This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
The 125th Anniversary of The Manila Times, to be held at Conrad Manila in Pasay City tonight, October 12, is set to be a spectacular celebration featuring a remarkable lineup of women who will captivate the audience with their extraordinary talents.
Award-winning Filipino soprano-songwriter, Lara Maigue — proudly signed with Alcasid Total Entertainment Artist Management (ATeam), led by renowned singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid — earned prestigious titles from the Aliw Awards Foundation and has graced concert halls across the Philippines and other parts of the world. P-Pop girl group XOXO — composed of Riel, Lyra, Dani and Mel — quickly rose to prominence as co-talents of GMA Artist Center and Curve Entertainment helmed by Ciso Chan. XOXO has been on an unstoppable journey since debuting in 2020 and have serenaded the world with OST releases. Lastly, transcendent talent Janina Lorelei Simion is a Romanian classical-crossover mezzo-soprano who graced stages from Bulgaria to China and various corners of the world. Her talents extend far beyond her vocal chords; she's a versatile artist, starring in movies and TV series like "Unbreak My Heart" and the upcoming "Gomburza," "Shake, Rattle and Roll Extreme," and "Miss Probinsyana." Also a beauty queen, Simion will represent Romania in the Noble Queen of the Universe international pageant in December.
Laguna has long been renowned for its thriving coconut industry. As the second-largest producer of coconuts in the country, locals have harnessed the potential of the so-called "Tree of Life," turning its bountiful resources into a wide range of products that benefit both the local economy and the environment.
One individual who has recognized the potential of the coconut is Jan Erwin Jabolin, the creative mind behind "Artisticrafts."
Jan, a passionate advocate for sustainable living, embarked on his artistic journey with a vision — to transform discarded coconut shells into functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture and home pieces.
With the skilled use of pen and acrylic, Jan transforms the humble coconut shell into exquisite pieces. Each piece is a unique fusion of nature's beauty and human ingenuity, showcasing the versatility and potential of the coconut.
The design of the furniture celebrates Pinoy sceneries, including the classic Filipino games such as 'tumbang preso,' 'luksong tinik,' 'karera ng sako,' and 'paluan ng palayok.'
Artisticrafts goes beyond mere furniture production; it showed that it’s possible for local artisans to make it in the market not only in Laguna but also beyond. Jan's dedication to repurposing coconut shells not only reduces waste but also contributes to the livelihood of local coconut farmers. It's a harmonious cycle where the environment, the community, and artistic innovation converge.
IT’S LIT Families from Antipolo, Rizal receive rechargeable solar LED lanterns to help light their homes
It’s not unknown that Filipinos in different parts of the country still have no access to electricity. Children have a hard time studying due to the lack of electricity, parents squeeze in chores during the day to utilize daylight, and families move around with more difficulty in the dark during the night. These remain a daily reality for families across the Philippines and continue to be a dilemma for many households.
For Panasonic, finding solutions to lived realities such as electricity inaccessibility is a challenge that needs to be taken on. In 2013, it launched the BG-BL03 Solar LED Lantern, a solar-powered rechargeable lantern that doubles as a charger for households that live without electricity daily.
Since its release, the lantern has become a major part of the brand’s efforts to better the lives of Filipinos. “The lantern was primarily developed by our headquarters in Japan as a means to provide awareness on the possible use of renewable energy,” says Panasonic human resources manager Mike Borja. “With the small lanterns and solar panels, a lot of homes will improve and will get better.”
PARTNERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE From left: Antipolo Vice Governor Reynaldo San Juan Jr., Panasonic brand ambassador Gary Valenciano, Shining Light Foundation Inc. president and chairman of the board Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, Panasonic president Kazuya Higami, Panasonic executive director for finance and admin Atsushi Kozuma, and Panasonic director Angelo Tamayo
This 2023, the brand is partnering with Shining Light Foundation to supply 150 families in Antipolo, Rizal with these lanterns. This partnership further highlights how carefully developed technologies can create opportunities, foster remarkable moments, and help improve people’s lives. It also marks five years since the successful completion of the company’s 100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project, which brought the same lanterns to various communities across 30 countries. It also serves as an exciting continuation of this ambitious project to bring sustainable light to more Filipino families.
With the addition of the lantern to Filipino households, children can now study better, and families can move around more easily and live more comfortably in well-lit homes with electricity within their reach.
K-pop girl group Aespa announced their new mini-album “Drama,” which will be released on Nov. 10.
“Drama” will be available on all digital streaming platforms and in various limited-edition physical configurations.
Aespa set the stage for “Drama” with “Better Things,” which has gathered over 77.1 million global streams and 58 million views for the music video on YouTube. They performed the song on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
Recently, multi-platinum star Raye hopped on the official remix. “Better Things” will be available as a limited-edition physical single from the US official Aespa online store on Oct. 27. The track list includes the original single as well as special remixes, sped up/slowed down versions, and an instrumental version. Pre-order is now available HERE.
Aespa previously released the album “My World,” which debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and marked their second No. 1 debut on the Top Album Sales Chart.
On the other hand, Aespa contributed the exciting, up-tempo track “Zoom Zoom” to the “Beyblade X” original soundtrack—accompanying the first season of the X Series anime. It stands out as their first Japanese-language OST. “Beyblade X” airs on TV Tokyo.
Aespa just completed the “Aespa Live Tour 2023 Synk: Hyperline” world tour, a 14-date trek through North America, Latin America and Europe.
Kalinga People and the Traditional Tattooing Culture
A practice that only survives largely in indigenous communities and is seeing a grassroots revival, the Kalinga people of the Cordilleras still practice traditional batok or tattooing traditions. For Kalinga men, tattooing was a symbol of a warrior while for women, tattoos symbolized beauty.
Whang Od is one of the most famous mambabatok, as she has put her village of Buscalan in the spotlight for their continued practice of the tradition.
Mangyan People and the Hanuno’o Script
The Mangyan people in Mindoro are known to preserve an ancient writing system, or Sulat, that is an abugida related to Baybayin, another Brahmic script.
Hanuno’o script is traditionally carved on bamboo and is written vertically but written upward. Many inscriptions are poems and songs rather than historical records.
Panay-Bukidnon and the Binukot
While the practice of binukot was widespread in the Visayas, the tradition until recently survived among the Panay-Bukidnon, the last indigenous Visayan group. A binukot was prized for her seclusion, was known to memorize songs, traditional dances, and epic tales, and was seen as highly suitable marriage material for suitors. She was not allowed to be exposed to the sun and was spared from outside labor, resulting in fairer skin.
Binukot of the Panay-Bukidnon wear Spanish coins strung together and called biningkit.
Sama-Bajau and a Nomadic Life on the Sea
The Sama-Bajau are known for their nomadic life on the sea, living either on stilt houses above water or on boats. Many of them live in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and even live in neighboring Borneo. Sama-Bajau people can spend up to five hours a day underwater during a free dive.
Burak is a traditional sunblock applied to the skin worn by women in Sama-Bajau communities in Tawi-Tawi, made of manually pounded rice and turmeric.
Subanen and the Rituals of the Buklog
The Subanen, a Lumad group in Mindanao, are known for their elaborate thanksgiving ritual called a buklog.
During the event, a raised wooden structure called a ‘buklog’ is built where members of the community dance. The buklog acts as a trampoline that creates a sound that is believed to be the true voice of the spirits. This dance symbolizes the renewal of social and spiritual relationships within the community.
THAT rather amusing story of how the sisters Martha and Mary received Christ in their home highlights a very important aspect of our life. (cfr. 10,38-42) And that is that we have to know and live well the proper relationship between God and our work.
As the gospel story narrates, both sisters were obviously very happy to have Christ in their home. But Martha, the elder one, showed that joy by busying herself preparing things for Christ. It was Mary, the younger one, who appeared to be doing nothing other than staying close to Christ.
When Martha complained about Mary to Christ, she was corrected and clearly told, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is a need for only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”
While what Martha did was truly good, what made it somehow wrong was when she failed to recognize the priority of prayer over work. Better said, she failed to make her work a form of prayer as it should be, since any work should be a form of prayer. Work should be a means to lead us to God, to glorify him even as it contributes to the good of everybody else also. It should sanctify us.
We need to make this truth of our Christian faith better known, appreciated and lived. We cannot deny that many are those who fail to see, let alone, live the intimate relationship between our work and God and the others.
Very often, our work has become a function of our self-indulgence or self-interest only. Very often, we work to achieve self-satisfaction, or at best, to meet the needs of the family or of some special group. Its relation to God is often taken for granted. Its purpose of sanctifying us, the others and the world itself, is practically ignored.
We need to remember that as our Christian faith tells us, God created us to work just as He created the birds to fly. (cfr. Job 5,7) As such, God designed any work we have as a way to relate ourselves with God, and because of God, with everybody and everything else in this world.
It’s when we work with this truth of our Christian faith in mind that we can truly do a lot of good. Ignoring or, worse, contradicting this truth would only lead us to a lot evil that can cover itself with a lot of transitory and false joy and sense of achievement.
Let’s also remember that God has designed any work in this world as a way to lead us to God. If we work with God always in mind, we would always follow the moral and spiritual laws that govern our work. Ignoring God in our work would only lead us to all kinds of immorality—greed, avarice, lust, envy, etc.
We need to spread this truth of our Christian faith about work more widely. Our different institutions of learning should be experts in carrying out this duty. Of course, the parents should inculcate this truth as soon as their children can understand things.
We should not be interested only in acquiring knowledge and skills. Their pursuit should lead us to God and to the others, never just self-interest. We should not be interested only in gaining money, power and prestige. Most important and indispensable should be desire to be truly holy as God wants us to be.
The Tacunan dwarf coconut variety is known for its exceptionally thick coconut meat, surpassing that of many other coconut varieties. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Lloyd Pantollano, the owner of Pantollano Coconut Farm, is a certified producer of dwarf coconuts in Davao City. Holding accreditation and trader certificates issued by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), he specializes in the cultivation and distribution of various coconut varieties. His primary focus centers on the propagation of coconut seedlings.
Lloyd pursued a college course in computer science, a field different from his current occupation. His venture into the coconut seedling business began in 2012, following his employment with the Philippine Coconut Authority, where he worked from 2006 to 2020. In 2020, he made the decision to resign from PCA to concentrate fully on his coconut business.
Lloyd Pantollano is owner of Pantollano Coconut Farm in Davao City. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
His main nursery is located in Davao City, complemented by another branch in Surigao City. Additionally, Lloyd manages a coconut farm in Digos City, Davao Del Sur.
A commitment to quality
Lloyd has dedicated over a decade to his coconut seedling business, serving as a reliable supplier not only within Mindanao but also in the distant regions of Luzon and Visayas. His clients extend to several farms in locations such as Pangasinan, Quezon, Palawan, Davao, and many others, demonstrating his extensive reach within the industry.
Hauling coconut seed nuts for delivery involves carefully transporting the cargo to its destination. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Lloyd's farming business revolves around coconut seedling production, encompassing the germination process from mother trees, seed management, and the meticulous care of seedlings in the nursery. He also obtained Good Agricultural Practices accreditation from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
"I am drawn to engage in coconut seedling production because coconuts are easy to maintain during the germination and seedbed preparation process,” Lloyd said in Tagalog.
Using trucks to transport coconut seed nuts is an efficient and practical method. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Lloyd takes great care to guarantee the quality of his seedlings. This commitment is reflected in his marketing strategy, where he consistently promotes his products as "quality dwarf coconut." He is dedicated in his resolve not to offer his customers anything less than superior quality coconut seedlings.
Lloyd emphasizes the vital importance of sourcing planting material for coconut production.. “Buyers should consistently opt for traders and producers who possess certification from the Philippine Coconut Authority, as it serves as a crucial guarantee that they are obtaining the desired coconut varieties,” Lloyd said. “This is particularly important given that distinguishing between dwarf and tall varieties is not easily achievable solely by examining seedlings.”
Propagating coconut seeds in black plastic bags is a common horticultural practice that provides a controlled and nurturing environment for the young seedlings' early growth stages. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Given that coconut trees require three years to bear fruit, Lloyd stresses the potential repercussions of purchasing inferior coconuts or the wrong varieties, which can result in a waste of time and money.
"I highly value customer feedback,” Lloyd said. “I am committed to supporting coconut farmers and providing them with what they truly need. Thankfully, I have not received any negative feedback from my customers."
Labeling the coconut seed bed in the nursery is of utmost importance as it ensures proper identification and organization of different coconut varieties. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
The early-bearing dwarf coconuts
According to Lloyd, Farmers are often drawn to cultivating dwarf coconut varieties due to their early-bearing nature. For instance, the Tacunan dwarf variety stands out as its fruits appear to almost touch the ground when they start bearing. Within a relatively short period of three years, dwarf coconut trees begin to produce flowers, allowing for continuous harvesting in the following year. The differences between dwarf and tall coconut varieties are relatively minor. However, when considering the practical aspects, dwarf varieties often prove superior. They require less labor for harvesting and are easier to manage.
Over a span of 20 years, dwarf coconut trees typically reach a maximum height of 20 feet, which is shorter than their tall counterparts. This feature further contributes to their appeal among farmers.
Carefully placing and securing coconut seedlings in sacks is a step in preparing them for delivery. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
The best-selling variety among Lloyd's coconuts is the Tacunan dwarf. This variety, categorized as a regular dwarf, features medium to large nuts with relatively thicker meat compared to other options. It's a top choice for those interested in coconut meat and copra production.
Another popular choice is the Aromatic green dwarf variety. While its fruit is smaller than the Tacunan dwarf, it yields more fruit in a bunch. The Aromatic green dwarf is known for its sweeter coconut water, making it a favorable choice for coconut sugar production.
The transportation of coconut seedlings from the nursery in Davao to Manila via bus cargo. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
In addition to the Tacunan Dwarf and Aromatic Dwarf coconut varieties, Lloyd's offers a diverse selection of other options including the Catigan Dwarf, Laguna Tall, Malayan Red Dwarf, Golden King Dwarf, Tagnanan Tall, Buko Pandan Dwarf, and Macapuno embryo seedlings.
For those interested in purchasing coconut seedlings outside of Mindanao, the seedlings are shipped via bus cargo for pickup in Pasay, Manila. Meanwhile, for customers in Visayas, the seedlings are shipped via air cargo. However, customers within Davao and nearby provionces have the option to pick up their orders directly from the nursery.
The Catigan dwarf coconut variety is valued for its compact size and high-yield potential. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Quality management matters
Lloyd recognizes that all coconut varieties possess their unique qualities. However, “the quality of the coconuts produced hinges on tree management practices, including fertilizer management, cultural techniques, and sanitation practices,” he said. “Engaging in coconut production demands a dedicated focus, as neglecting the maintenance and management of coconut trees can lead to a diminished quality of fruit."
Challenges in coconut nursery management
One of the primary challenges Lloyd faced in coconut nursery management is coping with the dry season, which highlighted the need for irrigation. During this period, the absence of rain demands additional expenses for irrigation. The second challenge arises during periods of low coconut demand, typically coinciding with the Christmas season and the times when students are graduating and enrolling in schools. Conversely, the peak season for heightened coconut demand typically occurs during the rainyseason.
The meticulous selection of coconut seed nuts in the nursery is a fundamental practice, ensuring that only the healthiest and most robust seeds are chosen for selling. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Lloyd stated that the primary pests affecting mature coconut trees are the coconut rhinoceros beetles, locally known as bakukang, and slug caterpillars, referred to as sampiring by locals. To combat slug caterpillars, he applies insecticides to the coconut tree leaves. In the case of the rhinoceros beetle, Lloyd employs pheromone traps as an effective control measure.
Coconut farming as a resilient business
Lloyd recognizes that coconut farming presents a good business opportunity. He acknowledges that, even during periods of declining coconut prices, the continued production ensures a steady income stream.
Utilizing net shading in the coconut nursery is a strategic measure to protect young seedlings from excessive sunlight and harsh weather conditions. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
"While some coconut farmers may quickly become discouraged when coconut prices are low, there are alternative avenues to boost income,” Lloyd said. “Coconuts offer versatile opportunities for processing beyond merely selling the nuts and copra; they can be transformed into various products such as coconut sugar, coconut honey, and more."
Lloyd encourages coconut farmers to explore these avenues to increase their income and resilience.
The aromatic green dwarf coconut variety stands out as an exceptional choice for coconut sugar production due to its high sap yield and sugar content. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
The importance of hands-on management and certifications
In the coconut nursery business, Lloyd values the importance of hands-on involvement in production, management, and people leadership. He places a strong emphasis on the selection and quality control of coconuts, ensuring that the coconut seedlings offered for sale are both healthy and free from pests.
Lloyd also stresses the necessity for all coconut farmers engaged in this business to secure the requisite permits. “Every coconut farmer involved in this business should obtain the necessary permits,” he said. ‘Even if you don't possess a business permit yet, you can use a barangay permit as a preliminary document to apply for a permit from the Philippine Coconut Authority as a trader.”
Collecting the coconut seedlings at the right time after the emergence of shoots. (Pantollano Coconut Farm)
Furthermore, Lloyd stated that aspiring traders must provide proof of the source of their seedlings, demonstrating that they originate from a PCA-accredited seed bank. “If one possesses a mother plant and aspires to become a nursery operator, it is necessary to undergo evaluation and accreditation by the PCA for official registration,” he added.
In the upcoming article, Lloyd will impart valuable insights and tips on nurturing your coconut seedlings successfully after acquiring them from the nursery.
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