Philippinen: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (Teilreisewarnung): 23.07.2021

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- Verfolgen Sie Nachrichten und Wetterberichte
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Aktuelles
Vulkanische Aktivität

Seit dem 1. Juli 2021 zeigt der 60 km südlich von Manila gelegene Taal-Vulkan erhöhte vulkanische Aktivität. Die philippinischen Behörden haben die dritthöchste Warnstufe 3 ausgerufen. Bei Exposition kann es zu Reizungen von Augen, Atemwegen und Haut kommen.

Evakuierungen können angeordnet werden.

• Beachten Sie die Warnstufen der philippinischen Vulkan- und Erdbebenwarte (PHIVOLCS).
• Machen Sie sich mit Verhaltenshinweisen bei Vulkanen vertraut. Diese bieten die Merkblätter des Deutschen GeoForschungsZentrums.
• Beachten Sie stets Verbote, Hinweisschilder und Warnungen sowie die Anweisungen lokaler Behörden. 
COVID-19

Die Ausbreitung von COVID-19 https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-gesundheit/gesundheit-fachinformationen/reisemedizinische-hinweise/Coronavirus/-/2309820 kann weiterhin zu Einschränkungen im internationalen Luft- und Reiseverkehr und Beeinträchtigungen des öffentlichen Lebens führen.

Von nicht notwendigen, touristischen Reisen in die Philippinen wird derzeit abgeraten.

Epidemiologische Lage

Die Philippinen sind von COVID-19 stark betroffen. Regionaler Schwerpunkt ist die Hauptstadtregion Metro Manila.
Die Philippinen sind weiterhin als Risikogebiet https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete_neu.html eingestuft.

Aktuelle und detaillierte Zahlen bieten das philippinische Gesundheitsministerium https://www.doh.gov.ph/ und die Weltgesundheitsorganisation WHO https://covid19.who.int/.


Einreise

Bis auf weiteres ist Ausländern die Einreise für touristische Zwecke in die Philippinen verboten. Erteilte philippinische Einreise-Visa wurden für ungültig erklärt, neue touristische Visa werden derzeit grundsätzlich nicht ausgestellt. Ausnahmen gelten ausschließlich für Flugzeug- und Schiffsbesatzungen, für Familienangehörige (Ehegatten, Kinder, Eltern) von philippinischen Staatsangehörigen, für Diplomaten und Angehörige internationaler Organisationen, die in den Philippinen akkreditiert sind, sowie für Ausländer, die bereits im Besitz von Langzeitvisa sind. Reisende unterliegen nach Einreise einer 14-tägigen Quarantänepflicht, während derer am siebten Tag ein PCR-Test durchgeführt werden muss. Alle Einreisenden, mit Ausnahme von Diplomaten und Angehörigen internationaler Organisationen, müssen eine Buchung für eine akkreditierte Quarantäne-Einrichtung für mindestens 10 Tage vorlegen. Die Quarantäne wird auf 7 Tage verkürzt, wenn ein Impfnachweis über eine in den Philippinen erfolgte vollständige Impfung, oder bei im Ausland erfolgter Impfung, ein von den nationalen Gesundheitsbehörden ausgestellter Impfnachweis vorgelegt wird, der von den philippinischen Behörden überprüft und akzeptiert werden kann, und der Aufenthalt in den letzten 14 Tagen vor der Einreise in einem der vom Gesundheitsministerium definierten „Green Countries" https://iatf.doh.gov.ph/?page_id=77 war. Deutschland gehört bislang nicht zu diesen Ländern. Diplomaten und Angehörige internationaler Organisationen müssen bei Einreise einen negativen PCR-Test vorlegen, der nicht älter als 72 Stunden ist.

Zur Eindämmung der Virusvariante B.1.617, die zuerst in Indien nachgewiesen wurde, wird bis auf weiteres Flugpassagieren, die aus Indien, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesch, Oman, den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten, Indonesien und seit 25. Juli 2021 auch aus Malaysia und Thailand kommen oder sich dort während der letzten 14 Tage aufgehalten haben, die Einreise in die Philippinen verweigert. Reisende, die ausschließlich Flugtransitpassagiere in diesen Ländern waren, sind von diesem Einreiseverbot ausgenommen. 

Durch- und Weiterreise

Reisen zwischen den Provinzen sind eingeschränkt möglich. Es müssen Gesundheitszeugnisse, gegebenenfalls ein negativer PCR-Test oder philippinische Impfnachweise vorgelegt und in der Zielprovinz im Einzelfall Quarantäne abgeleistet werden.
Die Ausreise ist Ausländern, die sich im Land aufhalten, jederzeit erlaubt. Viele Fluggesellschaften verlangen für den Reiseantritt in den Philippinen einen negativen PCR-Test oder einen Impfnachweis.

Reiseverbindungen

Für die Einreise über den Flughafen in Manila bestehen Kontingente. Fluggesellschaften erhalten ihre Kontingente mit geringem zeitlichen Vorlauf, was zu kurzfristigen Umbuchungen oder Flugstornierungen führen kann.

Beschränkungen im Land

Die Quarantänemaßnahmen sind regional unterschiedlich. Derzeit gilt im Großraum Manila eine Quarantänestufe mit umfangreichen Einschränkungen in der Versorgung und der Bewegungsfreiheit sowie eine nächtliche Ausgangssperre. Stadtbezirke können diese Einschränkungen eigenständig verschärfen.
Die zwischenzeitlich unterbrochenen regulären Verkehrsverbindungen zwischen den Inseln des Landes wurden wiederaufgenommen, können jedoch jederzeit kurzfristig wiedereingestellt werden. 

Inlandsflüge nach Manila finden nur unzuverlässig statt.

Die touristische Infrastruktur ist stark eingeschränkt, zahlreiche Hotels und Resorts sind geschlossen.

Hygieneregeln

Im öffentlichen Raum (in Gebäuden, aber auch im Freien) gilt die Pflicht, einen Mund-Nasen-Schutz sowie zusätzlich einen Gesichtsschutz (face-shield) zu tragen. Es gibt das Gebot, sozialen Abstand zu wahren. Massenansammlungen sind verboten. Verstöße sind mit Geld- bis hin zu Gefängnisstrafen bewehrt. Im Fall einer Infektion erfolgt die Isolierung in staatlicher Unterbringung.

Empfehlungen

• Seien Sie bei allen Reisen weiterhin besonders vorsichtig und beachten Sie unsere fortlaufend aktualisierte Infobox zu COVID-19/Coronavirus.
• Achten Sie bei einem Aufenthalt in bzw. einer Rückreise aus einem Risikogebiet auf die gültigen Einreisebeschränkungen wie Anmelde-, Nachweis- und ggf. Quarantäneregelungen.
• Achten Sie auf die Einhaltung der AHA-Vorschriften und befolgen Sie zusätzlich die Hinweise lokaler Behörden. Bei Verstößen gegen die Hygienevorschriften können hohe Geldstrafen oder Gefängnisstrafen verhängt werden.
• Informieren Sie sich über detaillierte Maßnahmen und ergänzende Informationen der philippinischen Regierung.
• Falls Sie im Besitz eines Langzeitvisums sind oder eine Sondereinreisegenehmigung mit bereits ausgestelltem und noch gültigem Touristenvisum beantragen möchten-, erkundigen Sie sich bei den philippinischen Behörden, in Deutschland z.B. bei der Philippinischen Botschaft, ob Sie zur Gruppe derjenigen gehören, für die eine Einreise möglich ist.
• Erkundigen Sie sich bei Ihrer Fluggesellschaft über die genauen Vorgaben.
• Bei COVID-19 Symptomen oder Kontakt mit Infizierten kontaktieren Sie das lokale Gesundheitsamt.

Sicherheit - Teilreisewarnung

Vor Reisen in folgende Regionen oder Gebiete wird gewarnt:
- Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX)
- Northern Mindanao (Region X)
- Davao-Region (Region XI) mit Ausnahme des Stadtgebietes von Davao City
- Soccsksargen (Region XII)
- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
- Inseln des Sulu-Archipels
- Süd-Palawan mit Ausnahme von Puerto Princesa
Von nicht erforderlichen Reisen in andere Regionen von Mindanao und in der Mindanao-See wird abgeraten.

What are typical traits of Filipinos?

By: Graham Salzer

In my experience here for 3 years, Filipinos have some good aspects and bad aspects, relatively speaking. I know this is a bunch of generalizations, but here it goes:

- Overly polite in many cases, use honorific language such as "Sir" "Ma'am", etc.

- Really like to follow American pop-culture and slang. Some speak in a more "American" way than many real Americans, and I think they get it all from TV.

- Overly sensitive. They get their feelings hurt VERY easily and won't forget about it for a long time. Because they're overly sensitive, they often assume others are overly sensitive, so they go out of their way to avoid hurting people's feelings.

- Like to gossip and spread news. I think the Tagalog word is "chismis". (It’s spelled that way or as tsismis)

- Very religious people and have great respect for religious institutions and traditions.

- They frequently have very large extended families. It seems everyone is someone's cousin and they're all 2nd or 3rd cousins. I feel many Filipinos are familiar with their 2nd or 3rd cousins. I think most Americans seldom know who their distant cousins even are.

- Very family oriented.

- Overall, I think Filipino people are really great and I enjoy living and working here.

www.quora.com

Typical Filipino (XXVII) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXVII): The mother and the family/Die Mutter und die Familie

Kinder sind sehr wichtig in der familienorientierten philippinischen Kultur. Sie stellen das Verbindungsglied zwischen den Familien von Mutter und Vater dar. Die Rolle der Mutter ist die vermutlich wichigste Rolle im Leben einer Filipina. Da sie für Haushalt und Kinder sorgt, befindet sie sich in einer Machtposition. Und diese Macht sollte auch nicht unterschätzt werden, denn die Dynamik der Verwandschaftsverhältnisse stellt nach wie vor die zentrale regelnde Kraft der philippinischen Gesellschaft dar.

Filipinos are raised to demonstrate respect towards their elders; from the moment a child is able to understand, it is essential that they learn to say “po” (sir) and “opo” (yes) when speaking with their elders.  This knowledge of respect is not only expected from children, but from adults as well.  As a person from the Philippines, it is necessary to always use these words when conversing with those that are older.

Within the family, children are expected to exude proper treatment towards their parents and older siblings.  In the Filipino family dynamic, the eldest children are given much more responsibility: looking after their siblings when their parents are not around, for example.  Intolerable behaviours include fighting with parents and/or older siblings as well as speaking with an arrogant tone.  Children who act out this high level of inappropriateness would be reprimanded.  Furthermore, a child living in a Filipino household is required to ask permission before leaving the home.  Once the child has returned, their parents and elder family members anticipate “the kissing of hands” or a “hand-to-forehead” gesture with the words “mano po” which symbolizes an appropriate greeting. 

Unlike the “norm” in Canada where it is expected that a child “leave the nest” at the age of eighteen, Filipino children are not obligated to leave home once they have graduated-unless that is what they choose.  Due to the valued closeness between family members and the respect that they feel for their parents, most children do not start a life of their own until they are about to be wed.  For this reason it is not uncommon to see several generations living under the same roof.  “As Filipinos say, ‘not being able to know a relative is like turning their backs from where they come from’” 

Filipino Quotes on Family

Boholanos: “Ang familia nga nagatanum ug kaayohan nag-ani ug kapalaran; ang nagatanum ugkadautan, nag-ani og lonlon kasakitan”

Meaning: “The family that sows goodness reaps fortune; the one that sows evil reaps suffering”.

*This statement suggests karma in that every action will cause either a positive or negative reaction.

Bicolanos: “An harong man palasyo kun an laog kuwago, marhay pa ang payag na laog tao”

Meaning: A house may be a palace, but if the owner is an owl, better is a hut where the owner is a human being.

*This statement is a powerful reflection of the way that Filipinos value family over economic influences.

The commercial above demonstrates the respect and kindness that Filipinos share with one another, and is a good example of their quote: "The family that sows goodness reaps fortune; the one that sows evil reaps suffering”.

A husband and wife are otherwise known as having a “mag-asawa” status.  It is not until the man and woman have a child that they are blessed with “mag-anak” status.  This stresses the significance on the value of children in the Filipino culture, as a couple is not considered a family until a child is born.  In the Philippines, the more children that a husband produces may lead others to think that he is more masculine than those who have fewer offspring.  On the other hand, a woman may be viewed as though she is finally living up to her potential as a woman, while taking comfort in the thought that a newborn has secured her relationship with her husband.

The Modern Filipino Family: A changing world leads to changing family dynamic.  Parents who leave home to find work abroad must leave their children in the hands of other relatives, causing a shift in authority resulting in differences to how the child interacts with the world around them.

‘Everyone is represented’ — Miss Universe Philippines official delegates

by Jane Kingsu-Cheng, Manila Bulletin

Despite the ongoing pandemic, Miss Universe Philippines organization has proven themselves to be very dedicated and passionate in search of the best delegates to represent our country. This year is not different with the announcement of 100 participants this year.

In their Facebook post, the organization highlighted that there is beauty in diversity. “The Miss Universe Philippines Official Delegates inspire representation in various forms. They are tourism ambassadors who promote their regions. They are the faces of the rich cultural heritage of our nation. Filipinas from the indigenous peoples like the Manobo and Bagobo tribes, mixed races and various ethnicties, everyone is represented. The beauty of the Filipina is as diverse as the natural beauty of the country. We take great pride in that Filipinos all over can look at the phenomenal delegates and be inspired by every single one.”

WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG

So are all of us. You wake up in the morning and open your eyes. One mishap follows the other. And then the radio plays Jason Collett too: "When everything goes wrong".  Accept it, stay calm, and most important, stay motivated during these tough times. Maybe easier said than done. I also had to learn it first and to pull myself up on it every time.

Of course, sometimes life’s rough patches feel like they’re going to last forever. Keep in mind: whether you’re dealing with work-related issues, family problems, or stressful situations, very few problems last for a lifetime. So remind yourself, that things won’t be this bad forever.

When things are going wrong, it’s hard to recognize what is going right. It’s easy to screen out the good things and only focus on the bad things. Remind yourself that some things are going right. Purposely look for the positive, even if it is something very small.

One of the most important things to remember is that you have some control of the situation. Even if you aren’t in complete control of the situation, one thing you can always control is your attitude and reaction. Focus on managing what is within your control.

Asking for help can be hard sometimes. I tried to avoid it as long as I could. Big mistake. Asking for help is one of the best ways to deal with tough situations. Tell people what you need specifically if they offer to help. Don’t be afraid to call on friends and family and ask them for help, whether you need  emotional support or practical help. The present flood victims in Germany and its surroundings are so very thankful for this.

A lack of confidence in handling tough times can add to stress. It happened to me, when Covid-19 changed my life and my business. One of the best things to remember is that you can handle tough situations. Even though you might feel angry, hurt, disappointed, or sad, it won’t kill you. You can get through it.

No matter how bad a situation is, it’s almost certain that something good will come out of it. At the very least, it’s likely that you will learn a life lesson. Perhaps you learn not to repeat the same mistake in the future or maybe you move on from a bad situation and find something better. Look for the one good thing that can result when bad things happen.

Many cannot get used to the idea that there are many things that aren’t within your control. You can’t change the past, another person’s behavior, or a loved one’s health issues. Don’t waste time trying to force others to change or trying to make things be different if it isn’t within your control. Investing time and energy into trying to do things you can’t will cause you to feel helpless and exhausted. Acceptance is one of the best ways to establish resilience.

Remember this: one of the things to remember when you’re facing difficulties, is that you’ve handled problems in the past. Don’t overlook past difficulties that you’ve dealt with successfully. Remind yourself of all the past problems you’ve overcome and you’ll gain confidence in dealing with the current issues.

Besides everything: think about yourself too. When everything seems to be going wrong, take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, get some exercise, eat healthy, and spend some time doing leisure activities. When you’re taking better care of yourself you’ll be better equipped to deal with your problems.

Everything is temporary, even everything which goes wrong. Happiness is a result of your approach to life, not what happens to you.

Sometimes we need to take one step, then another. Even if they're just baby steps, keep moving. Rather than focusing on the worst case, think instead of what else is possible. Look for the lesson. Challenging situations can often teach us what we have left to learn. Keep a positive attitude by remaining focused on solutions, skills, and strengths.Start small. Spend time with the people who support you.

.Maybe, together with the light at the end of the tunnel: choose one big goal to work on in order to make a lasting change.

"If anything can go wrong, it will..." This tongue-in-cheek principle, known as Murphy's Law, is cited by economists, sports teams, and big politicians. Human nature somehow guarantees that nothing turns out quite the way it's supposed to. 

Miss Universe 2021 pageant to be held in Israel in December

 

by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin

The Miss Universe Organization announced on July 20, that the 2021 Miss Universe Competition will be held in Israel in December.

Steve Harvey will return as host.

This is the second time in recent years that the most prestigious beauty pageant will be staged during the holidays.

The last time the Miss Universe Competition was held in December was in 2012 when American beauty queen Olivia Culpo won the title.

With the competition to be held in December, reigning Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico would only reign for almost seven months.

This is also the first time that the Miss Universe pageant would be held twice in one year. The 69th Miss Universe Competition won by Meza has been delayed due to the pandemic.

Miss Philippines Rabiya Mateo finished in the semis of the 69th edition of the pageant, held in Hollywood, Florida last May 16.

The Miss Universe Organization announced today, July 20, that the 2021 Miss Universe Competition will be held in Israel in December.

Miss Philippines Rabiya Mateo finished in the semis of the 69th edition of the pageant, held in Hollywood, Florida last May 16.

The Philippine representative to the 70th Miss Universe pageant will be chosen in September.

 

Manila Bay dolomite beach is open to the public again

 

by Noel Pabalate, Manila Bulletin

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reopened the first phase of the artificial white sand along Manila Bay in Roxas Boulevard on Sunday, July 18, 2021.

The dolomite beach, however, can only be accessed by the public until Tuesday, July 20, 2021. People can enter the artificial beach from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and up to only 120 people every five minutes are allowed inside the phase one premises, which is near the US Embassy.

Senior citizens and minors with adult companions will be permitted to enter. Pets are not allowed on the beach. Also, eating, drinking, littering, and picking up dolomite sand in the vicinity are strictly prohibited. 

The public enters the phase one of the artificial beach.Moreover, tourists cannot swim on the bay just yet as its waters still haven’t reached the standard acceptable levels of fecal coliform, even though the rehabilitation has already created a significant improvement, according to the DENR.

Shalls are strategically stationed to implement the safety guidelines. They will supervise visitors to check if they are following the standard health and safety protocols such as observing social distancing and wearing face masks and face shields while at the Bay’s shore.

After the three-day public viewing, the DENR will assess if they will have the artificial white beach open again. The department aims to finish its second phase by October of this year. 

Before its reopening, trash is seen floating on its shorelines, which they say might be coming from coastal areas in Cavite and sea vessels. But the DENR has deployed 50 coastal rangers to ensure its cleanliness every day.

Apart from the sand attraction, the DENR planted coconut palms along the baywalk area last June to add more visual appeal.

When the quarantine eases and the bay’s water meets the standard fecal coliform level of 100 mpn/ml, tourists can enjoy contact recreation such as swimming, skin-diving, among others in what the masses call the “poor man’s Boracay.”

What do Filipinos do well?

 

By: Donnabeth A

Mom. Filipino. Former Teacher in Thailand. Writer

Author of 50 Ideas for a Great Life.

I’m a multi-passionate freelance writer who loves to eat, read, and travel.

1. Humor

A Filipino has the ability to turn any situation into something laughable. It only takes a few minutes after a national issue for funny Filipino memes to surface. One can laugh even in the face of a disaster.

There are so many brilliant Filipino comedians. Some are on TV while some gained popularity through their own YouTube channel. Most are yet to be discovered.

2. Adaptability

This can be a strength but if taken to the extreme I think it’s also a downfall. I once watched a Pinoy who was interviewed after their house has been flooded during a typhoon. I forgot what the question was, but she answered, “Sanay na po kami.” “We are used to it already”. At the surface, it may seem like a great attitude, but looking closer, it drives one into inaction. We have adapted ourselves to different kinds of discomfort that we refuse to look for ways to rise up.

There are Filipino populations in over 32 countries all over the world. We are able to blend. We are able to easily adjust our preferences so that we can survive our current situation.

3. Family Ties and Respect

Filipinos value family very well. We exercise respect, especially to older family members. We have strong family ties and treat our families with utmost importance.

Filipinos are often willing to extend help to family members sometimes even to the extremes. Some Filipinos sacrifice their own pleasure for the sake of the family.

4. Hygiene and appearance

Filipinos are always conscious about how we look and how we smell. We couldn’t stand a day wearing the same clothes or not taking a bath. The need for hygiene may seem like common sense but some other nationalities don’t seem to bother about hygiene that much.

5. Boxing, MMA, singing, and beauty contests

Now, this doesn’t speak about the general population but we do have a bunch of representatives we can be proud of. And if every Filipino with a bit of talent will just try as hard as those who have achieved milestones, if we could only stop being comfortable with where we are now, and start pushing through, the Philippines will surely go a long way.

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XXIII): Right in the Middle of Full Life

Chapter XXIII:  Right in the Middle of Full Life

A big hello sounded. GMA-TV director Bam Salavani recognized Rossana immediately. Then schoolmate and host Onnie Alfaro. "What are you doing here in Davao? Are you on vacation?" Questions about questions from all sides stormed us. "After the short commercial break, you are part of the show", called Bam Salvani. And so we were German guests on this TV show for the first time. During the following years we became an integral part of the show.

 "Testigo" and "Singgit Davao" were re-launched and were taken under the wing of GMA News & Public Affairs and GMA Entertainment TV Group respectively. In August of the same year, "Singgit Davao" was relaunched as "Kuyaw!" in time for the Kadayawan Festival.  Just to mention some: other hosts were Eureka, Emily Urgino and Al Ryan Alejandre - later City Councilor of Davao City.

I felt very much at home with the radio, newspapers and television. Mindanao Times Lifestyle writer Josie San Pedro had mentioned my mother, Rossana and me in her column "passages" during the great event "Singgit Davao at two"  - the stepping stone for our future. I must confess, not all expats in the Philippines went the same or similar path as me.

For the first years I liked to take a jeepney. I found it interesting to get to know a lot of people while driving. And, step by step, I learned Bisaya. Nevertheless, one day a VW-beetle from the Archdiocese parked in our garden. A little old but he drove. We called him affectionalle "Knatterton". But it really never cracked.

I started writing lifestyle columns. The International Harvardian University (IHU) Grand Alumni Homecoming was a special event. It was at the same time the rebirth of the IHU - Manisan Dancegroup. The dream of the old and new lead dancer Rossana had come true. It was at the event that I met Rodrigo Duterte for the first time - then Vice Mayor of Davao City.

The month of October approached. It was the time when Rossana and I stayed regularly in Manila: October 3 - the German National Day - or the Day of Unity, and -of course- Oktoberfest. This time everything was different. The then General Manager of the Apo View Hotel, my friend Wolfgang and I did it: the Bavarian Sound Express from Germany was on stage in Davao City too. Unfortunately only once and never again. 

Oktoberfest, an annual festival in Munich, Germany, held over a two-week period and ending on the first Sunday in October. The festival originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festival concluded five days later with a horse race held in an open area that came to be called Theresienwiese (“Therese’s green”). The following year the race was combined with a state agricultural fair, and in 1818 booths serving food and drink were introduced. By the late 20th century the booths had developed into large beer halls made of plywood, with interior balconies and bandstands. Each of the Munich brewers erects one of the temporary structures, with seating capacities of some 6,000. The mayor of Munich taps the first keg to open the festival. Total beer consumption during Oktoberfest is upwards of 75,800 hectolitres (about 2 million gallons). The breweries are also represented in parades that feature beer wagons and floats along with people in folk costumes. Other entertainment includes games, amusement rides, music, and dancing. Oktoberfest draws more than six million people each year, many of them tourists.

Rossana  was meanwhile working as supervisor at  Merco-Mercantile Corporation Of Davao, with different branches all over Davao City. Merco has become a household name, Since 1946, it has continued to serve the growing city of Davao. At the helm of running things is Johnny Ferrazzini, president of the Mercantile Corp.of Davao or Merco. During that time he ran the family-owned business with his son Anton, who was the general manager, and heir apparent. One day, Johnny asked me, "Klaus, do you want to do your radio show at a bigger radio station? I can introduce you to Mr. Willie Torres, the president and top gun of UMBN - University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network!"

Well, I jumped into the deep end, after all, I had brought my large CD collection from Germany with me. My first time slot was Sundays from 10 pm - midnight. "Let's find out the feedback of our listeners", Willie Torres told me. "Classics at Night with Klaus Döring"  has started.

And then came the big surprise that really nobody had expected, least of all me.

(To be continued!)

Why do Filipinos use professional honorifics (e.g. Atty., Engr., Arch.)?

By: Selwyn Clyde M. Alojipan

Every generalization is false, including this one. I think, therefor I'm unsure.

I've been a teacher, a writer, editor, researcher, a quiz show contender, a communications consultant, and a call center agent and I still plan to put up a business.

Filipino culture is not egalitarian like contemporary European culture but is more like the stratified culture of Spain when it was a colonial master. However, it has been modified with some egalitarian American values that allow people to move up and down the socio-economic and power-authority levels at various stages in their life.

Filipino children are taught to be respectful of their elders so they have to speak certain words that reflect their subordinate status compared to other people. They call older children or cousins as “Kuya” (Big Brother) or “Ate” [Ah-teh] (Big Sister). They are also taught to call any substantially older person as either “Tito/Tiyo” (Uncle) or “Tita/Tiya” (Auntie) even if they are not kin-related. Much older people who are above forty or fifty years old can be respectfully called “Tatay” (Daddy) or “Nanay” (Mommy) if they feel close to them. They call people in their sixties or older as “Lolo” (Grandfather) or “Lola” (Grandmother).

As they grow up and the teenagers become young adults in their early twenties, they can already take their place as maturing members of society but there are still others who are older and more experienced than them. They call these people “Sir” or “Ma’am” even when they are not directly the superiors or supervisors. Customers or guests are also called “Sir” or “Ma’am” by the Filipino staff of various establishments. Other alternatives for this practice is for them to call a more senior person as “Boss,” “Chief,” or “Manager.”

Filipino society puts a value on people knowing the relative status of other people around them. There is stratification in terms of relative age as well as according to relative socio-economic status (superior versus subordinate, elder versus younger, richer versus poorer). It is not as rigid as the caste system in Indian culture but is an unconscious way of life among Filipinos who grow up in the Philippines. Filipinos who grow up in Westernized countries may or may not acquire it, depending on how strong the parents imposed their Filipino values at home on their children.

This form of stratification and categorization of people according to rank, age, status, power, or wealth is not discriminatory but designed to avoid conflicts and smoothen the interaction between people who don’t know each other well and may never become very close friends with each other. It is also designed to speed up or make more efficient the transfer of goods and services between people of all walks of life.

For example, a street vendor who is not well educated and lives a hand-to-mouth existence can approach a high-status, well-educated, or wealthy individual by acting a bit subservient and calling him “Sir,” “Boss,” or “Chief.” If known, he may also use other titles of prestige and power: “Heneral,” “Koronel,” “Komandante/Major,” “Kapitan,” “Tenyente,” “Sarhento,” “Cabo/Corporal,” “Hepe/Chief,” “Pinuno,” “Mayor,” “Don,” “Attorney,” “Doctor,” “Director,” “Manager,” “Supervisor/Bisor,” etc. If the actual rank is not known, this may be embellished further by “applying more grease” and tentatively raising the social rank of the other person being addressed in the hopes that it will (1) fend of any possible irritation or offense, and (2) encourage him to pay for the goods or services being offered. It is now natural and socially expected for younger or low-status Filipinos to be slightly or obviously subservient to the more elderly and high-status members of society.

So you may ask what is the reason to go to all these lengths to identify and amplify the rank of the person being addressed? It is a survival technique developed by the powerless and lowly sectors of society to avoid being punished or scolded severely by the obviously higher-ranked and more authoritative individuals they may encounter. If a local was so rash as to publicly disrespect another person of higher status or authority, he could be subjected to severe punishments or reprisal that he could hardly avoid.

It used to happen during the Spanish period that the Spanish colonial masters would act domineeringly against the local natives whom they disparagingly called “Indios” (a term that the locals resented but could not do much about). Indios could be flogged or beaten by soldiers ordered around by their officers or even the Catholic priests and the wealthy aristocrats. Imagine centuries of such one-sided domination against the locals that is only now becoming ameliorated or steadily diminished as the Philippines enters the 21st Century.

As part of their cultural, social, and linguistic interactions, nearly all Filipinos will use honorifics like “po” or “ho” in their native speech. The direct translation of “po” or “ho” in English is usually “Sir” or “Ma’am.” One can hardly have a two-way conversation in Tagalog or other Philippine languages without such honorifics.

In addition, Filipinos would prefer to call people by their official title instead of just plain Ginoo (“Mister”), Binibini (“Miss”), or Ginang (“Missus”), if they don’t know the name of the person they are addressing, or even if they do know it. It seems to give more prestige to the person addressed if his academic, collegiate, bureaucratic, military, police, and/or professional titles are used instead of the just plain everyday “Mister.” However, many females (not all) who don’t have professional titles are quite happy to be called “Miss” or “Missus,” as appropriate.

Generally, only Filipinos who belong to a similar age group and/or social stratum will call each other by their first names and/or nicknames. If one of the Filipinos is younger or less educated or lower-positioned than the other, they will be the first to use “po” or any other honorific title, while the person so addressed may also use “po” and bask in the prestige accorded him.

People who have different position titles or social rank who are not acquainted with each other well, will usually call each other by their titles, such as “Honorable Mayor,” “Doctor,” “Engineer,” “Attorney,” “Judge,” etc., as this implies mutual respect of each other’s accomplishments.

This may all seem confusing to foreigners but it allows Filipinos to deal directly and smoothly with strangers (who are also other Filipinos) without causing any type of inadvertent offense.

A high-ranked foreigner from an egalitarian Western culture who tries saying , “I’m pleased to meet you. Call me Bob.” will probably be answered by most Filipinos with “Anything you say, Sir Bob.”