Do YOU pay YOUR taxes ON TIME?

As an expat living in the Philippines and doing several businesses and having certain incomes I do pay my taxes on time.

Other people don't care!

It was really interesting to learn, that the Philippine Bureau of internal Revenue's campaign against tax evaders and tax cheats is slowly (but surely) paying off after a popular Philippine television and movie personality paid 17 million Pesos in tax obligations after learning that she is the subject of the next tax evasion case to be filed supposedly by the BIR.

No names have been mentioned, but according to well-placed sources at the Bureau, a female television and movie personality of the Philippines, a daughter also of a well known actor and actress (separated for many years now!) has paid the 17 million last week. Good. Congrats! Why not?

Last October 21, the BIR has filed charges against controversial film and television director Carlo J. Caparas for his failure to pay the right amount of taxes. The case against him marks the Aquino's administration's first tax case against a high-profile television and movie personality. I hope, more cases are on the road.

The Philippine Box Icon: Manny Pacquiao

I must confess: I have never been a friend of boxing sport. I changed my mind since last year or so (I don't remember the exact date or incident!). I met Manny Pacquiao's mother during a Rotary convention in General Santos City. I didn't understand, why so many Filipinos admired (and are still admiring!) Manny even as a National hero. Maybe I go the point now... .

Let's face it: when it comes to international sport events: where are the Philippines? When it comes to international sport events, Manny appears more and more in media's headlines.

Looking forward to his next match: it should be the last time Manny will fight at a catch weight. It will be as a welter weight at 147 lb, where he is reigning WBO champaign. No more, no less.

When I browsed www.maxboxing.com I got surprised, learning about trainer Freddie Roach, telling the world, "that he hates catch weight fights"!

Manny Pacquiao is the only fighter in history to win seven world titles in seven different weight classes and will face Antonio Margarito for the vacant WBC super-welter weight  title on November 14, 2010 in Arlington/Texas.

If I ask my fellow Filipino friends and neighbors, if they are confident of a win by the Philippine's champ Manny over Antonio, one might not surprised to learn:

- I am always confident that he will win, and we all should be!

- I am confident with his God-given talent, because he is a world-class boxer.

- I am NOT confident, because Antonio is too tall, heavier and used to the welter weight division and had defeated top-ranking welter weights with flourish!

Mmmh - anyway, good luck Manny!

Tropical Garden - my secret hiding place...

 

I love it here...

 

Christmas Party German Community and International Friends Davao City/Mindanao - Weihnachtsfeier Deutsche Gemeinschaft und Internationale Freunde in Davao City/Mindanao

The Christmas Party of the "German Community Davao City/Mindanao and International Friends" is being scheduled for

Saturday, December 11, 2010

from 12:00 noon till ? (open end!)

in

Casino Filipino Davao City, Pantawan Hall, Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang, Davao City.

International (European) and Filipino Food, drinks, coffee, cake, raffle (sponsor i.e. is  Casino Filipino Davao City), exchange gifts, live band (dance?), program, Christmas spirit and several surprises are waiting for you.

For further information and ticket reservations you might call 082 - 227 1761 (Davao City) and ask for Rossana Balcom-Doring or email me: doringklaus@gmail.com.

Don't miss this event!

+++

Die Weihnachtsfeier der Deutschen Gemeinschaft und Internationale Freunde wird stattfinden am

Samstag, 11. Dezember 2010

von 12:00 mittags bis ? (Ende offen!) im

Casino Filipino Davao City, Pantawan Hall, Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. 

Internationale (Europaeische) und Philippinische Gerichte, Getraenke, Kaffee, Kuchen, Verlosung (Sponsor ist u.a. das Casino Filipino Davao City), eine Liveband (Tanz?), Unterhaltungsprogram, das Gefuehl von Weihnachten und viele Ueberraschungen warten auf Sie! 

Fuer weitere Informationen und Ticketreservierungen sollten Sie bald anrufen: 082- 227 1761 (Davao City) und sprechen Sie mit Rossana Balcom-Doring oder senden Sie mir eine Email: doringklaus@gmail.com.

Versaeumen Sie nicht dieses grossartige Ereignis!!!

Rueckblick: Weihnachtsfeier 2010/Christparty 2010   

                                                                                                             

Why Do I Live in The Philippines? Warum lebe ich auf den Philippinen?

 

That's why! Try to get an idea of it!

Darum! Bilder sagen mehr als Worte!

Filipino Cuisine and Tuna

Filipino cuisine is indeed a uniquely delicious smorgasbord of flavours resulting from an adventurous mix of indigenous ingredients and liberal sprinklings of culinary influences of contact with East and West. 

Food plays really a major role in promoting the Philippines' national identity and culture. Filipino food is so very varied and in some cases, unique , such as "adobo, batchoy, sisig, kalamay, and many others. Believe, I love Philippine cuisine. And, I also love Tuna, or Sashimi.

During my last stay in General Santos City a few days ago I learned that the tuna supply in Mindanao has reached a critical level and a further study is needed on how to make the supply sustainable. A two-year fishing ban has been declared starting this year, on fishing boats like tuna purse seiners to allow the dwindling tuna stocks to regenerate. I am pretty sure we have to believe, that the tuna resources are in a critical stage now. 

By the way: Region XII of Mindanao has exported 34 million kilograms of frozen whole round tuna, pouched and canned tuna products to the European Union markets from January to June 2010 alone... .

Hunger in The Philippines

Actually I am always very careful when it comes to surveys. Not only in the Philippines - everywhere! After being back from several trips to Cebu, Manila and some parts in Mindanao I came across the Social Weather Stations (SWS) - BusinessWorld nationwide survey conducted last September among 1,200 respondents.

Fewer families claiming to suffer hunger!  So far so good. The latest hunger figure is lower than the 21.1 percent of families (4 million households) then in the survey conducted last June. 

Survey questions about household hunger are always directed to the household head, using the phrase 'experienced hunger; and did not have anything to eat'! The measure of hunger refers to involuntary suffering because the respondents answer a survey question that specifies hunger due to lack of anything to eat. 

Three times daily a meal? 

Overall hunger declined in all geographical areas: Mindanao, 16.3 percent (which SWS translates to 700,000 families); Visayas, 15.3 percent (580,000); Balance of Luzon, 14.7 percent (1.2 million); and Metro Manila, 20.3 percent (507,000 families). Likewise, the survey also showed, that there were about nine million families or 48 percent who claimed they are poor.

Again: it is just a slight improvement: fewer Philippino families claiming to suffer hunger.

Uplifting the Pinoy Brand... .

With recent events having shed the Philippines in a rather awful light, Filipinos are posed with an even greater challenge to rise above the situation and show the international realm that there are still many reasons why Filipinos can be (and are still!) proud to be Pinoy. As an expat living here since 1999 you can believe me. It's really true! Let's talk about the optimism of Filipinos!

Nick Fontanilla, president of the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) said, that trying times remind Filipinos of their most interesting trait - the optimism.  Fontanilla said something very interesting else: "Now, that the Philippines is going through another kind of 'storm' we encourage Filipinos to remain patriotic - to be reminded of many other individuals who have made our country proud and follow their footsteps". Very well said, Sir.

PMA, the Philippines' premiere organization of marketing professionals goes nationwide in its commitment to educate marketing, business and entrepreneurship  as it will be conducting a caravan themed as "Pinoy as Global Brand" until November 2010.

I found www.philippinemarketing.net.ph and www.pinoybrandkaba.com . Here you can also check out the caravan schedules.

Uplifting the Pinoy brand - in the global arena! YES!

Blue Skies For Our Children

You might be surprised, but even as an expatriat living in the Philippines, I appreciate every single step of several people and institutions around me when it comes to the most important topic to take of our environment - to help our Mother Earth to survive.

One great example (among many others!) is the Blue Skies Alliance (Clean Air Initiative for Asian citizen). Carrying on the dream Soichiro Honda, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. announces in several advertisements and press releases, that they raise the bar even higher in preserving the environment. Honda Cars Philippines is proud to announce the A Blue Skies Alliance, a collaborative effort with the Philippine Climate Imperative, Clean Air Initiative-Asian Cities, Philippine Business for Environment, Department of Energy, Haribon Foundation, corporate fleet partners and over 14,000 Facebook supporters. 

Don't get me wrong: I am not doing promotion for HONDA. I am promoting people, who are intensifying efforts to signifiantly decrease harmful pollutans in the air.

Visit facebook.com/hondaphil and make a pledge to leave blue skies for our next generations.

SMART warns: Don't Be Duped By Scammers

I am glad. I received a press release from Reena J. Villamar, SMART Public Affairs. Very important. I like to share it with you:

Scammers usually target families or relatives of overseas Filipino workers (OFW's), or those who receive regular remittances from abroad. Senders of hoax texts usually claim to be family members, relatives and friends.

"They would pretend to be a family member or a relative, and ask victims to deposit a certain amount of money to various bank or e-money accounts, The money is supposed to help them during an emergency situation, such as escaping from a cruel emplyer by buying a ticket, or money for a medical treatment", said SMART Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto.

"Since the initial reaction is almost always to help fraud victims send money as soon as possible, without confirming the facts with their family members first. When they relaize everything, it's too late", he added.

To avoid falling victim to scammers and losing hard-earned money, text messages or calls (and even emails) from unknown people should be double-checked and confirmed - or just ignored. 

Thanks a lot for reminding Reena J. Villamor, SMART Public Affairs. 

German Oktoberfest in Davao City at Swiss Deli

It was the second "German" Oktoberfest in Davao City - and it has been really fun. A big thanks to Romano and Markus, proprietors of Swiss Deli for a very delicious buffet and lot of beer! Great taste - and very well trained staff - as always!

Thank you so much to Rolf from Manila (extreme left) - a very blessed accordeon musician with an incredible repertoire, and, of course, to MC Susie Rexrodt (second from right), GMA-TV host and my colleague in University of Southeastern Philippines (Institute of Languages). With us (among many others) have been also Ana "Tess" Bassilio (third from left), Society Editor and columnist of Mindanao Daily Mirror as well as Ana Felicia Dulay (extreme right), Editor of SunStar Davao... .

It has been a German Oktoberfest in Swiss Deli - but guests from several countries dropped by and joined us.

A "sweet" desert storm - when German Oktoberfest ended up in...

(Check out my Facebook Profile for more photos...!)

Oktoberfest and its history: It started with the Royal Wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, on October 12, 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The fields have been named "Theresienwiese" (Theresa's Fields) in honor of the Crown Princess eversince, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the 'Wies'n'!

Today the Oktoberfest is the largest festival in the world, with an international flavor characteristic of the 21st century: some 6 million visitors from all around the world converge on the Oktoberfest each year. And since the Oktoberfest is still held on the Theresienwiese, the locals still refer to the event simply as the "Wies'n"!

Welcome to the next Oktoberfest! Here in Davao City or in Munich/Germany! Or in Manila! I just accepted an invitation for Manila.

Beer, chicken, pork sausages, pork knuckles - and a lot of fun!

Another website? Noch 'ne andere Webseite?

Yes, I love writing and expressing myself as an expat living in the Philippines.

My new and additional website shall be different then this. Check it out and (hopefully!) enjoy reading. You'll experience the differences. 

Please leave any comments, suggestions or questions. I would love to react and stay in touch with you, wherever you are residing right now.

MABUHAY. Welcome to the Philippines.

www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com

Ja, ich liebe es zu schreiben und mich als Auswanderer, der nun permanent auf den Philippinen lebt, hier auszudruecken und zu aeussern!

Meine neue und zusaetzliche Webseite soll noch unterschiedlicher werden, als diese hier. Ich hoffe, es gelingt mir. Viel Spass (hoffentlich!) beim Lesen. Sie werden sicherlich die Unterschiede bemerken.

Bitte hinterlassen Sie Ihre Kommentare, Ihre Vorschlaege oder Ihre Fragen.Ich wuerde sehr gern alles beantworten und mit Ihnen, liebe Leserinnen und Leser in Kontakt bleiben. Egal, wo Sie wohnen, und, egal welcher Nationalitaet Sie angehoeren!

MABUHAY! Willkommen auf den Philippinen!

www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com

Need to Stay in Makati, Metro Manila?

Check out the "Greenbelt Makati Condo For Rent" with really affordable rates.

http://www.makatirooms.com.

Makati Rooms provide clean, beautiful, comfortable and affordable condo units for rent for people looking for both short-term and long-term accomodation in Makati, Metro Manila/Philippines.

I need to stay in Makati later in October. Guess, where I'll be staying?

Popularity Contest

Popularity Contest

TAWA-TAWA - In Fight Versus Dengue

A weed known as tawa-tawa has become a serious matter for the Department of Health in the Philippines (DOH), which is now considering the proposalsof herbalist and former health secretary Jaime Galvez Tan to fund a research on the plant as possible panacea to the fatal bleeding among dengue victims.

I experienced already eight dengue victims in my surroundings during the last months. Tawa-tawa and Durian (the fruit which smells hell but tastes heaven!) have been described by all doctors.

The weed Tawa-tawa is said to prevent hemorrhaging by normalizing platelet count in the blood. According to the latest DOT reports, dengue cases in the Philippines already breached the 90,000 mark. 

During a press-conference during a launch here of a two-day Generic Medicine Expo for Luzon, one could learn from Health Assistant Secretary elmer Punzalan about a joint project of the DOH and the National Center for Pharmaceutical Access and Management, in partnership with SM Prime Holdings Inc.

Tawa-tawa, scientifically known as "Euphorbia hirta" has been also experienced with the side effect encouraging frequent urination, that could lead to dehydration. 

Also other natural remedies, such as all red, orange and yellow-colored natural fruit juices, which are rich in antioxidants, and vitamins A and C could boost immunity against the dengue virus. 

Guys - stay safe always!

Bureau of Immigration Adopts New Queue System

The Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines - again in the critics - started implementing a new queuing system, which is called the "snake-line"  or "s-line" for arriving and departing passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in bid to prevent connivance between human smuggling syndicates and unscrupulous BI personnel, as I could learn from officials during my stay in Cebu City some days ago.

BI officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma said by changing the line formation, they hope to stop the Filipinos 'tourist workers' from ending up as illegal workers in other countries. As one could also learn from several press releases: in the previous straight line scheme, the passengers are able to choose which immigration counter to queue. Human smugglers usually instruct victims to line up in front of the counter manned by corrupt BI personnel. But by adopting the s-line, the passengers would be distributed in the different counters. 

I agree strongly with this and hope and pray, that the initial results are really very encouraging and, that the Immigration officers really will be very cooperative in the implementation of the new system. Not only in Manila - but as well as at all arrival and departure counters of the Philippines at the soonest possible time.

For the sake of my second home, the Republic of the Philippines!

Oktoberfest in Davao City

Don't forget: Oktoberfest in Davao City with Miss Susie Rexrodt, GMA TV host in Swiss Deli, Damosa, Davao City. Check out my previous posts.

Vergessen Sie nicht unser Oktoberfest in Davao City in Swiss Deli, Damosa Davao City mit GMA TV Fernsehmoderatorin   Susie Rexrodt.

Limited seats are still available.  

Call now/Rufen Sie JETZT AN: 082 - 227 1761! 

Philippine Boy Scouts Wage War versus Dengue

Dengue has found a formidable foe: the Philippine Boy Scouts. This after the two-million strong boy scouts of the Philippines decided to wage its own battle against the increasing cases of H-fever caused by the aides egypti mosquito.

"Scouts may be the next victims," secretary general J. Rizal C. Pangilinan said in a memorandum issued to BSP's 112 local councils and 10 scouting regions nationwide. I know about it, because I am still a passive member of this institution.

The nationwide campaign dubbed "Scouts Against Dengue" involves the holding of massive clean-up operations aimed at eradicating sources of dengue and the holding of information campaigns.

Scouts will conduct house-to-house campaigns and assist local government units in distributing anti-dengue leaflets. Scout units are encouraged to form their own groups in the campaign. 100 percent participation is really expected.

Amid the increasing number of cases and deaths, the Boy Scouts Philippines is called upon to do its share in the massive effort of helping minimize, if not totally eradicate, the deadly disease. BSP councils shoud to be cautious in conducting scouting activities like camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. All must be prepared by following certain guidelines being issued by the Department of Health and other health agencies against the dengue fever. 

As it has been mentioned several times before, my dear readers: "Prevention is still the best medicine. We must be always be prepared to help stop the spread of the disease!

Wage war against dengue!!!

Philippine Online Classifieds Market

Ringier AG and the great Philippine Summit Media have teamed up to form 'get Sold Corporation", a 50/50 joint venture that develops the online classifieds market in the Philippines.

The project offers a range of transactional online products and services and will initially focus on real estate.

For its flagship project, Get Sold Corperation launched www.MyProperty.ph, the Philippines' first online portal for real-estate buyers and sellers. 

MyProperty.ph is by far the most comprehensive source of real estate information and the first of its kind in terms of content, scale, and relevance to industry. With just one click, buyers and sellers alike will be able to access property listings, real-estate news and network with other buyers, renters, lessors, and sellers.

The Philippines is indeed one of the fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia and Ringier and its Mediaswiss subsidiary have well-established know-how in the field of online classified and directories. 

By the way, besides China and Vietnam, the Philippines is the third country in the Asian region in which Ringier has business activities.

Does The Today's Filipino Still Care Or Not?

The August 23, 2010 hostage drama is still in our minds. Since that day innumerable TV shows and newspaper articles asking many questions about the today's Filipino and a possible (new) generation that does not care any more.

One thing is for sure: after the hostage drama, there is indeed just too much negativity about and against the Filipino people and the nation Philippines! It is ashamed to read a lot of comments while browsing in the WorldWideWeb, i.e. from a foreigner (I'll not mention the nationality!), married to a Filipina, making a litany of the supposed stupidity or idiocy of Filipinos in general. Heaven forbid!

Also the Manila Bulletin reported about it several days ago. Allow me to quote this daily:

"Then there is an article of a certain Daniel Wagner of Huffington Post, wherein he said he sees nothing good in the Philippines' future".

How does that man know it? Is he a clairvoyant or just one of these notorious know-it-all-betters, who enjoy complaining about the lamentable and pathetic life in the Philippines?

Of course, there is no place like paradise on our whole globe. I say this as an expatriat living in the Philippines since 1999 for good, who stepped on Philippine soil in 1976 for the first time. Yes, it's true the hostage fiasco is being part now of the Philippine history, even Filipinos in general accepted the failure on their part. But, it should not allow other people to insult and offend the Philippines and its people.

Yes, the Filipino heart is one of history's biggest, as writer Alex Lacson published in the Manila Bulletin on September 5, 2010. The Filipino heart is one of the world's rare jewels and one of humanity's greatest treasures. Believe me, I experience this since many, many years in my surroundings and during my daily as an expat.

Alex Lacson is a Filipino lawyer, author, lecturer, philanthropist and politician who ran in the 2010 Philippine senatorial elections. He is best known as the author of "12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country".

Lacson says:

"First, defend and protect the Filipino whenever you can, especially among your children. Fight all this negativity about the Filipino that is circulating in many parts of the world. Let us not allow this single incident define who the Filipino is, and who we are as people. Demand for good leadership and good government from our leaders. Question both, their actions and inaction; expose their follies of their policies and decisions."

Very, very well said Alex Lacson!

Deutschkurs in Davao und das Goethe Institut Manila/German Course in Davao and the Goethe Institute Manila

Nun kann man auch Deutsch in Davao City lernen... - eigentlich kann man das schon seit ueber 2 Jahren, seitdem ich an der University of Southeastern Philippines den Deutschkurs leite. Seit einigen Monaten bin ich Fakultaetsmitglied und im April 2010 unterzeichneten das Goethe Institut Manila und die University of Southeastern Philippines eine "Schriftliche Vereinbarung im gegenseitigen Einvernehmen und Einverstaendnis betreffend Foerderung und Unterstuetzung der deutschen Kultur (und eben auch der deutschen Sprache) in Mindanao".

USEP und das G.I. sind Partner geworden: http://www.goethe.de/ins/ph/map/net/ska/enindex.htm

Now you're also able to learn the German language in Davao - actually one can do this already since more then two years, since I started with a German language course with this institution. Several months ago I became faculty member for German language in the Institute of  Languages and in April 2010 the Goethe Institut Manila and the University of Southeastern Philippines  signed a Memorandum of Understanding in promoting the German culture (of course including the German language) in Mindanao.

USEP and the G.I. became partners:
http://www.goethe.de/ins/ph/map/net/ska/enindex.htm