PNoy Believes Purisima Lied to Him During Mamasapano Operations

By XIANNE ARCANGEL, GMA News

President Benigno Aquino III felt he had been lied to by then-suspended Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director-General Alan Purisima during the police operation to arrest two high-value terrorists in what is believed to be Moro Islamic Liberation Front territory in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

 

Two lawmakers who were present at the meeting Aquino held Monday in Malacañang confirmed the President believed he was told lies when he received inaccurate information from Purisima that help was on the way for the beleaguered SAF troopers trapped in a gunfight with Moro rebels in Mamasapano.

 

In an interview over dZBB Tuesday, House Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora recalled Aquino was asked by a lawmaker who used to be in the uniformed services if he felt he had been misled by the information he received regarding “Oplan Exodus,” the police operation to arrest Malaysian bomb making expert Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Filipino terrorist Abdul Basit Usman. 

 

“Ang sagot ng Pangulo, tingin ko hindi lang [ako] na-misled. I had been told lies,” Zamora recalled Aquino as saying.

 

“I still remember the word [the President used]: ‘I had been lied to,’” the lawmaker added.

 

'They were lies'

Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop said he was the lawmaker who asked Aquino if he felt he had been misled by the information Purisima relayed to him regarding “Oplan Exodus.”

 

“I asked him: Do you think you were fed inaccurate information regarding this police operation? The President was candid enough to respond: I think they were lies,” Acop, a former police director, said.

 

In a transcript of text messages that he read before a Senate inquiry Monday, it was revealed that Purisima had told Aquino the military was already providing mechanized and artillery support even though they have not yet been deployed at that time. 

 

Purisima was already suspended as PNP chief when the SAF commandos carried out the operation to nab Marwan and Usman. According to Zamora, Purisima updated Aquino about the “Oplan Exodus” from Nueva Ecija. 

 

Aquino met with House leaders and select lawmakers later that day to explain how much he knew about the SAF operation in Mamasapano. Aquino recollection of his actions that day was accompanied by a Powerpoint presentation containing the text messages he received from Purisima.

 

Aquino is commander-in-chief

 

While Aquino did not specifically mention Purisima as the person who lied to him, Acop believes the President could have only been talking about him since the text messages the lawmakers saw came from the now-resigned PNP chief.

 

Zamora, for his part, said: “Hindi niya (Aquino) sinabing sinungaling si Purisima, but he felt he deserves to be told the truth.”

 

Acop said Aquino deserved to know the whole truth about the Mamasapano operation because he is the police and military’s Commander in Chief.

 

“The President should have been given all the true information regarding the operation, kasi if the information given to him were not true or relevant, he couldn’t make a good decision,” he said.

 

Acop said it was clear from the President’s presentation to them that he gave specific instructions to Purisima to inform PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina and Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas about “Oplan Exodus,” and to then- SAF director Getulio Napeñas to coordinate with the AFP but these were not followed.

 

“The burden of the operational lapse on communication on the ground now falls on Purisima and Napeñas since they had failed to coordinate and even when the President specifically instructed them to,” he said. 

—NB, GMA News

Right-of-way Issues Hamper Davao City's Road Projects for Tourist Sites

By Carmelito Q. Francisco, Correspondent, BusinessWorld Online

DAVAO CITY -- Expropriation proceedings are now under way in some parts of Davao Region to resolve right-of-way issues that have been hampering several road projects leading to tourist destinations.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza said some segments of the DPWH’s tourism infrastructure program, covering 15 projects with an allocated budget of P1.19 billion last year, could not be implemented due to the refusal of some land owners to accept the government’s offer for their property.

As of end-January 2015, overall construction work under the 2014 Department of Tourism (DoT)-DPWH Convergence Program was about 80% complete, Mr. Alquiza said.

The DPWH official declined to identify which projects are now under litigation through expropriation cases filed by the local government units concerned.

Most of the projects are secondary road networks that provide access to previously hard-to-reach tourism spots. The DPWH program list includes the following:

• Davao City -- Davao-Cotabato road leading to Eden Nature’s Park, Lacson-Megkawayan road leading to Megkawayan Park, Barrio Obrero roads leading to People’s Park;

• Davao del Norte -- Western and eastern sides of the circumferential road in the Island Garden City of Samal, coastal road from Panabo City to La Paz, Carmen leading to Mariculture Park, Baywalk, Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Mangrove Sanctuary;

• Davao Oriental -- La Union-Mt. Hamiguitan road leading to Mt. Hamiguitan

• Davao del Sur -- Road leading to Megkawayan Peak, and Kapatagan road leading to Mt. Apo Camp Sabros, Mt. Apo Highland Resort, and Tadaya Falls.

The DoT-DPWH program was established to facilitate a more efficient and coordinated effort between the two agencies for developing access to tourism destinations as identified in the National Tourism Development Plan.

2015 BUDGET

This year, the DPWH Region 11’s budget for tourism-related roads has been almost doubled to P2.2 billion with 30 projects lined up.

Davao del Norte is getting the biggest chunk at about P810 million; Davao City, P456 million; Compostela Valley, P330 million; Davao del Sur, P274 million; and Davao Oriental, P153 million.

Christine T. Dompor, tourism officer of Compostela Valley, said this is the first time that the province is getting road projects specifically supporting the local tourism industry and the provincial government is optimistic that there will be continuing infrastructure initiatives to help them attract more visitors.

Tourism Assistant Secretary Arturo P. Boncato, Jr. earlier said these proposed roads “are essential components and are needed infrastructure facilities in promoting the tourist spots of each province.”

Immigraton Issues New Guidelines on Visa Re-stamping

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will enforce its new rules on re-stamping  of visas for foreigners with permanent residents status in the Philippines.

Under Immigration Administrative Circular No. SBM-2015-001, the BI requires all foreign nationals covered by Republic Act (R.A.), otherwise known as the Alien Social Integration Act of 1995, to have the new security visa stamp implemented in their passports as a requirement for reneal of their Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) - I-Card.

According to BI Spokesperson Elaine Tan, the new rules were part of the effort to upgrade the bureau's database on visa holders.

"The new guidelines intend to update the bureau's database on holders of the visa," she said in a statement.

With this, the B.I. official said that for the re-stamping of passport, visa holders are required to submit the following documents:

1. Duly accomplished RA 7919 re-stamping form;

2. Photocopy of passport pages showing: a) Bio-data page, b) Latest admission as 7919 visa holder; c) New/amended name of the applicant, if any; and

3.) Photocopy of ACR I-Card (front and back).

Tan also said that the new guidelines will be effected next month - so to say March 2015! The new rules will take effect around the second week of March, or 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.

RA 7919 granted permanent residency to illegal aliens upon compliance with certain conditions provided in the law.

(C) PNA

News From The Philippines

NEWS FROM THE PHILIPPINES Enlarge Photo 6th SUBIC BAY TO BORACAY RACE and BORACAY CUP REGATTA Yacht racing is recognized as a gentlemanly sport, rich in tradition, passion and strong sense of community. The rousing success of acclaimed past racing events in the Philippines has brought the country and its sailing community great pride. Such an event is the upcoming Standard Insurance 6th Subic Bay to Boracay Race (SBBR) from February 27 to March 2, followed immediately by the Boracay Cup Regatta (BCR) on March 2-6, 2015. “Over the years, we work tirelessly with our sailing partners toward opening more doors for occasions in spreading the spark of sailing and enliven big boat racing pursuits in the Philippines,” so said the SAGS Co-Chairman and The Lighthouse Marina Resort President, Jun Avecilla. Sailing enthusiasts and Grand Prix race boats have been attracted to the challenges that these races bring. The shifting winds that sailors encounter in Subic Bay, as well as en route to the beautiful island of Boracay cause headaches for the unwary, opportunities for the observant and hard work for the crews. Nevertheless, challengers anticipate the excitement and uncertainty towards the finish line and reap the rewards from their two to three days of gruelling racing. Cebu Pacific Air (CEB), the official airline partner, is working hand in hand with the organizers to bring in international competitors, to make this regatta an even more thrilling one. “International events like this can put the Philippines on the map for sailors and sailing enthusiasts in the region. CEB welcomes the racers to fun Philippines,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. Stakes are high as Capt. Marty Rijkuris, organizer of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit (asianyachting.com) keeps score of the regattas that count towards the much coveted AY Skipper and Yacht of the Year. The race to Boracay and the Boracay Cup are two out of the twelve races which are conducted across South East Asia, in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong that award points to the winners. The accolades are given at the end of the racing season in Koh Samui. Jelik (title holder of 2013 Yacht of the Year) owned by Asian Yachting Grand Prix Skipper of 2013, Frank Pong, snatched the combined Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay Race and Boracay Cup Regatta 2014 title from two-year consecutive champion Karakoa skippered by Ray Ordoveza in the IRC Racing Class. One of the best race management teams in Asia will be led by renowned International Race Officer Jerry Rollin for both events, ensuring a high standard and world class race conduct. Starting the race in Subic Bay provides the advantages of safe marina facilities and the wide expanse of Subic Bay for the start and this is more than matched by the windy conditions in Boracay that makes for an exceptional racing experience. Truly, sailing is more fun in the Philippines. The Standard Insurance 6th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta is spearheaded by Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing, (also known as SAGS), Asian Yachting Grand Prix and Philippine Sailing Association, co-presented by PLDT Alpha, in conjunction with Resorts World Manila, Watercraft Venture Corporation and The Lighthouse Marina Resort. In cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Bay HATS & Visitors Board, Olongapo City, Department of Tourism, Province of Aklan, Municipality of Malay, Philippine Coast Guard and the Regatta’s Official Airline Partner, Cebu Pacific. Major Sponsors include PLDT SME Nation, North Philippines Visitors Bureau, North Luzon Expressway, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Tanduay, ICTSI-Subic, Allphones, Ruckus Wireless, Pepsi Cola Inc. and Tourism Promotions Board Official Media Partners Manila Bulletin, Wondertower Creative, Asia Pacific Boating Hotel Partners are Sea Wind Resort, Boracay Beach Resort, Boracay Regency Beach and Spa, Discovery Shores, Terrace Hotel and Bayfront Hotel. Minor Sponsors Smart Satellite, Sand Bar Beach Club, Quiksilver, Autohub, Petron, Jack Daniels, PLDT Subictel, Broadwater Marine, International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians, Phinsaf, Papaya Yacht Charter and Services, and San Miguel Brewery. Media Partners Speed Magazine, C! Magazine, Calibre, Business Mirror, La Isla Magazine, Freeport Cable Inc., Batang Gapo News TV, Subic Times, Fragrant Harbo

Philippinisches Kulinarisches in Deutsch und Tagalog (Teil V)

- TINAPA: Ob zum Abendessen oder zum Mittagessen - diesen delikaten speziell aufbereiteten Raeucherfisch sollte man unbedingt einmal probiert haben.

- TALABA: Austern habe ich fuer mein Leben gern genossen. Auch hier auf den Philippinen. Allerdings gibt es nur einen Marktstand auf dem Public Market Davao Agdao, wo ich die wirklich frischen Austern kaufe. Guten Appetit!

(Fortsetzung folgt!)

Bigger Than Tubbataha Reef: Tanon Strait Deserves Protection

- and may get it at last!

By ANNA VALMERO

 

 

Spanning 521,018 hectares between Cebu and Negros, the Tañon Strait is richer in marine diversity and about five times larger than the more famous Tubbataha Reef in the Western Philippine Sea.

 

And now, for the first time, community leaders of Visayan coastal fishing towns have finally met to address overfishing issues and to protect the country’s largest marine protected area (MPA). 

 

A general management plan was passed recently in hopes of harmonizing efforts to protect the reserve as underscored in Presidential Proclamation 1234 signed in 1998. The framework will help municipals and barangays along the reserve to draft five year-plans of action for the sustainable use of the reserve.

 

Over the last 17 years, the lack of a coordinated and clear policy within the reserve has caused weak law enforcement against overfishing and other illegal commercial activities, leading to declining fish catch. Today, a local fisher can bring home two kilos of fish after a day of fishing, down from an easy catch of five kilos in the 1970s.

 

Management plan, fishing studies needed

 

One of the leading marine scientists on Tañon Strait, Dr. Lemmuel Aragones, associate professor at the Institute of Environment Science and Meteorology at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, pushed for the reserve’s immediate protection and the creation of baseline studies therefor.

 

“The general management plan is a first step. The challenge is to ensure there are mechanisms for long-term commitment, continuous awareness program, and sustained action,” noted Dr. Aragones, one of the leading experts on Tañon Strait biodiversity since 1990.

 

For the program to work, Aragones urged community leaders to use science and help build better information about the area for sound policies under the general management plan.

 

For one, there is a lack of data on the volume of local fish catch in Tañon Strait. The latest data is about a decade old, from research published (http://oneocean.org/download/db_files/cv_fish_profile.pdf) by the team of Stuart Green, he noted.

 

“The lack of updated data is a setback. To develop and establish an effective management plan, it should be based on sound science or it will tend to fail like most Philippine plans on managing natural resources,” noted Dr. Aragones.

 

Some 43,000 registered community fisherfolk from Negros and Cebu in 298 coastal villages depend on Tañon Strait for food and livelihood. 

 

Miseducated, misenformed government leaders

 

While it is an open secret that there are Filipino commercial fishing activities in the area, law enforcement is difficult due to “overlapping and conflicting local policies, sometimes including vested interests,” explained lawyer Rose-Liza Osorio, Foundation for the Philippine Environment chairman.

 

During the three-day conference, the two-term mayor Nelson Garcia of Dumanjug, a town in Cebu, aired his dissent on the management plan’s provision to prohibit commercial fishing in the protected area.

 

People, not whale sharks or dolphins, should benefit first from the sea including the means of commercial fishing, according to Garcia, younger brother of former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia. 

 

“In my area, when there is a whale and they catch it, I will let them kill it. They are parasites, competing for the food of the people,” said Garcia, who mentioned that they eat at least 2 tons of fish while citing the Internet and a TV show as his source of information.

 

During the summit’s open forum, Garcia admitted that majority of his constituents work under commercial fishers that operate payaw or fish aggregating devices in Dumanjug’s municipal waters.

 

Osorio noted that Garcia's pronouncement strongly underscores the need to educate local leaders about the country’s environmental laws, especially for devolved functions.

 

Under a democratic process, Garcia has a right to air his voice, which “could be representative of other conference participants but are not interested to speak up,” noted Osorio.

 

Amending the law

 

Under the Fisheries Code of 1998, the first ten kilometers of coastal waters from the shoreline are reserved exclusively for municipal fishers, Meanwhile, the area from 10 to 15 km has a “use conflict” between municipal and commercial fishing activity due to some flexibilities under the law.

 

Bills to amend the Fisheries Code have been filed at the Senate and House of Representatives. A salient provision is increased penalties for commercial fishing violations to comply with international convention and avoid the European ban on marine products in case the Philippines fails to improve its “red card” standing before the Dec. 19 deadline.

 

Dr. Aragones reiterated the need to establish quality research to illustrate with evidence the declining fish production due to overfishing within Tañon Strait. 

 

Involving local communities

 

He added that involving the local communities to help gather this data by proposing commercial fishing moratoriums in the medium term of five to ten years to help gather a baseline data on the change and behavior of fishing populations, including whale sharks and dolphins, apex predators that help keep the balance of species populations in the sea. 

 

If funding is made available, a good study under the general management plan can also help quantify and qualify the impact of these top predators in terms of fish production, Dr. Aragones added.

 

In another interview, Oceana chief scientist Dr. Mike Hirschfield concurred and noted that strictly limiting the use of municipal waters to community fishers is key to the sustainability of Tañon Strait.

 

“A piece of the solution to overfishing is to separate small-scale fisherfolk from commercial fishermen but it only works if you can enforce that separation so that you can apprehend violators. Mayors in the area raised the challenge of how to do it,” noted Dr. Mike Hirschfield, chief scientist at Oceana, one of the convenors of the summit.

 

And the presence of whales and dolphins in the area, Dr. Hirschfield explained, should be welcomed. In fact, these species are bio indicators that the marine diversity supports good production to support the life of both humans and marine animals. They also offer additional livelihood from ecotourism.

 

Sustainable practices

 

“The reason to protect marine areas is easy: think of the fish as savings in a bank (sea). Don’t catch more than you can replenish, or you go broke easily,” explained Dr. Hirschfield.

 

“The Visayan community has the opportunity to do marine protection and conservation right in Tañon Strait. Whether it goes bankrupt or sustains itself, we will see in the plan and its implementation,” concluded Dr. Hirschfield. — TJD, GMA News

ComVal to Build 'Barangay Walang Iwanan'

 

Volunteerism is always alive in Compostela Valley.

With the spirit of “bayanihan” or volunteerism not new in the province, the Provincial Government of ComVal was chosen as the frontrunner of Barangay Walang Iwanan, a program initiated by the Gawad Kalinga (GK) which is aimed at strengthening the ties of every stakeholder in engaging the communities in driving inclusive growth.

Barangay Walang Iwanan (BWI) is a campaign to mainstream the culture of caring and sharing as well as the lifestyle of volunteerism among the locals in the communities which targets to engage more than 20,000 barangays in the Philippines to feed the hungry, build homes, care for the environment, fix schools and unleash the potential of the poor to become partners in improving communities.

Impressed with ComVal’s efforts in engaging its people in all of its “Bayanihan Challenges”, representatives from GK headed by Ricky Villanueva, GK Coordinator for Davao, and Patrick Doromal, Volunteer Coordinator for Southern Mindanao, presented the campaign during the partners’ forum on February 12 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, ComVal.

The campaign has immediately drawn positive feedback and support from the different Local Government Units (LGUs), local chief executives, and other partners from different sectors who were present during the forum.

With a strategy of forming a provincial hub and 11 municipal hubs for coordination with barangay task forces, the BWI will build a movement of volunteers at the barangay level that would organize activities to create impact for 250 poor families in their barangay.

While the municipal hubs provide trainings monitor all activities, the volunteers will be involved in activities like, but not limited to, feeding, environmental drive, skills training, sports program, disaster preparedness, bayanihan challenge, among others.

To strengthen this program, the provincial government of ComVal is proposing right now an Executive Order creating the Provincial BWI Executive Board which would involve various stakeholders and key players in the implementation of the campaign.

The BWI is set to kick-off in the different municipalities of ComVal come April this year. (james labrigas/ comval ids)

Philippinisches Kulinarisches in Deutsch und Tagalog (Teil IV)

Wie waere's denn heute erst einmal mit einen wunderbaren Getraenk?

- TUBA: ein alkoholisches Getraenk aus Kokosnektar, der in den Palmenkronen gesammelt wird. Ich habe ihn (frueher!) gern ab und zu genossen, aber nur, wenn ich wusste, von welchen Palmen der Tuba kam. Irgendwo unterwegs an der Strasse - nein, lieber nicht! Und wenn man lange genug wartet, wird der TUBA ein wunderbarer Essig.

- PATA (CRISPY PATA):  Wenn richtig zubereitet, wird man die knusprige Schweinshaxe von Deutschland nicht vermissen. In vielen Restaurants auf den Philippinen gibt es sie. Allerdings mit Reis und nicht immer unbedingt mit Sauerkraut. Guten Appetit!

(Fortsetzung folgt!)

First Class Philippine Made in Spain

Appetizer of Kinilaw na Isda, Barquillos with Bihon Guisado, Chicharon with Chive Mousse, Kadyos (Negros Black-Eyed Peas) with Batwan

For the first time in the history of Madrid Fusion—the biggest gastronomic trade fair in Spain—Filipino chefs and products were given the spotlight under this year’s theme of Traveling Cuisines.

Achara, pili nuts a hit

A Philippine booth was set up by the team of Tourism director Verna Buensuceso that was strategically located at the entrance of the trade venue.

The booth boasted of Philippine products from north to south, curated by Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo Puyat. These included: Manille liqueur, pili nuts, dried mangoes, taba ng talangka, etc. Visitors also got the chance to taste the products of Mama Sita and Nana Meng Tsokolate.

It was fascinating watching the reaction of the foreigners to Philippine products. Many asked if the achara is ceviche. The booth tenders had to explain that achara is not ceviche, and that it accompanies our savory dishes like adobo and piniritong isda.

Kinilaw variations

The Spanish were curious at the use of peanuts in Bulacan hot chocolate, while the pili nuts were a hit, with guests in awe of its texture.

Madrid Fusion Manila

On the last day of the gastronomic congress, Madrid Fusion Manila was officially launched. Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos Salinas took to the stage and invited the world community to visit the Philippines from April 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center. Because of our common heritage, he thanked the organizers for choosing the Philippines as the venue for Madrid Fusion in Asia.

Filipino chefs led by Myrna Segismundo, Margarita Fores, Claude Tayag and Chele Gonzalez were then called to the stage and were proudly presented as the ones who would be giving talks during the Madrid Fusion in Manila.

Philippine chefs were then joined by the most acclaimed chefs of Spain, Elena Arzak, 2012 World’s Best Female Chef, and Andoni Luis Aduriz of the restaurant Mugaritz, considered one of the most influential chefs of our time.

Excited

In an interview with Chef Arzak, the humble and charming chef said that for 10 years, she had wanted to go to Manila. She then invited everyone to come to Madrid Fusion Manila, describing it to be an important event in Asia (see video in margauxlicious.com).

Meanwhile, Chef Aduriz and Pastry Chef Paco Torreblanca both said that they would go to Manila not only to participate in the congress, but also to learn of Philippine flavors and ingredients so that they could use them at their world-renowned restaurants.

Filipinos shine

It wasn’t only during the day that our chefs wowed Madrid Fusion audiences. Come dinner time, our chefs presented their brilliant culinary skills at various events.

Chefs Juan Carlos de Terry, Bruce Rickets and Gonzalez took over the kitchen of Ramses Restaurant for the press cocktails for Madrid Fusion Manila, while flairtender Dennis Hipolito got the prestigious guests buzzed with his cocktails using Manille liqueur and Don Papa Rum.

Margarita Fores takes over the kitchen of the Ritz Carlton Madrid.

Chef Segismundo was the honorary chef at Relais & Chateaux Hotel Orfila, one of the best hotels in Madrid.

She proved to Orfila dinner guests that Filipino cuisine can match the best of fine dining anywhere in the world.

She served a humble monggo soup, but used Iberico ham. For appetizers, she served chicken inasal and tinapa mousse. And, as she and Fores had given an extensive talk on kinilaw the day before—another first for Filipino chefs—she also very elegantly presented three kinds of kinilaw, including a lobster kinilaw, to dinner guests.

Unbeknownst to guests, Segismundo was being assisted by celebrities in their own right: acclaimed Philippine gourmet Tayag, and Nina Daza Puyat, who happily made the gata for dessert.

On the final evening, Fores basked in the Madrid moonlight as she took over the kitchen of the high-brow Ritz Carlton.

Fores proved that Filipino food can take on an avante garde experience, with her pass-around medley of kinilaw, barquillos with sauteed fish roe, chicharon and chive mousse, and Negrense kadyos and batwan.

As usual, Fores’ attention to detail was remarkable.

Fores made it a point to highlight products being promoted by Undersecretary Romulo-Puyat, such as adlai, a little-known indigenous crop from Bukidnon that resembles rice, which she paired with sugpo and taba ng talangka. And, knowing that adobo is the most known Filipino dish the world over, she also served adobo as an option for entrees.

History

It can be said now that the Philippine delegation wowed Madrid Fusion audiences and made history with the first Philippine booth. Fores and Segismundo gave especially impressive performances as they delivered the first talk by Filipino chefs during the congress, and as the first Filipinos who were invited as guest chefs of Madrid Fusion.

Appetizer of chicken inasal, sisig and chicharon mousse

As early as the first night, many already signed up for Madrid Fusion Manila, curious to learn about Filipino food.

Congratulations to Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez for the brilliant idea of bringing Madrid Fusion to the Philippines, and to the Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of Spain, the Spanish Foreign Trade Institute (ICEX), as well as the Spanish Chamber of Commerce (La Camara) led by executive director Barbara Apraiz de Encio, on their efforts to make this project a reality.

After this marvelous introduction in Spain, we must work doubly hard to make sure that Madrid Fusion Manila becomes the success we envision it to be.

To register for Madrid Fusion Manila, visit madridfusionmanila.com. For updates, visit the Madrid Fusion Manila page on Facebook, or visit the Madrid Fusion section in margauxlicious.com.

(C) 2015 by Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippinisches Kulinarisches in Deutsch und Tagalog (III)

Es hat lange gedauert - nun gehoert auch das folgende Gericht zu meinem Essensplan:

- CALDERETA = das ist geschmortes Fleisch - meistens von der Ziege (kambing). Ist wirklich Geschmackssache. Ich esse nur, wenn ich weiss, wer es zu bereitet hat und woher das Tier kam.

- LECHON / LITSON = ein Spanferkel. Oftmals nicht mehr Spanferkel sondern ein 50 kg schweres Schwein. Gehoert zu jeder kleineren und natuerlich grossen Feier auf den Philippinen dazu. Vegetarier sollten lieber wegschauen ... .

(Fortsetzung folgt!)