How long did it take you to learn to speak German?

Thomas L. Johnson

Former Top Writer (2015-18) & Top Question Writer (2016-18)

12,544 followers

1,000 following

Decades.

I thought I was speaking German after spending months in a Goethe Institute. Then a little kid told me that one learns German “with great effort.” He used the word Muehe (with an umlaut). = Mühe

I thought I had learned German when I studied Germanistik at a German University. Then I had to deliver a paper to the entire Seminar and realized that they were hearing an American trying to speak German.

I thought I had arrived when I did a book presentation of my second book published in Germany. Then a guy wanted me to do a radio interview and I performed at the level of a beginner.

Exactly fifty years after I took my first German class, I am not sure I actually speak German. I have friends with whom I have only spoken German and I have spent a sabbatical in Berlin and dealt with German Publishers. I am still waiting for the jury to say that I actually speak German.

Now I am an old guy and Germans generally understand me when I speak. So I guess the answer is fifty years. It takes about fifty years to learn to speak German.

And it is worth the effort.

Pageant vloggers Tita Lavinia, Norman Tinio share top picks for Miss Universe 2023

 

Bernard Decloedt - Philstar.com

Manila, Philippines  — The heat is on in El Salvador. Exactly a week before the coronation night, pageant enthusiasts are pumped up to know who is going to be the 72nd Miss Universe.

In a Philstar.com exclusive, well-known pageant vloggers Norman Tinio and Tita Lavinia gave their early top picks leading up to the preliminaries this November 15 (November 16 in Manila). 

Philippine bet Michelle Marquez Dee, or MMD for short, kicked off her Miss Universe campaign with a "Hello, Universe" video that is now viral. She is now leading the "Voice of Change" portion of the competition. 

Norman Tinio is a permanent fixture in Philippine pageantry. He runs a widely followed pageant blog.  TIta Lavinia, meanwhile, is a popular pageant analyst and a certified cat lover. She also has a YouTube channel.  

Below are their top picks before the Preliminaries: 

Norman's list: 

1. Dominican Republic 

2. Nicaragua 

3. El Salvador  

4. Thailand  

5. Philippines 

6. India 

7. Ukraine 

8. Russia 

9. France 

10. South Africa

11. Bahrain 

12. USA 

13. Colombia 

14. Venezuela 

Tita Lavinia's list: 

1. Australia 

2. France 

3. India

4. Thailand 

5. Philippines 

6. Mexico 

7. Colombia 

8. Puerto Rico 

9.    Egypt

10. Russia 

11. Venezuela

12. Nicaragua

13. Dominican Republic

14. El Salvador

This list will definitely change come the preliminaries this coming Thursday (November 16).

Will our very own Michelle Dee clinch our fifth Miss Universe title? 

Stay tuned with the fearless forecast of beauty pageant experts coming soon after the preliminaries!

Cayetano to newly elected barangay officials: Help transform the Philippines into a drug-free country

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday urged newly elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to join the fight toward a drug-free Philippines.

“Magtulong-tulong tayong gawing drug-free ang Pilipinas,” Cayetano told the more than 300 newly elected barangay chairpersons and kagawad of the City of Taguig during their oath-taking ceremony on November 12, 2023.

In his keynote speech, Cayetano identified illegal drugs as a “red line” local officials must never cross or tolerate as it “does not bring any good” to the community.

“Lalo na po na ang klase ng droga na available sa ating mga kababayan ay shabu. Scientifically proven po y’un na sinisira po y’ung utak, nagkakaroon ng violent tendencies, nakakakita ng wala naman,” he said.

The senator said an effective way to beat illegal drugs in the country is to “minister” to the users and pushers, rather than just running after them.

“Malungkot, nawawala sa kanyang sarili, namomoroblema, gutom, walang hanapbuhay – these are some reasons kaya kumakapit sila sa droga,” he said.

“Lahat ng paraan para mawala ang droga, gagawin natin,” he added.

Cayetano also urged the newly elected officials of the city not to succumb to illegal gambling establishments and businesses that promote “immorality” as means of generating revenue for their barangays because they “erode the [City’s] values.”

“There are 1,001 ways na ma-increase ang pondo ng inyong barangay,” he said.

“Ang gusto po ba natin ay panay saya ng laman na kanya-kanya [tayo] at bahala na anong mangyari sa Taguig, or gusto ba nating family-oriented ang Siyudad natin na dedicated sa Panginoon?” he added.

Taguig, also known as a 'Probinsyudad' under the leadership of the senator's wife Mayor Lani Cayetano, is known for its strict prohibition on the construction of bingo houses, cockfighting arenas, casinos, and motels.

“Sana po magkaisa tayo na ang Taguig ay para sa Diyos at ibe-bless ang bawat pamilya,” he said.

Cayetano also addressed the almost 300 newly elected SK officials during their oath-taking on Sunday night, urging them to “keep their integrity” and serve as good examples to their fellow youth.

“Because being a public servant is so personal, it is very important that you keep your integrity. Let your yes be yes, and let your no be no,” he said, quoting from the Book of Matthew in the Bible.

“You have to be the example kasi elected kayo. Remember, people follow what we (elected leaders) do,” he added. ###

Pauline Amelinckx receives Miss Supranational’s ‘Woman of Substance’ award

Pauline Amelinckx (right) receives the ‘Woman of Substance award from reigning Miss Supranational Andrea Aguilera./SCREENSHOT FROM MISS SUPRANATIONAL FACEBOOK VIDEO

By: Armin P. AdinaI NQUIRER.net

Pauline Amelinck received the “Woman of Substance” award from the Miss Supranational organization during the finals of The Miss Philippines Culture and Heritage Celebration last month, the third time that the international pageant has bestowed such a distinction.

“It is a small token to show our respect to Pau-Pau for her dedication, speaking out against body shaming and her #FromTheGroundUpCSI project, which focused on the importance of #environmentalprotection through education,” the Miss Supranational pageant said on social media. The two previous recipients of the award were Jesica Fitriana from Indonesia, and Dr. Julita Kitwe Mbangula from Namibia.

Fitriana was second runner-up in the 2019 Miss Supranational pageant. Then-reigning queen Anntonia Porsild from Thailand bestowed the recognition to her in a trip to Indonesia to see the project initiated by the Indonesia beauty in Bogor in West Java, creating safe spaces for children infected with HIV/AIDs by their parents.

Mbangbula, a physician, finished in the Top 24 of last year’s competition. She was recognized for her medical outreach programs, social welfare initiatives, and health education programs online and in disadvantaged communities. The organization awarded her during the 2023 Miss and Mister Supranational Namibia pageant in March.

Amelinckx finished strong in the 2023 Miss Supranational pageant in Poland in July, placing second to Ecuador’s Andrea Aguilera. The reigning queen flew to the Philippines and personally handed over the trophy to the Filipino beauty during the final competition show of The Miss Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Oct. 24.

“My Pau-Pau, for me it is an honor to give you this third-ever Woman of Substance award. Because of your dedication, for never giving up, for working so, so hard for your community, you deserve it. Pau-Pau, we, our Supra family, we are so proud of you. We love you so much,” Aguilera said.

The awarding took place after Amelinckx delivered her farewell speech as The Miss Philippines. She became the first women to hold the title after Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee awarded her the crown upon her arrival from Poland in August.

This year’s The Miss Philippines is the national search’s first edition. It is a sister competition of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant under Empire Holdings Inc. Amelinckx relinquished her national title to Alethea Ambrosio, who made an impact by answering in straight Filipino in the contest.

Today's Weather, 4 A.M. | Nov. 12, 2023

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

 

 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

 

minutes ago

#TheManilaTimes #WeatherUpdateToday #WeatherForecast

40 views • Nov 12, 2023 • #TheManilaTimes #WeatherUpdateToday #WeatherForecast

The Essential Philippines: More Than Just The Beaches

The Essential Philippines: More Than Just The Beaches. Dive deep into the 'Essential Philippines' and discover a world beyond its famed beaches and tourist hype. From the rhythmic dances of its indigenous tribes to the harmonious chaos of its bustling cities, this video unveils the heart and soul of an archipelago teeming with stories. Wander through alleyways of its history, savor street food delights, and immerse in centuries-old traditions. Experience the Philippines in its rawest, most captivating form. Join us on a journey that goes beyond the surface and into the very essence of this Pacific gem.

THRILLMAKER: Max Collins on her bestie's Miss Universe chances

 BY JOEE GUILAS

Nov 11, 2023 09:57 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• The Thrillmaker bumped into Max during the recent tree lighting event of Newport World Resorts, which officially opened the facility’s Yuletide celebration dubbed “The World of Christmas.”

---

Max Collins 

She has a very, very big chance of winning. I think she’s so prepared to represent our country to the best of her abilities. I think she’s just gonna rock it.  So I’m really just proud and happy for her.” These were the words of Kapuso actress Max Collins, who, together with Rhian Ramos, are two of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee’s closest friends.

The Thrillmaker bumped into Max during the recent tree lighting event of Newport World Resorts, which officially opened the facility’s Yuletide celebration dubbed “The World of Christmas.”

Looking gorgeous, wearing a sparkly dress that made her stand out that night, the GMA artist fearlessly predicts that her friend will surely bring the country back in the game in this year’s competition after last year’s exclusion of Philippine representative Celeste Cortesi from the pageant’s first cut. Max is confident that Michelle will go far and reach the top 10 and even the top 3 of this year’s competition, with destiny eventually dictating her final ranking and placement. 

 

    

“I’m praying that she wins,” she said.

Admitting that she has had some short exchanges with Michelle since the contest started in El Salvador, Max shared that Michelle has been in high spirits since her arrival despite adjusting to certain things she now has to do independently. 

“She’s been very busy but she’s very excited.  I think she’s more prepared than ever, she’s been waiting for this moment forever. I just know about her excitement and stress as well.  I know she’s kinda stressed out because she’s doing her make-up and her hair on her own.  It’s different to be away from the comforts of home, but she’s always up for the challenge,” Max declared.

Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee

Asked about Michelle’s speculation on the final evening gown, the bestie could only say: “Even the best friend hasn’t seen it.  She’s been very secretive about her final gown.  It’ll be a surprise for all of us.”

Come Nov. 19 (Philippine time), Max will surely be among many fans cheering for Michelle to go all the way and bag the country’s fifth Miss Universe title.  She said: “Michelle, good luck.  We’re all praying for you. Go get that crown!”

For her part, Max has also been winning her own crowns in local show business.  She is currently shooting a new GMA teleserye which is intended to be aired by next year.  The project has Marian Rivera and Gabby Concepcion as her co-stars and is entitled “My Guardian Alien.”  This is the first time Max will be pitting acting talents with Marian, which she took as a challenge: “I thought it was going to be more challenging, but it was fun for me.  I was kinda nervous about it initially, but when we shot the scene, it just came naturally, and I enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to doing more scenes with her,” she disclosed.

The Thrillmaker and Max Collins

On top of her new TV project, Max is also excited about her film “Firefly,” which made it to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.  In the movie, she shares lead billing with Alessandra de Rossi and Dingdong Dantes.

“It’s a family movie.  It is a beautiful story.  Nakakaiyak talaga yung story. Nakakatuwa, nakaka-aliw, lahat! I really hope that people get to watch it.” 

Well, I’m sure they’ll do but not until after they see how Michelle rules the Miss Universe stage in San Salvador a few days from now!

The Philippines: History, Geography, Economy & Culture

An archipelago of 7,600 islands, where South-East Asia meets the Pacific. The Philippine Islands are the large islands of Luzon and Mindanao, and the collection of smaller islands between, known as the Visayas, with Palawan far to the west. 🇵🇭 🕐TIMESTAMPS🕖 👉 0:00 Opening Montage 👉 1:03 Introduction and Titles 👉 2:07 History 👉 6:55 Current Affairs and Government 👉 10:17 Physical Geography 👉 14:51 Human Geography 👉 18:22 Economy 👉 20:35 Culture 👉 22:45 Summary and Outro Being on the boundary of several tectonic plates, the Philippines is home to many active volcanoes, including the current Mount Mayon eruption and the Mount Taal eruption. The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 was the second largest volcanic eruption of the twentieth century. The Philippines is also in the path of almost every Pacific Typhoon, and Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 Leyte resulted in thousands losing their lives and millions homeless. 🇵🇭 The climate of the Philippines is tropical, with a Tropical Rainforest climate in the east, a Tropical Monsoon climate in central areas and a Tropical Savannah climate in the far west, and sheltered parts of Luzon. 🇵🇭 Manila is the national capital, and home to almost one-third of the country's estimated 110 million population. Cebu City and Davao City are the two other large population centers. 🇵🇭 Filipinos (known locally as Pinoys) are a unique blend of Austronesian Island people with Spanish names that speak American English, as a result of the Philippines being ruled during colonial times by Spain and the USA. Because of their connections with the USA, many Filipinos or their sons and daughters have gone on to famous careers in entertainment, such as Lea Salonga, Lou Diamond Phillips, apl.de.ap, Arnel Pineda, Enrique Iglesias and Monique Lhuillier. Their most famous sports champion is undoubtedly Manny Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to win a championship in eight weight categories. 🇵🇭 Most Filipinos are Catholic, a result of centuries of missionary work during the Spanish colonial period. Despite colonialism, however, all Filipinos speak one or more of the 180 native languages and dialects, with Tagalog and Cebuano making up half of all speakers. The Filipino language (along with English) is the official language, and is a standardised form of Tagalog. 🇵🇭 More than 10% of Filipinos live and work abroad in an attempt to overcome the difficult economic situation for most in the country. Most merchant ships around the world have majority Filipino crews, while the women find work as domestic maids, nannies and nurses. Many Filipinas look abroad to marry and succeed as many Western men admire them for their famous beauty. 🇵🇭 The economy of the Philippines is about one-third agriculture, with rice being the main subsistence crop. Electronics and high tech have recently made in-roads and are now the largest exports. Government corruption, and poor infrastructure, however, hold back the country from fulfilling its potential, where neighbours like Malaysia and Taiwan have succeeded. This corruption reached its height during the rule of Ferdinand Marcos, and his wife Imelda Marcos, who had a collection of thousands of shoes from the embezzlement of the public purse, while millions lived in poverty. 🇵🇭 📷📹🎥 VIDEO & PHOTO CREDITS ❤️❤️❤️ https://geodiode.com/nse/philippines#... Please support the development of this channel by remembering to 👍 Like, 🔁 Share and 🔴 Subscribe.

PEF eyes 3 M trees near PH Eagle nesting sites under Project RegAIN

BY KEITH BACONGCO

  

---

DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) aims to plant and nurture at least three million native tree species and fruit trees near Philippine Eagle nesting sites in three years under its Regenerative Agroforestry for Indigenous Well-Being and Nature or Project RegAIN.

THE Philippine Eagle Foundation aims to plant trees for Philippine Eagles under its Regenerative Agroforestry for Indigenous Well-Being and Nature or Project RegAIN. (Keith Bacongco)

Dr. Jayson Ibañez, PEF director for breeding and conservation, said the project hopes to regenerate 1,500 hectares of forests to bring back degraded ecosystems due to human activities. 

The project, he added, is not just for the benefit of the critically endangered Philippine Eagles but also for other animal species as well.

He explained that the regenerative agroforestry intends to restore what had been lost due to human encroachments and sustainable land uses.

“The project has five key outcomes: Improving soil health, enhancing water retention and quality, conserving biodiversity (including expanding Philippine Eagle habitats), promoting ecosystem health and resilience, and sequestering carbon,”  the PEF project briefer read.

It added that forest restoration is seen as a solution to address these issues and support sustainable development goals, combat biodiversity loss, and mitigate climate change impacts.

“The goal of the project is to restore key areas that are currently grasslands and brushlands in indigenous territories adjacent to Philippine eagle nesting sites using community-based afforestation and agroforestry. This initiative involves planting native trees and fruit trees in designated restoration areas.”

Many former forests, Ibañez added, have lost their quality of soil. Thus, the project, he said, intends to bring back quality of soil as well as restore lost biodiversity.

The native wildlings were collected by the partner indigenous communities and will be planted in the eagle nesting sites in reforestation sites in this city, Davao de Oro, North Cotabato, and Bukidnon.

Recently, PEF project partner Reduce, Reuse, Grow, Inc., visited the newly inaugurated central nursery for the project at the Philippine Eagle Center in Barangay Malagos this city.

Reduce, Reuse, Grow Inc. is a reforestation company that helps enterprise-level clients counteract their operation's environmental impact by planting a plant with each high-volume transaction made.

Among the tree species to be planted are banaba, bagtikan, bangkal, maluggay, narra, ous, pili, red lauan, white lauan, ulayan, and ylang-ylang. 

The project will incentivize the participation of at least 180 indigenous families and their communities, the PEF briefer said. “Additionally, agroforestry practices will contribute to food security, income generation, and cultural spaces for indigenous well-being."

Davao flood victims get timely help from Pulong

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Nov 10, 2023 08:53 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• The office of Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte has been able to assist over a hundred families in the city that were affected by flash floods earlier this week. 

(Unsplash) 

 

The office of Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte has been able to assist over a hundred families in the city that were affected by flash floods earlier this week. 

Duterte, better known as "Pulong" to his constituents, oversaw the distribution of food packs and plus other forms of assistance to the affected residents. 

The second-termer's assistance and outreach program is dubbed the “Pulong Pulong ni Pulong”. The latest beneficiaries happened to be families that were displaced due to flash floods triggered by heavy rains that began late Wednesday and continued until Thursday morning (Nov. 8 to 9). 

“'Action always beats intention' is what the members of the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong always keep in mind. We acted quickly to assist as many Dabawenyos as we can. While the flooding has subsided, we are continuously reaching out to the displaced families,” Duterte said. 

According to reports, the heavy downpour which caused  the flooding affected at least six barangays. These were Matina, Bago Gallera, Tugbok District, Talomo Proper, Matina Aplaya, and Maa. 

Many residents had to climb on rooftops as floods quickly inundated their homes. 

Pulong, a former House deputy speaker, is the son of former president Rodrigo Duterte.