Surviving without a cell phone

September 25, 2017  Klaus Doring, Opinion

Mr. Klaus Doring

I REMEMBER the time, when one of my first Japanese friends kept on complaining, why I didn’t operate a cell phone. Believe me, during that time, sometime in 2000 or 2001, I even typed my articles on an old typewriter from Germany.
My Japanese friend then bought me a computer - and a cellphone! Some other friends congratulated me: “Welcome back to the world!” 
Last Sunday, I really got mad. Attending mass, I observed a family (father, mother, boy and girl) keeping on using their cell phones during almost the whole ongoing mass. Heaven forbid! Even, while falling in line receiving the holy communion, the father kept on texting and browsing in Facebook. Step by step. Just in front of me! Heaven forbid! Guys, why are you still attending mass? Later on, the children kept on playing video games....
Sometimes, I observed (business-)people operating with two or even more cell phones at the same time. Even while taking lunch in a restaurant. I asked them: “How did you survive doing business before without these units?” Believe me or not. The answers have been mostly: I really don’t know!
Doing business nowadays without a cell phone? Even in  very private life? Many people can’t imagine it anymore. I can! Though Philippines’ cell phone companies really provide us with the widest distribution and the broadest coverage to very affordable charges. I really enjoy, for example, the “unlimited call” experience - just to mention one. But, not at any time!
Two handsets or even three. Ok lang, as long it keeps my business running. Again, I am not available 24/7! I am sorry, I am not!
But then it happened! I thought I had lost my cell phone. I got panic, losing all my important connections. This “thing” really got a special meaning for me. And here we are: not only for business. Just even for a short 
“Hi - kumusta ka?” I really felt lonely!
A couple of hours later, I found IT. Misplaced somewhere in the bathroom under a towel in silent mode. Four miscalls (yippee!), several text messages. Not only “Hi - kumusta ka?” A special evening meeting had to be confirmed... .I only got one big problem. I need a translator, if the words of text messages indeed go weird.
Allow me to quote Philippine Star columnist Igan D’Bayan, who wrote a couple of years ago: “We don’t speak like Hamlet any more. Most of us speak Taglish and write in Filipinzed English. And while holding a mobile phone, we type ‘2b or not 2b’. And that’s supposition!”
Btw (‘by the way’), during night time, I turn off my cell phone. How about you? And, I really get mad, if my students keep on using their “machine” during class....

Comval farmers: Rice and Machineries

ComVal I-Rice bags CSC Pag-asa Awards

 The ComVal I-Rice, a joint project by the Department of Science and Technology-XI, Food and Nutrition Council and the Provincial Government of Compostela Valley won the Pag-asa Awards from the Civil Service Commission. An awarding ceremony was held at Malacanang Palace Rizal Hall last September 20, 2017 where no less than President Rodrigo Duterte extended the award to the ComVal I-Rice Team. Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy received the award along with DOST-XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony Sales and Provincial Director Kenneth Barroga, and DOST-FNRI’s Dr. Imelda Agdeppa.

The project was created by PLGU-Compostela Valley, DOST-FNRI and DOST-XI to address the problem of iron deficiency anemia among the school-children of Compostela Valley. It was in 2013 that then Board Member Tyron Uy sponsored an ordinance in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to institutionalize the use of the iron-fortified rice. Currently, the iron-fortified rice is the official rice used for the Kusina ng Kalinga, a 120-day feeding program among wasted and severely wasted elementary school-children of Compostela Valley. The pilot use of the program showed a 93%  improvement rate in Maco South District in Maco, Compostela Valley.

 “I thank the CSC and the committee members for choosing the I-Rice Project. This is indeed a validation for the years we worked hard”, Gov. Uy said.

The Comval I-Rice Team vowed to further promote the consumption of the rice through strong promotions system, consistent information dissemination and giving of incentives through loan and credit assistance to cooperatives, as promised by the DOST-FNRI.

The governor also said that the success of the project only proves that there is indeed a need to become innovative in approaching problems in the community.

“There is a need for us to leave the traditional and start being creative in how we deal problems in the community. Comval I-Rice addresses both the hunger and the anemia problem among schoolchildren. Its new, innovative and multi-tiered,”  the young governor continues.

The panel of judges who decided the winners of the CSC award include CSC Chair Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, columnist Jarius Bondoc, Presidential Protocol Office Head Robert Eric Borje, Helen O. Orande of the League of Corporate Foundations, SM Foundation’s Executive Director Deborah Sy, CSC Commissioner Robert S. Martinez, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo, Deputy Executive Secretary Rizalina Justol and Undersecretary Maria Victoria S. Querol.  (allin joy camille, ids comval)

Gov. Uy, Dir. Oñate lead turn-over of 58 farm machineries to Comval farmers

Compostela Valley Province---The provincial government of Compostela Valley under the leadership of Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy together with Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Engr. Ricardo Oñate turned-over a total of 58 different types of agricultural machineries to Comval farmers on September 25, 2017 at the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAGRO), Capitol Compound, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Comval.

According to Oñate, they are looking for another fund to provide at least one 10- wheeler hauling truck which will be used for the newly completed Rice Processing Centers of the municipalities of the province with large areas of rice production.

Among the agricultural equipment delivered through the Department of Agriculture (DA) were 10 Hand Tractors with Trailer each, 15 Open Surfaced Pumps (OSP), 18 Power Sprayers, 6 Rice Threshers, and 9 units of Corn Sheller-Husker.

 Also gracing the turn-over ceremony were Vice Governor Manuel E. Zamora, PAGRO Head Dr. Rolando Simene, Cooperative Development Division Head Manuel Buladaco, PAGRO employees, and the Barangay Agricultural Extension Workers of the province.  (R. Antibo, IDS Comval)

Photo Caption:

FARM MACHINE

Comval Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, Vice Governor Manuel E. Zamora, together with Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Engr. Ricardo Oñate turned-over a total of 58 different types of agricultural machineries to Comval farmers on September 25, 2017 at the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAGRO), Capitol Compound, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Comval. (Photo by: M. Lasaca, PS Comval)

CSC Pag-asa Awards

Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy received the Pag-asa Awards from the Civil Service Commission  along with DOST-XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony Sales and Provincial Director Kenneth Barroga, and DOST-FNRI’s Dr. Imelda Agdeppa at the Malacanang Palace Rizal Hall on September 20, 2017 where no less than President Rodrigo Duterte extended the award to the ComVal I-Rice Team. 

Adamson, NU try to clinch PVL semis spots

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Sep 25 2017 06:39 AM

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The NU Lady Bulldogs try to secure a Final 4 spot. Arvin Lim, ABS-CBN Sports

MANILA, Philippines – Unbeaten teams National University (NU) and Adamson University are brimming with confidence heading into crucial showdowns against separate opponents in the 2017 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Collegiate Conference on Monday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

NU takes on Jose Rizal University (JRU), while Adamson faces off against De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (CSB), with a victory assuring both squads of a spot in the Final 4.

The Lady Bulldogs (3-0) collide with the Lady Bombers at 4 p.m., seeking their fourth straight win and the first semis spot in Group A.

The Lady Falcons (3-0) then hope to match that 4-0 mark as they go up against the Lady Blazers at 6:30 p.m. in Group B.

JRU and CSB are both out of the running for semis spots with 0-3 records, although they are expected to go all out in search of their first win and thus play a spoiler role.

A victory for NU will also give them great momentum heading into a highly anticipated clash against Ateneo de Manila University (3-1) on Saturday.

"My only wish is that no player gets injured and they don't overdo things. They just have to stick to the system we're trying to do. Even with slow increments of improvement, I'll be happy," said NU coach Babes Castillo, who will again pin his hopes on Jaja Santiago, Aiko Urdas and Jasmine Nabor.

Meanwhile, senior high player Princess Robles, who sustained a left ankle sprain on a bad fall after a block in the third set of the Lady Bulldogs' four-set victory over San Sebastian College two weeks ago, is expected to suit up in their last elims assignment against Ateneo.

The Jema Galanza-led Lady Falcons are also on a roll, shocking the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons in five sets, then beating Arellano University and Technological Institute of the Philippines to move closer to a dream semis stint.

The top two teams after the single round will advance to the crossover semifinals with the winners disputing the crown in another best-of-three affair.

In men's play, second-running Far Eastern University (4-1) goes for its fifth straight triumph when it clashes with UP (1-4 at seventh) at 8 a.m.

Lowly teams San Beda College (1-3 at sixth) and CSB (0-4 at eighth) mix it up in the other match at 10 a.m.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.

BGC restaurants STELLA and ROCKET ROOM are now closed

Did you know? BGC restaurants Stella, Rocket Room are now closed

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Sep 21 2017 12:10 PM

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Inside Stella restaurant. Facebook.com/stella.rocketroom

MANILA – Stella and Rocket Room, two restaurants that helped shape the food scene in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, are now closed.

“It is with a grateful heart that we say our heartfelt thanks to you all who have loved Stella Wood Fired Bistro and Rocket Room,” read a post on the restaurants’ Facebook page on Wednesday.

Located at the Bonifacio High Street Central mall, Stella and Rocket Room were known for serving wood-fired pizzas and creative cocktails. 

The two were part of the Raintree group of restaurants, which also include Museum Café + Kabila, Chelsea Kitchen, Terraz Bistro, Saboten, Simple Lang, Chotto Matte + Izakaya Sensu, Providore, and Cha Cha’s.

The space formerly occupied by Stella and Rocket Room will be taken up by two new Raintree concepts – a Filipino-style bistro called Friends & Family, and the tropical-themed cocktail bar The Coconut Club.

The new restaurants are set to open in November.

When in Baguio, walk

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By Zaldy Comanda

WALKING TOURS – Young Burnham Park visitors walk past a Walk Meter Chart, which encourages tourists and local residents to walk to nearby destinations. The project is aimed at minimizing the use of motor vehicles and promote a healthier lifestyle. (Zaldy Comanda)

Baguio City – The health benefits of walking are being promoted by the Department of Tourism (DOT) – Cordillera which set up walk meters in major parks in the city to encourage tourists, as well as the general public, to walk short distances instead of taking public transportation.

DOT-Cordillera regional director Venus Tan said walk meter charts encourage a car-less community, approximating the original plan of the Americans, who built the city as a rest and recreation area with narrow streets to discourage the use of motor vehicles.

“We are conditioning our locals and visitors to walk, we are reviving health and wellness in the city, encouraging them not to bring cars,” Tan said.

The  walking meters were installed at Burnham Park, Mines View Park and Wright Park, and indiactes the distance to key destinations and locations and the approximate calories spent walking.

Tags: Burnham Park, Cordillera, Department of Tourism, DOT, health benefits of walking, public transportation, Venus Tan, When in Baguio walk

German Embassy: Germany supports conservation of Philippine Biodiversity in 160 protected areas

++ Germany supports conservation of Philippine biodiversity in 160 Protected Areas ++

The German-funded Protected Area Management Enhancement (PAME) Project recently held its final event to mark the end of this successful initiative. The project aimed to preserve Philippine biodiversity and was funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) as part of its International Climate Initiative (IKI) from 2012-2017.

Through the 5-year project worth EUR 9 million (around Php 536 million) 56 new terrestrial and marine protected areas covering 170,000 hectares were established and representatives from government, communities, civil society and academe were trained in biodiversity assessment/monitoring, regulation and law enforcement, ecotourism and livelihood.

Among the sites supported were the Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area, Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve, the oldest forest in Palawan, and the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, a booming tourist destination in Negros Oriental.

In his keynote speech during event, Ambassador Dr. Gordon Kricke highlighted the project’s success as a testimony to the invaluable German-Philippine bilateral cooperation towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

++ Germany supports conservation of Philippine biodiversity in 160 Protected Areas ++

The German-funded Protected Area Management Enhancement (PAME) Project recently held its final event to mark the end of this successful initiative. The project aimed to preserve Philippine biodiversity and was funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) as part of its International Climate Initiative (IKI) from 2012-2017.

Through the 5-year project worth EUR 9 million (around Php 536 million) 56 new terrestrial and marine protected areas covering 170,000 hectares were established and representatives from government, communities, civil society and academe were trained in biodiversity assessment/monitoring, regulation and law enforcement, ecotourism and livelihood.

Among the sites supported were the Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area, Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve, the oldest forest in Palawan, and the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, a booming tourist destination in Negros Oriental.

In his keynote speech during event, Ambassador Dr. Gordon Kricke highlighted the project’s success as a testimony to the invaluable German-Philippine bilateral cooperation towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) implemented the project in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau.

GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) implemented the project in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau.

A European dilemma?

FRI, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring

Somehow, I really felt touched while listening. In his State of the Union speech, European Commission President Juncker has praised the bloc for “bouncing back” after 10 years of crises. He has outlined bold proposals for the Eurozone, trade and migration. Is it too late?

Well, the Commission Chief has ruled out Turkish EU membership “in the foreseeable future.” No wonder.

Then,  Juncker has called on European states to help improve the “scandalous” conditions in Libyan migrant centers to prevent people fleeing Africa to Italy by way of the Mediterranean. Longtime overdue!

Next, there were warm words for Balkan candidate countries. Sure.

Also, the future EU tax policy should be approved by a majority of member states, rather than the existing unanimity requirement, Juncker said. Is there really a chance for this. I doubt!

Of course, many Europeans call Juncker’s speech as ‘Wind back in Europe’s sails’.  Of course, in my opinion, last year, European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker had little to cheer about in his flagship address before the European Parliament. If anything, it was a call to stop the collapse of the EU.

Now, a year on from Brexit and with European economies on the upswing, Wednesday’s State of the Union speech struck a far more optimistic note, as Juncker praised the bloc’s achievements over the last 12 months and laid out his vision for its future.

“After 10 years of crises, economies are on the rise and the European Union is bouncing back” he said. “The wind is back in Europe’s sails, it now has a window of opportunity.” Oh yes – so very true!

Indeed, let’s throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the harbor. Catch the trade winds in our sails. It’s indeed high time for protecting European businesses. On strengthening Europe’s trade program, Juncker said that, “Europe has always been an attractive partner to trade with, and now countries from all over the world are knocking on our door.”

Juncker cited the bloc’s recent trade agreements with Canada and Japan, and called on a speedy conclusion to ongoing talks with Mexico and the South American trading bloc, Mercosur. Juncker also said talks should also begin with Australia and New Zealand.

Regulatory reforms aimed at protecting European businesses from undesired foreign takeovers and investment were also among the proposals made by the former Luxembourg prime minister. Europe cautious as China buys up foreign companies.

On migration, Juncker announced that the European Commission would outline a new migrant deportation policy by the end of the month. In a call for increased border security on Europe’s borders, the European Commission president emphasized the need to unburden countries, such as Greece and Italy, where many migrants have landed. “Italy saves Europe’s honor,” said Juncker, praising the Mediterranean nation for its perseverance and generosity in its handling of the crisis. I strongly agree!

Juncker’s proposal could be music to the ears of French President Emmanuel Macron, who has argued that the Euro needs its own, stronger institutions to prevent another debt crisis. However, the proposal will likely be met with tepid reactions in Germany/Berlin, which has largely dismissed reform calls for the common currency.

Juncker also endorsed an EU-wide adoption of the Euro currency. Denmark and Sweden, who in referendums both rejected the Euro, would be exempt. No doubts, when German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble welcomed Juncker’s idea for pan-EU use of the Euro, but said the same conditions must be met by all member states.

“It’s good that he’s applying some pressure and picking up the tempo,” for adoption of the Euro across the bloc, said

Strong words for Poland, Hungary and Turkey

Brussels’ recent tensions with Poland and Hungary have prompted concerns over the safe-guarding of EU values in eastern Europe. “Those states who are not capable of demo-cracy, are not worthy of Europe,” Juncker said.

The governments of both countries have taken an illiberal turn in recent years. The Polish government’s decision to push through judicial reforms allowing the government to elect Supreme Court judges has led the Commission to threaten invoking “Article 7” of the European Treaty, which would suspend Poland’s EU voting rights and even cut off EU funding. True!

That attack was also aimed at Turkey, which he accused of “creating ground for membership talks to fail” and “moving away from the European Union in leaps and bounds.” Ankara’s attitude “rules out EU membership for Turkey in the foreseeable future,” the European Commission President said.

There were, however, warm words for the western Balkan states, which Juncker said should have a realistic chance of joining the EU by 2019.

An European Dilemma? It depends ….

Promoting European Cultural and Educational Diplomacy in the Philippines

NOTES FROM THE EU DELEGATION By Franz Jessen (The Philippine Star) | 

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The year 2017 marks a landmark year in EU-Philippines cultural relations since this coming weekend, we will be launching the 20th edition of the European film festival in Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, before going to other cities in the Philippines. And what better way to mark this milestone than to feature a fusion of the best of classical and contemporary films from Europe with the finest mix of select Filipino films? Twenty-four films from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and Norway are showcasing their masterpieces from the enchanting and not so distant past, together with carefully crafted contemporary films.

Throughout the years, Cine Europa has evolved to become a dynamic festival which offers a broad selection of high quality European and Filipino films, giving the audience all around the country the opportunity to enjoy and to appreciate the values and the rich cultural heritage from Europe. Cine Europa was born out of the friendship between the European Union and the Philippines and has now become a buzz word in the film industry as it boasts of more than 45,000 moviegoers and enthusiasts attending the screenings since it started in the country.

Promoting cultural diversity has been one of the main objectives of the European Agenda for Culture since 2007. The EU is also a strong supporter of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

–– ADVERTISEMENT ––

In 2016, for the first time, the EU adopted a “Strategy for international cultural relations” that focuses on advancing cultural cooperation with partner countries across three main strands: supporting culture and education as engines for sustainable social and economic development; promoting intercultural dialogue for peaceful inter-community relations; and reinforcing cooperation on cultural heritage.

In a globalized world, we are convinced that cultural and educational cooperation can counter stereotypes and prejudice by nurturing dialogue, open-mindedness, dignity and mutual respect. Inter-cultural dialogue can help prevent conflicts and foster reconciliation within and between countries. Culture and education can help contribute to address global challenges such as the integration of refugees, countering violent radicalization and the protection of the world’s cultural heritage. Culture and education can also be tools to deliver important social and economic benefits. According to the UNESCO’s Culture for Development Indicators (CDIS), culture contributes between 1.5 and 5.7 percent of GDP in low and middle-income countries, thus reflecting differences in the policy and institutional framework, the level of social participation and education, and the degree of freedom of expression.

Apart from the film festival, this year, the EU delegation in Manila has taken the initiative to organise a series of cultural symposiums to promote intercultural dialogue between the EU and the Philippines. We also recently organized a What’s EUr story essay writing competition with the end in view of involving young people to tell their own experiences, insights and impressions about anything related to the European Union. Most of the stories were about travels to the EU member states and it has been like a journey in Europe through the power of words that touch and strike the senses.

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The EU cultural strategy also includes an educational component through the Erasmus + program whose objective is to promote mobility and inter-university cooperation with partner countries. Between 2014 and 2020, the EU is financing 180,000 scholarships for students and staff involving Europe and other parts of the world. The EU is also supporting the establishment of Erasmus+ alumni groups. Worldwide, EU studies are expected to reach over 250,000 students every year through teaching and outreach activities.

The Erasmus+ programme has evolved over the years and has substantially supported intercultural understanding through co-operation with third countries. This program has greatly contributed to promoting the EU as a center of excellence in learning and research.

For this academic year, the Philippines has the highest number of awardees of Erasmus Mundus scholarships among the ASEAN countries with 37 beneficiaries. The Erasmus+ Program will allow them to pursue MA and PhD programs in different universities across the European continent. Since 2004, more than 200 Pinoy students and lecturers have benefitted from the programm. The scholarship covers air travel to Europe, tuition fees and a monthly living allowance between P55,000 and P138,000.

Like every year, the European Union Delegation to the Philippines is organising a European Higher Education Fair to promote the European Higher education system. The fair will take place on 18 October in Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong. Once again, the EU Delegation will rely on students and alumni to become living testimonials of how European higher education can engage into borderless and immeasurable opportunities.

Culture and education indeed form part of the EU soft diplomacy tools yet their impact is powerful and enormous enough as they not only reach out to the minds but to the hearts of their audiences.  

* * *

(Franz Jessen is the Ambassador of the European Union.)

Loosing faith?

MON, SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Döring

A friend of mine started talking with me and mentioned the good old days. Yes, those were the days my friend! Well, we all know: times have changed. More natural disasters, more wars, more people all over the world who are loosing their faith.

To be or not to be. Sein oder nicht sein. Shakespeare. To say it clearly: without faith, we’re really nothing.

Faith is belief; believe in us, in our works, talents and our personalities. We should also believe in our parents – or much better, in our whole family including the black sheep, which can be found every where.

We should believe in our friends, even it seems to become very difficult many times.

Please remember, my dear readers: without faith will we reach the rock bottom. Don’t say, it’s a likely story.

The German poet Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller (1759-1815) has mentioned in his drama “Maria Stuart”: “Even the word might be dead, but faith keeps it alive!” Chapter I of Second Thessalonians gives encouragement to all Christians, who were undergoing persecution for or because of their faith. Yes, faith is really not everybody’s thing, or “not everyone has faith”.

“If I have faith, that can move mountains” (First Corinthians 13,2).

Faith is a tantamount to convincing and conviction. Richard Wagner (German classical composer and poet, 1813-1883) found the following lyric: “Blessed are those people, who know how to live their life in humility and faith.”

So, let’s even continue believing in our governments or the institution church. Faith means also a belief specially in a revealed religion. Faith is trust or reliance. Faith is indeed a pledged word. Yes, I know.

Faithful love is loyal, reliable, exact and honorable love. Faithful love means even to love your enemy.

Allow me to close this column with a Chinese proverb: “People without faith in themselves cannot or will never survive!” – Worth to think about it!