GOSSIP GIRL: Taking the Mount Malindang Cross border tour

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

Nov 28, 2023 00:26 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Since it’s more fun in the Philippines, let me take you to the eight tourist spots in the mountain range of the inactive volcano Mt. Malindang. Mount Malindang is an inactive volcano located in Northern Mindanao.

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After the pandemic, I realized that life is short, so I decided to travel more and see the Philippines and other countries nearby. Since it’s more fun in the Philippines, let me take you to the eight tourist spots in the mountain range of the inactive volcano Mt. Malindang. Mount Malindang is an inactive volcano located in Northern Mindanao. 

A lot of tourists get afraid when they hear the word Mindanao. But our infantry battalion soldiers have been doing a fantastic job of reigning peace and order in Mindanao since the Duterte administration. Mindanao has the most amazing places in our country. The Mount Malindang Cross border packages get you to cross over Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur. 

I collaborated with Atty Jun Salatandre, the president of 1MountMalindang, hotel and resort owners of the Mount Malindang Cross Border Tour, and the owner of Villa Pablea, a natural mountain cold spring resort located in Zamboanga del Norte. 

This is the starting line of the package I availed on the Mount Malindang Cross border Tour. Villa Pablea has 25 family rooms and a convention center for 700 pax for those who want to hold events like weddings and corporate functions. This is where I stayed for two nights, and the rooms were first-class. Make sure you book the VIP Meriam Suite. 

Our first stop was Nelsa’s Agri Tourism Park, where I tasted the freshest Guyabano Juice they grew there.  We then proceeded to Highlander Farm Resort for some ATV adventure and had warm coffee in Cecilia’s Plate, which gave me the Baguio vibe since we were having coffee under tall pine trees. 

We then proceeded to Gantao Hills and Lantay View for some picture-taking. This place gave me a Tagaytay vibe, and just basking in nature was a treat. Do you know that mountain bathing (just like sunbathing, but this time you bathe in the view of the mountain) has healing benefits physically and spiritually? But my favorite of the entire tour was Viewpoint at Tinindugan. 

Let me tell you a story about how beautiful Viewpoint is. Francis Palma, a Filipino based in Los Angeles, developed a love-at-first-sight affair with the view of Mount Malindang in Tinindugan he decided to buy that piece of land and develop it as a viewpoint where he charged each tourist 50 pesos to have pictures on that Viewpoint. 

The place went viral on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, and after a year, he earned seven million pesos from the 50-peso entrance fees of Viewpoint. He built his own home in the Viewpoint and a farm-and-table restaurant on the opposite lot of Viewpoint. The restaurant was a success, and he could purchase the lot beside the Viewpoint and build first-class villas. It is a success story from a breathtaking view. 

The last and highest point we went to was Nikka’s Ridge. It was so high that I could touch the clouds; yes, clouds are cold! My pictures look like summer, but I was shivering cold already. And clouds up close don’t look like cotton. They look like foggy mist. Just thick, thick, cold fog that will envelop you. This experience was a first for me. I wished I had more time to avail myself of the package with Dakak and other beaches. 

How to get there? Take a one-hour plane ride to Dipolog or Ozamiz. To sign up for the tour, you can check out their Facebook page, which opens on Dec. 1, and DM them - Mount Malindang Cross Border Tour. Next week, I will tell you about the new facelift Hong Kong has done during the pandemic and how wonderful it is to travel in new Hong Kong. 

When is it okay to be direct and straightforward in the Philippines?

 

Everything FILIPINO!

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Carm Ena (Carmena)

Sun

In the Philippines, cultural norms often emphasize politeness, respect, and indirect communication. However, there are situations where it is acceptable to be direct and straightforward. Here are some scenarios in which being direct may be appropriate:

1. Business and Professional Settings: In professional or business contexts, being direct and clear in communication is generally acceptable. This is especially true when discussing work-related matters, deadlines, expectations, and negotiations.
2. Emergency or Urgent Situations: In urgent or emergency situations, being direct is important to convey information quickly and efficiently. Clarity and brevity become crucial when addressing immediate concerns.
3. Giving Constructive Feedback: When providing constructive feedback, it's often appreciated to be direct but tactful. Clear communication can help in conveying expectations and areas for improvement.
4. Decision-Making: In decision-making processes, being direct can help streamline discussions and ensure that everyone is on the same page. This is particularly true in situations where prompt and clear decisions are necessary.
5. Negotiations: When engaging in negotiations, being direct about terms, conditions, and expectations can contribute to a more transparent and efficient process.

While there are situations where directness is acceptable, it's essential to be mindful of the overall cultural context in the Philippines, which tends to value harmonious interpersonal relationships. In many everyday interactions, Filipinos may prefer a more indirect and polite communication style. It's often advisable to gauge the situation, consider the relationship with the person you are communicating with, and adapt your communication style accordingly. Balancing directness with tact and consideration for others' feelings is key to effective communication in the Philippines.

Philippine Fairy Tales (VI) - Philippinische Märchen (VI)

 

VON DER DUFTENDEN BLUME YLANG-YLANG

Einst lebte ein Mann mit seiner Frau in Eintracht und in Überfluss. Sie hatten alles - ein schönes Haus und einen blühenden Garten und auch ausgedehntes Land. Zum vollkommenen Glück fehlten ihnen aber Kinder. Sie sehnten sich sehr nach einer Tochter. Tag und Nacht beteten sie zu den Göttern , sie mögen ihnen doch ein Kind schenken. Dafür waren sie bereit, sogar auf ihren Reichtum zu verzichten.

Schliesslich erschienen ihnen die Götter im Traum und sprachen: "Ihr werdet eine Tochter haben. Doch wir erteilen euch die strenge Weisung: wenn sie herangewachsen ist, darf sie keinen Mann berühren. Und gebt ihr den Namen YLANG!"

Noch ehe ein Jahr um war, kam ihre Tochter, der sie den Namen YLANG gaben, zur Welt. Die Zeit verflog, und das kleine Mädchen YLANG wuchs zu einem sehr schönen Mädchen heran, dass bald von vielen Freiern umgeben war. Das jagte ihren Eltern grosse Angst ein. Sie befürchteten, sie könnten die Tochter verlieren, deshalb fassten sie den Entschluss, sie in eine grosse Kammer einzuschliessen. YLANG kam sich dort wie ein Vogel im Käfig vor. Tage und Nächte bat sie die Götter, sie mögen sie befreien.

Und als sie nicht mehr imstande war, die Gefangenschaft zu ertragen, dachte sie sich einen Plan aus, um ihre Freiheit zu erlangen.

Eines Abends, als die Eltern nicht zu Hause waren, stieg Ylang durchs Fenster ihres Zimmers in den Garten hinaus. Ihr Herz schlug vor Freude, dass sie die Freiheit wiedererlangt hatte. Sie lief im Garten umher und pflückte Blumen. Plötzlich vernahm sie, dass eine angenehme Stimme sie beim Namen rief. Sie wandte sich um und erblickte einen stattlichen Jüngling.

"Ylang, gestatte, dass ich dir beim Pflücken der Blumen helfe", sagte der Jüngling. Ylang's Herz begann wild zu klopfen, und schon wollte sie sich entfernen. Doch der Juengling rief:

"Ylang, ich liebe dich!"

Als das Mädchen diese Worte hörte, lief es davon, doch der Jüngling nahm Ylang's Hand und wiederholte:

"Ylang, ich liebe dich!"

Da geschah das Wunder. Ylang verschwand vor den Augen des Jünglings, und an der Stelle, wo sie gestanden hatte, wuchs ein Bäumchen, auf dem weisse Blüten mit schmalen Blütenblättern prangten. Sie erfüllten den Garten mit ihrem Duft. Der bestürzte Jüngling rief mit lauter Stimme: "Ylang! Ylang!", doch niemand antwortete ihm.

Zum Andenken an das Mädchen gab der Jüngling dem Bäumchen den Namen "Ylang-Ylang". Auch heute noch schmücken sich die Mädchen gerne mit seinen duftenden Blüten.

OF THE SCENTED FLOWER YLANG-YLANG

Once upon a time a man and his wife lived in harmony and abundance. They had everything - a beautiful house and a blooming garden and also extensive land. Fortunately, they lacked children. They longed very much for a daughter. Day and night they prayed to the gods to give them a child. For this they were prepared to forego even their wealth.

Finally the gods appeared to them in a dream and said: "You will have a daughter. But we give you strict instructions: when she grows up, she must not touch any man. And give her the name YLANG!"

Before a year was over, their daughter, whom they named YLANG, was born. Time flew by and the little girl YLANG grew into a little girl, a very beautiful girl who was soon surrounded by many suitors. This scared her parents very much. They were afraid that they might lose their daughter, so they decided to lock her in a large chamber. YLANG felt like a bird in a cage there. Days and nights she begged the gods to free her.

And when she was no longer able to endure captivity, she devised a plan to gain her freedom.

One evening when her parents were not at home, Ylang climbed out of her room window into the garden. Her heart beat with joy that she had regained freedom. She ran around the garden and picked flowers. Suddenly she heard a pleasant voice calling her by name. She turned around and saw a handsome youth.

"Ylang, allow me to help you pick the flowers," said the youth. Ylang's heart began to beat wildly and she wanted to leave. But the youth cried:

"Ylang, I love you!"

When the girl heard these words, she ran away, but the youth took Ylang's hand and repeated:

"Ylang, I love you!"

Then the miracle happened. Ylang disappeared from the youth's eyes, and in the place where she had stood a small tree grew with white flowers with narrow petals. They filled the garden with their scent. The dismayed youth called out in a loud voice: "Ylang! Ylang!", but no one answered him.

In memory of the girl, the young man named the tree "Ylang-Ylang". Even today, girls still like to decorate themselves with its fragrant flowers.

(Nacherzählt von Jozef Genzor, aus dem Slowakischen übersetzt von Dr. Anna Fialova und herausgegeben in der CSSR, deutsche Ausgabe: Verlag Werner Dausien, Hanau/Main, 1978). 

(Retold by Jozef Genzor, translated from Slovak by Dr. Anna Fialova and published in the CSSR, German edition: Verlag Werner Dausien, Hanau/Main, 1978).

Which language do you think is harder, and why?

Andreas Schmidt Mumm

A question for people who speak both English and German 

I read, write, think and dream in both, German (my mother tongue) and English (the second language). I bring it down to one fundamental difference: English is an easy language to pick up. Grammar is simple and vocabulary is pretty straight forward, at least for anyone from the Roman/ Indo-Germanic region. German is overwhelmingly ruled and structured and grammar is quite complex.

At the beginning.

As you progress with your language skills this changes. English becomes increasingly more context driven where choice if word makes all the difference. There is a different word for every situation and usually more than one. The quality of speaking becomes more and more vocabulary driven.

German is hard to begin with. There are three genders, male, female, neutral and there is absolutely no rule to what has which gender. Strangely it seems like when a new word is adapted Germans attach a gender to it like “der Computer” and everybody agrees, somehow. But German has this wonderful way of words: you can make them up. You can put words together to make new words from your basic vocabulary (yes, there are rules to it too). It’s also how German has those famously long words, but really they’re just compositions .That way German actually becomes easier as you progress.

Climate justice, a Philippine plea

Battered by an average of 15 to 28 typhoons annually, our country needs to call for accountability.

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Nov 26, 2023 01:08 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The call for climate justice by the Philippines is rooted in the stark reality of its vulnerability to the impacts of global warming 

FIGHTING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY Climate justice warriors fight for equitable compensation considering the Philippines suffers through numerous typhoons (Photos Joemar 'Tashi' Obejas, Climate Justice Walk hero)

Climate justice is a term that resonates strongly with nations like the Philippines, a developing country grappling with the severe impacts of global warming. Despite contributing a relatively small share of CO2 emissions compared to major industrialized nations, the country finds itself at the forefront of the battle against climate change, raising questions about the fairness of the burden it carries.

 

The Philippines, often battered by an average of 15 to 28 typhoons annually, holds the unenviable title of the world’s most typhoon-prone country. This vulnerability is a direct consequence of global warming, a phenomenon fueled by the collective actions of nations across the globe. Yet, as a developing nation, the Philippines is being urged to reduce its carbon emissions, prompting a crucial inquiry into the principles of climate justice.

 

While the country acknowledges the importance of curbing carbon emissions to protect the environment, the call for climate justice stems from a plea for equitable compensation. Despite contributing only a fraction of the world's CO2 emissions, the country bears the brunt of climate change impacts, ranging from rising sea levels and extreme weather events to the increased prevalence of diseases.

 

The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated, with the looming deadline of 2030 serving as a stark reminder. Crossing this threshold without significant global intervention could result in irreversible damage, amplifying the challenges already faced by countries like the Philippines. Diseases, floods, storm surges—these are not abstract concepts but daily realities for millions of Filipinos, underscoring the need for swift and comprehensive action.

 

One key aspect of climate justice is the recognition of historical responsibility. Developed nations, with their industrialization and higher carbon emissions over centuries, have played a substantial role in pushing the planet toward its current climate crisis. In contrast, developing countries like the Philippines have contributed less to the problem but find themselves disproportionately affected.

 

The call for carbon emission reductions in developing nations often raises questions about economic development. Critics argue that stringent emission cuts may impede economic growth, hindering progress and poverty alleviation efforts. The Philippines, like many other developing nations, seeks a balance between environmental sustainability and economic development. Climate justice entails not only reducing emissions but also providing support for sustainable development initiatives.

 

Compensation mechanisms become imperative in the pursuit of climate justice. The Philippines advocates for financial assistance and technology transfer from developed nations to help implement sustainable practices and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This support can facilitate the transition to cleaner energy sources, bolster infrastructure against extreme weather events, and enhance adaptive capacities.

 

The principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) is central to the discourse on climate justice. It recognizes that while all nations share a common responsibility to address climate change, the capabilities and historical contributions of developed and developing nations differ. Thus, the burden of mitigating and adapting to climate change should be distributed equitably.

 

The Philippines emphasizes the importance of adaptation financing, as the costs of preparing for and responding to climate change can be substantial. Vulnerable nations need financial resources to build resilient infrastructure, implement early warning systems, and undertake community-based adaptation initiatives. Climate justice demands that those who have historically contributed more to the problem bear a greater share of the financial burden.

 

While the Philippines advocates for its right to development, it also recognizes the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving global climate goals. International cooperation is crucial in addressing the interconnected challenges posed by climate change. The Philippines participates actively in global climate negotiations, urging developed nations to fulfill their commitments to climate financing and emission reductions.

 

The call for climate justice by the Philippines is rooted in the stark reality of its vulnerability to the impacts of global warming. As a developing nation with a minimal contribution to historical carbon emissions, it seeks not only to reduce its own emissions but also to receive just compensation for the profound challenges it faces. 

 

The urgency of the climate crisis demands a collective and equitable response, ensuring that the burden of climate change is shared fairly among nations. The Philippines, like many developing countries, looks toward a future where climate justice prevails, allowing for sustainable development and a healthier, more resilient planet.

DoT chief promotes Mindanao to tourists

By  Moises Cruz

November 27, 2023 20

DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco urged local and foreign travelers on Friday, November 24, to reconsider their assumptions about Mindanao and to explore the island's halal food and rich culture for a multidimensional tourism experience.

This is in line with the DoT-hosted event on Tuesday at the Dusit Thani Manila in Makati, entitled "Bismillah: An Evening of Faith, Love, and the Flavors of Mindanao," which celebrated the region's vibrant cultural unity and gastronomic richness.

The undertaking builds on Secretary Frasco's campaign to completely reopen Mindanao to tourism, which she identified as a priority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when he took office last year.

Frasco said the DoT's efforts to establish confidence within the region and raise knowledge about the security situation will also assist in persuading other countries to update or lift existing travel restrictions.

Secretary Frasco spearheaded the signing of a DoT agreement with the Department of National Defense (DND) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in May of this year to work together to market the region as a peaceful and sustainable destination for domestic and international tourism.

"Beyond partaking of the delectable halal meals, this evening of faith, love, and the flavors of Mindanao is the start of something new that is opening your eyes and your palate to the possibilities that are endless in the promise that is Mindanao," Frasco said in her speech.

"As our President has said, Mindanao is the land of promise to be fulfilled," she added.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Mindanao's intricate and diverse halal cuisine to an international audience, where ambassadors, dignitaries, and officials from various foreign embassies in the Philippines were present to experience the flavor-filled odyssey through the vibrant tastes of the Mindanao Islands' cuisine and an invitation to their countrymen to come and visit Mindanao.

"In the pursuit of reinforcing the country's image as a halal-friendly destination, the Department of Tourism has pursued various programs and projects started in the previous administration and continued under our President's administration," Frasco said.

Meanwhile, DoT Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar sincerely thanked everyone in attendance and emphasized the value of cultural appreciation and exchange in building a more harmonious global society.

TO TRANSFORM THE NATION

 

PRESS RELEASE

November 26, 2023

 

 

To transform the nation, Cayetano says country has to have real change, right vision, values

 

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Saturday said that national transformation will become a reality in the country once individuals and the government become collectively transformed and work together with the right values and vision.

 

In an interview with reporters in Baguio City on November 25, 2023, Cayetano said his goal is to push for these in the Senate in the next few years.

 

“Transformation starts within yourself. Unless there’s transformation, bale-wala y’ung changes dahil babalik din [sa dati],” he said.

 

“And the [end goal] has to be transformation of the nation because if you change but around you the culture is the same, hindi magiging makabuluhan ang transformation kasi lalamunin ka ng sistema,” he added.

 

Cayetano related this in context of the country’s lingering problems on issues like education and the economy, coming off from the plenary debates for the 2024 national budget this past week.

 

“Maraming kailangan i-review sa itatanim [sa 2024 budget], including sa everyday needs ng mga tao. It really starts with values. I’m very happy na inamin ng Department of Education through the Vice President na the education sector is in crisis… because walang masosolve kung hindi aaminin na may problema… Challenge pa rin ang inflation at patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo,” he said.

 

He said he raised the alarm bells during the Senate’s plenary debates so that this will be urgently addressed by the government. 

 

“I want to sound the alarm bells, ngayon pa lang, because unless we fix the deficiencies in K to 12 or we take out the extra 2 years, we will not do justice to the next generation,” he said.

 

As the work continues, Cayetano said he will seek to address such persisting problems by helping the government plan and to have the right values and vision. 

“Isang pinupush ko talaga y’ung values kasi kung tama y’ung values ng tao, kung tama ang itinanim, tama ang aanihin,” he said.

 

He said this is the reason for his trip to Baguio to join a Christian conference that is focused on strategies in transformation.

 

“We are here in Baguio City today for a conference of policemen. We are here to support, pray for them, and to speak [in the conference]… There are several groups locally and internationally with the focus of national transformation right now,” he explained.

 

Cayetano said his group, transformNATION Philippines, which advocated for this by holding conferences nationwide, is also eyeing to hold a conference in the City of Pines next year. ###

How does the Filipino people celebrate Christmas in the Philippines?

Everything FILIPINO!

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Following

Answered by 

Carm Ena (Carmena)

Christmas in the Philippines is a festive and widely celebrated occasion, known for its unique traditions and vibrant atmosphere. Here are some key aspects of how Filipinos celebrate Christmas:

1. Simbang Gabi (Night Mass): Simbang Gabi is a series of nine dawn Masses that start on December 16 and end on December 24. It is a Catholic tradition and a way for Filipinos to express their devotion to God. After the Mass, people often enjoy traditional Filipino holiday delicacies like bibingka (rice cake) and puto bumbong (purple rice cake).
2. Parol (Christmas Lanterns): The parol is a traditional Filipino Christmas lantern, often star-shaped and brightly decorated. It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and is a common decoration in homes and communities. Many towns also hold parol-making contests to showcase creativity.
3. Agiinaldo (Gift-Giving): Gift-giving is a significant part of Filipino Christmas celebrations. Families and friends exchange gifts during Christmas Eve, known as Noche Buena. It is common for employers to give Christmas bonuses to employees, and communities may organize gift-giving events for less fortunate members.
4. Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Feast): Noche Buena is a grand feast held on Christmas Eve. Families gather for a festive meal that includes traditional Filipino dishes such as lechon (roast pig), ham, queso de bola (Edam cheese), and various kakanin (rice cakes). The meal is often followed by the exchange of gifts and family bonding.
5. Caroling: Christmas caroling is a popular activity, especially among children and teenagers. Groups go from house to house singing Christmas carols, and homeowners often give them small amounts of money or treats. This tradition helps create a sense of community and shared joy.
6. Christmas Decorations: Filipinos love decorating their homes with Christmas ornaments and lights. Streets, malls, and public places are adorned with colorful lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Some neighborhoods even organize Christmas decoration contests.
7. Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass): Similar to Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo is a series of Masses held at dawn. It is another way for Filipinos to celebrate the Christmas season with religious observance.
8. Extended Celebration: Christmas celebrations in the Philippines often extend well into the "Ber" months (September to December). Some Filipinos start decorating their homes and playing Christmas music as early as September.

Overall, Christmas in the Philippines is a time of joy, family, and community, marked by religious observances, festive decorations, and a spirit of generosity.