Season is Thoughts

The most awaited season of the year has finally come. The most joyous month is here at least. At times it makes me really wonder what life would be without December. Something is indeed very special on this season, which brings about changes not only in the atmosphere but also in our zest of life and living.

Yes, the air begins to get cooler especially in the mornings when the field and remaining forests are embraced and kissed by the fog that slowly descends upon the earth. The first streak of light that pierces the darkness of earth is the sign of life. the stillness of the dawn which has long been awakened by the crowning of the fowls and singing of the birds only add more color and harmony to the many fabrics of creation, all for the beauty of life and for the joy of mankind.

Yes, we may not have snow in the Philippines to behold and touch as the music lanes blast to the tune of 'White Christmas' like I grew up in my home country Germany. But out in the grassy fields, as you feel the earth with your feet, the fog and the dew give testimony that the earth is still full of life.

December is Christmas, although Christmas in the Philippines is much more different then in Germany. I am looking forward to my 10th Christmas in the Philippines. I love it here. I learned something here: December and Christmas should be the song to awaken our hardened hearts, to touch those people around us, who might have waited a long time for such a move.

Einen frohen und besinnlichen 1. Advent!

Hochzeitspaten auf den Philippinen: Ninong und Ninang

Ich glaube, dieses war die 45. Hochzeit, bei der ich als Pate eingeladen wurde. Criselda (eine meiner frueheren Deutschstudentinnen) heiratete Thomas aus Deutschland.

I guess, it has been the 45th wedding for me being invited as godfather (or Ninong). Criselda (one of my students) got married to Thomas from Germany.

Hochzeitspaten auf den Philippinen nehmen immer Ehrenplaetze ein. Anders als der Taufpate legt sich der Hochzeitspate ueber Nacht zwei erwachsene Kinder zu, die dabei sind, verantwortungsvolle Aufgaben in der Gesellschaft zu uebernehmen, so dass seine Verpflichtung, beim Aufbau einer Karriere zu helfen, viel unmittelbar auf ihn zukommt. Nun, man ist nicht allein in der Verantwortung. Oftmals waehlt das Brautpaar 20 und mehr ninongs and ninangs aus.

Aufwendige Feiern koennen nicht nur eine Anzahl von Paten auf den Plan rufen, sondern auch einen Begleitzug von Blumenmaedchen, einen Ringetraeger, eine Ehrenjungfer, Kerzenspender, Band- und Schleierspender. Hochzeiten laufen nach einem fuer philippinische Verhaeltnisse strikten Zeitplan ab.

Eine Hochzeit auf den Philippinen ist immer ein grossartiges Erlebnis.

My queen is blooming again...

It was a gift given to me by my old friend Lisa (now residing in Nambia/Southwest Africa). It's the Queen of Orchids, the "waling-waling".

She's blooming again - and only for the second time... . I love it!

The Culture Shock - Der Kulturschock

I spent some time in almost 65 countries all over the world. Sometimes one day - sometimes several months. Now I stay in the Philippines for good since 1999. My Filipina wife has been obliged to acquaint me about the differences in living and working conditions in this part of the world - which is named The Philippines.

Every country has its own versions of culture shock of its own - including here in the Philippines. Especially if you stay as an expatriat. Permanent life is no more holidays or vacations... .

Filipinos are friendly people.

Filipinos are smiling at you even in the midst of misfortune brought about by calamity or disaster.

Filipinas women enjoy the same rights with men.

Filipinos and Filipinas dress up as they please.

In the Philippines is freedom in the practice of one's faith.

In the Philippines one can find a nice climate.

Fact is: culture shock has to do with custom and tradition in the host country. As an expat, one has to adopt such things step by step without loosing the own identity.

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Die meisten Auslaender, die die Philippinen besuchen, sind angenehm ueberrascht. wenn sie feststellen, dass fast ueberall Englisch gesprochen wird. Man kleidet sich oftmals sehr westlich - der gesamte Prunk der westlichen Zivilisation ist sichtbar. Hamburgerketten, Luxushotels, Supermaerkte... . Ja, ist doch alles kein Problem hier zu leben.

Der Schock kommt spaeter. Waehrend der westliche Prunk da ist und man ja auch dieselbe Sprache (Englisch) spricht - hat man am Anfang Schwierigkeiten, sich wirklich zu verstaendigen. Ich habe aus dem Grund auch Bisaya (Cebuano) versucht zu lernen.

Eine Vielzahl von Auswanderen kritisiert sehr schnell die neue Heimat Philippinen und die hier lebenden Menschen. Es folgen sarkastische Anmerkungen ueber die "filipino-time" (klar, ich habe mich auch heute noch nicht an die Unpuenktlichkeit gewoehnen koennen!) und die philippinische Buerokratie. Halt, gibt's keine in unseren Heimatlaendern?

(To be continued!)

(Fortsetzung folgt!

Oktoberfest (Deutsche in Davao)

Oktoberfest has been celebrated also all over the Philippines. In Davao City more then 40 German expats with spouses and friends gathered together in Swiss Deli in Damosa and had a lot of beer, pork sausages, pork knuckles, sauerkraut, cold cuts - and fun!

Every year great musician Rolf from Manila came all the way down south and entertained us formidable.

Oktoberfest and several other gatherings together and fellowships help to enjoy life as expats in the Philippines.

Oktoberfest wurde natuerlich auch ueberall auf den Philippinen gefeiert. In Davao City fanden sich u.a. im Swiss Deli in Damosa ueber 40 deutsche Auswanderer, Ehegatten und Freunde ein - und genossen eine Menge Bier, Wuerstchen, Eisbein, Sauerkraut und Aufschnitt. Man hatte wirklich eine Menge Spass! Aus Manila war der grossartige Akkordeonspieler Rolf eingeflogen worden. Wie immer unterhielt er uns grossartig!

Nicht nur das Oktoberfest - auch andere Zusammenkuenfte hier lebender Deutsche (mit auch anderen Nationalitaeten) lassen das Leben als Auswanderer auf den Philippinen lebenswert erscheinen!

WHY PHILIPPINES? Warum Philippinen?

There might be a lot of different reasons for each and every one why to live in the Philippines for good. Family, Philippine spouse, doing business or just enjoying a great pensioner's life.

The Philippine Retirement Authority (Manila) describes it with its slogan "Smile at Life in the Philippines". This slogan indeed encapsulates the spirit behind PRA's vision. Retirees who choose the Philippines can look forward to being treated as a person, not as a statistic. PRA helps provide the good life for retirees (NOT being married to a Philippine national) not only for their material comfort, but also for their psychological and emotional well being as well.

By the way, the Philippine Retirement Authority is a government owned and controlled corporation created by virtue of Executive order no. 1037, signed by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, on July 4, 1985. On August 31, 2001, through E.o. no 26, the control and supervision of PRA was transferred to the Board of Investments (BOI) from the Office of the President.

PRA's head office is in Makati City (Hotline +632.848-1412 or email: inquiry@pra.gov.ph. but there are several satellite offices in Cebu City, Olangapo City, Angeles City Pampanga, Baguio City - and since a couple of months also in Davao City (headed by my friend Mr. Jimmy Llames).

Why choose the Philippines? In the Philippines, retirees (and also all other expats and businesspeople) have the chance a lot to smile about it!

Mabuhay and welcome to the Philippines!

My New Baby/Mein neues Baby

I love dogs since my childhood. Living in the Philippines for good as an expat and having enough space, I enjoy 12 dogs now.

This is my "new baby"...

Seit meiner Kindheit liebe ich Hunde. Seitdem ich auf die Philippinen ausgewandert bin und genuegend Platz vorhanden ist, habe ich viel Spass an 12 Hunden.

Dies ist mein "neues Baby" ...

Institute of Languages: Universty of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City - Davao City - Other Classes - whole Mindanao

Institute of Languages - University of Southeastern Philippines Davao City - Davao City - Other Classes - whole Mindanao

offers language courses French, Italian, german, Spanish, nihonggo, Mandarin, Arabic, Bahasa (Indonesia) and other Philippine dialects.

(Reviewing for the TOEFL, IELTS and NCLEX).

For details please contact faculty assistant Shella Lariosa (0909-2220986 or 0915-1855855 or 082-225-4696 loc. 209/241 or email to inst_lang@usep.edu.ph or visit www.usep.edu.ph (and go to Centers and then Institute of Languages).

German Course in Davao City/Philippines - Davao City - Language Classes - whole Mindanao - language courses davao city

German Course in Davao City/Philippines - Davao City - Language Classes - whole Mindanao - Language Courses Davao City

The University of Southeastern Philippines (Institute of Languages) is offering a German course for Filipinos and Filipinas, such as business professionals, relations students, nurses, OFW's and many more.

I am teaching German following the guidelines of the Goetheinstitut Manila and use its study material.

For details please contact faculty assistant Shella Lariossa (0909-2220986/0915-1855855 or 082-225-4696 loc. 209/241 or email to inst_lang@usep.edu.ph or visit www.usep.edu.ph

Do you need a German-English/English-German translation? - Davao City - Writing - Editing - Translating - whole Mindanao

Do you need a German-English/English-German translation? - Davao City - Writing - Editing - Translating - whole Mindanao

I am by court certified translator and interpreter (Judicial Region XI Mindanao) and listed as translator and interpreter by the German Embassy Manila.

Email me to doringklaus@gmail.com.