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!
‘Constantly thinking about the past and worrying about the future can make it difficult to enjoy the good things.’
How often do you find yourself brooding on what happened yesterday or what might occur tomorrow?
Arlin Cuncic, MA, founder of About Social Anxiety, a handy website that offers assistance to individuals with social anxiety disorder, reminds everyone that dwelling on regrets or fears only hinders one to truly experience a happier, more fulfilled life.
“Constantly thinking about the past and worrying about the future can make it difficult to enjoy the good things,” she says.
The experts from the Benilde Well-Being Center (BWC) of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde agree. “These are aspects which we are unaware of that might affect our life and wellbeing,” they explain.
Cuncic, who has worked in various mental health and research settings, including the psychology department of the University of Western Ontario in Canada and the cognitive-behavioral therapy unit of the Center for Addiction and Mental Health Multi-Health Systems, highlighted the importance of being in the present.
“Learning how to be more mindful and live in the moment can give you a greater appreciation for your life, help reduce stress, and minimize anxiety,” added The Anxiety Workbook author.
To guide the community to be more aware of themselves and their surroundings, the professionals listed top 10 tips, as shared through the award-winning mental health platform Verywell Mind.
1. Notice your surroundings.
Take this opportunity to observe your environment. Close your eyes as you take a deep breath. Open them. Take in everything around you.
2. Focus on one thing at a time.
Do not multitask. When your thoughts drift or you check on your phone, stop. Turn that attention back to what’s in front of you. You are more productive when fully engaged.
3. Be grateful for what you have now.
Do not be absorbed in things you do not have. Instill gratitude. List the blessings you are thankful for. Review them on a daily basis.
4. Accept things as they are and not how you want them to be.
Sometimes life is going to be different than how you want it to be. Acknowledge the things that are beyond your control.
5. Practice mindfulness meditation.
It improves your concentration on current tasks. It helps you recognize your thoughts and feelings.
6. Spend time with people who make you feel happy and fulfilled.
Surround yourself with positive and supportive family and friends.
7. Be mindful of everything you do.
Focus on the details of the activities that you are doing. It helps bring more present-moment awareness into your life.
8. Do deep breathing exercises.
Take slow regulated breaths to prevent feelings of negative thoughts or panic. It allows you to be more in control of your current tasks.
9. Take a break from social media and technology.
Continuously checking social media affects your ability to be present. Do not let technology take over. It prevents you from being sensible about what is really going on around you.
10. Get regular exercise.
A stroll in the park or daily yoga can help you stay more focused especially if coupled with meditation.
Chauffeur, gardener, tour guide. Native to Munich, Bavaria.
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I‘m a native Bavarian, with Northern-German roots.
Ever since a longer stay in the U.S. around age 16/17, I consider America as my second homeland (the political trajectory of recent decades pains me, and I am wishing America all the best. Who knows - maybe sometimes something bad will ultimately lead to something good?).
Throughout many years, I worked mainly as a professional driver in Munich, and also provide individual sightseeing-tours in the Bavarian capital & vicinity. Other professional work include garden- and house maintenance and, in broad terms, finding solutions to problems.
I find it enjoyable to contribute to people having a better, healthier, more fulfilled life that matches, or surpasses their hopeful expectations. As thus, my hope is that some of my content will be found to be helpful by somebody. (-:
All the best.
Christian
This is a case where there is no direct translation possible.
The way I understand it, in English one can “cross fingers” himself in a difficult situation. In German, all we have that is somewhat similar is the expression “jemandem die Daumen drücken”. It means to fold one´s thumbs into one´s fists and “press them” (to “press thumbs for someone” is the literal translation).
However - that, only someone else can do for your situation, you wouldn´t ever push thumbs on your own, on your own behalf, and for your own situation.
So if someone is about to go on a difficult mission, has an important exam coming up and so on and so forth, a German personally affected by this would then tell someone else: “Drück mir die Daumen!”, “please press thumbs for me!” Which, directly translated, would be the “wish me luck” we know in English.
So there you have it. As close as I can get.
On a side note: Germans are also familiar with “crossing fingers”. But here, this has an entirely different meaning. This gesture is also sometimes referred to as “Blitzableiter” (lightning rod). In the old times, when kids were made to swear something on the Bible, they would covertly do this gesture behind their back to avoid “having to go to hell”, in case they would break their oath.
Phalaenopsis orchids, often referred to as moth, mariposa, or butterfly orchids due to their wing-like flowers which come in various colors and patterns, have captivated the hearts of many plant enthusiasts and hobbyists.
The Phalaenopsis orchid is classified as a monopodial orchid, signifying that it possesses a single point of growth and continues to grow indefinitely. In the Philippines alone, we are fortunate to be home to over 20 distinct species of Phalaenopsis orchids. This orchid variety holds a significant position in the global floriculture economy, primarily cultivated for two purposes — as cut flowers or as flowering potted plants.
The classic appearance of the Phalaenopsis orchid is characterized by a lengthy spike, with its flowers being round and evenly spaced. However, it's worth noting that within the Phalaenopsis family, there are numerous species that deviate from this rounded form and instead exhibit a star-shaped appearance. These unique varieties are often referred to as novelty Phalaenopsis.
Among the Phalaenopsis species from the Philippines that significantly contribute to the gene pool of Phalaenopsis hybrids are Phalaenopsis amabilis, Phalaenopsis aphrodite, Phalaenopsis stuartiana, Phalaenopsis schilleriana, Phalaenopsis philippinensis, and Phalaenopsis sanderiana.
Through intensive breeding efforts, growers have introduced a wide array of new forms into the market, featuring patterns like splashes, spots, and candy stripes. However, it's important to note that the classic white Phalaenopsis orchids remain the most sought-after and marketable. While they can be relatively pricey, with some flowering plants costing up to P700, they continue to be a preferred choice.
The perfect indoor plant
Phalaenopsis orchids have earned the reputation of being excellent indoor plants. When kept indoors, their flowers can maintain their beauty for an impressive three months, often producing between six to 15 blooms during this period. While they can rebloom, it may require up to six months of rest before they flower again. These orchids are not only compact and long-lasting but also relatively affordable, making them a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.
Another noteworthy quality of Phalaenopsis orchids is their compact size when compared to other orchid varieties, such as Vandas, which can grow up to 2 feet in height and have extensive root systems. Phalaenopsis orchids can thrive in relatively small pots and are highly adaptable to confined spaces, which makes them easy to package and transport.
Growing requirements and challenges
Phalaenopsis orchids naturally thrive in mountainous and forested regions characterized by cooler climates and high humidity. Cultivating them in lowland areas can pose challenges. To encourage blooming, people often transport their Phalaenopsis orchids to cooler provinces like Quezon and Batangas. Once the orchids bloom, they return them to Manila. While Phalaenopsis can adapt to warmer climates, flowering may be less conducive.
Phalaenopsis leaves resemble broad tongues, rendering the plant vulnerable to sunburn. Therefore, they should be placed in areas with filtered sunlight. Adequate air circulation is crucial to prevent the development of pests and diseases, particularly red spider mites and certain piercing-sucking insects that target the leaves. Additionally, some birds have a tendency to peck at the orchid buds. Ideally, these plants should be housed in a greenhouse to shield them from these threats.
Watering should occur approximately once a week. Traditionally, coconut husk and charcoal are some of the commonly used growing media in the Philippines, but in large commercial production, white sphagnum moss is preferred due to its excellent water retention, reducing the frequency of watering. However, it's essential to compact the white sphagnum moss to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Phalaenopsis pulcherrhima var. chumpornensis alba (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
Fertilization can be achieved through slow-release fertilizers that last up to two months or traditional foliar fertilizers applied once or twice a week.
One challenge with Phalaenopsis cultivation is its susceptibility to rot. While commercial Phalaenopsis exhibit upright growth, their natural growth tends to be pendulous, allowing water to run off and preventing moisture from accumulating in the crown. Training Phalaenopsis for upright growth makes them more susceptible to rot. To mitigate this risk, watering should be done in the early morning or afternoon, ensuring that the plant is dry before dusk.
Phalaenopsis orchids are versatile and suitable for a wide range of occasions. They are commonly seen adorning offices, hotels, and homes, adding an elegant touch to interior decor. During special events like Valentine's Day, Phalaenopsis with shades of purple and red make for a thoughtful and romantic gift.
At weddings, brides often carry bouquets of pristine white Phalaenopsis as they make their way down the aisle, adding an element of grace and sophistication to the ceremony.
A hybrid Phalaenopsis (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
Some traders resort to dyeing techniques by adding coloring agents to the water in which white flowering Phalaenopsis are placed. This enables the orchids to absorb the dye and bloom in specific colors, prominently with blue color. Blue is not naturally present in the Phalaenopsis genome. However, in Japan, a breakthrough was achieved by genetically engineering the Phalaenopsis plant using a gene derived from Commelina communis, resulting in the creation of a true blue Phalaenopsis variety. This innovation marked a significant milestone in the world of orchid cultivation, expanding the color spectrum of these beautiful flowers.
Phalaenopsis orchids, with their breathtaking beauty and adaptability, have rightfully earned their place as one of the most beloved orchid plants. Their charm, diverse forms, and relatively easy care make them an ideal choice for both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.
ONE clear characteristic of a true Christian is that of willingness to do everything with total self-giving. He avoids having any ulterior motives in all this actions. His intention is purely out of love—love for God and for everybody else. Even if his love is not reciprocated by the others, he would still continue to love them.
We are somehow reminded of this mark of Christian life in that gospel episode where Christ told the person who invited him for dinner that when he would hold a banquet, he should also invite “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” or those who would be unable to repay him. (cfr. Lk 14,12-14) Christ told him that he would be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.
We definitely need to learn how to give ourselves totally to others, since we cannot deny that we have a strong tendency to put some strings attached whenever we have to give something to others.
We have to make an effort, always asking, of course, for the grace of God first of all, so that we can learn to assume this attitude with respect to our self-giving. In the end, this will make us to be like Christ who gave himself totally to us, including giving his life for our sins.
Let's remember what he told his disciples once: "Freely you have received, freely you have to give." (Mt 10,8) Gratuitousness should characterize our self-giving to God and to others, just as gratuitousness characterizes God's love for us. Such gratuitousness will gain us much more than what we give away.
In this regard, we have to do some continuing battle against our unavoidable tendency to be calculating in our self-giving. Not only do we have to contend with our personal weaknesses in this regard. We also have to contend with a tremendous cultural environment, so prevalent these days, that not only is not conducive to this attitude of Christian generosity but is also hostile to it.
We constantly have to rectify our intentions when we have to give to others—be it things, a service, or a matter of attention and affection. This is especially so when our giving is for God. Let's never forget that God cannot be outdone in generosity.
We should always be encouraged to give ourselves to others gratuitously without strings attached, without conditions. Even if instead of being reciprocated properly and requited, our love is misunderstood and rejected, we just have to go on loving. The only reason for loving is because that is what true love is. It is this love that is the real essence of God, of whom we are his image and likeness.
Loving in this way can only mean giving all the glory to God. We have to be careful because we always have the tendency to give glory to ourselves, if not totally then at least partially. Our motto should be “Deo omnis gloria,” all the glory to God.
We should not worry about our own glorification because God will take care of it. This is what St. Paul said in this regard: “For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…And those he predestined he also called. Those he called he also justified. Those he justified he also glorified…If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8,29-31)
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