This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
A 5.0-magnitude earthquake jolted South Cotabato early Saturday morning, Aug. 26, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Photo credit to Phivolcs
With a nine-kilometer (km) depth of focus, Phivolcs said the earthquake struck at 3:13 a.m. nine km southwest in Surallah, South Cotabato.
Phivolcs initially measured the quake's magnitude at 5.5 in its first bulletin but later revised it to 5.0.
It was felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Surallah, Banga, Tampakan, Tupi, T'Boli, and Koronadal City in South Cotabato; Maasim, Alabel, Glan, and Malapatan in Sarangani.
Meanwhile, Phivolcs recorded Intensity III (weak) in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato; and Malungon in Sarangani. Intensity II (slightly felt) in Maitum, Sarangani.
Moreover, Phivolcs' instruments also recorded the tremor at Intensity V (strong) in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.
Intensity IV in Tupi, Banga, Polomolok, Surallah, and Santo Ñino in South Cotabato; Kiamba and Maasim in Sarangani.
Intensity III in Alabel, Malungon, Malapatan, and Maitum in Sarangani. Intensity II in Isulan and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat; Tantangan and Norala in South Cotabato; and Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental.
While Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in Lebak and President Quirino in Sultan Kudarat.
The earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.
Phivolcs warned the public to be cautious as aftershocks may occur. (Sonny Daanoy)
German investments in the country reached P42.865 billion with more than 21,000 direct jobs created, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reported.
PEZA Director General Tereso Panga and GPCCI President Stefan Schmitz (middle) with other PEZA and GPCCI officials
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga reported following after his meeting with German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GPCCI) President Stefan Schmitz as they discussed strengthened collaboration in promoting the Philippines as a smart investment destination for German investors. GPCCI officials made a courtesy visit at the PEZA Head Office last Tuesday, 22 August 2023, to present the results of their recent survey and discuss various issues and concerns.
Panga reported that PEZA currently hosts 40 registered German locator companies/projects which contribute P42.865 B investments (1.57% of the total PEZA investments), $412.664 million exports, and 21,005 direct jobs.
GPCCI also raised some issues and concerns affecting German investors including the amendment of the CREATE and PEZA Laws.
Panga explained that President Marcos has already issued a compelling statement, directing concerned government offices to look into the CREATE Law, with the objective of amending it and provide relief to PEZA locators, which are unable to fully enjoy their incentives.
These are the investors we have attracted to invest in the Philippines because of that promise of benefits and incentives as contained in the create and in our registration agreements with PEZA, he said.
“I think that should be the starting point before we can echo the call of the President to global investors that the Philippines is the smart investment destination in the region and that the best time to invest in the Philippines is now. We need to honor our commitments,” he explained.
Panga also mentioned that PEZA will ask the Congress to amend the 28-year-old PEZA Law to be able to cope with the demands of agile locators and remain competitive worldwide amid the fast-changing market trends.
During the meeting, the GPCCI also presented to PEZA the results of their bi-annual AHK World Business Outlook survey conducted among the GPCCI members.
According to GPCCI, the results of the Spring 2023 survey revealed that the Philippines generally exhibited a better/higher result in the areas of economy, investments, employment, overall situation, and expectations.
It is worth mentioning that in terms of investments, the survey revealed that 46 percent of the participating GPCCI members are likely to invest higher in the country within the next 12 months.
"Given the recent advancements in the EU-Philippines free trade agreement and the positive outcome of a successful economic briefing in Germany back in July, we are confident that many German businesses will increasingly consider investing in the Philippines," said Schmitz.
“I think this is a good opportunity for PEZA to look at and see that this is an upbeat for investments for the country [from German investors],” noted Yves Aguilos, the Head of the Government Affairs and Data Protection Officer of GPCCI.
In response to this, Panga said the Philippines is projected to have the highest GDP growth rate, making the Philippines one of the best performing economies in ASEAN. “We need to take advantage of that. We don’t want to pass up on these opportunities. We can only realize these FDI leads if we’re able to improve some more our ease and cost of doing business,” he said.
Seit Juni 2023 ist die Digitale Rentenübersicht online. Damit sollen Versicherte in Zukunft alles zu ihrer Altersvorsorge auf einen Blick sehen können. Wie kommt das Angebot bisher an?
Berlin – Wer schon sein ganzes Leben lang über die Altersvorsorge nachdenkt, der hat möglicherweise verschiedene Standbeine aufgebaut. Das ist auch gut so – darauf ist unser Rentensystem ausgerichtet. Die gesetzliche Rente ist dabei ein wichtiger Baustein, aber eben nicht der einzige. Betriebliche Altersvorsorgen, Riester-Renten, Aktien oder vermögenswirksame Leistungen – es gibt viele Möglichkeiten. Um einen besseren Überblick über das, was man während seines Arbeitslebens schon angehäuft hat, zu gewährleisten, gibt es jetzt die Digitale Rentenübersicht.
Die Digitale Rentenübersicht erfasst nur die „echte“ Altersvorsorge
Am 30. Juni ging das Portal der Deutschen Rentenversicherung online. Es ist weder verpflichtend noch kostet es etwas. Zur Anmeldung im Portal benötigt man einen digitalen Personalausweis (eID). Die eID ist bei allen Ausweisen, die nach 2017 ausgestellt wurden, automatisch enthalten – muss aber freigeschaltet werden. Dann kann man zum einen einsehen, wie hoch die gesetzliche Rente voraussichtlich ausfallen wird (so wie bei der jährlichen Renteninformation). Zum anderen aber auch, wie viel sich durch verschiedene andere Formen der Altersvorsorge angesammelt hat.
Dazu gehören alle privat und betrieblich abgeschlossenen Renten. Das betrifft sowohl monatliche als auch einmalige Zahlungen, die man zur Altersvorsorge abgeschlossen hat. Wer also möglicherweise vergessen hat, dass er oder sie vor Jahren mal bei einem alten Arbeitgeber eine betriebliche Altersvorsorge abgeschlossen hat, würde sie in der digitalen Rentenübersicht wieder finden.
Es werden aber nur solche Angebote erfasst, die „eindeutig der Altersvorsorge dienen oder typischerweise dafür genutzt werden“, so die Rentenversicherung. Dazu gehören zum Beispiel keine ETFs oder vermögenswirksame Leistungen oder Bausparverträge. Und auch Beamte erhalten nicht alle Informationen: Pensionen werden aktuell nicht auf dem Portal angezeigt.
Aktuell sind allerdings noch nicht alle Altersvorsorge-Produkte in dem Portal enthalten. Ab Herbst 2023 ist es aber für Anbieter Pflicht, in der digitalen Rentenübersicht registriert zu sein.
Bisher noch recht wenige Anmeldungen
Wie kommt das Angebot also rund zwei Monate nach der Einführung an? Auf Anfrage teilt ein Sprecher der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bund (DRV) mit, dass bisher 850.000 Personen die Webseite besucht haben. Davon haben sich bisher aber nur 80.000 registriert – ein Anteil von 9,4 Prozent.
Die relativ niedrige Quote könnte wohl daran liegen, dass das Anmeldeverfahren recht kompliziert ist. Wer seine PIN für die eID nicht mehr hat, muss ihn erst per Brief zurückschalten lassen. Außerdem braucht man seine Steuer-ID und ein Gerät, auf dem die Ausweis-App installiert werden kann. All das sind Hürden, die möglicherweise die Registrierung ausbremsen. Noch dazu kann man nach erfolgreicher Registrierung erst fünf Tage später alle Daten einsehen.
Wer registriert ist, hat noch die Möglichkeit, über Feedbackformulare die Eindrücke an die DRV weiterzuleiten. „Diese werden kontinuierlich ausgewertet, um die Digitale Rentenübersicht weiterzuentwickeln und neue Serviceelemente für die Nutzenden zu implementieren“, so der Sprecher weiter. So wolle man zum Beispiel in Zukunft „die Bezeichnung der dargestellten Werte noch einmal verständlicher formulieren.“
Zu den dargestellten Werten gehören aktuell die Auszahlungen, die man erwarten kann, wenn man wie gewohnt weiter in die Vorsorge einzahlt und das, was schon „garantiert“ ist.
A vehicle passes a giant FIBA Basketball World Cup themed display near one of the venues at the Mall of Asia Arena Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, in Pasay city Philippines. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
The much-awaited Fiba World Cup kicks off on Friday in Manila, Jakarta and Okinawa with the Philippine capital serving as the main host of the games from the group stages up to the Final Phase from August 25 to September 10.
There are 16 teams–including the Philippines’ own Gilas Pilipinas and crowd-favorite Team USA–playing in Manila at several venues namely Philippine Arena, Mall of Asia Arena, and Smart Araneta Coliseium.
But fans can’t go to the games, they are multiple ways of watching the game live on various platforms.
Where can you watch on free TV?
The Fiba World Cup games will be aired on free TV channels like TV5 and One Sports with Cignal TV as Fiba World Cup’s official broadcaster in the Philippines.
Fiba World Cup in Manila: Schedule of games
For the August 25 games, the opening match between Angola and Italy at 4pm will air on Ine Sports while the Mexico-Montenegro clash, featuring Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic, at 4:45pm will be shown live on One Sports+, a cable TV channel on Cignal.
The match between Gilas Pilipinas and Karl-Anthony Towns’ Dominican Republic at 8pm will air on both One Sports and One Sports+ preceeded by the Fiba World Cup opening ceremony.
A delayed broadcast of the Philippines-Dominican Republic match will be aired on TV5 at 10:45pm.
All of Gilas Pilipinas’ games on August 25, 27 and 29 will be shown live on both ONE Sports and ONE Sports+ simultaneously.
One Sports will also be airing selected games from Okinawa and Jakarta.
Cignal TV is also offering a pay-per-view, no commercial access for all Fiba World Cup games for a subscription fee.
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering...
We pray for wisdom...
"Blessings" is a song by American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter Laura Story from her 2011 album Blessings. It was released on February 21, 2011, as the lead single. The song became Story's first Hot Christian Songs No. 1, staying there for four weeks. It lasted 34 weeks on the overall chart.
Laura Story married her partner Martin; two years later he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Story learned that despite his life-threatening illness, they saw how God never intended for people to provide for themselves and that instead of walking alone they would need to rely on Jesus's help. Blessings was written to describe how God will allow things that are not immediately understood to happen, but from a different perspective they are a means of spiritual growth. The song is also about how sometimes material possessions are not what God wants for believers, and it lends the idea about how character, along with what is in someone's heart, is ultimately more important.
The song inspired me to write this column. At my age I think about all my blessings. Blessings are really not only money... .
Blessings in the Bible suggest an intimate relationship between the blesser and the blessed. A blessing from God marks an intimate relationship between God and man, serving as proof that he finds himself in God's favor.
The phrase 'blessings be upon you' is correct and usable in written English. It is a traditional phrase often used in religious texts, and can also be used as a standard blessing phrase in casual conversations. For example, you might say, "May blessings be upon you and your family" when wishing a friend well.
Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.
The wonderful gift that Christ gave us is too wonderful to keep to ourselves. We can touch the lives of others this Thanksgiving by sharing the love of Jesus through a meal, a place at our table, and giving selflessly.
I am blessed because I am living in the Philippines together with my family. No doubts. No fears!
Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga strengthened ties with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with 18 other government leaders in the Philippines, as she once again took the oath of office as a member of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), a political party of the President.
No less than President Marcos Jr. administered the oath-taking ceremony at Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace, Manila, on Thursday, August 24.
“We have turned what was a minor Party in the political spectrum into the majority Party now in the country, and that is because not only for political convenience, not only to prepare for elections, but because there is, and I have always been of the belief that a Party must stand for an ideology", expressed President Marcos Jr. in his message.
The President also pointed out his firm belief in Federalism, saying that the core principle of the PFP involves decentralizing power to local governments, districts, and all entities functioning at the community level, making for a more sound political structure in the country.
He also underscored that by transforming the government, bureaucracy, and even the thinking of ordinary Filipino citizens and politicians, the countrymen can feel that the government genuinely exists to assist its people.
He ended his message by saying "Kailangan talaga lahat ay magkaisa. Kaya’t lagi ko pinapaalala sa tao, ang pagkakaisa na ating sinigaw 'nung kampanya, hindi po 'yan slogan. Katotohanan 'yun. 'Yun talaga ang magiging solusyon sa ating mga problema".
Meanwhile, Governor Gonzaga pledged her support to the President's agenda and the party as this is in line with her advocacy for good governance. This is espoused on her "Government Works" platform of governance, aiming for a more progressive, economic-driven, and better province.
It can be recalled that Governor Gonzaga already took her oath as a member of the PFP on July 24, 2023, right after the President's State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In October 2018, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) granted official accreditation to the PFP. During the 2022 national elections, President Marcos Jr. assumed the role of the Party's presidential candidate. (Jaynus Fernandez)
POV: You are in the King City of the South for the 38th Kadayawan sa Davao. After celebrating with the locals and joining the #VibrantKadayawan festivities, you are hungry and searching for a good place to eat.
Whether it’s your first time visiting the destination or you’ve been here multiple times, there are always new and #AweSM restaurants that are ready to serve you scrumptious dishes. Check them out below:
First stop: SM City Davao
Seafood Paradise Location: Ground Level, Annex Bldg., SM City Davao and SM Lanang
Talaba and Bilao Boodle
Seafood lovers, rejoice: This paradise is for you! Prepare for a big feast when you visit Seafood Paradise, a buffet resto that serves fresh-from-the-ocean catches like Tuna Panga in BBQ sauce, scallops, oysters, shrimps, squid, and mussels.
You can eat these as is or have them drenched in sauce. They also have palabok, pansit, and seafood paella if you want some carbs. For dessert, you can choose from their buko pandan, mixed fruits, and other sweet treats to cap off your meal. Have we mentioned that you avail of their unlimited servings for only P499? What a steal!
The Green Bounty Kitchen 2nd Level, Annex Bldg., SM City Davao
Chicken Wrap and Shrimp Veggie Quesadilla
Who can say no to delicious food that’s also healthy? At The Green Bounty Kitchen, you can eat sans the guilt since everything is made with locally-sourced and organic ingredients. They have straight-from-the-farm meals that you can expect to be fresh and flavorful, like their Grilled Chicken Salad, Chicken Wrap, Shrimp Veggie Quesadilla, and Mexican Beef Quesadilla.
There are vegan options, too, including the Vegan Lechon Kawali that tastes like the real thing! Our favorite part about The Green Bounty Kitchen aside from their wholesome spread? It’s a pet-friendly resto so you can channel your inner paw parent and bring your fur babies.
The Burp Co. 2nd Level, Main Mall, SM City Davao
Durian Pie, Knickerbocker, and Blueberry Cheesecake
The perfect way to end a hearty meal is with dessert…and a burp! You can only find The Burp Co. in Davao, so visiting this quaint café is important during your visit.
Choose from their bestsellers like Buko Pie, Durian Pie, Cheesecake Pie, and Choco Moist Cake which use premium ingredients and are baked fresh daily. Another must-try at The Burp Co. is their Knickerbocker—think of it as our local halo-halo but made better with fresh fruits instead of preserves!
Aside from their luscious pastries, you’ll love the owner’s humble beginnings that started in her garage at home: Catherine Maxey used to be an I.T. professional in Singapore before she decided to bake pies and sell them within their neighborhood. This passion project earned her a lot of loyal customers and soon enough, she set up a physical store that continues to grow.
Tagoro’s Abuhan 2nd Level, Annex Bldg., SM City Davao
Pork Pizza Empanada and Buko Mix
After an all-day road trip in the King City of the South, the next best thing to do is head over to an eatery that offers local eats and that’s at Tagoro’s Abuhan!
To start off your meal, order the Pork Pizza or the Rambolito ni Tagor—an appetizer that consists of seven onion rings, seven chicken fillets, and seven potato wedges which is good for sharing. Get the Pomelo Salad next to cleanse your palate, and then savor the flavors of their Manok ni Tagor, Tunasal, and Super Lolo as your main course.
For something sweet, request the Buko Mix that’s both sweet and refreshing plus it’s super “barato” for its generous serving!
BBQ Nation 2nd Level, Main Mall, SM City Davao
If you’re looking for a one-stop haven for anything grilled, BBQ Nation is definitely the best place to go to. Located at the 2nd level of SM City Davao’s Main Mall, this place offers the meatiest barbecues and the juiciest “blackened spare ribs.”
Craving for “Bagnet of the South”? It only takes one bite of their Bagnet and you’ll find yourself coming back for more! But wait there’s more, their Tuna Kinilaw is one of the freshest tuna dishes you’ll ever taste here in Davao mixed with cucumber, raddish, ginger and a lot of vinegar.
Anniepie 2nd Level, Annex Bldg., SM City Davao; 2nd Level, Main Mall, SM Lanang
Treat yourself to something sweet from Anniepie! Experience Kadayawan with these proudly Davao made cinnamon rolls, bar cookies, and cakes that will leave you dreaming for more of their cottony-soft bread and the sublime cinnamon flavor. Visit Anniepie at SM City Davao now!
Purple Yam Homemade Cakes and Pastries 2nd Level, Main Mall, SM City Davao
Purple Yam Homemade Cakes and Pastries serves freshly baked sweets. You won’t be able to find this in Metro Manila so make sure to stop by their takeout counter located at the 2nd level of SM City Davao’s Main Mall too.
This dessert brand is also known for its soft and creamy cakes made with real ube. The Round Ube cake costs only P430. For barkada celebrations, we would love for you to try their medium square-sized ube cake (P550). If you plan to stroll around the mall while enjoying their ube goodness in a cup, you may purchase the 12oz cup priced at P67 only.
VANDA Park Inn by Radisson Davao, in front of SM Lanang Premier
For those whose accommodation is at Park Inn by Radisson Davao, you’ll be glad to know that they have an all-day dining restaurant that is only a stone’s throw away from SM Lanang Premier. Although the grub may seem familiar to you, VANDA—which is derived from the orchid specie waling-waling—puts a twist on their local and international cuisines that are both a feast for your eyes and mouth.
And just in time for the festival of festivals, VANDA’s Kadayawan Boodle Fight is now back on its menu. Enjoy a slew of starters, main courses, sides, rice, drinks, and desserts for only P3,950 which is already good for five to six persons. Other Chef’s Recos are Grilled Tanigue Steak, VANDA Salad, and Malagos Ricotta Cheesecake.
Our next stop for more great tasting menus is SM Lanang
Bistro Selera 2nd Level, Main Mall, SM Lanang Premier
Suha Salad and Bistek Selera
One local restaurant that deserves your visit is Selera Bistro. Here, you can taste the unique flavors of Davao on your plate may it be indoors or outdoors. The chef puts a spin on the classic dishes to make sure you treat your taste buds to something delectable—like the Suha Salad, pomelo tossed in locally grown herbs with special fish sauce dressing.
Selera’s Bagaybay and Torch Eggplant
Another must-try is Selera’s Bagaybay, a tuna course wrapped in homemade bacon and drizzled with garlic oil, and Bistek Selera which is a grilled beef tenderloin marinated in herbs and spices and topped with battered onions, before being served with bone marrow gravy. There’s also Torch Eggplant, Seafood Durian Curry, and Chopsuey with Fried Noodles. There’s really food for every mood! Wash these all down with their freshly-squeezed juices and fruit shakes.
Tuna Express Kamayan Grills Location: 2nd Level, Skygarden, SM Lanang
Davao is known for its ocean-fresh catches, especially the city’s pride, tuna. At Tuna Express Kamayan Grills, you have to try the Grilled Tuna Belly and Grilled Tuna Panga which have a nice char and are best dipped in soy sauce with calamansi.
Other recos are Sizzling Tuna Sisig, Grilled Scallops, Calamares, Tuna Salpicao, and Tuna Kinilaw that you can eat with Guso or Lato on the side. Not a big fan of seafood? Opt for Tuna Express Kamayan Grills’ Bulalo with Bone marrow instead which is equally savory and filling.
The NYC Uptown Location: SM Lanang 1st Level, North Wing
Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you! Feel the vibes of the Big Apple at The NYC Uptown, an aesthetic restaurant located at the North Wing of SM Lanang Premier. The visually-pleasing interiors are nice to look at while you munch on their Unli Chicken Wings with 13 signature flavors, like Hickory BBQ, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Parmesan, Buffalo, and Salted Egg. These best-tasting eat-all-you-can wings in Davao come with cheese, garlic mayo, honey mustard, and ranch dips for only P399, and the promo also includes unlimited rice and unlimited drinks.
Yup, you’ve read that right! You also can’t miss out on their fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs. If you’re visiting The NYC Uptown for some light snacks, take your pick from their New York-style hotdogs and cheesecakes (we can’t stop thinking about their Chelsea Caramel slice!).
Out of nowhere kitchen SM Lanang 1st Level, North Wing , SM Lanang
Korean Fried Chicken, Beef Kebab, Chicken Inasal
Out of Nowhere Kitchen offers a wide array of food choices with generous serving and quality ingredients that’s truly worth your money. For starters, order the Korean fried chicken, a Crispy Fried Chicken with special Korean sweet soy sauce drizzled with cheese. From their grilled selections try their Beef Kebab, ground beef mixture of herbs and spiced Persian style with hummus and yogurt sauce. Each dish is infused with a variety of flavors to complete the unique dining experience. Every bite is definitely a feast!
Roadhouse Cafe Ground Level, Main Mall, SM City Davao
USDA Rib Eye, and Seafood Basket
From its first branch in Bukidnon, Roadhouse Cafe brings in their rustic style and fine dining cuisine to Davao. Take a feast on their premium USDA Rib Eye steaks grown from their local farm and a delectable Seafood Basket- a combination of shrimp, squid, fish fillet, and vegetable will surely please your taste buds when you try some.
Kare-Kare, and Sinigang Pork Kawali
For more meaty comfort food, we highly recommend the Kare-Kare, Sinigang Pork Kawali, Steamed Pompano with lime sauce and Musuan Peak Green Salad, to taste the best Davaoeño version of these Filipino foods.
TODAY, a new and exciting chapter in Philippine sports history opens as Manila hosts the 2023 FIBA World Cup, basketball's biggest spectacle. For the next 17 days, 32 teams, which survived a long and grueling elimination phase, will face each other in the final showdown to determine who will reign as champion for the next four years.
The Philippines fought tooth and nail for the chance to host this year's FIBA World Cup. We could not afford to let it slip by, since it may be decades before the next golden opportunity comes along.
We are co-hosting the World Cup with Okinawa and Jakarta, but the medal round will be played here. And that is a grand treat for the millions of Filipino basketball fans who are looking forward to the rare experience of watching their idols play.
To describe Filipinos as basketball-crazy is not an exaggeration. In almost every village, there is a basketball court. The ring may be skewed and rusty, nailed to a warped backboard, and the court nothing but a leveled-out patch of bare ground. But it is where barefoot boys learn the game. It is where the dream begins.
The roots of basketball in the Philippines are difficult to trace, because historical details are scarce. One account credits American teachers for bringing the game over toward the end of the 1800s, when America took the country under its wing. The game was just catching on in the US, having been developed by Canadian-American doctor James Naismith in 1861.
Dribbling a ball and shooting it towards a hoop (originally a peach basket with its bottom removed) quickly appealed to the local boys, and a national sport was born.
For a while, the Philippines was the unchallenged king of basketball in Asia, winning the crown during the 1913 Far Eastern Games.
The appeal has since grown into a national obsession. More than a century later, basketball has mesmerized an entire nation. We have professional and semi-pro leagues, and basketball is the glamor sport in the UAAP and the NCAA. For many barangay (villages), a fiesta celebration is not complete without a basketball tournament.
According to one report, the Philippines is Nike's third biggest basketball market after the US and China.
Multi-awarded PBA coach Tim Cone caught the essence of the Filipinos' romance with basketball during a recent interview. "We have three seasons: rainy season, [dry] season and basketball season, and we play basketball through it all. That's the passion," Cone said.
Not surprisingly, the holy grail for many young players is suiting up for the national team. To join the roster, which includes the all-time greats of Philippine basketball, is a distinct privilege and honor.
Among the legends who played for the flag and country was Carlos Loyzaga. The six-foot-one Loyzaga led the national team to a third-place finish in the 1954 World Basketball Championship in Rio de Janeiro.
It was the best finish for the Philippines in the tournament that was the forerunner of the FIBA World Cup.
Other court heroes have responded to the call to play for the Philippine team. Lauro Mumar was Loyzaga's teammate in the 1954 championship. Narciso Bernardo and Ed Ocampo were fixtures in several national teams. So were Alvin Patrimonio, Bogs Adornado, Manny Paner, Ramon Fernandez and Allan Caidic.
Robert Jaworski was the driving force behind many Philippine teams.
It is fitting that FIBA has chosen the World Cup in Manila as the venue to honor Loyzaga by formalizing his posthumous induction into its Hall of Fame.
The quest for basketball glory continues today. The Philippines' Gilas will be up against some of the world's best teams. It will be the underdog, but Gilas prides itself in having puso — a fierce fighting heart.
For that, Gilas deserves the admiration and wholehearted support from the country as it basks in national pride for being the center of the basketball universe for the next two weeks.
Church-run Radio Veritas is inviting the faithful to a Grand Marian Exhibit, a prelude to the celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sept. 8.
Grand Marian Exhibit (Photo courtesy of Radio Veritas)
“The Marian exhibit aims to help spread devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is part of our evangelization efforts, especially since the venue is inside the mall where mall goers can visit and learn more about our Blessed Mother,” said Veritas Religious department head Renee Jose over Radio Veritas.
The Grand Marian Exhibit will be held at the Fisher Mall’s activity center in Quezon City from Aug. 30 until the Solemnity of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sept. 8.
Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, Radio Veritas president and Caritas Manila executive director will lead the launching of the exhibit on Aug. 30.
To be featured are 70 reverend Marian images under different titles from around the country including Our Lady of Veritas.
Interested parties may get in touch with Ms. Jose at 0917-6314589 for love offerings and mass donations.
