Philippine Fairy Tales - Philippinische Märchen

 

 

VON DER DUFTENDEN BLUME YLANG-YLANG

Einst lebte ein Mann mit seiner Frau in Eintracht und in Überfluss. Sie hatten alles - ein schönes Haus und einen blühenden Garten und auch ausgedehntes Land. Zum vollkommenen Glück fehlten ihnen aber Kinder. Sie sehnten sich sehr nach einer Tochter. Tag und Nacht beteten sie zu den Göttern , sie mögen ihnen doch ein Kind schenken. Dafür waren sie bereit, sogar auf ihren Reichtum zu verzichten.

Schliesslich erschienen ihnen die Götter im Traum und sprachen: "Ihr werdet eine Tochter haben. Doch wir erteilen euch die strenge Weisung: wenn sie herangewachsen ist, darf sie keinen Mann berühren. Und gebt ihr den Namen YLANG!"

Noch ehe ein Jahr um war, kam ihre Tochter, der sie den Namen YLANG gaben, zur Welt. Die Zeit verflog, und das kleine Mädchen YLANG wuchs zu einem sehr schönen Mädchen heran, dass bald von vielen Freiern umgeben war. Das jagte ihren Eltern grosse Angst ein. Sie befürchteten, sie könnten die Tochter verlieren, deshalb fassten sie den Entschluss, sie in eine grosse Kammer einzuschliessen. YLANG kam sich dort wie ein Vogel im Käfig vor. Tage und Nächte bat sie die Götter, sie mögen sie befreien.

Und als sie nicht mehr imstande war, die Gefangenschaft zu ertragen, dachte sie sich einen Plan aus, um ihre Freiheit zu erlangen.

Eines Abends, als die Eltern nicht zu Hause waren, stieg Ylang durchs Fenster ihres Zimmers in den Garten hinaus. Ihr Herz schlug vor Freude, dass sie die Freiheit wiedererlangt hatte. Sie lief im Garten umher und pflückte Blumen. Plötzlich vernahm sie, dass eine angenehme Stimme sie beim Namen rief. Sie wandte sich um und erblickte einen stattlichen Jüngling.

"Ylang, gestatte, dass ich dir beim Pflücken der Blumen helfe", sagte der Jüngling. Ylang's Herz begann wild zu klopfen, und schon wollte sie sich entfernen. Doch der Juengling rief:

"Ylang, ich liebe dich!"

Als das Mädchen diese Worte hörte, lief es davon, doch der Jüngling nahm Ylang's Hand und wiederholte:

"Ylang, ich liebe dich!"

Da geschah das Wunder. Ylang verschwand vor den Augen des Jünglings, und an der Stelle, wo sie gestanden hatte, wuchs ein Bäumchen, auf dem weisse Blüten mit schmalen Blütenblättern prangten. Sie erfüllten den Garten mit ihrem Duft. Der bestürzte Jüngling rief mit lauter Stimme: "Ylang! Ylang!", doch niemand antwortete ihm.

Zum Andenken an das Mädchen gab der Jüngling dem Bäumchen den Namen "Ylang-Ylang". Auch heute noch schmücken sich die Mädchen gerne mit seinen duftenden Blüten.

OF THE SCENTED FLOWER YLANG-YLANG

Once upon a time a man and his wife lived in harmony and abundance. They had everything - a beautiful house and a blooming garden and also extensive land. Fortunately, they lacked children. They longed very much for a daughter. Day and night they prayed to the gods to give them a child. For this they were prepared to forego even their wealth.

Finally the gods appeared to them in a dream and said: "You will have a daughter. But we give you strict instructions: when she grows up, she must not touch any man. And give her the name YLANG!"

Before a year was over, their daughter, whom they named YLANG, was born. Time flew by and the little girl YLANG grew into a little girl, a very beautiful girl who was soon surrounded by many suitors. This scared her parents very much. They were afraid that they might lose their daughter, so they decided to lock her in a large chamber. YLANG felt like a bird in a cage there. Days and nights she begged the gods to free her.

And when she was no longer able to endure captivity, she devised a plan to gain her freedom.

One evening when her parents were not at home, Ylang climbed out of her room window into the garden. Her heart beat with joy that she had regained freedom. She ran around the garden and picked flowers. Suddenly she heard a pleasant voice calling her by name. She turned around and saw a handsome youth.

"Ylang, allow me to help you pick the flowers," said the youth. Ylang's heart began to beat wildly and she wanted to leave. But the youth cried:

"Ylang, I love you!"

When the girl heard these words, she ran away, but the youth took Ylang's hand and repeated:

"Ylang, I love you!"

Then the miracle happened. Ylang disappeared from the youth's eyes, and in the place where she had stood a small tree grew with white flowers with narrow petals. They filled the garden with their scent. The dismayed youth called out in a loud voice: "Ylang! Ylang!", but no one answered him.

In memory of the girl, the young man named the tree "Ylang-Ylang". Even today, girls still like to decorate themselves with its fragrant flowers.

(Nacherzählt von Jozef Genzor, aus dem Slowakischen übersetzt von Dr. Anna Fialova und herausgegeben in der CSSR, deutsche Ausgabe: Verlag Werner Dausien, Hanau/Main, 1978). 

(Retold by Jozef Genzor, translated from Slovak by Dr. Anna Fialova and published in the CSSR, German edition: Verlag Werner Dausien, Hanau/Main, 1978).

Joy Barcoma closes door on pageantry

 

By Neil Ramos

Published Aug 20, 2026 10:20 am

Joy Barcoma says she has no plans to join another beauty pageant after her Miss Earth Philippines 2025 reign, choosing to focus on hosting and her career.

Joy Barcoma is officially closing the door on competitive pageantry.

The former Miss Earth Philippines 2025 titleholder said she has no plans to join another beauty pageant following her reign, choosing instead to focus on the opportunities she has found outside the pageant world.

“Wala na, tapos na ako sa pageantry. Ayoko na,” she told media during a recent gathering.  

As to her advocacies, she said, “E, feeling ko nagagawa ko naman na siya kahit outside pageantry.”

“Tsaka, okay na ako doon sa Miss Earth Philippines crown ko,” she added.

She expressed gratitude for the opportunities that came her way following her pageant journey, saying she is happy with where she currently is professionally.

“Very grateful na ako for all the opportunities. The doors that opened for me, even the windows, kung mayroon mang nagbukas.”

Barcoma added:

“Sobrang happy na ako doon. And I feel like I’m living the best life ngayon.”

Her decision to stay away from pageantry appears firm.

“Thankful na ako, kaya ayoko nang bumalik sa pageantry. Mag-host na lang ako.”

When asked what could convince her to compete again, Barcoma initially joked: “Siguro kung may million na prize.”

Maui Taylor on the Viva HotBabes being compared to the SexBomb Girls: 'It's inevitable'

 Maui Taylor isn't surprised that the Viva Hot Babes' upcoming reunion concert is being compared to the recent comeback of the SexBomb Girls.

By Neil Ramos

Published Aug 20, 2026 09:33 am

says comparisons between the Viva Hot Babes and SexBomb Girls are inevitable as the group prepares for its highly anticipated reunion concert on October 23.

The Viva Hot Babes are set to reunite onstage for “Bulaklak: Viva Hot Babes Reunion” on October 23 at the New Frontier Theater.

The reunion comes after the highly successful comeback of the SexBomb Girls, which has since generated attention from fans around the world.   

When asked if she was bothered by the inevitable comparisons, Taylor shrugged.

“Hindi mawawala comparison,” she told us.

She also acknowledged that the success of the SexBomb Girls' reunion helped inspire the Viva Hot Babes to mount their own comeback.

But Taylor made it clear that there is no competition between the two groups, noting that they are all friends.

According to the actress, members of the SexBomb Girls even reached out to congratulate them after learning about their reunion plans.

“The SB group, they are good friends of everyone. So when they found out, they sent a congratulations,” Taylor said.

She stressed that the Viva Hot Babes' October concert will have an identity of its own.

“The SexBomb Girls did their thing to make their fans happy, and we want to do something like that as well. But, of course, ours will be different from their show.”

For Taylor, the reunion isn't simply about recreating the group's past popularity. It is an opportunity for the members to look back on their shared experiences and celebrate the bond they have maintained through the years.

“It is not an ordinary concert. We want to celebrate our history, our friendship.”

Stocks fall as record-low peso, rising oil fuel inflation fears

By James A. Loyola

Published Aug 19, 2026 04:55 pm

Local equities declined as the peso dropped to an all-time low against the United States (US) dollar and global oil prices advanced, stoking fears that accelerating inflation will force borrowing costs to stay elevated.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) sank 106.36 points, or 1.7 percent, to close at 6,158.34 on Wednesday, Aug. 19, with service-sector companies leading a broad-based retreat across all industry groups. Trading volume remained largely steady, with 843 million shares worth ₱5.78 billion changing hands. Decliners outpaced gainers 119 to 74, while 54 issues ended unchanged.

The benchmark index’s retreat came as the local currency traded down to the 62 level per dollar during intra-day session, setting off alarm bells for import-dependent industries and local market participants.

“The local bourse ended lower as investors reacted to the peso's depreciation, which touched the 62-level against the greenback, raising concerns over inflation and borrowing costs,” said Luis Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Development Corp.

The currency's weakening weighed directly on market sentiment, while broader international weakness added further downward pressure on domestic shares, Limlingan noted.

Moreover, mounting geopolitical friction in the Middle East drove crude prices toward three-week highs, intensifying cost pressures for energy importers across Asia.

US President Donald Trump signaled that Washington is not engaged in discussions with Tehran and has no immediate plans to pursue dialogue. In response, Iran is reportedly assessing potential targets against US military assets in Europe should hostilities broaden.

“The local market plunged as global oil prices continue to climb while the peso hit record lows intra-day, all mainly due to the uncertainties in the situation in the Middle East along with the risks of escalation,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research manager at Philstocks Financial Inc.

Investors are also monitoring potential trade and supply chain disruptions as Washington considers further measures. Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., noted that energy markets remained elevated as participants awaited possible unprecedented economic sanctions by the US against Iran, which could be announced as early as this week.

Palace orders alternative classes,

 

Palace orders alternative classes, govt work arrangements in NCR, 17 other provinces on Aug 20 due to ‘habagat’

Dark clouds loom over parts of Quezon City on Aug. 19, 2026. (Photo by Santi San Juan)

Malacañang has ordered alternative learning modes and work arrangements in Metro Manila and 17 provinces on Aug. 20 due to risks from continued heavy rains. PAGASA said Tropical Depression Neneng is enhancing the southwest monsoon, with heavy rains expected in Metro Manila and several parts of Luzon. Read more

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THE WAY OF THE WORLD

 

Klaus Doring <doringklaus@gmail.com>	Fri, Aug 14, 10:37 AM (6 days ago)		Add reaction Reply More
to boholchronicle

By Klaus Döring

The Way of the World is a comedy play written by the English playwright William Congreve, first performed in 1700. It premiered in the theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields in London. It is widely regarded by critics as one of the finest works of Restoration comedy ever written, and has often been called a centrepiece of the genre. Initially, however, the play struck many audience members as continuing the "immorality" of the previous decades, and was not well received. Public perception of the play gradually changed over time, and it eventually became noted for its important role in shaping the comedy of manners genre during the Restoration period, and continues to be adapted for performances in operas, concerts, and theatres. The Restoration period was a time of "fashionable facade."

William Congreve’s The Way of the World (1700) is the peak of Restoration comedy and the comedy of manners. It satirizes upper-class hypocrisy, greed, and marital economics, tracing the witty lovers Mirabell and Millamant as they out-maneuver social traps and secure their fortunes.

 Englishmen condemned sexual promiscuity in public, but in private took a liking to the well-executed French wit, and such is reflected in the subject matter of the play. This may have contributed to the play not being well received when it initially came out.

Sometimes, we might ask ourselves: What is the sense of doing this and that? What is the meaning of life? I am sure, each and every one of us looks for a good life. 

When you're struggling in life, take assurance in the fact that everyone else struggles like you do. We may not have similar struggles, but it's still a struggle nonetheless. If struggles didn't exist, we'd have no way to appreciate the beauty and wonders of life.

Sometimes, we seem to remain very optimistic. We think it's easy to always find a good life. Most of the time, we are in doubt or, we even choose to be unhappy without any reason at all. To wake up in the morning with pessimism and fall asleep at night, dissatisfied and unhappy - yes, that makes life miserable.

Face it: Living a good life is not living a life without problems. Living a good life comes from acknowledging, facing, and then transcending each problem as it comes. If you let the problems get you down, you'll always be down. Choose instead to let the problems get you up, get you going, and get you working on solving them

On the other hand: Without happiness and satisfaction there is indeed no space for peace in our hearts and minds. Therefore there is no domestic harmony and logically, no peace on earth. The meaning of happiness is trying to manage life even with big problems, difficulties and trials. I learned this from Filipinos after staying in the Philippines as an expatriate for good since 1999.I was really surprised to experience mutual happiness, friendship, love, unity and communal spirit with relatives  in my surroundings. Even during the really not easy last three years.

Of course, I also found myself in very negative situations. I observed people, who seem to live an easy go lucky way of life. But, they were like actors and actresses on stage, wearing incredible masks and pretending to be what they are not. 

Hence, in Greek, they are the so-called hypocrites. Maybe also you and I belong to them from time to time. Fear of rejection or displeasure of other people are becoming our daily friends. In society, it's called "good public relations". Politely greeting and smiling with a set of purpose: to win them there for business.

So, what really counts for us in life? Success? Power? Strength? Money? Is it contentment? Is it peace on earth? Is it peace in our homes? Zest for life?

Let us go through life's journey: From time to time, we have been babies bubbling like a brook on the first blush of spring. We hurried up, unaware of problems and troubles, being unconscious of time, as adults we worried and became conscious of money. Then, suddenly, we looked at our faces, the first wrinkles, and the bald patch on the forehead, the first grey hair. We observed our teeth falling out and our eyeglasses got thicker and our bones crack here and there. 

We start the familiar line: "When I was young... ." And we realize our mortality. Death could knock at our door any time. We feel humbled. We have mellowed. 

Have I done no wrong? Have I been selfless or selfish? Have I been mission-oriented since then? Have I lived a life worthy in God's eyes? What really counted for me? Ano ang mahalaga? Paniniwala? Pag-asa? O kaya pagbibigayan at pagtutulungan?

+++

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me in Facebook, LinkedIn or x - Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.

Why does the English language bend so many grammatical rules to the point of inconsistency and confusion?

English doesn't actually bend its own grammar rules. Its notorious inconsistency comes from being three entirely different languages hiding in a single trench coat.

At its foundation, English is a Germanic language, brought to the British Isles in the 5th century by the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. The foundational grammar and the most common daily words—like "water," "strong," and "house"—come from this Old English. However, in the 8th and 9th centuries, Viking invaders brought Old Norse. Because the two groups had to trade and live together, their languages collided. To make communication easier, English simplified its own grammar, dropping complex noun genders and word endings. At the same time, it absorbed Norse quirks and pronouns, creating the first deep layer of structural irregularity.

The real chaos began in 1066 with the Norman Conquest. French-speaking nobility took over England, making Old Norman the language of the court, law, and power, while the commoners continued speaking English. Over the next three hundred years, English absorbed around 10,000 French words. This split is why English has so many confusing spelling rules and dual vocabularies. For instance, people raise "cows" and "swine" (Germanic words used by the farmers) but eat "beef" and "pork" (French words used by the lords being served). This era also introduced French grammatical concepts, like placing adjectives after nouns in certain official titles, resulting in terms like "attorney general" instead of "general attorney."

Centuries later, during the Renaissance, scholars decided that English was not sophisticated enough. They forcefully injected thousands of Latin and Greek words into the language to describe new concepts in science, medicine, and literature. Worse, they tried to impose Latin grammar rules onto a Germanic language framework. The famous rule warning writers to "never end a sentence with a preposition" was pushed heavily by 17th and 18th-century grammarians simply because Latin sentences cannot end with prepositions. Applying that standard to English is like trying to force the rules of chess onto a game of checkers.

The inconsistency of English is simply a historical record of invasions, migrations, and academic meddling. It is not a single language that forgot how to behave, but a colliding mixture of Old English, Old Norse, French, and Latin, all fighting for dominance in the same dictionary.