nicht vom Wahlrecht ausgeschlossen sind. Die Einzelheiten für die Wahlteilnahme sind im Bundeswahlgesetz (BWG) und in der Bundeswahlordnung (BWO) geregelt.

Zu unterscheiden ist zwischen Deutschen, die sich (vorübergehend) im Ausland aufhalten, aber weiter in Deutschland gemeldet sind, und Deutschen, die dauerhaft im Ausland leben und keinen Wohnsitz in Deutschland haben.

Bild vergrößern

Deutsche, die sich vorübergehend (zum Beispiel während eines längeren Urlaubs) im Ausland aufhalten und ihren innerdeutschen Wohnsitz beibehalten, werden von Amts wegen in das Wählerverzeichnis ihrer Gemeinde eingetragen und können ihr Wahlrecht durch Briefwahl ausüben. Auslandsdeutsche ohne innerdeutschen Wohnsitz sind wahlberechtigt, sofern sie nach Vollendung ihres 14. Lebensjahres mindestens drei Monate ununterbrochen in der Bundesrepublik gelebt haben und dieser Aufenthalt nicht länger als 25 Jahre zurück liegt oder wenn sie aus anderen Gründen persönlich und unmittelbar mit den politischen Verhältnissen in der Bundesrepublik vertraut geworden und von ihnen betroffen sind.

Die nach der  Entscheidung des Bundesverfassungsgerichts vom 04.07.2012 erforderlich gewordene Neuregelung des Wahlrechts von im Ausland lebenden Deutschen ohne deutschen Wohnsitz ist durch Veröffentlichung im Bundesgesetzblatt (21. Gesetz zur Änderung des Bundeswahlgesetzes am 3. Mai 2013 , BGBl I S. 962; 10. Verordnung zur Änderung der Bundeswahlordnung am 18. Mai 2013, BGBl I S. 1255) in Kraft getreten.

Gov. Uy leads donation drive for Marawi People

Gov. Uy leads donation drive for Marawi People

Compostela Valley Province (June 7) --- Capitol employees, public and private companies donated goods to extend help to the people of Marawi City who have been attacked by the Maute Group last May 23, 2017. This terrorist attack lessened economic activities in the city and caused people to be displaced.

The province of Compostela Valley under the leadership of Gov Jayvee Tyron L. Uy initiated the Oplan Marawi Donation Drive to gather help from different sectors and organizations through the use of social media, radio, local TV stations. They have also linked with 3 stations as drop-off points namely: Yuyu (Tagum City), Penongs Sta. Ana Branch (Davao City) and PSWD Office (Nabunturan) to make collections easier and locations accessible for people.

The goods are now transported to Iligan City for distribution headed by Raul C. Villocino of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

One of the remarkable values of the Comvalenyos is their will to serve their fellow Filipinos through the concept of bayanihan, holding on to their commitment that "no one shall be left behind".

"When we were struck by Pablo, we received donations from far-away places and people we don't even know. Now that our brothers and sisters in Marawi are in a serious crisis, it is our solemn obligation to help them as members of our own shared Filipino community", Gov. Uy said.

Gov. Uy further stressed that volunteerism or bayanihan has always been a practice in Compostela Valley.

To show his commitment to bayanihan tradition, Compostela Valley will host this Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge this June 7-11, 2017.

This event will gather volunteers from different parts of the country. The volunteers can engage into activities on social housing, nutrition and environmental protection. (allin joy camille, arianne dacalos//ids comval)

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

(Marawi)

Food and non-food relief goods are now on their way as Compostela Valley province sends its team dawn of June 7, 2017. Gov Jayvee Tyron L. Uy initiates the Oplan Marawi Donation Drive to gather help from different sectors and organizations to help the internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected in the Marawi conflict.(albert dayao/ ids comval)

Uptown Bonifacio lights up for Resort World after attack

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Jun 04 2017 02:20 PM | Updated as of Jun 04 2017 08:34 PM

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Uptown Bonifacio lights up in support of Resorts World Manila. Photo from Megaworld Corporation's Facebook page

MANILA - Uptown Bonifacio in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Saturday lit up a message of support for those who died and suffered injuries after a gunman attacked Resorts World Manila last Friday.

The logo of Resorts World Manila and an image of two hands clasped together in prayer were projected on two buildings in the popular shopping, leisure and dining area.

In a Facebook post, Megaworld Corporation said it also hoped to bring a message of hope for all the affected people.

"Beaming on Uptown Bonifacio is a message of support for the victims of the Resorts World incident and their families, and a message of hope that we'll get through this together," the post said using the hashtags #PrayForRWM and #PrayForPeace.

• TIMELINE: Resorts World Manila attack

At least 38 people, including the gunman, were killed in the Resorts World incident.

Most of the victims, authorities said, died of suffocation at the second floor gaming area, which had been set on fire by the perpetrator.

The gunman was also found dead later on after he set himself on fire.

Police announced on Sunday the identity of the gunman after they interviewed his relatives.

The gunman was a former government employee who was deep in debt because of casino gambling.

Philippines signs defense agreement with Czech Republic

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Jun 05 2017 03:38 PM

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Defense undersecretary Ricardo David and Czech Deputy Defense Minister Jakub Landovský sign the Czech-Philippine Agreement on Defence Cooperation. Photo from the Czech Embassy in Manila

MANILA - The Philippines and the Czech Republic have inked a defense cooperation agreement last month, the European country's embassy to Manila said Monday.

Philippine Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David Jr. and Czech Deputy Minister Jakub Landovský, Head of Defense Policy and Strategy Division of the Ministry of Defense, represented their respective countries when they signed the agreement in Prague on May 29.

"The agreement spells out areas of cooperation such as defense and security policy, procurement policy, defense logistics, peace-keeping and humanitarian operations, compliance with international treaties of defense, security and arms control, personnel management, military training and education, and other activities that may be agreed by both parties," Jan Vytopil, Deputy Head of Mission at the Czech Embassy, was quoted as saying in the press release from the office.

Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Olša, Jr., added, the countries ought to have a more deepened relationship through cooperation in this day and age "for the betterment of both the Philippines and the Czech Republic."

"This agreement not only shows our aim to promote peace and security for the people and our land, but more importantly, the valued and shared causes and understandings that we aim to adhere by," he said.

Apart from defense, the countries and institutions therein also agreed to cooperate on areas of science, trade, culture, and education.

Sixteen memoranda were signed between different universities in the Philippines and their counterparts in the European state. These accords "open the door to students and professors to be sent to Prague for training and further their degrees," said Vytopil.

A previously signed Agreement on Cooperation in Culture, Education, Science and Sports allowed Filipino students who usually excel in the fields of Engineering, Genetics and Marketing to study in the Czech Republic, said the Embassy.

Additionally, a memorandum of agreement with Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino resulted in the publication of two titles of Czech and Philippine literature in both countries, with two "ground-breaking thick anthologies of short stories from both countries scheduled to be published this summer."

Also among the agreements signed was one between the Czech National Museum of Prague, headed by Director General Michal Lukeš, and the National Museum of the Philippines Director Jeremy Barns. 

This will allow for any upcoming international exhibitions of Filipino artists in the Czech Republic and vice versa, as well as an "in-depth scientific research to be conducted in both countries by our scientists," said the Embassy.

The Czech post also revealed that they have been recently holding "secretive talks" with Czech brewing universities that would make possible to share some of the Czech thousand-year brewing experience with the amazingly colorful new wave of Filipino craft brewers.

Wake up to the climate crisis!

MON, JUNE 5, 2017 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring

This is how protesters gathered outside the White House Thursday, June 1. Indeed, the world is crying and not laughing.

What was agreed in Paris? Climate change, or global warming, refers to the damaging effect of gases, or emissions, released from industry and agriculture on the atmosphere.

The Paris accord is meant to limit the global rise in temperature attributed to emissions. Countries agreed to:

Keep global temperatures “well below” the level of 2 C (3.6 F) above pre-industrial times and “endeavor to limit” them even more, to 1.5 C.

Limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by human activity to the same levels that trees, soil and oceans can absorb naturally, beginning at some point between 2050 and 2100.

Review each country’s contribution to cutting emissions every five years so they scale up to the challenge.

Enable rich countries to help poorer nations by providing “climate finance” to adapt to climate change and switch to renewable energy. But – without the U.S.!

There has been widespread international condemnation of President Trump’s announce-ment that the US is withdrawing from the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

UN chief Antonio Guterres’s spokesman called it “a major disappointment” while the European Union said it was “a sad day for the world”. However, senior Republicans and the US coal industry backed the move. Mr. Trump said the accord “punished” the US and would cost millions of American jobs. In an address at the White House, he said he was prepared to negotiate a new agreement or re-enter the accord on improved terms.

“I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris,” he said.

Only Syria and Nicaragua did not sign up to the deal.

Let’s face it, there will be some effects of the US pullout from Paris climate deal. First of all, believe me, the US withdrawal will hurt the deal and the world. There’s no doubt that President Trump’s withdrawal will make it more difficult for the world to reach the goals that it set for itself in the Paris agreement – keeping global temperature rises well under 2 C. The US contributes about 15% of global emissions of carbon, but it is also a significant source of finance and technology for developing countries in their efforts to fight rising temperatures.

Several commentators worldwide voiced out, that there’s also a question of moral leader-ship, which the US will be giving up, which may have consequences for other diplomatic efforts. Michael Brune, from US environmentalists, the Sierra Club, said the expected withdrawal was a “historic mistake which our grandchildren will look back on with stunned dismay at how a world leader could be so divorced from reality and morality”.

The key relationship that brokered the Paris agreement was between the US and China. President Obama and President Xi Jinping were able to find enough common ground to build a so-called “coalition of high ambition” with small island states and the EU. China has rapidly re-affirmed its commitment to the Paris accord and will issue a statement with the EU tomorrow pledging more greater co-operation to cut carbon.

“No one should be left behind, but the EU and China have decided to move forward,” said EU climate commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete. I strongly agree!

Mother Earth and your environment – quo vadis?