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Deutschland – ein Frühlings-Märchen!
Endlich! Auch wenn der Wind noch vielerorts kalt ist – der Frühling lässt sich nicht mehr aufhalten. Überall in Deutschland blühen wie hier im Düsseldorfer Hofgarten schon Bäume und Blumen. Am Wochenende erwartet uns allerdings ein Mix aus Sonne und Regenschauern. Die Temperaturen reichen von neun Grad im Erzgebirge bis zu 22 Grad am Oberrhein.
(C) 2022 BILD
We love to complain! Many times we don't have reasons at all to do so - but, we love to complain. Especially nowadays. Our world is full of mess - isn't it? Of course, somehow it is indeed if you look around.
We bring many more assertions to bear: first, in the past we have been thriftier and economical, more religious and devout, more patriotic, industrious, more hard-working, keen and obedient. And, second, above everything and all: in the past we had more idealists. Third, nowadays we have (mostly?) material things in mind - what a disgrace.
Materialists or idealists? Materialism or Idealism? Whom or what do you love? Love most?
I just quoted Vox Populi... .
A "materialist" has indeed become a swear word. I don't mean with "material" the accumulated data out of which a writer creates a work of literary, historical, or scientific value. A materialist is being easily described as someone with an attitude, who ignores spiritual values, compared with an idealist, who has the tendency to seek the highest spiritual perfection.
Idealism means the doctrine that appearance is purely the perception, the idea of subjects, and that the world is to be regarded as consisting of mind. The coquetry of higher philosophy makes it difficult to bear the ups and downs in our daily life.
Sure, we all know that "our last earthly dress has no pockets any more". Striving for earthly and terrestrial possession, property and estate might be the hit-man of idealism. That's how we have been taught. "Wine, women and song", having the unpleasant feeling of fullness, egoism and bragging as well as showing-off - are these the materialist's real attitudes?
Is the idealist, many times not being able to stand on earth with both feet, the only one who occupies himself with religion and virtuousness - so to speak, with celestial and heavenly things? Is that really so? Can we make such a distinction? Sure, it's easy to do so: it's manageable and comfortable. But well, why is the enjoyment of having a tasty meal BAD, and listening to a recital composed by Johann Sebastian Bach BETTER? Why should art be better than roasted pork and a bottle of wine? Value judgements and moral concepts... .
Owning a house and lot and a car - or even more then one - are earthly properties, as well as bank saving accounts, profitable insurances, and invest advantageously in stocks. Is a terrible underpaid nurse or a book author an idealist, because he or she doesn't work for the filthy lure but for higher values?
Has Jesus been an idealist, because He accepted renunciation and died without terrestrial possession? Has Jesus been a materialist, because He fed thousands of people on the breadline? Are we idealists, if we bequeath nothing to our families and might die without a single centavo, because earthly things are bad?
Worth to think about it ... .
by Annalyn S. Jusay, Manila Bulletin
She is an achiever-beauty queen who has managed to snag two international beauty titles within the last five years. Yesterday, 24-year-old Kathleen Paton faced the media fresh from being crowned Miss Eco International 2022 in Cairo, Egypt.
It was another proud moment for the Philippines as Kathleen bested 40 other candidates from all over the world. Beauty watchers were quick to point out that her win heralds an auspicious start for the country in the competitive pageant circuit.
The new Miss Eco International was a vision in pink as she made her entrance at the Okada Manila Grand Ballroom in an elegant gown specially made for her by young designer Ryan A. Uson.
“There were a lot of expectations from everyone and I can just say I gave it my 110%,” Kathleen said in reply to the question on what she thought was the factor that made her win. She added that “being honest, being kind and being approachable mattered a lot. Aside from this, I made sure my behavior and attitude were up to par as a beauty queen.”
“Winning Miss Eco International is an honor and also a responsibility for me. I don’t see it as a dream that I just get the crown. I see it as a career and a purpose for me because I love to help people. I know that with this crown, am given an even bigger platform to reach a wider community. I am able to voice my advocacies related to mental health awareness, education and water conservation,” she pointed out.
As a woman in a very high profile field, Kathleen feels strongly about mental health issues. She revealed that she had to battle her own demons after encountering some people online who criticized her physical appearance and some other personal matters.
The beauty queen has advice for people who are mean and can’t control themselves on social media.
“We need to just learn to be nice, to be kind. You have to look within yourself and ask if the things you are saying are going to affect other people or not. Because if it’s not nice or kind, what’s the point of saying it in the first place? Ask yourself: are you treating other people the way you want to be treated? Are the words you are writing online the words you want to hear other people being said to you? If it’s not, there’s no point in your writing that,” she remarked.
Kathleen also gave valuable advice to young girls who want to join beauty contests. “If you want to become a candidate, just join and try. There will always be people to help you out. Joining a pageant is the perfect platform for when you want to live for a purpose and a cause. You will reach a wide community in being able to change something in society.”
The half-Aussie beauty revealed that she is enthusiastic to join showbiz after her reign but admitted that she has to improve her Tagalog. Kathleen is presently in a relationship with model Kirk Bondad who was adjudged Mr. Supranational Philippines 2021.
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The full access of interventions for the agricultural sector has always been a part of Governor Tyron Uy's leadership in Davao de Oro.
On March 22, 2022, the Cocolife Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CMPC) in Pantukan officially received 8.7 million pesos worth of machinery and a new facility in support of the cooperatives' production of quality coconut products such as virgin coconut oil, desiccated coconut, and coconut milk. The intervention is also a close support for coconut farmers through marketing local coconut produce as one of the high-valued crops in the market.
CMPC officially received two (2) units of Hauling Trucks, and one (1) unit Warehouse with Wastewater Management Facility equipped also with other machinery and equipment worth 8.7 million pesos from the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in the coordination of the province’s Agriculturist’s Office.
Rudy Ang, CMPC Chairman thanked the working team behind the grants given to them which will directly help the production capabilities of the cooperative to supply products not only in the local market but also on an export scale.
The realization of the intervention for the cooperative is very timely as the demand for coconut products in the market is increasing. Governor Tyron Uy also said that the provincial government continues to foresee interventions for local farmers with positive aftermath.
The ceremonial blessing and turn-over ceremony were attended by Governor Tyron Uy, Deputy Director PRDP Region XI Marila Corpuz, Dr. Ronald Sibayan of PAGRO, Municipal Agriculture Office of Pantukan, and members and officials of CMPC.
The coexistence of green and golden opportunities has brought Davao de Oro to where it is today. Being the second most competitive province in the whole Davao Region, and ranked 11th in the National Competitiveness Index, the province already set an edge among others.
Not only did its unified people give victory in the province for years, but also its rich agricultural lands that were made even stronger with the right interventions and programs from the best leaders. (JA, PAO IPRD, photo by J. Cadiz)
My genetic makeup is native Austronesian with a dash of indeginous Papuan of course, plus the bloodlines of the Sangley traders and the Iberian conquerors.
I am nationalistic, but not to the point that I would berate and belittle other countries just to flag my pride, because I’m also globalist. I wouldn’t tolerate any condescending attitude towards my people and my nation.
Thanks for the A2A. The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands that is full of color and contrast. It is considered as the “ Pearl of the Orient Seas,” had once been labeled as “. The Sick Man of Asia,” now bouncing its way to be an economic power again. Its people is one of the most hospitable in the world. Here are some of the things that I never wanted to change about the Philippines:
• Our respect towards the elderly.
Filipinos are very courteous when addressing their grandparents and other people of a much matured age. Whenever visiting our grannies, we bow a little and we place their hands on our foreheads as a sign of respect. The said custom is called pagmamano in Filipino.
Aside from this, we are also constantly using the honorary po/opo whenever we talk to them. It is a sign that they are being honored and respected by the youngsters.
Lastly, we are country that strictly adheres to the concept of Filial Piety. We are expected to give back the same love and sacrifices made by our parents to make our lives better. We are expected to take good care of them till their dying breath. That's why a Filipino who is negligent of his/her parents would receive criticisms from the eyes of the public.
• Spirit of Camaraderie (Bayanihan)
In the early times, whenever a house made of nipa and bamboo are going to be transferred from a rural area to the city or pueblo, every neighboring men in the town would help the owner of the house to carry it until they've reached their destination. This practice is called bayanihan. It bonds the community towards a certain aim and goal and it helps local communities to foster trust and understanding on one another.
This practice may have decreased a bit because houses nowadays are primarily made of permanent materials such as stone and brick. Although the spirit of camaraderie can still be seen amongst us. Whenever there is a calamity or emergency of sorts, always expect someone in the community to extend a helping hand on you.
• Our resilience. Filipinos would seem abnormal and weird in the eyes of foreigners, because it is one of the few countries wherein happiness and contentment can be seen in midst of calamity and poverty. For us, life still goes on, no matter how hard it is. It doesn't matter if we only have a piece of dried fish and salted egg in the table, as long as our families are bonded, we are happy and still have the highest hopes in our hearts. A photograph below shows a Filipino couple who still proceeded with their wedding vows in spite of heavy flooding and volcanic eruption. Pictures below also shows children in the slums posing happily. Only in the Philippines:
• Our lush, verdant fields.
I don't like the idea that the entirety of my country will be transformed into a metropolis and laid with asphalt, with erected concrete matchboxes spread across the archipelago. We don't want the entire Philippines to be like this:
I'm happy that God had blessed our land with fertile farmlands and greeneries. I am hoping it will be preserved by the future generations:
Wide open rice fields of Nueva Ecija, the “ Rice Granary of the Philippines”
Lush, golden rice fields of Quezon Province
Coffee plantation of Amadeo, Cavite, our Coffee Capital
Vast, open corn fields of Isabela Province, “ The Corn Capital of the Philippines”
A scenic photograph of Iloilo's sugar plantations, extending to the horizon.
Vast tracks of Banana plantation in Davao Region
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, one of the UNESCO heritage sites. This terraces had been curved in the mountainside by our Igorot ancestors, using only their bare hands and very crude tools. If the steps are going to be laid together jointly, it can cover half the surface of our world.
• Lastly, our strong belief in God Almighty:
Filipino Catholic devotees, during the parade of the Black Nazarene
Filipino Evangelicals/Protestants, raising their hands in worship
Chinese Filipinos, lighting incenses inside a Buddhist Temple
Filipina Moslems, gathering in prayer marking the end of Ramadan
Our country had been frequently devastated by natural calamities and troublesome political uprisings. I believe it is our strong dependence in an Almighty that keeps us alive and flourishing in the midst of harsh circumstances.
These are some of the things that I want to be preserved for my country. :)
(C) Quora
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By Fr. Roy Cimagala
Chaplain
Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)
Talamban, Cebu City
Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
“WHOEVER is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Lk 11,23) With these words, Christ tells us clearly where the basis for our unity and equality amid our unavoidable differences and conflicts can be found. Yes, it’s with him, and only with him.
No matter how right we may be in something, no matter how strongly convinced we are that we are in the truth, if we are not with Christ, then we would not know how to deal with others with charity, which in the end is what truly builds up unity and equality among ourselves.
Yes, it’s the charity that St. Paul describes as “patient, is kind. Charity does not envy, does not act wrongly, is not inflated. Charity is not ambitious, does not seek for itself, is not provoked to anger, devises no evil. Charity does not rejoice over iniquity, but rejoices in truth. Charity suffers all, believes all, hopes all, endures all.” (1 Cor 13:4-7)
Yes, it’s the charity that enables us to bear the burdens of each other and thus fulfil the law of Christ. (cfr. Gal 6,2) It’s the charity that is willing to suffer for the others, and can consider as our real treasures here on earth the following conditions: hunger, thirst, heat, cold, pain, dishonor, poverty, loneliness, betrayal, slander, prison…
It’s the charity that considers sacrifice as its way, that welcomes any cross that can come our way, that is detached from passing opinions and views, and willing to suffer for the truth, no matter how unfair that would be. It’s the charity that knows how to love enemies and to be ever merciful and magnanimous, how to be “all things to all men,” (1 Cor 9,22) irrespective of how the others are.
Our pursuit for unity and equality amid our differences and conflicts can only be achieved if we have this charity that is based on our living union with God as shown in obeying the truths he revealed to us about ourselves and living them with God’s spirit, that is, with charity. Again, truth and charity should always go together for either one to be authentic, not fake or plastic. Otherwise, we would have a flying elephant.
Our problem is that we often get contented only with our own ideas, ideologies, laws and some consensus to achieve this ideal. Do you think these would be enough? Unity and equality among men and women, for example, just cannot be achieved simply with our human means. We can say, “tell it to the Marines,” when one would dare to affirm so.
Imagine when we have to consider the complexities of pursuing social justice and of respecting and loving each other in our political differences that can become bitter, what with all the bullies and trolls around, the shameless virtue signaling and gaslighting, etc., that people like to use.
Though our human doctrine, ideologies and laws have a role to play, they are nothing if they are not inspired or infused with the living spirit of God, who is the source of all unity and equality. This should be made clear to everyone.
We would just be giving appearances, many times deceptive appearances, of unity and equality, when things are not done in the context of a living relation with God. The Trinitarian nature of God—three persons in one God, equal in dignity and in eternal relation with one another—is the pattern of the unity and equality proper to us.
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Sa makausa pa napuno sa naglanog-lanog nga singgit, katawa, ug hudyaka sa libu-libong mga katawhan nga malipayong misaksi sa Walang Iwanan Concert, kalingawan panahon sa kagabhion, nga gidalit atol sa selebrasyon sa kapistahan ni Sr. San Jose nga gisaulog sa San Jose Parish sa Pantukan Marso 19,2022.
Ang Concert, nga naghimong talagsaon ug mas lingaw nga selebrasyon sa Fiesta, malipayong gidalit sa mga Sponsors nga sila Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, Papa Gov Senior BM Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy, SB Member Mes Catherine Uy Pangay, Former Gov. Atty. Jose Caballero, Mayor Roberto Yugo, SB Member Chino Sarenas, sa Walang Iwanan Production Team, ug mga kauban sa Team Anak ng Pantukan.
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Ang Walang Iwanan Concert diha himoa sa Pantukan Sports Complex nga napuno sa libu-libong mga katawhan nga puno sa kalipay ug kasadya nga misaksi sa mga paglingaw nga gidalit nila Dominic Roque, Querobin Llavorie, sa Day Break Band, Rennaizanz PH, ug Garbo All Stars nga kauban ni Papa Gov pagdalit sa nindot niyang awit nga gikahinamang paminawon sa mga katawhan sa lungsod.
“Walang Iwanan sa Kalingawan! Happy fiesta sa tanang Pantukenyos! Amoang pasalamat sa inyuhang pagmahal sukad sauna hangtod karon! Padayon kita sa nasugdang kabag-ohan sa lungsod sa Pantukan!
Daghang salamat sa tanang niadto ug nitan-aw sa atong simpleng Walang Iwanan Concert! Salamat sa Walang Iwanan production team … for making this possible! Aduna pay daghang atangan sa umaabot nga adlaw!” Matud ni Papa Gov Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy. (Gilbert Magadan Cabahug PAO IPRD DdO, Photos from Chino Sarenas-Anak ng Pantukan/Papa Gov)
by Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin
Local and foreign investors hailed the signing into law of the Public Service Act (PSA) by President Duterte, while Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez revealed at least investment leads of $100 billion over a two-year period as the law opens up to 100 percent foreign ownership of public services in the country and creating more jobs for Filipinos.
Initially, Lopez said the amended PSA is projected to haul in more than $60 billion investments in the telecommunications, transportation, logistics and railways sectors. “This is still understated as other leaders have not indicated investment amount. Can be over $100 billion over two years,“ Lopez added without identifying the investment leads.
From the private sector, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) applauded the signing of the bill amending the 1936 PSA pointing out that the amendments will match that of Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam’s level of liberalization in these sectors.
“AmCham is confident that its signing, along with other recent investment liberalization bills –the Retail Trade Liberalization Act and the Foreign Investments Act –will significantly help the Philippines compete with its regional neighbors in bringing in investments to the Philippines. It will also be extremely helpful to the long-run recovery of the economy after the pandemic,” American investors said in a statement.
The American business chamber, which was incorporated in 1920, vowed to continue to endeavor to contribute to the Philippine economic growth and serves the interests of Philippine and American businesses through the participation of members in promoting its long-term objectives. AmCham represents over 700 member organization’s voice and interests.
Officials of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI – AHK Philippinen), who were invited to witness the signing of the law in Malacanang as well the presentation of the recently enacted Amendments to Foreign Investments Act (Republic Act No. 11647), also lauded the enactment of the amended PSA.
GPCCI President Stefan Schmitz said “The passage of the Amendments of the Public Service Act harmonizes with the recently passed amendments to Retail Trade Liberalization Act and Foreign Investment Act” said “with these laws enacted, we are confident that the country can attract many investors in various sectors and will benefit Filipinos by improving basic services and creating more jobs.”
GPCCI Executive Director Christopher Zimmer said the “game-changing law shall break major economic barriers in the country and will be beneficial for the economic recovery.”
Zimmer said the enactment of RA 11659 seeks to ease or lift restrictions on foreign investments in public services by amending the 85-years-old public service law, distinguish definitions between “public utilities” and “public services”, and repeal provisions that limit foreign participation in certain economic activities.
The amendments will attract global players to help modernize Philippine public services telecommunications, shipping, air carriers, railways, and subways. Increased competition is seen to generate higher quality of service and competitive pricing for consumers.
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) noted of how they and other private sector groups collaborated to support the passage of the PSA amendments.
MAP President Alfredo “Fred” E. Pascual said that along with the recently amended Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA) and the Foreign Investment Act (FIA), the amended PSA provides a legal framework to encourage the inflow of more foreign investments into the country. “The entry of foreign investors will foster strong competition that will benefit the consumers, create more jobs, expand our economy, and boost our recovery from the disruptions caused by COVID-19.A more open Philippine economy will enable us to catch up with our more progressive neighbors in ASEAN,” said Pascual.
In a statement, the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) said the enactment of the Amendments to the Public Service Act is the most game-changing economic legislative reform in 86 years that is pro-consumer, pro-security and pro-growth.
As the Philippine economy emerges from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, FEF said, the enactment of this law will facilitate new opportunities and sustainable growth by fostering competition in the public service sector, attracting much-needed foreign direct investments, and paving the way for better access, quality, and rates of public services.
FEF commended legislators and the government’s economic managers for crafting a law that not only opened the country to FDI and creates a more competitive public sector, but also safeguards the nation from potential national security threats, protects the welfare of small local businesses, and ensures benefits for Filipino businessmen.
“This new law will bring huge benefits for business and individual consumers alike, with the entry of more investors in the telecommunications and transport industries offering a wider choice at different price points. We foresee increased investments in the sectors opened up to a maximum of 100% foreign ownership such as telecommunications, shipping, trains and railways, airports and airlines, toll roads, and transport network vehicles (TNVs),” FEF said.
As new foreign investments enter the country, the amended Public Service Act establishes rules to protect the country from malign intentions that endangers our national security. The provisions on vetting of potential investments in critical infrastructure, and the requirement for an ISO certification for Information Security for telecommunications investors ensures that the Philippines will be less vulnerable to cyber threats and domination of foreign interests.
The amended law likewise protects consumer welfare by increasing the penalties for erring companies engaged in public services. It also provides protection for small operators in the transportation industry by retaining the 60/40 restriction for public utility vehicles such as tricycles and jeepneys. Filipino businessmen likewise benefit, as the law includes a reciprocity provision that may open up business opportunities for them in other countries. Another benefit of the law is the creation of more jobs for Filipinos with the entry of more investments.
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by Alexandria Dennise San Juan, Manila Bulletin
The Philippines is now the second happiest country in Southeast Asia, according to the 2022 World Happiness Report (WHR), Malacañang announced.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the Philippines earned the second spot among Southeast Asian countries in the latest WHR released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
“Ang Pilipinas po sa ngayon ang pangalawan pinaka-masayang bansa o happiest country sa Southeast Asia. Ito ay ayon sa 2022 World Happiness Report ng Sustainable Development Solutions Network (The Philippines is now the second happiest country in Southeast Asia. This is based on the 2022 World Happiness Report of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network),” Andanar said.
In the 10th edition of the WHR published last week, the country also ranked 60th out of 146 countries across the world with a score of 5.904. This is a notch higher than the 61st spot in 2021.
Finland remains the happiest country in the world for the fifth straight year with a score of 7.821 this 2022. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is at the bottom of the rankings with a score of 2.404.
In the Southeast Asian region, Singapore topped the list with a score of 6.480 and ranked 27th worldwide. Other Southeast Asian countries included in the rankings are Thailand (61st), Malaysia (70th), Vietnam (77th), Indonesia (87th), Laos (95th) Cambodia (114th), and Myanmar (126th).
Based on the WHR website, the report measures happiness “based on life evaluations as the more stable measure of the quality of people’s lives.” The happiness of each country can also be explained through different factors such as gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, personal freedom, and perceptions of corruption.
“Overall levels of life evaluations have been fairly stable during two years of Covid-19, matched by modest changes in the global rankings,” the report read.
“Among the six variables used to explain these levels, there has been general growth in real GDP per capita and healthy life expectancy, generally declining perceptions of corruption and freedom, declining generosity (until 2020), and fairly constant overall levels of social support,” it added.
The 2022 WHR also showed that positive emotions have generally been twice as prevalent as negative ones—a gap that has been narrowing over the past ten years.
“The COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020 has led to a 2021 pandemic of benevolence with equally global spread. All must hope that the pandemic of benevolence will live far beyond COVID-19. If sustainable, this outpouring of kindness provides grounds for hope and optimism in a world needing more of both,” it added.
