Dramatic Increase of Foreigners in The Philippines

The Bureau of Immigration has reported a 559-percent (!) increase in the number of registered foreigners in the Philippines during the first semester 2010.  The new alien registration division chief Danila Almeda said the number  of foreigners listed at his office numbered almost 58.000 as of June 2010, compared to only more than 12.000 who were registered in the same period in 2009.

Almeda disclosed that during the first quarter of the year, the number of BI-registered aliens increased already by 365 percent and their number surged further during the second quarter.

Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar is now the officer-in-charge of the bureau.

Expatriats or working visa applicants account for the bulk of registered foreigners, followed by holders of student visas and foreigners married to Filipinos. 

I would really agree with Almeda's statement attributing the large increase in registered aliens to the aggressive campaign of former BI-commissioner Marcelino Libanan in encouraging foreigners to visit, do business and study in the Philippines. I met Libanan several times personally.

Of course, the Philippines remains as a favorite destination for foreign business executives, many of whom are employed by multinational companies. 

And one more thing: Also citied as a major factor is the success of the BI's regionalization program where in the various field and satellite offices of the bureau were mobilized to encourage foreigners outside of Metro Manila to register and regularize their stay in the Philippines. I am also glad and happy being able to deal with the BI-office in Davao City for example. No need for travelling to Manila... .

My Favourite Music/Meine Lieblingsmusik

What's my favourite music since I am living in the Philippines for good? Of course, there are lot of changes every year. 

Honestly, I love classical music. No wonder! While being in Manila I  start each morning with a clear mind and listening to classical music on 98.7 FM DZFE). Honestly, I am also missing being on air with my radio show "Classics at Night" here in Davao City, to be heard in many parts of Mindanao. Yes, Philippinos love to listen to classical music. 

During long drives I love to listen to beats of U2's. 

When feeling the blues (each one of us experience feeling the blues!), there is indeed nothing more uplifting than sitting down on a piano (or, in my case on a keyboard or electronic piano - "I couldn't bring my grand piano to the Philippines") - and humming to myself. 

Of course, my favourite music - even being an expat living in the Philippines - sre songs from the 1980s and 1970s like    Kenny Loggins, Earth Wind and Fires, and more on pop and light rock music.

I love Broadway musical - yes, and I  admire Philippine love songs, such as "Dahil Ikaw ANg Mahal Ko" and many, many others.

MUSIC is my life. From my home country - and, from my second (?) home country, the Philippines.

Earthquake in Mindanao/Philippinen! Und die Erde bebte wieder... .

It was not the first earthquake I experienced in Mindanao, since living in Davao City for good. It doesn't mean, that I am no more scared. I also held my breath yesterday morning.

Strong earthquakes shook several areas in Mindanao yesterday, although there were no reports of injuries or damage. Thanks god! Aftershocks were felt as far as in Manila and Antipolo.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the first earthquake of magnitude of 6.9 occured at 6:09 a.m. The epicenter was 94 kilometers southwest of Cotabato City, and was even felt in Surigao City and General Santos City.

The second, at magnitude of 6.7, was felt at 6:51 a.m. with the epicenter 97 kilometers southwest of Cotabato City.

The third and strongest, at magnitude 7.1, was recorded at 7:115 a.m. at 98 kilometers southwest of Cotabato City. The epicenters of the quakes were in the sea, but most residents felt the tremors in whole Mindanao.

Since the earthquakes were deep, they would not trigger a tsunami. Good to know. 

Ten Ways to Fight Dreaded Dengue!

1. Clean up your backyard. Mosquitoes love to stay in the dark and damp areas. So if your garage is littered with boxes and assorted garbage, clean them up or throw them away. Don't let them become mosquito havens. Schedule a weekend clean-up day. 

2. Empty containers with stagnant water. The dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. this means that flower pots, garbage cans, aquariums 910, unused swimming pools (!), tires and other piles are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. So after the rains fill with them with water, throw the water away. Newt time, keep these containers closed and upside down. Flower vases should also be replaced weekly.

3. Check your surroundings for stagnant water. Some ornamental plants have this "whorl' or cup-like shape that can hold water water. beautiful to behold but deadly in design. Turn them over and throw the water away! Non-moving rivers, especially in squatter areas, are full of mosquito eggs.

4. Close your doors and windows! Some people open their doors in the morning for a whiff of fresh air. They also believe that mosquitoes would leave the house and go into the sun-light. No, they don't! Place a screen door that keeps the flies AND the mosquitoes outside.

5. Spray insecticide regularly. to rid your house of mosquitoes, flies and also cockroaches, spray it every few days! Make sure you spray those dark corners, crevices, and cabinets. You'll be amazed at the number of pests you'll find dead in the morning. But please, just spray selected rooms when people are not around!

6. Wear pants, pyjamas, long sleeves, and socks. Mosquitoes are attracted to your breath as you exhale so they know how to reach you even in the dark.

7. Apply insect-repellants or use mosquito nets. If your kids are going hiking, camping  or off to school, you can apply insect-repellants like OFF-lotion. Yes, it really works. Kids, of course, like to play outdoors and are prime targets of these killer animals. You can wipe it on selected areas of the clothing like collars, sleeves and pants. 

8. Kill those mosquitoes! When it comes to dengue, it's either kill or be killed! Instruct everyone to kill as many mosquitoes and flies as they can. Once you've got them trapped in your bathroom, show no mercy. 

9. Involve the whole community! The best way to defeat dengue is if the whole community is aware of the threat. Ask your community leaders to schedule a clean-up day! The danger is in empty houses and lots, which are excellent breeding places for mosquitoes. 

10. Spread the word: Dengue fever is here! You'll never know where dengue will strike next time, so better be prepared and inform your neighborhood!

Stay safe and healthy. I wish you all the best!!!

DENGUE - The Killer (Part II)

Dengue cases in Northern Mindanao have increased by 200 percent (!), the Department of Health in Region X said in its latest report. According to Emiliano Galban Jr., DOH X spokesman, 32 persons have been confirmed to the deadly mosquito borne disease while 2.345 (!) have been infected from January to June this year.

Galban said that this year's record is so far the highest in recent medical history of Northern Mindanao as there are more 1.777 (!) more cases recorded this year compared to last year's 568 cases.

Most of the infected persons are in Bukidnon. 

There are two new different types mosquito types such as AEDES and ANOPHELES, attacking especially Mindanao in the Philippines. The AEDES AEGYPTI is the insect you must avoid meeting if you don;t watch to catch dengue, while it is the female ANOPHELES from if you don't want to catch Malaria. Both are deadly and you don't want to catch any of them!

Both, dengue and malaria are also considered major hindrances to the economic growth of an area or a whole country.

There are many ways to fight dreaded dengue! Check it out here tomorrow!

Stay healthy, guys!

25th Anniversary of Silsilah Bulletin

The Silsilah Bulletin is a quarterly publication of Silsilah Dialogue Movement with its editorial office at the Silsilah Center, Joval Building, 137 Gov. Alvarez Avenue in Zamboanga City. 

In 1984 Father Sebastiano D'Ambra, PIME, founded the Islamo-Christian Silsilah  Dialogue Movement but the name was subsequently simplified to Silsilah Dialogue Movement. At the outset Silsilah saw itself as pursuing the attainment of Muslim-Christian dialogue but later expressed this thrust as an effort of "Muslims and Christians, with people of other living faiths". 

The publication of the Bulletin has been anchored on the belief that the printed word is among the best to spread the vision of the Movement and promote the Culture of Dialogue, Path to Peace.

You can also read the Silsilah Bulletin online www.silsilahdialogue.com. 

The inauguration of the Silsilah Center in Davao City happened already on January 20, 2010 in a simple but meaningful ceremony. In his inspiritional message Father Sebastian recollected the beginnings of the Movements widely known not just in the Philippines but in several countries in the world. It was his hope that Silsilah Forum Davao will stay in the forefront of the work of dialogue and peace.   

DENGUE - the Killer!

The fight against dengue is being brought already to the "barangay" level  at the City Health Office and the Department of Health here in Davao City, gathered together all "barangay" captains in a forum on their rule in fighting the spread of the disease. 

Davao city's good mayor Sara Inday Duterte told those in attendance that she is hopeful the "barangay" captains will give emphasis on fighting dengue in the community. Barangay Captains should delegate the work and monitor constituents. 

Bukidnon, so far, is now listed by the Department of Health as a "DENGUE HOTSPOT in Region 10 of the Philippines. Cagayan de Oro came into second with more or less 500 cases during the first six months of 2010. 10 persons have already died.

The municipality of Tagaloan was recorded as having the most number of dengue cases in Misamis Oriental, with 118. Health authorities believed that this increase of dengue incidence in Northern Mindanao is due to the onset of the rainy season.

"Practice cleaning your surroundings?"

HOW?

Check it out here on this website!

BLOODSUCKING TERRORISTS?

YES, THEY ARE HERE AND WAITING FOR YOU!!!

Are you in need to learn German language?Muessen Sie unbedingt die deutsche Sprache lernen?

No problems! Enrol at University of Southeastern Philippines, Obrero, Davao City/Philippines. Check out www.usep.edu.ph. at its home page and go to "Centers" - Institute of Languages".

Kein Problem. Starten Sie Ihren Kurs an der University of Southeastern Philippines, Obrero Davao/Philippinen. Erfahren Sie mehr unter www.usep.edu.ph. und klicken Sie "Centers" und dann "Institute of Languages".

Or call 082 - 227 1761 (in Davao). Oder rufen Sie diese Nummer in Davao City an: 082 - 227 1761.

Or email: doringklaus@gmail.com for further information.

YOU ARE IN MINDANAO? WHY DON'T YOU ENROL IN USEP and its GERMAN COURSE? 

SIE LEBEN IN MINDANAO? WARUM VERSUCHEN SIE NICHT, DEUTSCH IN DAVAO CITY ZU LERNEN, UND ZWAR IN DER UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHEASTERN PHILIPPINES?

Farm Tour in Malungon

Are you interested in a one day fun farm tour? Come and visit MALUNGON, exotic, exquisite, different. Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as Chairman of the Tourism Council helps... .

(Sarangani Bay)

Such a farm tour can be really fun! Departure is around 7:00 am for example in Davao City and around 9:00 from General Santos City. First Destination: Municipal Grounds and Parks (like the tree park or the arts & crafts gallery at the Municipal Hall) with a guided tour of CROWN Awardee Nutrition Program or vieing of rare ornamental plants.

Second destination: the Pacman Farm with viewing of Manny Pacquiao's memorabilias. Experience the Champ's quiet time in this wonderful garden where he prays before going to a fight.

Next will be D'Peak Restobar, where lunch (Filipino cuisine) will be served.

Later you'll be able to visit the Communal Vegetable farm at Datal Tampal, where you can pick fruits and take pictures. 

One highlight is indeed the visit Edna's Vineyard or Macnit Grapes Farm: have fun picking fruits. The owner will weigh your harvest at a farm gate price. 

Then visit the JG Goats and Ostrich Farm and learn something about milk processing.

For more information please email to pacman_tourism@yahoo.com or eleanorsaguiguit@yahoo.com or call 0926 226 8656.

 

Have fun!


See you there!!!

Lake Sebu - Simply Beyond Your Expectation!

South Cotabato is a province of the Philippines with its capital Korondal City and borders Sultan Kudarat to the north and west, Sarangani to the south and east, and Davao del Sur to the east. To the southeast lies Sarangani Bay, the finish of this journey.

South Cotabato is subdivided into ten municipalities and two cities, Genera Santos City (before Dadiangas), Koronadal City, Banga, Lake Sebu (my overnight stay and the first photo shot above), Norala, Polomok, Santa Nino, Surallah (nice town also), Tampakan, Tantangan, T'Boli (watch my photos) and Tupi.

Before the turn of the 20th century the area to which South Cotabato would be carved was sparsely inhabited. The inhabitants were Muslims, B'laans, Manobos, Tagabilis, and other ethnic groups who migrate to this part of Mindanao perhaps even before the birth of Christ. 

These Malayan pioneers led a peaceful existence and were isolated from other developing civilizations of the world after their migration. They remained isolated until the 15th century when Shariff Kabunsuan of Arabia arrived in Cotabato with his religious teachers to introduce the Mohammedan religion. He converted most of the Malayan settlers who occupied the lower and upper Cotabato Valley along both sides of the Maguindanao River.

On May 11, 1992 South Cotabato gave birth to a new province, Sarangani, signalling its coming of age. It is a new challenge, and South Cotabatenos, with their indomitable spirit, will prove more than able to keep up with the demands of the times.

 Lake Sebu is home to the T'bolis, a highland tribe that has it roots in South Cotabato. The local tribesmen consider the lake not only a God-given food basket (the Tilapia is really mouth-watering), but also a miraculous body of water that never dries up.

 Lake Sebu, a place where life indeed blends with nature... .

Don't miss the H'Gelobong Festival at the second week of November. A festival show casting the different arts, culture, sports, and other tribal activities of the T'boli.

The province is known for its collection of ground and serial orchids as well as indigenous flowers which can be found in Abiera Farms. The T'boli products are also worth buying and one should check out their colourful costumes, intricate beadwork, beautifully woven baskets and traditional brass ornaments. Fresh pineapples from the DOLE pineapple farms are also available.