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!
THAT rather amusing story of how the sisters Martha and Mary received Christ in their home highlights a very important aspect of our life. (cfr. 10,38-42) And that is that we have to know and live well the proper relationship between God and our work.
As the gospel story narrates, both sisters were obviously very happy to have Christ in their home. But Martha, the elder one, showed that joy by busying herself preparing things for Christ. It was Mary, the younger one, who appeared to be doing nothing other than staying close to Christ.
When Martha complained about Mary to Christ, she was corrected and clearly told, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is a need for only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”
While what Martha did was truly good, what made it somehow wrong was when she failed to recognize the priority of prayer over work. Better said, she failed to make her work a form of prayer as it should be, since any work should be a form of prayer. Work should be a means to lead us to God, to glorify him even as it contributes to the good of everybody else also. It should sanctify us.
We need to make this truth of our Christian faith better known, appreciated and lived. We cannot deny that many are those who fail to see, let alone, live the intimate relationship between our work and God and the others.
Very often, our work has become a function of our self-indulgence or self-interest only. Very often, we work to achieve self-satisfaction, or at best, to meet the needs of the family or of some special group. Its relation to God is often taken for granted. Its purpose of sanctifying us, the others and the world itself, is practically ignored.
We need to remember that as our Christian faith tells us, God created us to work just as He created the birds to fly. (cfr. Job 5,7) As such, God designed any work we have as a way to relate ourselves with God, and because of God, with everybody and everything else in this world.
It’s when we work with this truth of our Christian faith in mind that we can truly do a lot of good. Ignoring or, worse, contradicting this truth would only lead us to a lot evil that can cover itself with a lot of transitory and false joy and sense of achievement.
Let’s also remember that God has designed any work in this world as a way to lead us to God. If we work with God always in mind, we would always follow the moral and spiritual laws that govern our work. Ignoring God in our work would only lead us to all kinds of immorality—greed, avarice, lust, envy, etc.
We need to spread this truth of our Christian faith about work more widely. Our different institutions of learning should be experts in carrying out this duty. Of course, the parents should inculcate this truth as soon as their children can understand things.
We should not be interested only in acquiring knowledge and skills. Their pursuit should lead us to God and to the others, never just self-interest. We should not be interested only in gaining money, power and prestige. Most important and indispensable should be desire to be truly holy as God wants us to be.
The Tacunan dwarf coconut variety is known for its exceptionally thick coconut meat, surpassing that of many other coconut varieties. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Lloyd Pantollano, the owner of Pantollano Coconut Farm, is a certified producer of dwarf coconuts in Davao City. Holding accreditation and trader certificates issued by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), he specializes in the cultivation and distribution of various coconut varieties. His primary focus centers on the propagation of coconut seedlings.
Lloyd pursued a college course in computer science, a field different from his current occupation. His venture into the coconut seedling business began in 2012, following his employment with the Philippine Coconut Authority, where he worked from 2006 to 2020. In 2020, he made the decision to resign from PCA to concentrate fully on his coconut business.
Lloyd Pantollano is owner of Pantollano Coconut Farm in Davao City. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
His main nursery is located in Davao City, complemented by another branch in Surigao City. Additionally, Lloyd manages a coconut farm in Digos City, Davao Del Sur.
A commitment to quality
Lloyd has dedicated over a decade to his coconut seedling business, serving as a reliable supplier not only within Mindanao but also in the distant regions of Luzon and Visayas. His clients extend to several farms in locations such as Pangasinan, Quezon, Palawan, Davao, and many others, demonstrating his extensive reach within the industry.
Hauling coconut seed nuts for delivery involves carefully transporting the cargo to its destination. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Lloyd's farming business revolves around coconut seedling production, encompassing the germination process from mother trees, seed management, and the meticulous care of seedlings in the nursery. He also obtained Good Agricultural Practices accreditation from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
"I am drawn to engage in coconut seedling production because coconuts are easy to maintain during the germination and seedbed preparation process,” Lloyd said in Tagalog.
Using trucks to transport coconut seed nuts is an efficient and practical method. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Lloyd takes great care to guarantee the quality of his seedlings. This commitment is reflected in his marketing strategy, where he consistently promotes his products as "quality dwarf coconut." He is dedicated in his resolve not to offer his customers anything less than superior quality coconut seedlings.
Lloyd emphasizes the vital importance of sourcing planting material for coconut production.. “Buyers should consistently opt for traders and producers who possess certification from the Philippine Coconut Authority, as it serves as a crucial guarantee that they are obtaining the desired coconut varieties,” Lloyd said. “This is particularly important given that distinguishing between dwarf and tall varieties is not easily achievable solely by examining seedlings.”
Propagating coconut seeds in black plastic bags is a common horticultural practice that provides a controlled and nurturing environment for the young seedlings' early growth stages. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Given that coconut trees require three years to bear fruit, Lloyd stresses the potential repercussions of purchasing inferior coconuts or the wrong varieties, which can result in a waste of time and money.
"I highly value customer feedback,” Lloyd said. “I am committed to supporting coconut farmers and providing them with what they truly need. Thankfully, I have not received any negative feedback from my customers."
Labeling the coconut seed bed in the nursery is of utmost importance as it ensures proper identification and organization of different coconut varieties. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
The early-bearing dwarf coconuts
According to Lloyd, Farmers are often drawn to cultivating dwarf coconut varieties due to their early-bearing nature. For instance, the Tacunan dwarf variety stands out as its fruits appear to almost touch the ground when they start bearing. Within a relatively short period of three years, dwarf coconut trees begin to produce flowers, allowing for continuous harvesting in the following year. The differences between dwarf and tall coconut varieties are relatively minor. However, when considering the practical aspects, dwarf varieties often prove superior. They require less labor for harvesting and are easier to manage.
Over a span of 20 years, dwarf coconut trees typically reach a maximum height of 20 feet, which is shorter than their tall counterparts. This feature further contributes to their appeal among farmers.
Carefully placing and securing coconut seedlings in sacks is a step in preparing them for delivery. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
The best-selling variety among Lloyd's coconuts is the Tacunan dwarf. This variety, categorized as a regular dwarf, features medium to large nuts with relatively thicker meat compared to other options. It's a top choice for those interested in coconut meat and copra production.
Another popular choice is the Aromatic green dwarf variety. While its fruit is smaller than the Tacunan dwarf, it yields more fruit in a bunch. The Aromatic green dwarf is known for its sweeter coconut water, making it a favorable choice for coconut sugar production.
The transportation of coconut seedlings from the nursery in Davao to Manila via bus cargo. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
In addition to the Tacunan Dwarf and Aromatic Dwarf coconut varieties, Lloyd's offers a diverse selection of other options including the Catigan Dwarf, Laguna Tall, Malayan Red Dwarf, Golden King Dwarf, Tagnanan Tall, Buko Pandan Dwarf, and Macapuno embryo seedlings.
For those interested in purchasing coconut seedlings outside of Mindanao, the seedlings are shipped via bus cargo for pickup in Pasay, Manila. Meanwhile, for customers in Visayas, the seedlings are shipped via air cargo. However, customers within Davao and nearby provionces have the option to pick up their orders directly from the nursery.
The Catigan dwarf coconut variety is valued for its compact size and high-yield potential. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Quality management matters
Lloyd recognizes that all coconut varieties possess their unique qualities. However, “the quality of the coconuts produced hinges on tree management practices, including fertilizer management, cultural techniques, and sanitation practices,” he said. “Engaging in coconut production demands a dedicated focus, as neglecting the maintenance and management of coconut trees can lead to a diminished quality of fruit."
Challenges in coconut nursery management
One of the primary challenges Lloyd faced in coconut nursery management is coping with the dry season, which highlighted the need for irrigation. During this period, the absence of rain demands additional expenses for irrigation. The second challenge arises during periods of low coconut demand, typically coinciding with the Christmas season and the times when students are graduating and enrolling in schools. Conversely, the peak season for heightened coconut demand typically occurs during the rainyseason.
The meticulous selection of coconut seed nuts in the nursery is a fundamental practice, ensuring that only the healthiest and most robust seeds are chosen for selling. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Lloyd stated that the primary pests affecting mature coconut trees are the coconut rhinoceros beetles, locally known as bakukang, and slug caterpillars, referred to as sampiring by locals. To combat slug caterpillars, he applies insecticides to the coconut tree leaves. In the case of the rhinoceros beetle, Lloyd employs pheromone traps as an effective control measure.
Coconut farming as a resilient business
Lloyd recognizes that coconut farming presents a good business opportunity. He acknowledges that, even during periods of declining coconut prices, the continued production ensures a steady income stream.
Utilizing net shading in the coconut nursery is a strategic measure to protect young seedlings from excessive sunlight and harsh weather conditions. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
"While some coconut farmers may quickly become discouraged when coconut prices are low, there are alternative avenues to boost income,” Lloyd said. “Coconuts offer versatile opportunities for processing beyond merely selling the nuts and copra; they can be transformed into various products such as coconut sugar, coconut honey, and more."
Lloyd encourages coconut farmers to explore these avenues to increase their income and resilience.
The aromatic green dwarf coconut variety stands out as an exceptional choice for coconut sugar production due to its high sap yield and sugar content. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
The importance of hands-on management and certifications
In the coconut nursery business, Lloyd values the importance of hands-on involvement in production, management, and people leadership. He places a strong emphasis on the selection and quality control of coconuts, ensuring that the coconut seedlings offered for sale are both healthy and free from pests.
Lloyd also stresses the necessity for all coconut farmers engaged in this business to secure the requisite permits. “Every coconut farmer involved in this business should obtain the necessary permits,” he said. ‘Even if you don't possess a business permit yet, you can use a barangay permit as a preliminary document to apply for a permit from the Philippine Coconut Authority as a trader.”
Collecting the coconut seedlings at the right time after the emergence of shoots. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Furthermore, Lloyd stated that aspiring traders must provide proof of the source of their seedlings, demonstrating that they originate from a PCA-accredited seed bank. “If one possesses a mother plant and aspires to become a nursery operator, it is necessary to undergo evaluation and accreditation by the PCA for official registration,” he added.
In the upcoming article, Lloyd will impart valuable insights and tips on nurturing your coconut seedlings successfully after acquiring them from the nursery.
Going after your dreams, no matter how wild and impossible it may seem, can be easily attained when one is surrounded with a strong support system.
Jeremy Jauncey dedicates his latest Instagram post to his wife Pia Wurtzbach who has been attending fashion weeks all over the globe. “Every story starts somewhere. A chance encounter, a lucky break, a half open door. I’ve always found the best stories have one thing in common—that person with a passionate, relentless, undefeatable drive to achieve, and that ability to push against the odds, to take a risk when others tell them no and to chase a dream no matter how far away it seems.”
He revealed that Pia dreamt of breaking into European fashion three years ago. But despite having no network, no opportunities, and no credibility, Jeremy witnessed how Pia worked hard toward that goal. “I’ve been with you as you worked every angle, took every meeting, trusted many who promised so much and delivered so little. Setback after setback on a journey that only we knew about.”
Despite the many challenges and failures that she encountered, she continued to work hard to reach this dream of hers. Jeremy even divulged that Pia was told that she would never make it to fashion weeks, and that her best years were behind her. But even so, she delivered. “To a level even we didn’t hope for in our wildest dreams.”
“So while social media only shows the glitz and the glamor, never forget that every story starts somewhere. And I know how far away this story started for you. I’m so proud of you,” he ends his post, addressing his wife Pia.
In the comments section, Pia left a message, “Thank you, my love. I’ll see you very soon!”
Captivating Katkat impersonated Mayor Joy in one of the challenge segments for the reality show. During her visit, Katkat and Mayor Joy discussed programs for the local government and the LGBTQ+ community.
Captivating Katkat (Facebook)
"Drag Race Philippines Season 2" winner Captivating Katkat finally met one of her idols, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, during a courtesy call at her office on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
Captivating Katkat impersonated Mayor Joy in one of the challenge segments for the reality show. During her visit, Katkat and Mayor Joy discussed programs for the local government and the LGBTQ+ community.
Mayor Joy Belmonte (left) and Captivating Katkat (Facebook)
On Instagram, Mayor Joy posted:
"Boogsh! Maraming salamat, RuPaul’s Dragrace PH Season 2 Winner Captivating Katkat, para sa pagbisita sa Quezon City Hall! ️
"Mainit na tinanggap ni Mayor Joy Belmonte si Captivating Katkat sa kanyang tanggapan ngayong umaga para sa isang courtesy call. Personal na binati ng ating alkalde si Captivating Katkat para sa kanyang pagkapanalo sa katatapos lang sa RuPaul's Dragrace PH Season 2.
"Ibinahagi rin niya ang mga programa ng lungsod Quezon na nakatuon para sa mga LGBTQIA+ tulad ng pagpasa ng Gender Fair Ordinance, Right to Care card, pagsasagawa ng LGBTQIA+ commitment ceremony kada-February 14, pagdiriwang ng Pride Month tuwing Hunyo, at marami pang iba.
"Maraming salamat muli, Captivating Katkat! QC is proud of you."
Officials elected in the 2023 BSKE will enjoy a two-year term after the Supreme Court declared Marcos' RA 11935 unconstitutional in July 2023.
The Supreme Court said the next BSKE will be held on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years after that date.
President Marcos has declared Oct. 30, 2023, Monday, a special non-working day across the country to allow the people to vote in the much-awaited Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Proclamation No. 359 on Oct. 9, 2023, signaling that the BSKE will finally proceed after being postponed twice since 2020.
In his proclamation, Marcos said there was a need to declare Oct. 30 a holiday to allow the people to vote for their favored barangay and SK officials.
"It is imperative that the people be given the full opportunity to participate in the said elections and exercise their right to suffrage," he said.
The elections were initially scheduled for May 2020, but a law was passed in December 2019, postponing the polls to December 2022. However, Marcos signed the Republic Act (RA) No. 11935 in October 2022, moving the elections to October 2023.
In a tweet, Marcos explained that he approved the measure to ensure the delivery of services to the people at the barangay level.
He later explained that they had sufficient precedent for postponing the village polls.
"Well, we have sufficient precedent for the postponement of Barangay and SK Elections. Nakailan na tayo (We've already had some)," he said.
"In my time lang (alone) in government, I have seen, I think, four, maybe five postponements," he added.
Two-year term
Officials elected in the 2023 BSKE will enjoy a two-year term after the Supreme Court declared Marcos' RA 11935 unconstitutional in July 2023.
The High Court, however, ordered the October 2023 polls to proceed anyway. Because of this, RA 11462 is revived, which limits the term of elected BSK officials to Dec. 31, 2022.
By then, all existing barangay and SK officers are deemed to be in a "hold-over" capacity until the next BSKE in December 2025.
To avoid confusion, the Supreme Court said that the next BSKE will be held on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years after that date.
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