Specialty coffee auction in Davao City set

BY KEITH BACONGCO

  

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DAVAO CITY – Coffee producers from the famed village of Balutakay at the foot of  Mount Apo in Bansalan, Davao del Sur will hold its first auction of specialty coffee here on January 20.

A FARMER sorts coffee cherries in Barangay Balutakay, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.  (Photo courtesy of MCN)  

Rhoda Ruth Pillerin, chief executive officer of the Model Cooperative Network, said the specialty coffee beans are from 18 producers from the Balutakay Coffee Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (Bacofa).

Pillerin added that the Arabica coffee green beans have been graded by Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) certified graders.

MCN is providing technical assistance to  support the coffee value  chain activities under its project Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agendas (SPADe) and Mindanao Peace and Development (MinPAD) RISE Program of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

It is also supported by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Pillerin added that only those graded 80 and above have been selected for auction.

Over 100 producers submitted their samples but only 18 made the cut.

The highest cupping score was earned by Cherry Gil Cabanday with 85.45 with cupping notes berries, cinnamon, and wine.

Unlike other coffee varieties, Arabica coffee is considered the superior coffee and sold at higher prices.

“This is the first time that Bacofa will hold an auction of their specialty coffee in the Philippine market,” she admitted. “We are also testing the water through this auction to see the response of the market.”

Pillerin added that most these producers also belong to winners circle of Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC).

Coffee producers in Bansalan have been consistent in the winners circle in PCQC since 2018.

As of January 12, several prospect buyers have signified their interest in the auction that will be held at Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

Under this project, Pillerin hopes to educate the public on the value of the specialty coffee from the Davao region.  

MCN assists the coffee producers in making sure that they are following top quality standards in processing their coffee beans, she added.

She urged local coffee shop owners, roasters, and even home brewers to patronize the local specialty coffee to further boost the income the local producers.

“Because when you are buying local specialty coffee from Bacofa, it could help in the expansion plans of the group,” Pillerin said.

High-Rise Buildings in the Philippines| Davao City

Philippine-German Relations (VII) - Deutsch-philippinische Beziehungen (VII): German Jesuits - Deutsche Jesuiten

1595 kamen jesuitische Missionare auf die Philippinen, wo sie in Baclayon eine Kirche bauten. Alexandre de Rhodes kam 1619 nach Indochina und konnte nach seiner Schätzung 6700 Vietnamesen taufen. 1625 kam der Jesuit Antonio Freire de Andrade in das Gebiet des Himalaya.

In his book entitled "The Jesuits in the Philippines, 1581 - 1768", Father Horacio de la Costa lists several German names from the non-Castillian Jesuits who came to evangelize the natives. Although the Spanish Goverment's policy at this time was send to send only Spaniards to work in the Christianization of their newly-acquired  territory, some Germans werde made an exception to the rule. 

One reason for this was the fact that the Germans were especially trained in some fields , particularly pharmacy, medicine and the sciences. Another reason was that in the middle of the 18th century, the Jesuits were expelled from many countries of Europe. 

The native Filipinos generally thought of those German Jesuits as Spaniards because of their skins' color. For them white people were always Spaniards, just as today all white people people in the Philippines are Americans.

Besides, the German Jesuits had adopted not only the Spanish language and ways to live. Father de la Costa listed in his book some German names of Jesuit priests and brother who came to the Philippines in the 17th and 18th centuries: Johann Lorenz, Georg Josef Kamel, Paul Klein and many more.

The beginnings of Philippine-German trade relations  started in 1836.

(To be continued)

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In seinem Buch mit dem Titel „Die Jesuiten auf den Philippinen, 1581 – 1768“ listet Pater Horacio de la Costa mehrere deutsche Namen der nichtkastilischen Jesuiten auf, die kamen, um die Eingeborenen zu evangelisieren. Obwohl die Politik der spanischen Regierung zu dieser Zeit darin bestand, nur Spanier zur Christianisierung ihres neu erworbenen Territoriums zu entsenden, machten einige Deutsche eine Ausnahme von der Regel.

Ein Grund dafür war die Tatsache, dass die Deutschen in einigen Bereichen, insbesondere Pharmazie, Medizin und Naturwissenschaften, besonders ausgebildet waren. Ein weiterer Grund war, dass die Jesuiten Mitte des 18. Jahrhunderts aus vielen Ländern Europas vertrieben wurden.

Die einheimischen Filipinos betrachteten diese deutschen Jesuiten aufgrund ihrer Hautfarbe im Allgemeinen als Spanier. Für sie waren Weiße immer Spanier, so wie heute alle Weißen auf den Philippinen Amerikaner sind.

ußerdem hatten die deutschen Jesuiten nicht nur die spanische Sprache und Lebensweise übernommen. Pater de la Costa listete in seinem Buch einige deutsche Namen von Jesuitenpriestern und -brüdern auf, die im 17. und 18. Jahrhundert auf die Philippinen kamen: Johann Lorenz, Georg Josef Kamel, Paul Klein und viele mehr.

Die Anfänge der philippinisch-deutschen Handelsbeziehungen begannen im Jahr 1836.

(Fortsetzung folgt!)

Typical Filipino (XXXVI) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXXVI): "Lista sa tubig" - Teilen und schnorren

 

It is the rule to share with relatives. And you measure a relationship by your willingness to share everything with others. It is natural not to pay a friend or relative, an author, painter or shopkeeper, for a book, picture or bar of chocolate they receive. This would mean being placed on the same level as other mortalities and not being treated as a special confidant. Filipinos tend to serve themselves, assuming that if the other person is friends or related to them, they won't be confronted or objected to. Some expressions that describe this behavior are "T.Y." (thank you, thank you), "ambush", "lista sa tubig" ("have someone write to you on the water") and "dilihensiya" (assistance).

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Es ist Regel, mit der Verwandschaft zu teilen. Und man misst eine Beziehung an der Bereitschaft, alles mit anderen zu teilen. Es ist selbstverständlich, einem befreundeten oder verwandten Autor, Maler oder Ladenbesitzer nichts für ein erhaltenes Buch, Bild oder eine Tafel Schokolade zu zahlen. Dies würde nämlich bedeuten, mit anderen Sterblichkeiten auf eine Stufe gestellt und nicht als ein besonderer Vertrauter behandelt zu werden. Filipinos neigen dazu, sich selbst zu bedienen, in der Annahme, dass man sie nicht zur Rede stellt oder etwas dagegen einwendet, wenn der andere mit ihnen befreundet oder verwandt ist. Einige Ausdrücke, die dieses Verhalten bezeichnen sind "T.Y." (thank you,danke), "Hinterhalt", "lista sa tubig" ("auf dem Wasser anschreiben lassen") und "dilihensiya" (Hilfeleistung). 

PAGASA announces new names for 2024 typhoon season

Flooding in Davao, Mindanao as the Shearline : Bagyo dominates the region

Tennis princess Eala, spiker Carlos to be feted

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

AT A GLANCE

• Rising talent Alex Eala and star player Diana Mae ‘Tots’ Carlos will have a share of the spotlight in the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night two weeks from now.

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Rising talent Alex Eala and star player Diana Mae ‘Tots’ Carlos will have a share of the spotlight in the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night two weeks from now.

Alex Eala (left) and Tots Carlos (File photo/PVL Images)

Eala, 18, is going to be crowned Ms. Tennis, while Carlos, 25, will be hailed Ms. Volleyball during the formal affair set Jan. 29 at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel.

The two will be joined by June Mar Fajardo (Mr. Basketball) and Sarina Bolden (Ms. Football) as recipients of a special award from the country’s oldest media organization headed by its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields in 2023.

All four personalities form part of the huge 130-plus awardees who are included in the PSA honor roll.

Highlight of the event presented by ArenaPlus, the leading sports entertainment gateway in the Philippines, and the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, and Cignal as major sponsors, is the bestowing of the prestigious Athlete of the Year Award to world no. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

Also backing the gala night are the Philippine Basketball Association, Premier Volleyball League, 1-Pacman Partylist Rep. Mikee Romero, and Rain or Shine.

A recipient of a Major Awards two years ago, Eala will be honored this time for a hectic year that saw the Filipina netter establishing herself as an emerging force in the sport by winning two ITF Circuit titles and barging in the Top 200 rankings in the world. 

At the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Eala ended a 61-year medal drought for Philippine tennis by winning the bronze in the women’s single event, and then teamed up with Francis Casey Alcantara for a podium finish in the mixed doubles.

Carlos meanwhile, distinguished herself as one of the best volleyball players in the country today by leading Creamline to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) First All-Filipino Conference title opposite Petro Gazz in the absence of injured star Alyssa Valdez.

During the same tournament, the product of the University of the Philippines from Lubao, Pampanga was adjudged PVL MVP, marking the third time she won the league’s highest individual honor.

Before the end of 2023, Carlos also steered the Cool Smashers to the Second All-Filipino Conference championship where she was named Finals MVP following a two-game sweep of Choco Mucho before a record crowd of 24,459 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Magnitude 5.0 aftershock hits Surigao del Sur ---Phivolcs

BY LIZST TORRES ABELLO

Jan 16, 2024 09:14 AM

  

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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Tuesday, Jan. 16, said a magnitude 5.0 aftershock jolted Surigao del Sur.

(Phivolcs)

The tremor, with a depth of 29 kilometers (km), was an aftershock of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that rocked Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur last Dec. 2, 2023.

Phivolcs had initially recorded a 4.5-magnitude aftershock on Monday, Jan. 15, at 7:31 p.m. but revised it to magnitude 5.0. 

Phivolcs located its epicenter at 31 kilometers northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Phivolcs has recorded Intensity III (weak) in City of Bislig, Surigao del Sur.

Its instruments also recorded Intensity II (slightly felt) in the City of Bislig, Surigao del Sur, and Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in the City of Tandag, Surigao del Sur.

The tremor was tectonic or caused by the movement of an active fault near the area, Phivolcs said. Meanwhile, Phivolcs advised that no damages and aftershocks are expected from the tremor. 

NO LIMIT BUT THE SKY

 

The phrase "the sky's the limit" is often used to convey the idea that there are no limits to what one can achieve or aspire to. It suggests that one should aim high and not be constrained by conventional thinking or perceived limitations. The phrase "the sky is limitless" emphasizes the idea that possibilities and potential are boundless, encouraging a mindset of endless opportunities and potential for growth. Both expressions encourage individuals to dream big and reach for their full potential.

This anthology collects the most riveting, real-life adventure stories from America’s oldest mountaineering and conservation journal, Appalachia. Each of these essays, published from 1877 to the present, chronicles a tale of explorers who push the limits—of endurance, weather, altitude, or personal achievement. Some of these explorers make history, such as the first American climber to ascend Kilimanjaro in 1932; others, such as the leader of an 1895 team attempting the first ascent of Canada’s Mount Lefroy, never return.

Some people have money to burn! Every time I observe them, I feel that their money is going down their drain. Yes, "money talks". The more money you have, the more you might become avaricious. Every time we have to dig deeper into our pockets, we might long to be like those people, who don't see the difference between a 500 or 1,000 bill.

I am really not rich! I also wouldn't hesitate to say that I would like to be so! Being rich means having wealth! Wealth is abundance, opulence and affluence. Affluences become quickly influenced. Dyed-in-the-wool millionaires or even multi-millionaires lose their view of reality many times. They can't even see the horizon, which could be the demarcation of their real estate. They don't even recognize the wonderful flowers growing and blooming in their gardens.

Money calms down! Sure. No doubts at all! We all need an income to survive for our daily needs - and, maybe, a little bit more. Many of us struggle through life and work like slaves for a pitiful daily minimum wage. If you're rich, you might be on the top. But believe me, once you are on top, you will have some unwelcome, mostly acceptable companions such as loneliness, so-called friends (!), parasites and free-loaders.

These companions will let you scream in pain, because you will start missing things you have expected from them: real friendship, love, care, comprehension, understanding, sympathy, appreciation... .Remember such things? Miss such things?

Yes, money can give you a wonderful sleep, and you might stay in one of the most luxurious beds - but being awake, while your poorest neighbor sleeps better and more peacefully on the floor. There are many sayings about money. I like this one: Money can buy books but not brains. You might study a lot and get a lot of experiences; it's just a pity, if you don;t use them at the right time for the right people in your surroundings.

Money can buy food but no appetite. Who reaps the benefits of it? A full to overflowing store room will never be satisfying, if sour free-loaders join your table and push away your real friends.

Our last earthly dress has no more pockets. The remembrance of how we acted and lived together with our fellow creatures will remain forever. With money, we might be able to let the devil dance. But, money alone doesn't make us happy. Money kills more people and friendships than a cudgel. 

The more money, the more problems.

The more money, the more we have to pay and the higher our bills become... .

Rep. Paolo Duterte bares 2023 gains

BY IVY TEJANO

Jan 15, 2024 02:38 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte here released on Saturday, January 13, a report on his achievements in Congress, with an interactive infographic of accomplishments throughout his leadership.

Duterte presented the “Mobile Kitchen” through Pulong Pulong ni Pulong (PPP) program as among his accomplishments. The mobile kitchen served 7,050 lunch and hot porridge packs to underserved communities, including fire and flood victims. 

He distributed food packs and cash assistance to 5,421 fisherfolk here who had difficulty fishing during the rainy and closed seasons. He said his office aimed to improve the food supply of families affected by climate change.

Duterte said that he authored 78 House bills and 12 resolutions in 2023 – House Bills 7360, 9423, 9682, 7687, 9095, 9320, and 9021 concerning micro and small enterprises, elderly persons, farmers, teachers, children, and other underprivileged Filipinos.

He provided success in social services such as medical and burial backing, emergency response, educational assistance, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and infrastructure.

His leadership helped 25,272 patients and 963 senior citizens at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) here, 1,290 cancer patients, and 18,205 patients in private hospitals. He provided 4,540 families with burial assistance. 

The lawmaker assisted 1,512 fire victims, 1,999 flood victims, 31 landslide victims, and three storm surge victims per family.

On education, he said his office supported 808 colleges and 137 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority scholars, 30 medicine post-graduates, and six law school post-graduates.

“Alongside our efforts to establish enabling mechanisms to ensure that our youth finish their studies, such a program shall provide them with prompt financial support that they can use for their educational needs,” Duterte said.

He also helped 13,852 identified recipients of the TUPAD program and 3,617 recipients of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

He  provided 33 roving motorcycles for barangay police to ensure peace and order in the first district.

A total of 2,962 beneficiaries, covering all barangay nutrition scholars and health workers of the first district, received one year of indemnity insurance privilege.

Duterte announced the ongoing construction of the Davao Coastal Road and the 800-meter Ma-a Flyover. His office accommodated 600 solicitations and gave 48 tents, 288 wheelchairs, 28 nebulizers, 26 walkers, eight crutches, and 74 solar street lights.