A German expat in the Philippines (VIII): Love at first sight?

 

Deutschland blüht auf!

 

Deutschland blüht auf!

Heute knacken wir die 20 Grad

Die Sonne scheint, die Temperaturen werden zweistellig, die ersten Blumen blühen, wie hier vor dem Goldenen Reiter in Dresden. Die erste Woche des meteorologischen Frühlings macht der Jahreszeit alle Ehre. Der Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD) erwartet trockenes Wetter bei milden Temperaturen. Diplom-Meteorologe Jürgen Schmidt: „Am Wochenende kann örtlich die 20-Grad-Marke geknackt werden. Beste Chancen haben alle rund um Köln, Düsseldorf, Leverkusen und Duisburg.“ Genießen!! Denn schon Anfang der nächsten Woche kommt der Kühling.

Germany is blossoming!

Today we'll hit 20 degrees

The sun is shining, temperatures are reaching double figures, the first flowers are blooming, like here in front of the Golden Rider in Dresden. The first week of meteorological spring is living up to the season. The German Weather Service (DWD) is expecting dry weather with mild temperatures. Graduate meteorologist Jürgen Schmidt: "At the weekend, temperatures could reach 20 degrees in some places. Everyone around Cologne, Düsseldorf, Leverkusen and Duisburg has the best chance." Enjoy!! Because the Kühling is coming at the beginning of next week.

 

Governments must take a stronger stance on endangered languages

BY ANNA MAE LAMENTILLO

Mar 7, 2025 09:55 AM 

NIGHT OWL

 

Worldwide, nearly half of all living languages—3,045 out of 7,164—are endangered, with as many as 95 percent at risk of extinction by the end of the century. This crisis extends beyond the linguistic realm and into the heart of cultural, historical, and social identities. Preserving these languages is not merely a sentimental endeavor; it is an obligation that governments, particularly in developing economies, must shoulder. Without proactive government leadership, minority languages can quickly fade, taking with them irreplaceable cultural heritage and crucial knowledge systems.

First and foremost, governments have the power to create and enforce policies that champion linguistic diversity. Declaring minority languages as co-official or legally protected means more than symbolic recognition. It guarantees the right of citizens to receive education, legal aid, and other essential services in their mother tongue. This inclusivity can counteract social marginalization, bolster community confidence, and foster a stronger sense of national identity. By embedding language rights into constitutions, educational guidelines, and local governance, officials help shift the narrative from one of assimilation to one of celebration.

Second, governments can lead the charge in providing funding and resources. Language documentation, revitalization, and promotion efforts often require specialized expertise—linguists, anthropologists, curriculum designers, and software developers, to name a few. Without sustained funding, local initiatives may struggle to survive or scale up. By allocating budgets to language research institutions, training programs for teachers in mother-tongue instruction, and collaborative projects with indigenous communities, governments can significantly amplify the impact of grassroots efforts.

Moreover, the economic benefits of language preservation are often overlooked. Research suggests that children who study in their mother tongues achieve higher literacy rates and perform better academically—a boon for any country’s long-term development. Cultural tourism tied to indigenous languages and traditions can bolster local economies. Films, music, literature, and digital content in diverse tongues not only enrich the cultural tapestry but can open niche markets at home and abroad. Governments that recognize this potential can foster an environment where cultural heritage becomes a strategic asset, not a liability. 

Technological integration is another area where state involvement is crucial. Large tech companies primarily focus on popular global languages for their platforms and services, leaving hundreds of tongues on the margins. Governments can encourage or mandate private-sector collaboration through policies or incentives, ensuring that translation tools, online platforms, and voice assistants incorporate endangered languages. When minority-language speakers have access to digital tools in their own tongue, they remain connected and relevant in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Lastly, government-led international cooperation can turn isolated efforts into global progress. The threat of language extinction spans national borders, so sharing expertise and best practices is vital. Through partnerships with institutions like UNESCO and cross-country cultural exchanges, governments can pool resources, develop standardized language orthographies, and support large-scale digitization projects. Such collaborations help developing countries—which may lack the financial or technical capacity for extensive language-preservation initiatives—leapfrog hurdles more efficiently.

In the end, preserving endangered languages requires more than sporadic efforts by well-intentioned linguists or activists; it demands the full commitment of states, codified into law and supported by the public purse. Every language lost is a chapter of human history closed forever, a unique lens on the world that future generations will never again experience. Governments have the authority, resources, and reach to ensure that does not happen. In doing so, they not only safeguard cultural richness and social equity but also uphold a fundamental moral and ethical duty to protect the linguistic tapestry of humanity.

Ivana Alawi and Barbie Forteza catch up, talk about wearing lucky clothes

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Mar 6, 2025 03:36 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• On their day trip, Ivana and Barbie took the train to the Farmers Market in Araneta City, where they participated in the ukay-ukay challenge. 

Ivana Alawi (left) and Barbie Forteza

Popular stars Ivana Alawi and Barbie Forteza had a delightful reunion, reminiscing and catching up after several years since they both graced the screens together in the popular Kapuso teen series "Tween Hearts" in 2010.

Their joyful encounter was filled with laughter and shared memories, showcasing the strong bond they developed during their time on the show. 

It was a heartwarming moment as they reflected on their journeys in the entertainment industry and celebrated their accomplishments since those early days.

Barbie Forteza (left) and Ivana Alawi

On their day trip, Ivana and Barbie took the train to the Farmers Market in Araneta City, where they participated in the ukay-ukay challenge.

As the two popular stars appeared, the crowd recognized them and cheered loudly. Fans celebrated as they created a mix of excitement and admiration.

Then, the two ate at a seafood market at the Farmers Market. While having lunch, Ivana and Barbie reminisced about their beginnings as actresses and shared their plans and dreams.  

Ivana said Barbie remains to be the nicest celebrity she's ever met. She also revealed the popular actress who cursed her. Check out Ivana's vlog featuring her friend Barbie.

I will be back here for sure!

Davao City, Philippines

12591

Reviewed 4 weeks ago

I will be back here for sure!

Since long time, I was able to taste again the authentic pizza, I experienced many times in Berlin. The staff was awesome. I am sure, I (or better the family) will be back here. Thank you SPIRALE.

Date of visit: January 2025

• • Value
  • Atmosphere
  • Service
  • Food

Ask KlausDORING about Spirale Ristorante

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298459-d3634464-r992030703-Spirale_Ristorante-Davao_City_Davao_del_Sur_Province_Mindanao.html#

The STANDS - An INQUIRER Sports Newsletter

March 7, 2025

Chennie Tagaod (with ball) has high hopes for the Lady Tamaraws this season. (UAAP MEDIA)

Hey there sports fan, It has been a flurry of activity in the local sports scene, and we kick off with two underrated volleyball stars looking to send their team to a battle for the title. Chennie Tagaod and the FEU Lady Tamaraws are on a mission to break into the UAAP Finals, driven by grit and determination. Tagaod, who has steadily improved her game, emphasized the team's hunger to push past expectations and secure a spot in the championship round.  FEU, after all, is the only team to have beaten the UST Tigresses in the current UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament. The Tigresses have won four straight since losing to the Lady Tamaraws. Meanwhile, in the PVL, Savi Davison is making waves with PLDT. The high-flying open spiker has been an integral part of the team's dominant campaign, and with the championship still in the realm of pissibility, she is set on delivering a title to her squad. Over in basketball, history was made as LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to surpass 50,000 career points. The milestone cements James' legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game. His latest feat came amidst a pivotal moment for the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been making headlines with their latest roster moves. The Lakers, who are still in championship contention, have seen a shift in momentum, and James has been relishing the recent trade involving Luka Dončić. According to reports, James is clearly reveling in how the move has strengthened their title hopes. Speaking of the NBA, here's a trivie question: Since being drafted No. 3 overall by Philadelphia in 2014, what is the most number of games Joel Embiid has played in a regular season? Check out the answer at the end of this email. Meanwhile, Filipino boxers have received a boost as the International Olympic Committee provisionally recognized World Boxing. The decision brings renewed optimism to the Philippines' boxing community, especially as athletes prepare for upcoming international competitions. With this recognition, Filipino pugilists are hopeful for better representation and opportunities on the global stage. On the local basketball front, Caelan Tiongson made the most of his matchup against Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in Game 3 of the PBA semifinals. The versatile forward showcased his skills in a high-stakes game, proving that he can hold his own against top-tier competition. As the playoffs heat up, Tiongson’s performance could be a key factor in determining his team’s success.

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Arvin Tolentino and the Batang Pier are alive, for now. (PBA IMAGES)

Meanwhile on Plus... For some, moving on from painfil losses is a tough thing to do. For Tim Cone, moving on from wins is just as difficult. And a semifinal hiccup proved him right.    Meanwhile, Alan Frei talks about curling and its future after the country's historic gold in the Asian Winter Games.  What we're up to next: The knockout rounds are done and the PVL All-Filipino heads to its quarterfinal round with some surprising and intriguing matchups. We don't expect Barangay Ginebra to fumble in the semifinals anymore so we're focusing now on how the championship of the PBA Commissioner's Cup will shape up. And, of course, we will keep track of the UAAP women's volleyball tournament.  Number of the Week: 4 Lakers players who have scored at least 30 points and dished off 15 assists in a single game: Jerry West, Magic Johnson, LeBron James and, the latest, Luka Doncic.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “It’s finally happening.” —Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, weightlifting star, on her sport finally being included in the Palarong Pambansa.

Hi Klaus, Have feedback? We're happy to hear it. Give Suggestions

68. That's the answer to the trivia question above. Think you can ace the rest of our weekly sports quiz? Head over to our Viber community and try the test out! Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. See you next Friday! Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).

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© 2025 PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER, Barangay La Paz, Makati City, Philippines

A German Expat in the Philippines (VII): A Series of Transitions

 

𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐎 𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐑𝐎 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓!

 𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐎 𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐑𝐎 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓!

The race for the coveted Golden Valley crown is intensifying, and our crystal ball has revealed the standout queens who have been making waves!

These ladies have radiated beauty, grace, and an undeniable stage presence— but will our Top Choice align with the ultimate results?

1. Andrea Mizpah Flores | Mawab

2. Sweetsell Rose Nisnisan | Nabunturan

3. Michelle Magallanes | Maco

4. Ashley Nicole Prado | Mabini

5. Athena Kate Guardados | Pantukan

As the competition heats up, the stakes have never been higher!

Who will rise above the rest, seize the spotlight, and carve her name into the storied legacy of Davao de Oro pageantry?

One thing is certain—the path to the crown is adorned with elegance, confidence, and the undeniable charm that defines the true spirit of Davao de Oro's ladies!

Photos | Christian Dean Pate

via Provincial Government of Davao de Oro

Note | This is only the Top Choice of this page and it will not affect the final result of the competition.

#davaoregionpageantryfanpage #DavaoRegionPageantry #BbDavaodeOro2025 #BinibiningDavaodeOro2025 #BinibiningDavaodeOro #DavaodeOro #bulawanfestival2025 #BulawanFestival

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