Winged wonders: Birding soars in PH

BY BILLIE DUMALIANG

Mar 22, 2024 10:28 AM

  

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In the heart of the Philippines, a country celebrated for its staggering biodiversity, an activity traditionally reserved for the most ardent nature enthusiasts is taking flight in the mainstream: birding. 

Long perceived as a niche pastime for dedicated scientists and nature lovers, this pursuit is now capturing the imagination of a broader audience, thanks to the efforts of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), talented photographers, and the pervasive influence of social media. Given the Philippines' status as a global hotspot for avian diversity, the burgeoning interest in bird watching is both a natural and exhilarating development. 

Birding, or bird watching, offers a unique blend of leisure and adventure, inviting individuals to immerse themselves in nature's tranquility while engaging in a treasure hunt for the myriad bird species that grace our skies and landscapes. It is the practice of observing birds in their natural habitat as a recreational activity or a citizen science component.

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The Guiabero parrot, known as 'nature's engineer,' creates a cavity inside a termite nest. (Photos from Pancho Parian)

Birding involves identifying birds through visual observation, often with the help of binoculars or telescopes, and by listening to bird sounds. This activity can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, offering a peaceful yet exciting way to explore the outdoors and gain a deeper appreciation for biodiversity.

Avian diversity takes flight

Recently, I had the privilege of co-organizing the "Birding and Breakfast for Storytellers" event alongside the WBCP. This gathering brought together media members, artists, scientists, and young enthusiasts to highlight the avian diversity within the Masungi Georeserve despite the threat of a recently proposed wind farm project. Highlighting what we stand to lose, the event underscored the urgent need for conservation. 

During our excursion, we were greeted by the majestic sights of the Rufous-bellied Eagle and Serpent Eagle. Venturing deeper into the Georeserve, we encountered the Philippine Cuckoo Dove, a species notorious for its elusive nature. Mike Lu, president of the WBCP, remarked that he has only seen it thrice during his 20 years as a birder, adding a layer of excitement to our experience.  The presence of the White Eared Brown Dove, feeding merely a meter away from our group, was a testament to the sanctuary's success in creating a haven for these creatures. 

Nikki Realubit, a dedicated scientist from UP Los Baños, shared insights into the behavior of birds within Masungi, highlighting the sanctuary's role in bird conservation. Multiple discoveries of the endemic Guiabero parrot nesting sites further demonstrated the results of conservation efforts. Such observations underscore the delicate balance we must maintain to ensure the survival of these species and their habitats.

Filipinos and feathers 

The story of birding in the Philippines is about discovering, marveling, and conserving urgently. With 535 species of birds, 259 of which are endemic or unique to the Philippines, the country offers a unique window into the world of avian life. However, we also rank 4th globally for threatened species due to deforestation, habitat degradation, and wildlife exploitation, as stated by the BirdLife International Website. 

Birding is inclusive and can be enjoyed by Filipinos of all ages and backgrounds.

The WBCP plays a pivotal role in this narrative, not just by organizing birding trips but by engaging communities and local governments in advocacy. Its mission is simple yet profound: to reveal the beauty and diversity of our avian friends in hopes of fostering a collective will to protect them. 

The enthusiasm shown by Filipinos for birding activities illustrates a growing awareness and appreciation for our natural heritage. Thankfully, the club’s events typically get fully booked within 24 hours of posting, as noted by Lu. He also shared that participants from Tarlac and Pangasinan attended their recent birding activity in Parañaque. This shows that birding is a growing movement that transcends age, profession, and background, uniting us in our shared admiration for nature's marvels. 

The elusive Philippine Cuckoo Dove spreads its wings to forage elsewhere.

In embracing birding, Filipinos are not just adopting a new hobby; they are participating in a vital act of conservation. It's an invitation to stand on the wings of love to safeguard our environmental treasures for generations to come. As we look at the sky, let us also remember the responsibility that lies in our hands — to protect, preserve, and cherish the winged wonders that share our world.

Typical Filipino (XLVII) - Typisch Philippinisch (XLVII): Renewing family ties - Erneuern der Verwandschaftsbande

 

The gathering of the entire family always offers opportunities to renew family ties. For many years I have been used to living together with many family members in different houses on a large "compound". I enjoy this very much.

Weddings, confirmations and baptisms expand the family group through ceremonies. Friendship and togetherness are now renewed and confirmed.

To look at the entire Philippines: Poorer relatives and COMPADRES from the smallest BARRIOS come to town to pay visits, serve guests or help in the kitchen of better-off relatives. This is in recognition of their UTANG NA LOOB for favors shown or promised help.

Sometimes individual families even plunge into debt in order to offer a lavish feast. because it would cause HIYA to provide just a small snack. The custom of giving visitors some food from the holiday table also shows the spirit of sharing.

The Filipino organism awakens to new life - nourished by the celebrations, ceremonies and the gathering of the family.

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Die Zusammenkunft der ganzen Familie bietet immer wieder Gelegenheiten, Verwandschaftsbande zu erneuern. Ich bin es seit vielen Jahren gewohnt, mit vielen Familienmitglieder in verschiedenen Häusern auf einem großen "Compound" zusammen zu leben. Ich genieße das sehr.

Hochzeiten, Firmungen und Taufen erweitern durch Zeremonien die Verwandschaftsgruppe. Freundschaft und Zusammensein werden nun erneuert und bestätigt.

Um auf die gesamten Philippinen zu blicken: Ärmere Verwandte und COMPADRES aus kleinsten  BARRIOS kommen in die Stadt, um Besuche abzustatten, die Gäste zu bedienen oder in der Küche bessergestellter Verwandter zu helfen. Dies als Anerkennung ihrer UTANG NA LOOB für erwiesene Gefälligkeiten oder versprochene Hilfe.

Bisweilen stürzen sich einzelne Familien gar in Schulden, um ein üppiges Festmahl anzubieten,. denn es würde HIYA verursachen, nur einen kleinen Imbiß bereitzustellen. Der Brauch, Besuchern etwas Essen vom Festtagstisch mit auf den Weg zu geben, zeugt ebenfalls vom Geist des Teilens.

Der philippinische Organismus erwacht zu neuem Leben - genährt durch die Festlichkeiten, Zeremonien und die Zusammenkunft der Familie.

Earth Hour 2024: DOH commits full participation

By: Luisa Cabato - Reporter / @luisacabatoINQ

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) has committed to participating in the 2024 Earth Hour on Saturday (March 23), a worldwide event during which offices, factories, and homes turn off lights and devices to reduce electricity use and alleviate the impact of fossil fuel-induced climate change.

This year’s Earth Hour is set from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Philippines.

In a statement on Friday (March 22), the health department pledged that its staff and employees would take part in the event to help beat last year’s record of over 190 countries and territories cutting electricity use for a total of 410,000 hours.

“Promoting a healthy environment through sustainable practices can improve the health and wellbeing of every Filipino,” the DOH said.

“Pangalagaan natin ang ating kapaligiran at kalikasan. (Let’s take care of our surroundings and environment.) Participating in Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights even in the comfort of our homes will bring significant benefits [to] achieving safe and quality health for everyone,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa in the statement.

The DOH also noted that the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines has chosen the city of Manila as the main partner and venue for this year’s Earth Hour.

“The iconic landmarks in the city, including the City Hall Clock Tower and Rizal Monument, will switch off non-essential lights for an hour to show their commitment and solidarity in energy consumption,” the DOH statement read.

The DOH added that other cities such as Makati, Baguio, Catbalogan, Ormoc, San Carlos, San Fernando, Santa Rosa, Tagum, Zamboanga City, and Pilar Siargao have also expressed readiness to participate in the event.

First held in 2007, Earth Hour is a yearly event that promotes awareness of global warming and climate change issues by urging the public to switch off non-essential lights and electrical devices for one hour.

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER! (17): Die Katze im Sack kaufen

 

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER!

By: AuthorMarcel Iseli

17. die Katze im Sack kaufen

Don’t “buy a cat in a bag,” he said.  Sorry, whuuut? Well, this is what the literal translation of “Die Katze im Sack kaufen” would sound like.  If your native language is English, this will probably sound weird to you.

But what if I told you that this is just the German way of saying “to buy a pig in a poke?” Well, that’s exactly what it is. The story behind the German saying “die Katze im Sack kaufen” is actually the same as ‘to buy a pig in a poke.’

So what is that story, then? The origin of the expression “die Katze im Sack kaufen” dates back to around the 16th century when merchants would sell pigs, rabbits and other valuable animals in pokes.

When an unsuspecting buyer got his poke home and was about to open it, he would sometimes see another animal like a goose or duck or a cat come out of the poke instead. The poor buyer obviously got CHEATED. 

And this is where the piece of advice, ‘don’t buy anything until you have seen it,’ the actual semantic meaning of “die Katze aus dem Sack lassen,” came into being.

Funnily enough, in English, in the saying ‘to buy a pig in a poke,’ the pig rather than the cat is in the center of attention.

But the story behind it, as we know now, is basically the same.   
 

Example:

Daniel: Hey alter, du hast doch neulich diese Playstation Second-Hand übers Internet gekauft. Funktioniert die überhaupt? 

Marc: Nein. Der Typ hat mir doch tatsächlich eine kaputte Playstation geschickt. Und in der Beschreibung stand “nigelnagelneu”. Was für eine Frechheit!

Daniel: Ich hab dir doch gesagt, du sollst nicht die Katze im Sack kaufen!  

 

Translation:

Daniel: Hey dude, you recently bought this Playstation second-hand over the internet, right? Does it work at all?

Marc: No. The guy actually sent me a broken Playstation. And the description said ‘brand new.’ 

Daniel: Man, Daniel! I told you not to buy a pig in a poke!  

 

‘One More Chance’ reincarnated as musical

‘One More Chance,’ the Star Cinema movie with John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo as the young couple Popoy and Basha, will be adapted on stage. It is directed by Maribel Legarda and is set to run at the PETA Theater Center from April 12 to June 30

SOUNDS FAMILIAR - Baby A. Gil - The Philippine Star 

March 22, 2024 | 12:00am

Musical theater is booming. Pinoys are not lacking for shows to watch anymore. There seems to be a new one opening every week. Given this need for materials, almost every tale new or already existing, and preferably popular, is now being reincarnated for the theater. Therefore, it is now inevitable that “One More Chance” (“OMC”) will now be among those turned into a musical.

Directed by Maribel Legarda, the adaptation of “One More Chance” is set to run at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City from April 12 to June 30. Tickets are already fast selling out. Here is hoping you, readers, out there will be fortunate enough to snag a seat or two. Given PETA’s reputation for musical theater, Rak of Aegis, Walang Aray, etc. “OMC” should be romantic and also lots of fun.

Better yet, here is hoping that PETA will announce another extension. “One More Chance” was originally slated to run only until June 16 but because 1,800 tickets were already sold during the first hour these were made available, PETA announced the extension. Now, it looks like there should be another one.

PETA’s Popoys and Bashas will tell their love story to the music of Ben&Ben. Photo shows the band's members with the lead cast at the presscon

So, why all this excitement about “One More Chance”? This is because “OMC” is the story of Popoy and Basha. Some 15 or nearly 20 years ago, Pinoy lovers of all ages, fancied themselves to be Popoy and Basha, mouthing hugot lines while struggling to either leave or stay in a romantic relationship.

Remember “When love ends, how long should you hold on?” Ouchy! How long indeed? Or what about this exchange. He: “She loved me at my worst. You had me at my best. Ba’t binale wala mo lang lahat yun?” She: “Yun ba talaga ang tingin mo? I just made a choice.” He: “And you chose to break my heart.” Double ouchy!!

The musical will have Sam Concepcion as Popoy and Anna Luna as Basha. Not in photo are their alternates, CJ Navato and Nicole Omillo.

“One More Chance” was originally a movie produced by the sisters Charo Santos-Concio and Malou Santos and directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina from the story and script by Carmi Valdez and Vanessa Raymundo. It became the biggest grossing film of 2007 and established Star Cinema’s reputation as a leader in the field of romantic drama. It also gave actors John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo their most famous roles as Popoy and Basha.

Now there will be new Popoys and Bashas singing and dancing to their love story in the PETA production and fans of the movie are excited to find out if the leads of the musical “One More Chance” will be anything like the now iconic John Lloyd and Bea. And these are Sam Concepcion and CJ Navato as Popoy; Anna Luna and Nicole Omillo as Basha.

Then, here is something that John Lloyd and Bea were never able to do in their “One More Chance.” PETA’s Popoys and Bashas will be telling their love story on stage to the music of Ben&Ben.

Ben&Ben is the Philippines’ biggest selling band. It is made up of twin brothers Miguel Benjamin and Paulo Benjamin Guico on vocals and acoustic guitars; Poch Barretto on electric guitar; Keifer Cabugao on violin; Andrew De Pano and Toni Muñoz on percussion; Pat Lasaten on keyboards; Agnes Reoma on bass; and Jam Villanueva on drums.

Ben&Ben’s kind of pop rock fused with the new world music style has produced hits like Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay, Leaves, Upuan, Paninindigan Kita, Kathang Isip, Pagtingin, The Ones We Once Loved, Langyang Pag-ibig, Lunod, Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin and others.

The songs will be rearranged, chopped, mashed together and whatever needs to be done by musical director Myke Salomon to tell Popoy and Basha’s love story. It would be very interesting to find out which ones will make it to the show.

Filipina Sheroes unfurls 15 empowering stories of women in new book

Co-authored by Maralit and 14 other exceptional Filipinas, the book highlights the power of embracing one’s journey and overcoming life's challenges.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Mar 21, 2024 10:02 PM 

Inspiring Filipino women through various tales of hardship and triumph, the book launch of "Becoming Sheroes: Stories of Heartstrong Women" last Saturday, March 16, was an extraordinary celebration of women's spirit.

Filipina Sheroes, led by multi-awarded professional, author, and speaker Monica Maralit, successfully unveiled their book, featuring a collection of stories about the inner strength and determination of women to overcome challenges and become heroes in their own right.

Filipino Sheroes, led by Monica Maralit, successfully launched their book titled "Becoming Sheroes:Stories of Heartstrong Women,'' engaging with attendees during its launch and signing event heldlast March 16

"I want to thank each one of our Sheroes who took the time to write the book and share their stories. I hope that their journey will be able to encourage readers, especially young women, to embrace their strengths and strive for their purpose as they navigate the complexities of life," said Maralit.

Several Filipino Sheroes authors joined the event as they shared their advocacies and stories aboutthe personal sheroes of their lives. Present during the book signing ceremony were Ayhee Campos,Karen Batungbacal, Mawi de Ocampo, Nica Jones, Paulynn Sycam, Rebecca Bustamante, SharonVaswani, and Unyx Sta Ana.

Co-authored by Maralit with 14 other exceptional Filipinas, the book showcases the possibilities that arise from embracing one’s journey and recognizing the strength that comes from overcoming life's challenges.

Among the other Filipina Sheroes profiled in the book are Marissa Atienza, Karen Batungbacal, Rebecca Bustamante, Kristine Calleja, Ayhee Campos, Laurice Chiongbian, Mawi Fojas de Ocampo, Nica Jones, Shawntel Nieto, Arizza Nocum, Paulynn Sicam, Unyx Sta. Ana, Stephanie Tumampos, and Sharon Vaswani.

During the event, Maralit also introduced the first batch of female youth scholars from the Victoria Heartstrong Organization who will be supported through the book’s proceeds. The Victoria Heartstrong Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Maralit, in honor of her mother and grandmother, aiming to empower teenage girls in underprivileged backgrounds through education.

During the launch, Maralit introduced the first eight scholars from the Victoria Heartstrong Organization, who will benefit from the book's proceeds. The scholars will be given financial andcomprehensive support to help them with their education needs.

"In the coming months, we will also be doing other programs for our scholars, specifically on health and wellness, and leadership. This program is not just about giving money but it’s about helping them build a sustainable way of life so that they can make the right choices for their future," she said.

"Becoming Sheroes: Stories of Heartstrong Women" is now available on Filipina Sheroes' official website, filipinasheroes.com, and e-commerce platforms Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Walmart.

Crossovers survive Angels for fourth win

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

Mar 21, 2024 09:48 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Chery Tiggo came through with clutch plays as it outhustled Petro Gazz, 25-21, 18-25, 22-25, 25-19, 15-13, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday night, March 21.

Chery Tiggo came through with clutch plays as it outhustled Petro Gazz, 25-21, 18-25, 22-25, 25-19, 15-13, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday night, March 21.

Chery Tiggo picks up win No. 4 against Petro Gazz. (PVL Images)

Mylene Paat stepped on the crunch with hard-hitting kills for the Crossovers that unlocked them from 11-all in the pivotal fifth set en route to their fourth win in six games.

The victory, which came on the heels of its morale-boosting three-set upset victory over fancied Creamline, also tied Chery Tiggo with its victim at fifth place.

Paat exchanged attacks with Petro Gazz hitter Jonah Sabete late in the match including a pivotal off-the-block spike that gave Chery Tiggo the 14-13 matchpoint advantage.

But a crucial attack error from Sabete that went long sealed the 2-hour, 31-minute match in the Crossovers’ favor.

Paat finished with 10 points built on three blocks, while Eya Laure steered Chery Tiggo throughout with 15 points highlighted by 14 kills.

Ara Galang played in the first three sets and finished with 12 points, while EJ Laure came off the bench in the second frame and went on to contribute 10 points. Ponggay Gaston was equally impressive by unloading all her nine points on attacks.

Brooke Van Sickle exploded for 27 points while Sabete erupted for 22 points for Petro Gazz, but their efforts went futile as Chery Tiggo also banked on its net defense by posting 13 blocks.

Philippine Fairy Tales (XXX) - Philippinische Märchen (XXX): Why Dogs Wag their Tails - Warum wedeln Hunde mit ihrem Schwanz

[[ Dogs will wag their tail to convey a range of emotions: happiness, nervousness, feeling threatened, anxiety, submission and excitement. It's thought that when a dog is relaxed, its tail will sit in a resting position. This position will vary depending on the breed of dog.]]

But here is the Philippine Fairy Tale:

A rich man in a certain town once owned a dog and a cat, both of which were very useful to him. The dog had served his master for many years and had become so old that he had lost his teeth and was unable to fight any more, but he was a good guide and companion to the cat who was strong and cunning.

The master had a daughter who was attending school at a convent some distance from home, and very often he sent the dog and the cat with presents to the girl.

One day he called the faithful animals and bade them carry a magic ring to his daughter.

“You are strong and brave,” he said to the cat “You may carry the ring, but you must be careful not to drop it”

And to the dog he said: “You must accompany the cat to guide her and keep her from harm.”

They promised to do their best, and started out. All went well until they came to a river. As there was neither bridge nor boat, there was no way to cross but to swim.

“Let me take the magic ring,” said the dog as they were about to plunge into the water.

“Oh, no,” replied the cat, “the master gave it to me to carry.”

“But you cannot swim well,” argued the dog. “I am strong and can take good care of it.”

But the cat refused to give up the ring until finally the dog threatened to kill her, and then she reluctantly gave it to him.

The river was wide and the water so swift that they grew very tired, and just before they reached the opposite bank the dog dropped the ring. They searched carefully, but could not find it anywhere, and after a while they turned back to tell their master of the sad loss. Just before reaching the house, however, the dog was so overcome with fear that he turned and ran away and never was seen again.

The cat went on alone, and when the master saw her coming he called out to know why she had returned so soon and what had become of her companion. The poor cat was frightened, but as well as she could she explained how the ring had been lost and how the dog had run away.

On hearing her story the master was very angry, and commanded that all his people should search for the dog, and that it should be punished by having its tail cut off.

He also ordered that all the dogs in the world should join in the search, and ever since when one dog meets another he says: “Are you the old dog that lost the magic ring? If so, your tail must be cut off.” Then immediately each shows his teeth and wags his tail to prove that he is not the guilty one.

Since then, too, cats have been afraid of water and will not swim across a river if they can avoid it.

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[[ Hunde wedeln mit dem Schwanz, um eine Reihe von Emotionen auszudrücken: Glück, Nervosität, Bedrohungsgefühl, Angst, Unterwerfung und Aufregung. Es wird angenommen, dass der Schwanz eines Hundes in einer Ruheposition bleibt, wenn er entspannt ist. Diese Position variiert je nach Hunderasse.]]

Aber hier ist das philippinische Märchen:

Ein reicher Mann in einer bestimmten Stadt besaß einst einen Hund und eine Katze, die ihm beide sehr nützlich waren. Der Hund hatte seinem Herrn viele Jahre lang gedient und war so alt geworden, dass er seine Zähne verloren hatte und nicht mehr kämpfen konnte, aber er war ein guter Führer und Begleiter der Katze, die stark und gerissen war.

Der Meister hatte eine Tochter, die in einem weit von zu Hause entfernten Kloster zur Schule ging, und sehr oft schickte er dem Mädchen den Hund und die Katze mit Geschenken.

Eines Tages rief er die treuen Tiere zu sich und befahl ihnen, seiner Tochter einen magischen Ring zu bringen.

„Du bist stark und mutig“, sagte er zur Katze. „Du darfst den Ring tragen, aber du musst aufpassen, dass du ihn nicht fallen lässt.“

Und zum Hund sagte er: „Du musst die Katze begleiten, um sie zu führen und sie vor Schaden zu bewahren.“

Sie versprachen, ihr Bestes zu geben, und machten sich auf den Weg. Alles ging gut, bis sie an einen Fluss kamen. Da es weder eine Brücke noch ein Boot gab, gab es zum Überqueren keine andere Möglichkeit als zu schwimmen.

„Lass mich den Zauberring nehmen“, sagte der Hund, als sie sich gerade ins Wasser stürzen wollten.

„Oh nein“, antwortete die Katze, „der Herr hat es mir zum Tragen gegeben.“

Doch die Katze weigerte sich, den Ring herauszugeben, bis der Hund schließlich drohte, sie zu töten, und sie ihn ihm dann widerwillig gab.

Der Fluss war breit und das Wasser so schnell, dass sie sehr müde wurden, und kurz bevor sie das gegenüberliegende Ufer erreichten, ließ der Hund den Ring fallen. Sie suchten sorgfältig, konnten es aber nirgendwo finden, und nach einer Weile drehten sie sich um, um ihrem Herrn von dem traurigen Verlust zu berichten. Doch kurz bevor er das Haus erreichte, überkam ihn die Angst so sehr, dass er sich umdrehte, weglief und nie wieder gesehen wurde.

Die Katze ging alleine weiter, und als der Herr sie kommen sah, rief er, um zu erfahren, warum sie so bald zurückgekehrt sei und was aus ihrem Kameraden geworden sei. Die arme Katze hatte Angst, aber so gut sie konnte, erklärte sie, wie der Ring verloren gegangen war und wie der Hund weggelaufen war.

Als der Herr ihre Geschichte hörte, wurde er sehr wütend und befahl, dass alle seine Leute nach dem Hund suchen und ihm zur Strafe den Schwanz abschneiden sollten.

Er befahl auch, dass sich alle Hunde der Welt an der Suche beteiligen sollten, und seitdem sagt er, wenn ein Hund einen anderen trifft: „Bist du der alte Hund, der den magischen Ring verloren hat?“ Wenn ja, muss dir der Schwanz abgeschnitten werden.“ Dann zeigt jeder sofort seine Zähne und wedelt mit dem Schwanz, um zu beweisen, dass er nicht der Schuldige ist.

Auch seitdem haben Katzen Angst vor Wasser und schwimmen nicht über einen Fluss, wenn sie ihm ausweichen können.

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER! (15) - Etwas im Schilde führen

 

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER!

By: AuthorMarcel Iseli

15. etwas im Schilde führen

A shield is a defensive weapon. I think that is something we can all agree on. But a shield used to be much more than that. In middle age, shields usually featured crests (emblems) that let everybody know about the origin of the shield bearer and also allowed conclusions to be drawn about his identity and intention. 

So, “im Schilde führen” means that the owner of the shield actually carried something along with his shield ― the crest (emblem) that figured on the shield. And this symbol always carried a certain (metaphorical) message.

Now, the modern “im Schilde führen,” as embodied in the German language, is an allusion to this fact and simply means that somebody has ‘something up one’s sleeve.’

So, somebody has a certain intention that people are yet unaware of (because he wouldn’t tell it). Does that make any sense? I hope it does.  If it doesn’t, an example usually helps.  

Example:

Bernd: Du bist sonst nie so ruhig. Da stimmt doch etwas nicht. Du führst bestimm etwas im Schilde!

Beatrice: Ach was, es ist alles in Ordnung!

Bernd: Nene, ich kenne Dich!

Beatrice: Ok, du hast recht. Ich wollte dich heute Abend eigentlich überraschen, aber nun hast du gesagt, dass du heute abend gar nicht da bist!

Bernd: Ja, leider.

Aber überrasch mich doch morgen!

Beatrice: Ok, geht klar!

Translation:

Bernd: You are never this calm. There must be something wrong with you. You are certainly up to something!

Beatrice: Oh no, everything is fine!

Bernd: Naaah, I know you!

Beatrice: Okay, okay.  You’re right. I wanted to surprise you tonight, but now you’ve said that you’re not even here tonight!

Bernd: Yes, unfortunately. But what about a little surprise tomorrow, maybe?

Beatrice: Haha, we will see!  

Beyond ‘Earth Hour’

By: Gideon Lasco - @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:13 AM March 22, 2024

Tomorrow, millions of people around the world will mark “Earth Hour” by turning off their lights from 8:30-9:30 p.m., and the lead up to the annual event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has once again ignited the lingering debate about whether this is a bright idea or an ill-conceived one.

There has been criticism aplenty since Earth Hour’s inception in 2007, inaugurated by a dramatic lights out of the iconic Sydney Opera House.

The first set of critiques involves measuring Earth Hour against its own supposed goal of helping the planet in quantitative terms. Various groups have pointed out, for instance, that turning off lights for an hour will not actually have any meaningful reduction in power consumption or carbon emissions. If going dark during Earth Hour causes people to buy and use candles, then that, too, comes with environmental cost.

Others take issue with Earth Hour’s messaging and symbolism. While some have acknowledged that, from a communications perspective, turning lights off is a spectacle that can make for powerful visual messaging, others have pointed out that cultures around the world have associated darkness with negativity, anxiety, and fear: emotions that are not helpful in calling people to action and solidarity. Given that many households in the Global South actually don’t have access to electricity, others have also dismissed Earth Hour as a campaign borne of privilege: one that does not reflect or resonate with people’s experiences around the world—despite its big claim of being the “world’s largest grassroots movement.”

Finally, there are those who have argued that it detracts attention from structural reasons for environmental crisis, and by lionizing a symbolic act, it belongs to a “feel good environmentalism”—alongside gestures banning plastic straws but not plastic containers—that can lull people into thinking that they—as well as the many corporations and governments that participate in it—are doing something good when all they accomplish is a “tokenism.” If #EarthHour2024 goes trending on X, does that really accomplish anything? Perhaps more ominously, as the environmental and climate change activist Rodne Galicha told me, “Corporations are taking advantage of Earth Hour. Greenwashing everywhere especially those which have unsustainable products and services without honest to goodness policies and commitments.

”Proponents have countered that while Earth Hour itself may not have actual benefit in decreasing carbon emissions in practical terms, it nonetheless serves an important purpose, in the same way that many events—from International Day for Biological Diversity (that’s May 22) to Earth Day (yes, there’s also such a day, April 22) can be both symbolic and meaningful. Gregg Yan, founder of the Best Alternatives Campaign and former communications manager for WWF Philippines, shares the conviction that “Symbolic acts generate a lot of public interest, which can eventually deepen people’s involvement in various issues like Earth Hour’s climate change solutions.” Corporations and governments alike may be trying to greenwash themselves, but their participation in Earth Hour can be a way of holding them accountable to their presumed environmental commitment.

WWF itself, through its website (earthhour.org), argues along similar lines, touting some accomplishments: “Argentina used its 2013 Earth Hour campaign to help pass a Senate bill for a 3.4 million hectares Marine Protected Area in the country” and “In Paraguay, WWF used the Earth Hour platform to build public support to gain an extension of the logging moratorium, helping to reduce deforestation.”

But in a sign that they are acknowledging and heeding the critiques, Earth Hour’s organizers launched a big “rebrand” last year, turning the event into what it now calls the “Biggest Hour for Earth.” Instead of just climate crisis awareness, the event is also a campaign for biodiversity. And instead of just turning off lights, the call to action is now “spending 60 minutes doing something—anything—positive for our shared home.” While some of the suggested activities in the event website (earthhour.org) may be intended for a privileged online constituency (e.g., “Cook a dish to make our planet and your palate proud”; “Bring out the popcorn [and] watch a nature documentary”), we do have examples of how environmentalists have used Earth Hour in creative, compelling ways.

Galicha, for instance, reminds me of the campaign they did in Sibuyan back in 2015, when, contrary to the usual practice, they turned their lights on from 11 to 12 at night, to shine a light on the fact that despite the threats their island is facing, they’ve managed to realize 100 percent clean energy. “If a small island can do it, why not the world? We are joining the Earth Hour by switching on our lights in Sibuyan Island, The Philippines. Be a light!” Elizabeth Ibanez, one of the volunteers, said at the time.

Whether we switch our lights off or on tomorrow night, it is clear that the time is running out for the planet and if we are to save it, we need, in WWF’s words, “to take action beyond the hour.”