EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF

 

And of course: every woman for herself. It's used for saying that everyone needs to look after themselves and not worry about anyone else. Everyone looks out for his or her best interest. Originally this phrase expressed approval. It appeared in Chaucer's The Knight's Tale (“Ech man for him-self, ther is non other”), implying that if one did not look out for oneself no one else would.

Yes, each person does what is best for himself or herself. Yes, times are getting tougher. I think you, my dear readers, know what I am talking about. No reason to list everything again. Sometimes, there is no team spirit in this office; it’s definitely every man for himself. Neighbors would tell each other: mind your own business. The tone between us humans is becoming more and more harsher.

Some people live alone because friends and families have abandoned them. Important helpline is Psalm 27:10 for them. “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me.” 

And solitary survivors like Robinson Crusoe, or the hero in the movie Castaway, fascinate. But the loner is someone who purposely holds himself aloof, like the Unabomber, Mathematician Ted Kaczynski. People doggedly moving ever farther away from one another constitute hell in C.S. Lewis’ book, The Great Divorce.

Fact is  -  Proverbs 18:1 says:  A man who isolates himself seeks his own desires; he rages against all wise judgment. 

Living in community and helping one another is foundational for all who wish to follow Christ. We know from Acts 2 that the early church took this seriously, seeing many examples of believers helping one another, including materially, so that there would be no one in need within their group.

Much has been written about the benefits of strong relationships. I wrote about it at this corner several years ago. People are healthier, live longer, and are generally happier if they have strong friendships beneficial for helping and encouraging each other. And let me repeat it - especially during these tough times ... .

Jim Mathis , a writer, photographer and small business owner in Overland Park, Kansas, got it to the point last year, when the pandemic started: "Personally, one big change that took place when I decided to follow Christ was shifting from a self-centered existence to community-centered living. My life changed dramatically for the better when I stopped looking out only for myself and started finding ways to help others with a sense of community. Life went from an individual sport like a race to a team sport, working toward our mutual benefit".

The other pandemic

 

Editorial Manila Bulletin

Early this month, the Department of Health reported that the National Center for Mental Health had been receiving more calls from adolescents. The report, however, included that such distress calls had been on the rise from all age brackets since the beginning of the pandemic.

It’s the same all over the world. In the US, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, based on data released in June 2021, “63 percent of young people reported experiencing substantial symptoms of anxiety and depression.” In Europe, a Cambridge University-published study has shown that these symptoms are more observable among the older populations, although it is disheartening that, increasingly, young adults, even students, are also falling prey to loneliness, which can lead, as the research has pointed out, to “a six- to 10-fold increase in risk for worsened depressed mood, anxiety symptoms, and sleep problems.”

It’s all par for the course during a pandemic when physical distancing, social isolation, mobility restrictions, and constant media exposure to COVID-19 are normal and even necessary. Along with the elderly and those who live alone, older teens and young adults are the hardest hit because, just as they are beginning to build a world outside of their families, that world and its many possibilities are indefinitely on hold.

There’s a call for governments in many countries to intervene with social care policies to mitigate the long-term consequences of increased loneliness, such as worsened mental health problems. A Harvard Graduate School of Education-led research recommends a robust social infrastructure, including national, local, and community campaigns to increase awareness of the importance of social ties. Even here in the Philippines, there are more government, non-government, and private organizations addressing mental health than ever before.

Alas, there is not enough help in this world for lonely people. While it is not considered a specific mental health condition, loneliness does, especially when prolonged, affect general health—physical, mental, and emotional.

On your own, there are many ways to address loneliness, such as keeping active or engaging in meaningful causes.

But sometimes it’s all in the disposition.

Train yourself to find joy in as many ordinary things as possible, to see the silver lining in every dark cloud, to see the friend in everyone, even in yourself.

Learn to accept that many things in life are 100 percent beyond your control. Just as it is in you as a human to succumb to the worst of circumstances, as happens to the best of us, it is also in you as a human to soar above them.

If you hate this and you hate that, if the only things that make you happy are things you can’t do every day, like weekends or vacations or the company of friends, it’s only logical you will be miserable most of the time. Protect yourself from yourself by keeping fear, helplessness, hopelessness, resentment, envy, anger on a leash and replace them with a sense of hope, a sense of wonder, and positivity.

Allow everyday things to make you feel alive and you may be happy, sometimes worried and saddled with troubles—that’s life — but still capable of being at peace and full of hope.

If all else fails, call a mental health professional.

Why in Manila there is no underground transport like in London?

 

By: Steven Haddock

Compliance Officer

Insufferable know-it-all, mostly law, science, politics and Canadian football

Prior to World War II, Manila had the largest tram system in Asia.

However, the battle for Manila at the end of the World War II devastated the city, and the tram network couldn’t be salvaged.

Luckily, when the Americans left, it turned out to be too expensive to take their Jeeps with them. They were sold for $1 apiece to the locals who cut them in half and put a top on them, thus was born…..

The Jeepney!

Privately operated Jeepneys, together with municipal buses and motorcycle taxis, form the backbone of Greater Manila’s transportation system. As most of the vehicles are privately operated, there’s massive political opposition to doing away with them and replacing them with a fully municipal system.

One of the problems is that Greater Manila is so big, but has lot of old narrow roads, there’s a massive “last mile” problem. Even Jeepneys have trouble navigating some of Manila’s neighbourhoods, which makes motorcycle taxis perfect for the job.

It would be nice if Manila could do something about it. It’s traffic is terrible and Jeepneys and motorcycle taxis are one of the reasons why. They run short routes, are always on the road, and stop at random places wherever they can pick up or drop off passengers. However, they’re also tremendously cheap - an auto taxi can cost ten times what a similar journey by motorcycle taxi and Jeepney will.

The people of Manila aren’t thrilled with the system despite its low cost. Only municipal buses make really long trips (more than 10 km) so a typical trip is motorcycle taxi to a Jeepney route, then Jeepney to a bus, take the bus to another Jeepney route, then take another motorcycle taxi to your destination. It’s insane.

The good (or bad) news is that Jeepneys can no longer be replaced - they’re brightly painted but usually patched together as best as possible.

IS ANGER BAD?

One should not lose one's temper unless one is certain of getting more and more angry to the end. Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret. Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame. There are hundreds of quotations. Not all are very helpful.

Have you ever been really angry? I was. And that's okay.

We all hear a lot about letting go of anger, curbing our temper, and learning anger management techniques. On the spiritual path, sages and gurus remind us that everyone and everything is to be forgiven and that peace and tranquility is what we all need to strive for. Anger is deemed counterproductive, useless or even destructive to our spiritual well-being and happiness. It is considered a “negative emotion” that we should reject in others and deny in ourselves. With such advice, it is no wonder that most of us shrink with guilt after our feathers get ruffled and we speak out in anger at someone we love.

Well,  in truth, a little anger is good and has a function that benefits human consciousness. Used positively, anger makes us healthy, wealthy and wise and is one key to happiness. As you read this my dear readers, I can see your incredulous faces and your eyes wide open.

When we feel angry about a situation we are facing or at a person who is challenging us in some way, our anger is a signal and warning that something is out of balance. As a warning, anger saves us the grief of sitting still and doing nothing about a situation or when circumstances require a positive change. 

By witnessing and understanding anger in others we can see how destructive it can be, but we can also see its merits in many situations. I learned that anger turned to passion helps me achieve my dreams and even how it can champion the lives of others. At least that's how it was for me in the past. Anger teaches us to develop a stronger personality so that we succeed in life and develop spiritual muscles to truly contribute something meaningful to the world.

Maybe, you are under a verbal attack: believe me,  a healthy response is anger. Rather than cowering in fear or retracting and feeling even more vulnerable, a little anger can push to yell out a resounding “Stop”. Remember, I said little anger.

Believe me, the  "I don't care attitude" is not always the right decision. "Bahala na - bahala -ka"? When we get riled up when confronted with circumstances that just seem unfair, our anger moves us deeply and points out what matters most to us. 

If you stop to think about it, anger has likely been the great motivator of change in your life. Maybe you finally ended a toxic relationship after years of putting up with someone who discouraged you or who even abused you. You probably were angry with yourself for putting up with their remarks for so long, clinging to them hoping they would change. When you finally were fed up enough to let your anger win, it gave you the potent power of courage to end it. Only when we get mad enough to change the direction of our lives can we earn self-respect.

Allow me to mention the following in 2014 published story: A 2005 study by professor of psychology, Jennifer Lerner, at Carnegie Mellon University, showed that people who responded to stress producing situations with short-term anger possessed a sense of control and optimism that was lacking with those who responded with fear. The more fear individuals in the study displayed in response to the stressors, the higher their biological responses to stress. “By contrast, the more anger and indignation individuals displayed in response to the same stressors, the lower their responses,” said Lerner. Just about everyone knows a little temper tantrum can be invigorating and a relief. But anger can be deadly when it is simmers over time and no steam is allowed to escape.

Anger is in itself neither good nor bad—it's what you do with it that matters. ... Research overwhelmingly indicates that feeling angry increases optimism, creativity, effective performance—and research suggests that expressing anger can lead to more successful negotiations, in life or on the job.

Das Auswärtige Amt gibt bekannt: Philippinen - Einstufung zum Hochrisikogebiet ab 8.8.2021

Letzte Änderung: Aktuelles (Einstufung zum Hochrisikogebiet und COVID-19 bedingte Reisewarnung mit Wirkung vom 8.8.2021; redaktionelle Änderungen)

Lagen können sich schnell verändern und entwickeln. Wir empfehlen Ihnen:

- Verfolgen Sie Nachrichten und Wetterberichte

- Achten Sie auf einen ausreichenden Reisekrankenversicherungsschutz https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-gesundheit/-/350944

- Abonnieren Sie unseren Newsletter https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/newsroom/newsletter/bestellen-node oder nutzen Sie unsere App „Sicher Reisen“ https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/app-sicher-reisen/350382

- Folgen Sie uns auf Twitter: AA_SicherReisen https://twitter.com/AA_SicherReisen

- Registrieren Sie sich in unserer Krisenvorsorgeliste https://elefand.diplo.de/elefandextern/home/login!form.action 

Aktuelles
Die Ausbreitung von COVID-19 https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-gesundheit/gesundheit-fachinformationen/reisemedizinische-hinweise/Coronavirus/-/2309820 kann weiterhin zu Einschränkungen im internationalen Luft- und Reiseverkehr und Beeinträchtigungen des öffentlichen Lebens führen.

Mit Wirkung vom 8. August 2021 wird vor nicht notwendigen, touristischen Reisen in die Philippinen gewarnt.

Epidemiologische Lage
Die Philippinen sind von COVID-19 stark betroffen, wobei von einer hohen Dunkelziffer bei den Infektionszahlen auszugehen ist. Das Gesundheitssystem ist sehr belastet. Regionaler Schwerpunkt ist die Hauptstadtregion Metro Manila. Die Philippinen sind mit Wirkung vom 8. August 2021 als Hochrisikogebiet https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete_neu.html eingestuft.

Aktuelle und detaillierte Zahlen bieten das philippinische Gesundheitsministerium https://www.doh.gov.ph/ und die Weltgesundheitsorganisation WHO https://covid19.who.int/.

Einreise

Bis auf weiteres ist Ausländern die Einreise für touristische Zwecke in die Philippinen verboten. Erteilte philippinische Einreise-Visa wurden für ungültig erklärt, neue touristische Visa werden derzeit grundsätzlich nicht ausgestellt. Ausnahmen gelten ausschließlich für Flugzeug- und Schiffsbesatzungen, für Familienangehörige (Ehegatten, Kinder, Eltern) von philippinischen Staatsangehörigen, für Diplomaten und Angehörige internationaler Organisationen, die in den Philippinen akkreditiert sind, sowie für Ausländer, die bereits im Besitz von Langzeitvisa sind. Reisende unterliegen nach Einreise einer 14-tägigen Quarantänepflicht, während derer am siebten Tag ein PCR-Test durchgeführt werden muss. Alle Einreisenden, mit Ausnahme von Diplomaten und Angehörigen internationaler Organisationen, müssen eine Buchung für eine akkreditierte Quarantäne-Einrichtung für mindestens 10 Tage vorlegen. Die Quarantäne wird auf 7 Tage verkürzt, wenn ein Impfnachweis über eine in den Philippinen erfolgte vollständige Impfung, oder bei im Ausland erfolgter Impfung, ein von den nationalen Gesundheitsbehörden ausgestellter Impfnachweis vorgelegt wird, der von den philippinischen Behörden überprüft und akzeptiert werden kann, und der Aufenthalt in den letzten 14 Tagen vor der Einreise in einem der vom Gesundheitsministerium definierten „Green Countries" https://iatf.doh.gov.ph/?page_id=77 war. Deutschland gehört bislang nicht zu diesen Ländern. Diplomaten und Angehörige internationaler Organisationen müssen bei Einreise einen negativen PCR-Test vorlegen, der nicht älter als 72 Stunden ist.

Zur Eindämmung der Virusvariante B.1.617, die zuerst in Indien nachgewiesen wurde, wird bis auf weiteres Flugpassagieren, die aus Indien, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesch, Oman, den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten, Indonesien und aus Malaysia und Thailand kommen oder sich dort während der letzten 14 Tage aufgehalten haben, die Einreise in die Philippinen verweigert. Reisende, die ausschließlich Flugtransitpassagiere in diesen Ländern waren, sind von diesem Einreiseverbot ausgenommen. 

Durch- und Weiterreise
Reisen zwischen den Provinzen sind eingeschränkt möglich. Es müssen Gesundheitszeugnisse, gegebenenfalls ein negativer PCR-Test oder philippinische Impfnachweise vorgelegt und in der Zielprovinz im Einzelfall Quarantäne abgeleistet werden.
Die Ausreise ist Ausländern, die sich im Land aufhalten, jederzeit erlaubt. Viele Fluggesellschaften verlangen für den Reiseantritt in den Philippinen einen negativen PCR-Test oder einen Impfnachweis.

Reiseverbindungen
Für die Einreise über den Flughafen in Manila bestehen Kontingente. Fluggesellschaften erhalten ihre Kontingente mit geringem zeitlichen Vorlauf, was zu kurzfristigen Umbuchungen oder Flugstornierungen führen kann.

Beschränkungen im Land
Die Quarantänemaßnahmen sind regional unterschiedlich. Derzeit gilt im Großraum Manila eine Quarantänestufe mit umfangreichen Einschränkungen in der Versorgung und der Bewegungsfreiheit sowie eine nächtliche Ausgangssperre. Stadtbezirke können diese Einschränkungen eigenständig verschärfen.
Die zwischenzeitlich unterbrochenen regulären Verkehrsverbindungen zwischen den Inseln des Landes wurden wiederaufgenommen, können jedoch jederzeit kurzfristig wiedereingestellt werden. Inlandsflüge nach Manila finden nur unzuverlässig statt.
Die touristische Infrastruktur ist stark eingeschränkt, zahlreiche Hotels und Resorts sind geschlossen.

Hygieneregeln
Im öffentlichen Raum (in Gebäuden, aber auch im Freien) gilt die Pflicht, einen Mund-Nasen-Schutz sowie zusätzlich einen Gesichtsschutz (face-shield) zu tragen. Es gibt das Gebot, sozialen Abstand zu wahren. Massenansammlungen sind verboten. Verstöße sind mit Geld- bis hin zu Gefängnisstrafen bewehrt. Im Fall einer Infektion erfolgt die Isolierung in staatlicher Unterbringung.

Empfehlungen

• Seien Sie bei allen Reisen weiterhin besonders vorsichtig und beachten Sie unsere fortlaufend aktualisierte Infobox zu COVID-19/Coronavirus.
• Achten Sie bei Einreise nach Deutschland auf die geltenden Einreisevoraussetzungen zu Anmelde-, Quarantäne- und Nachweisregelungen (vollständige Impfung oder Genesenennachweis oder aktueller negativer COVID-19-Test).
• Achten Sie auf die Einhaltung der AHA-Vorschriften und befolgen Sie zusätzlich die Hinweise lokaler Behörden. Bei Verstößen gegen die Hygienevorschriften können hohe Geldstrafen oder Gefängnisstrafen verhängt werden.
• Informieren Sie sich über detaillierte Maßnahmen und ergänzende Informationen der philippinischen Regierung.
• Falls Sie im Besitz eines Langzeitvisums sind oder eine Sondereinreisegenehmigung mit Touristenvisum beantragen möchten, erkundigen Sie sich bei den philippinischen Behörden, in Deutschland z.B. bei der Philippinischen Botschaft, ob Sie zur Gruppe derjenigen gehören, für die eine Einreise möglich ist.
• Erkundigen Sie sich bei Ihrer Fluggesellschaft über die genauen Vorgaben.
• Bei COVID-19 Symptomen oder Kontakt mit Infizierten kontaktieren Sie das lokale Gesundheitsamt.

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XXVI): "Who dares wins" and Philippine Family Life

Tom Anthony and I met again and again. For lunch, for dinner, just for a talk between very close friends. He really had written this great story entitled "Sabine". I was amazed being with him and with the script writer of a movie,  shot in the Philippines especially in Davao City. Who dares wins! Yes, and everyone was ready. At the moment, his book has been published. During that time, as columnist of Mindanao Daily Mirror, I wrote: "Emotional and breathtaking. Heartily told and with unlimited elbow room. A novel about misery, poverty, distress, love and forgiveness".

The premiere night was getting closer and closer. Something was clear. It was originally planned that I would appear in this movie as well. It was eliminated by a sore throat infection. Well ... .

Rossana was thrilled being in another world while meeting actor James Monson from the U.S.

SABINE - as a movie and as a book became an awesome success. I was overwhelmed being a closed friend of Tom and being introduced to the international film economy.

It was time for me to learn that a life in the movie world is different from a real original family world. My radio fans kept on waiting for me every time I left the studio after my show.

"Sabine" became an awesome success. Even without me. But with an outstanding cast - especially with Davao Celebrity Bangs Garcia  in her main role "Sabine". And well, yes with Felix Roco, James Monson, VIVA hot babe Gwen Garci and many more. The unique and awesome movie director was friend Ian del Carmen. 

Did I forget my own family? No.

I learned within the following years that happiness in Filipino culture is habitual and a trait most of them possess. If you have visited the Philippines, whether it’s for travel or business, you can tell that Filipinos are amazing people. The way they politely greet, smile, and interact with others shows the lightheartedness in them despite the chaos and difficulty of life.

Over the years, the Philippines ranked as one of the top happiest countries in the world, making the Filipinos become a trademark in fulfilling happiness. While they are naturally drawn happy, some say the vitamins from the sun brings them more joy every day. Wonder why? Because sunlight triggers the release of a hormone in the brain called serotonin that boosts people’s mood and promotes happiness.

Happiness in Filipino culture is habitual and a trait most of them possess. If you have visited the Philippines, whether it’s for travel or business, you can tell that Filipinos are amazing people. The way they politely greet, smile, and interact with others shows the lightheartedness in them despite the chaos and difficulty of life. Being from a country with being more sad and lonely or self-reliant people, the Filipinos surprised me. 

Many beliefs and studies on why Filipinos are naturally happy but listed below are the main reasons for it. Number 1 is  love of food and eating. Oh yes, I strongly agree.

Close family ties are another very important reason. As a German expat in the Philippines, I do experience it really daily. Despite the differences in religions and beliefs in the Philippines, the Filipino people are truly religious and spiritual. You can see it by how they value Sunday as a day of praising the Lord and going to church. One of the most significant religious traditions in the Philippines is the parade of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo church, where many Filipinos devoted their vows every year. This tradition showcases the high place of religion for most Filipinos, and they believe that spirituality develops positive emotions and feelings to make them happier in life.

Of course, I felt much at home as member of a Philippine family. I forgot more and more Germany. Really sad to say.

(To be continued!)

HURRAY, WE ARE STILL ALIVE!

 

I think so almost every day. Every day, when I wake up in the morning. Yes, what a miracle, we are still alive although the negative news is pouring down on us like the unexpected hailstorm somewhere in the desert.

Hurray, we are still alive! In the ears of many, those struggling with illness, death, business failure, natural disasters, and personal financial ruin have to fight, a not a very encouraging exclamation. Yes, I can feel it.

How strong are we? How much anxiety,  how much pressure can you and I bear? What did we not have to overcome? After low tight comes high tide. 

What the future might bring us? Human-powered wearables? Airports for drones and flying taxis? Smart sutures that detect infections? Self-healing ‘living concrete'? Crowd-sourced antibiotics? Self-driving trucks? Floating farms?

Every day, people around the world come up with new ways to make the future brighter.  A list of some of the most exciting advances in future technology that will change our world. Somehow it scares me. And you my dear reader?

Also this: The world population is expected to reach 8.5 billion people by 2030. India will overtake China as the most populated country on Earth. Nigeria will overtake the US as the third most populous country in the world. The fastest-growing demographic will be the elderly: 65+ people will hit one billion by 2030. 

Bernard Marr is a world-renowned futurist, influencer and thought leader in the fields of business and technology, with a passion for using technology for the good of humanity. Among other things, he provides that as the ripple of COVID-19 careens around the globe, it’s forcing humankind to innovate and change the way we work and live. The upside of where we find ourselves right now is that individuals and corporations will be more resilient in a post-COVID-19 world.

We have to deal with more contact less interfaces and interactions, strengthened digital infrastructure, tele medicine, more digital events - just to mention some. 

Yes, we are still alive now. Let's see what the future will bring.

EVERYTHING IS MEANINGLESS!

My column in Mindanao Daily News and Businessweek Mindanao 

OPINION

By KLAUS DORING

 August 1, 2021

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Especially nowadays we hear this expression more and more often. In a world with more and more natural disasters and never-ending pandemic, it's no wonder. I am sure, my dear readers, that you experience it in your surroundings too. 

 

The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophia, is a peer-reviewed academic resource, where I often find answers to my questions.  I quote: "Nihilism is the belief that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated. It is often associated with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that condemns existence. A true nihilist would believe in nothing, have no loyalties, and no purpose other than, perhaps, an impulse to destroy". 

 

Nihilism is most often associated with Friedrich Nietzsche, who lived from 1844 until 1900. Nietzsche was a German philosopher, essayist, and cultural critic. His writings on truth, morality, language, aesthetics, cultural theory, history, nihilism, power, consciousness, and the meaning of existence have exerted an enormous influence on Western philosophy and intellectual history. Nietzsche argued that its corrosive effects would eventually destroy all moral, religious, and metaphysical convictions and precipitate the greatest crisis in human history. 

 

Interestingly, Nietzsche himself, a radical skeptic preoccupied with language, knowledge, and truth, anticipated many of the themes of postmodernity. It’s helpful to note, then, that he believed we could–at a terrible price–eventually work through nihilism. If we survived the process of destroying all interpretations of the world, we could then perhaps discover the correct course for humankind.

 

When I discover traveling around on social networks, the word boredom is being used more and more - especially by the young generation.  "Boredom occurs when our engagement with the framework is suspended, and we notice the change to our experience brought about by our newfound inability to provide different times with different ignificances according to their relevance to a future goal" - so described by  German philosopher Martin Heidegger (1889–1976).

 

Guys, we cannot really  “make” our lives meaningful by just ignoring the fact that everything sooner or later vanishes into a deep and dark hole of time? I can't believe it.  I’m really a huge fan of existing. I love Woody Allen and his comment: “Cloquet hated reality but realized it was still the only place to get a good steak.” 

 

I think there’s plenty of fun to be had – at least for those of us not in tragically dire circumstances. Think about yourself. Moreover, siding with thinkers like David Hume, I think there's great contentment in seeing other people being helped, and great joy in behaving like a decent human being. Generally regarded as one of the most important philosophers to write in English, David Hume (1711–1776) was also well known in his own time as an historian and essayist.

 

I would even call myself an optimist. If you take time and check my previous columns at this corner, you will agree with me.

Main Reasons Why Filipinos Are One of The Happiest People on Earth

by barokandtakya 

Happiness in Filipino culture is habitual and a trait most of them possess. If you have visited the Philippines, whether it’s for travel or business, you can tell that Filipinos are amazing people. The way they politely greet, smile, and interact with others shows the lightheartedness in them despite the chaos and difficulty of life.

Over the years, the Philippines ranked as one of the top happiest countries in the world, making the Filipinos become a trademark in fulfilling happiness. While they are naturally drawn happy, some say the vitamins from the sun brings them more joy every day. Wonder why? Because sunlight triggers the release of a hormone in the brain called serotonin that boosts people’s mood and promotes happiness.

Many beliefs and studies on why Filipinos are naturally happy but listed below are the main reasons for it.

1.   Love of food and eating

Most Filipino households eat three times a day to make sure health intake, and they attain happiness from satisfying their hunger. They love to eat using their hands, and it becomes a trademark of being a Filipino. Rice and fish are common foods present in every Filipino family’s menu. The proteins and carbohydrates found in rice and fish also contain serotonin that improves the mood and balance their well-being to boost happiness. Besides, the Philippines is located in the Pacific-waters and known for its outstanding fisheries, which are the primary source of other fresh kinds of seafood for the Filipinos.

2.   Close family ties

During summer, Filipino families love to go to pools and enjoy quality time.

Filipinos consider their families as their strength. They are known for having close family ties, and they value and prioritize it. They go to church, gathered at least once a year to have a family reunion, and celebrate special occasions. They support and help each other financially, emotionally, and physically. Filipinos are happy because their families loved and cared for them.

3.   Religion and Spirituality

Despite the differences in religions and beliefs in the Philippines, the Filipino people are truly religious and spiritual. You can see it by how they value Sunday as a day of praising the Lord and going to church. One of the most significant religious traditions in the Philippines is the parade of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo church, where many Filipinos devoted their vows every year. This tradition showcases the high place of religion for most Filipinos, and they believe that spirituality develops positive emotions and feelings to make them happier in life.

4.   Traditions and special occasions

Barok and his family love to clown around with this incredible shot.

Being a religious nation, the unique occasions by the Filipinos like Panagbenga Festival, Sinulog Festival, and Pahiyas Festival, where they celebrate every year in the Visayas region to express gratitude for their town’s patron saint. Also, they have barangay fiestas celebrated in every city of the Philippines for thanksgiving upon the people and the area. These occasions were prepared by colorful “banderitas” across the streets, dance numbers, games, and prizes for the people. Filipinos are also known for family gatherings during special occasions like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Through these occasions, most of them are happy and genuinely grateful for being a Filipino.

For similar content of this type, listen to Barok and Takya Bisaya Podcast Episode: We are Happinoys on your favourite podcast apps players like Podbean, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Or you could also check out Barok and Takya’s Youtube Channel – BISAYA PODCAST for more of their content.

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XXV): Movie Shooting, parties and new dishes

After many years living in the Philippines, I also got used to new flavors when it comes to eating and drinking. "Balut" for example. A balut is a fertilized bird egg (usually a duck) which is incubated for a period of 14 to 21 days, depending on the local culture, and then steamed. Balut is common street food in the Philippines and other localities, and is also sold in stores and malls. It is a relatively cheap source of protein and calcium. Well, it took some effort to try it first. 

The Durian fruit was no challenge for me from the start. Maybe because my wife Rossana comes from here - from "Durianburg". Durian is a tropical fruit distinguished by its large size and spiky, hard outer shell. It has a smelly, custard-like flesh with large seeds. There are several varieties, but the most common one is Durio zibethinus. The fruit's flesh can range in color.

Lechon, derived from a Spanish word for roasted suckling pig, is one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines. The slowly-roasted suckling pig is usually stuffed with lemongrass, tamarind, garlic, onions, and chives, and is then roasted on a large bamboo spit over an open fire. I loved it - as many other typical Filipino dishes. I am a lucky guy, because Rossana learned how to cook typical German dishes - as well as French and Italian. So I don't have to go without roast beef in red wine sauce with red cabbage and potatoes. And barbecues are at least as popular in Germany as they are in the Philippines.

Yes, Tuba. I like it. Some of Rossana's (and my) relatives lived on Samal Island in the Gulf of Davao. They let me try Tuba a long time ago. Tubâ  is a Filipino alcoholic beverage created from the sap of various species of palm trees. My relatives told me, Palm wine contains potassium which has been proven by research to improve heart health and bring down hypertension. However drinking it in excess has adverse effects like destroying the liver. 3 Palm Wine can help Fight against Cancer: Palm wine contains vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin.

Eating, drinking - and yes parties. In Germany as well as in the Philippines. Our circle of friends with Filipinos and Germans and other foreigners grew.

One day during my classical music radio shows , I received a text message from a certain Tom Anthony. An U.S.-American, who could speak German fluently. At that time, Beethoven's  Eroica Symphony, byname of Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55, known as the Eroica Symphony for its supposed heroic nature was on air. The work premiered in Vienna on April 7, 1805, and was grander and more dramatic than customary for symphonies at the time. It was Beethoven’s largest solely instrumental work.

Tom and I met after the show. We became great friends. I learned that he was an amazing writer. And, movie shooting in Davao with Gwen Garci, China Roces, Bonz Militar, and James Monson was planned.

(To be continued!)