Lugaw is the nation’s comfort food

 

by Cheshire Que

Manila Bulletin

Lugaw, a local porridge, is so common and simple that we take it for granted, until we fall ill. Can you recall the times you had the flu or bouts of diarrhea and all you could think of was eating lugaw? Oh, the instant comfort a humble bowl of hot rice boiled in water brings! What makes it so comforting?

Generally speaking, porridge is prepared by boiling grains in water or milk. Variations come depending on the country of origin. Porridge in western countries use oats and milk. In Asian countries, porridge is known as congee in China, okayu in Japan, jok in Thailand, juk in Korea, and lugaw in the Philippines. Arroz caldo is a more flavorful version brought by the added ginger, broth, garlic, and chicken. Porridge varies in terms of grain quality. For example, glutinous rice versus short-grain. The consistency of the broth and other ingredients used to flavor also differ. But they all boil down two things: to give nourishment and comfort.

Are there any health benefits to eating lugaw? Could it possibly possess healing properties? First, let us consider how a sick person feels. Loss of appetite is very common, next to dehydration and difficulty in digestion. This puts him or her at risk of dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and fatigue. Lugaw can provide easy to digest source of energy through the boiled rice, which is high in carbohydrates. The high water content of lugaw can add to the individuals total fluid intake in a day, thus helping prevent dehydration. 

Second, lugaw is a versatile bland dish that can be enhanced in many ways to add more nutrients and flavor. There are no rules set in cooking lugaw. Adding ginger will give multiple health benefits. It has antimicrobial properties that ward off germs, bacteria, and viruses. It’s anti-inflammatory effects aid in pain management, as well as fever. Ginger also calms nausea and indigestion. It helps control cholesterol and lowers blood glucose too.

Another ingredient common in lugaw is garlic. This close relative of onion and scallion has been used since ancient times to treat lung diseases, fever, high blood pressure, and stomach upset, which includes flatulence, indigestion, and colic.

Salt is a staple for lugaw. Caution, however, must be taken for individuals with high blood pressure and edema. Salt is not entirely bad. For someone experiencing diarrhea, salt will help improve electrolyte imbalance and prevent dehydration. Sprinkle some on your lugaw. 

Adding some flaked chicken or fish, egg, and other seafood will give high biologic value protein for immunity and prevention of muscle loss. For a plant based lugaw, lentils, beans, and soy products can be added as good sources of protein. 

You can also choose to make the humble dish fancier by trying on a sweeter and more sophisticated flavor instead of the usual savory one. Sprinkle some cinnamon powder, add cubed apple and banana slices, and drizzle some honey. 

Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant. It helps lower blood glucose, quell inflammation, especially for those experiencing arthritic pains. Honey is a potent natural cough suppressant. It is also a prebiotic, which promotes healthy gut microbiome or bacteria in the digestive system. Apple and banana have pectin, which is good for the stomach lining and heart health. Having some apples and bananas during bouts of diarrheal episodes will help form stool. 

Never underestimate the nutritional value of having lugaw, especially on sick days. Lugaw is essential.

cheshireque@gmail.com

DOJ: Facebook removes page behind ‘malicious tagging’

ARE you one of those tagged in comments to a malicious Facebook post of a friend or random users?

Here’s good news: the page associated with the “malicious tagging” has been removed.

The Department of Justice (DOJ)-Office of Cybercrime (OOC) confirmed this Wednesday, April 21, saying that it received a notice from Facebook’s APAC Legal Law Enforcement Outreach about the removal, adding that the administrators of the page associated with the malicious tagging were sanctioned.

The DOH-OOC reported the matter to Facebook’s APAC Legal Law Enforcement Outreach after receiving several complaints from Facebook users who were tagged in a post containing a link to adult videos.

Once the link is clicked, the users are asked to install an update to a player so they can watch the video in full. Clicking on the link, however, will result in the automatic and random tagging of other Facebook account users in the same post.

Experts said people behind “malicious tagging” could gain access to a Facebook account and they could send messages or posts with a link tagging your friends or random people on the social network, allowing them to spread the malware.

Security researchers said this can be avoided by not clicking on the malicious links, especially those tagged by strangers.

“If you happen to get a notification tagging you in a post that contains a link to an apparent adult content, do not lick any further and report the post,” said the DOJ-OOC.

It also encouraged Facebook users to report similar incidents in the future to the DOH-OOC for immediate and appropriate action.

The DOJ-OOC said introduction or transmission of viruses, such as malwares, to and interference in the functioning of computer systems are prohibited acts under Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Let's all be good netizens and practice the responsible use of social media,” it said. (Laureen Mondoñedo-Ynot, Manila Bulletin)

DOH reports more Covid-19 recoveries than new infections

FOR the second day, the Department of Health (DOH) reported thousands of recoveries from coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in addition to the record number of time-based recoveries over the weekend.

New Covid-19 cases also fell below 10,000 for the second day as the DOH listed 7,379 new infections in its case bulletin Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

These were lower than the 9,628 reported on Monday and the third below-10,000 case count in the last seven days from April 14 to 20.

Deaths from Covid-19 were also below 100 for the second day on Tuesday, with the DOH confirming 93 mortalities which raised the death toll to 16,141.

The 93 deaths were higher than the 88 deaths on Monday and the third below-100 mortality count in the last seven days. The case fatality rate decreased to 1.69 percent.

The new cases brought the cumulative case count to 953,106.

There were 21,664 recoveries, nearly three times the number of new cases and more than double the 9,266 recoveries reported on Monday .

The DOH has been reporting record numbers of recoveries based on its time-based methodology, which declares as clinically recovered those coronavirus-positive individuals who have not experienced any Covid-19 symptoms for at least 14 consecutive days. However, this used to be done only on Sundays.

On Sunday, April 18, DOH reported a record high of 72,607 recoveries.

The additional recoveries on Tuesday brought down the number of active cases to 127,006, which account for 13.3 percent of the cumulative case count.

These also raised the total recoveries to 809,959, increasing its proportion to 85 percent.

Testing output was still low at 27,040 as of noon of April 19, while the daily positivity rate increased to 17.9 percent.

The daily positivity rate has been lower than 20 percent for nine days from April 12 to 20. (Marites Villamor-Ilano / SunStar Philippines)

Did you click that malicious video link on Facebook?

 

by Art Samaniego, Manila Bulletin

If your answer is yes, then you’re in big trouble. A 2015 malware has recently re-emerged, and this time it is more dangerous. It’s called Facebook “malicious tagging”.

Malicious tagging could gain control of your Facebook account and then send private messages and publish posts with a link tagging your friends on Facebook, people in your Facebook groups, and users who you engaged with on Facebook in the past. The posts and messages could help spread the malware as your friends are more likely to click the link if it’s coming from you. If you see your name being tagged by people you do not know, this means that your friends are safe (for now). The people who tagged you are the people you might have engaged with in the past thru comments or thru Facebook pages.

While this malware is doing its rounds on Facebook, scammers could also use other platforms. So be careful.

How does it work?

First, you would get a notification that you have been tagged in a post. Most of the time, the post would just be a video with a thumbnail that’s not fit for kids to see. Of course, a sexy video would be very tempting to watch especially if it comes from your friend and you would see that many of your friends were also tagged.

Once you click the link, you would be redirected to a page asking you to update your Flash player so that you could watch the video. DO NOT download or update anything. If you do, the malware will then be installed on your device. It would then scan your system for sensitive information that could be used to access your financial accounts. It will also take over your Facebook account by posting a video with a link tagging people in your friend’s list.

What to do?

If you see a Facebook post where you, your friends, and many other users are tagged, do not click the link. Believe me, the only interesting content of that link is the malware that could make your life miserable. Immediately notify the friend who tagged you and tell him to run the latest antivirus software on his device, it is also wise to change the password and activate 2FA immediately. While this malware is doing its rounds on Facebook, other platforms could also share the same malware. I have received an email containing the same link. So be careful.

You can also secure your privacy settings by changing to “only me” who can see posts that you are tagged. If you set it to everyone, other people could see if you’re tagged by the scammers. Also, make sure that you “review tags to your posts before the tags appear on Facebook”. Activate the “Review posts you are tagged in before the posts appear on your profile”, if this is OFF, tags would automatically appear on your wall. If you are annoyed with the notifications informing you that you have been tagged by users you don’t even know, change it to “Friends Only.” All these could be accessed by going to Settings and Privacy then click Settings. Go then to Privacy options and Notifications and change the settings to your preference.

Lastly, always think before you click. Scammers know what’s your weakness and they would use it to trick you.

THE WAY TO HEAVEN

SHARE

Like

Tweet

Driving in big cities is not a joke for beginners. It's an ordeal, especially driving during heavy traffic hours. One must know where to go and which way to take. Otherwise, one'll end up bumping somewhere somehow... .

But, driving a car in a small village, where roads are simple, is for neophytes an enjoyable one. No traffic, or less traffic, no traffic lights, no complicated ways... .

In the same way, railroads can make train drivers ill at ease when they are also in big cities. I remember Munich in my home country Germany, where railways appear like spider's cobwebs. They go in several directions. No wonder, accidents on the roads happened many times.

In life we, too, have roads which lead us to several directions. To go to heaven, man's eternal destiny, one can either choose the shortest road, or one can make detours. Not so many perhaps fall by the way and end up in eternal damnation.

There are some of us, Christians, who take the shourt-cut road to heaven. This is the road of suffering, of the actual practice of Christian virtues, of serving God and our neighbour. Others take the circuitos road of easy life, thinking that at the end they still have time to amend themselves and lead a good life. This is risky, since no one can guarantee that an opportunity will be given at the eleventh hour. Unfortunately, there are still others, who prefer to take that opposite road, which leads to eternal damnation. So they live, so they die! In John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress", we read, "Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven!"

Homo sapiens, quo vadis?

Typical Filipino (IX) - Typisch Philippinisch (IX) : Anting-anting: Amulette und Talismänner

 IX: Amulette und Talismänner

Der Glaube an "anting-anting" reicht in die Vorgeschichte zurück und wurde schon von frühen spanischen Chronisten beschrieben. Er ist auch heute noch weit verbreitet. Christliche Filipinos haben ihr "anting-anting" mit abgewandelten christlichen Symbolen und lateinischen Namen versehen. Anting-antings können ihren Besitzer unbesiegbar oder unsichtbar machen und auch Glück und Wohlstand bringen. Gewöhnlich sind sie geheime Waffen von Kriegern. Von vielen namhaften Banditen hieß es, sie hätten besonders wirksame anting-antings besessen. Und der Biograph von Ex-Präsident Marcos, Hartzell Spence, behauptet, Bischof Aglipay hätte Marcos ein anting-anting in den Rücken operieren lassen.

The belief in "anting-anting" goes back to the prehistory and was already described by early Spanish chroniclers. The belief is still widespread today. Christian Filipinos have given their anting-anting modified Christian symbols and Latin  names. Anting-antings can make their owner invincible or invisible and also bring luck and prosperity. Usually they are the secret weapons of warriors. Many well-known bandits are said to have had particularly effective ones. And the biographer of ex-President Marcos, Hartzell Spence claims, Bishop Aglipay had operated an anting-anting in the back of Marcos. [Believe it or not!]

CALL DDOC MARKS 1ST ANNIVERSARY; SERVES 17,000 PATIENTS IN DAVAO DE ORO AND OTHER PROVINCES

DAVAO DE ORO —Call DdOC, the provincial government of Davao de Oro’s healthcare-made-easy online and tele-consultation program which was implemented by its four Provincial Hospitals recently celebrated its first full year of operation last April 13, 2021. Being one of the first free, PLGU-led online consultation programs in Davao Region,Call DdOCin its first year of operation has served over 17,848 patients both within and outside the region. 

Call DdOC was created to provide the public with accessible, contactless, and costless healthcare services amidst the pandemic. This is done by mobilizing the Outpatient Departments (OPD) of each of the province’s four hospitals in Montevista, Laak, Maragusan and Pantukan,to conduct medical consultations through the Call DdOChelplines and Facebook pages.

During the implemented Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) last year, IATF protocols strictly prohibited people from leaving their homes—be it to get check-ups or restock home supplies unless deemed to be an emergency—due to various health risks brought by the pandemic.But as the people remained unable to visit hospitals for face-to-face check-ups,hospital Outpatient Departments also became handicapped.This is what urged Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy and provincial doctors Ferdinand Anthony Soberano, Jose Martin Briones, Eunice Manansala, Neil Estoya, and Ecargam Lim of the four provincial hospitals to create the provincial government’s own online consultation program.

This healthcare initiative operates under the 1DdO Helpline System which is one of the province’s latest digital innovations that integrates government offices into one portal, making government services available within arm’s reach of the public especially during the pandemic.Both programs were recognized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in 2020 and were awarded national Digital Governance Awards (DGA). Ranked first is the 1DdO Helpline which was awarded best in the Government-to-Government category, while Call DdOC placed third in the Government’s COVID-19 Response category.These due recognitions however only empower the provincial government to continue strengthening its efforts to improve healthcare interventions and intensify e-governance in the province of Davao de Oro. // Monique Rosario-Provincial Governor’s Office of Davao de Oro

Typical Filipino (VIII) - Typisch Philippinisch (VIII): "Bayanihan"

 

So heißt die traditionelle Methode der Zusammenarbeit in ländlichen Gebieten bei Tätigkeiten, die die Hilfe vieler Hände verlangen, wie etwa beim Pflanzen und Ernten.

Auch ein Umzug bedeutet, daß das ganze Haus zu einem anderen Standort getragen wird. Alle Verwandten, Freunde und Nachbarn helfen dabei. Bayanihan nennt man diesen Geist gegenseitiger Hilfe und das Symbol für die Fähigkeit der Filipinos, für ein gemeinsames Ziel zusammenzuarbeiten. Ich habe dies in den mehr als 22 Jahren permanentem Lebens mit meiner philippinischen Familie oftmals kennenlernen dürfen.

Bayanihan, this is the name of the traditional method of working together in rural areas for activities that require the help of many hands, such as planting and harvesting.

Moving also means moving the whole house to another location. All relatives, friends, and neighbors help out. Bayanihan is the name given to this spirit of mutual help and the symbol of the Filipinos' ability to work together towards a common goal. I have been able to get to know this many times in the more than 22 years permanently living in the Philippines with my Filipino family.

New commanding officer of 28th IB formally assumes position

Davao de Oro --- The Army’s 28th Infantry KAMAGONG Battalion based in the province of Davao de Oro welcomed LTC Danny D Bustamante INF (GSC) PA as he formally assumes as the newly-installed Commanding Officer on April 12, 2021, at 28th Headquarters situated in Barangay Nueva Visayas, Mawab, Davao de Oro.

In a change of command ceremony MGen Ernesto C Torres Jr PA, Commander of 10th Infantry AGILA Division, lead the handling of the command symbol from outgoing LTC Alexander D Banatao INF (GSC) PA who took post on 12 April 2019 to incoming LTC Danny D Bustamante INF (GSC) PA.

 

Prior to his assumption, LTC Bustamante served as the Battalion Commander of the 10th Civil Military Operation (CMO) and held different vital designations that contributed to the success of the Philippine Army throughout.

 

MGen Torres congratulated LTC Banatao for his accomplishments and commendable service rendered in the past years of successful combat operations, strong multilateral relations, and various efforts in ending local communists armed conflict in the province of Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro.

 

“I want to personally thank the KAMAGONG troopers for their selfless efforts to attain the accomplishments of the unit’s mission and to our partners, the local and national government agencies, civil society organizations, and private stakeholders who have been part of this success,” LTC Banatao said.

 

In his assumption speech, LTC Bustamante expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to lead the unit and vowed commitment to continue the legacy of the outgoing commander. “I commit myself by all means and ensure to work consistently in harmony with the troops and in collaboration with our stakeholders and other agencies to cultivate the value of peace and attain inclusive and sustainable development in the province,” he said.

 

The said ceremony was also witnessed and attended by Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, Brigade General Luis Rex D Bergante PA, Col Jake Thaddeus Obligado (INF) PA, Municipal Mayor of Mawab, Mabini, Maco, and Pantukan, and other officials.

 (Rheafe Hortizano –Provincial Information Office of DdO, Photo Courtesy of Jonie Cadiz)

Typical Filipino (VII) - Typisch Philippinisch (VII): Essen

 Essen ist ungemein wichtig für die Gemütsverfassung eines Filipinos. Es scheint, als sitze ihm die Angst im Nacken, Hunger leiden zu müssen. Wohin es auch geht, wird für ausreichenden Wegproviant gesorgt. Die Unmenge von Freßpäckchen, die unweigerlich jeden Strandausflug begleiten, vermag das unruhige Gefühl in der Magengegend nicht zu besänftigen. Auf dem Weg zum neuen Ziel muß an einigen Obstständen noch für Nachschub gesorgt werden. 

Es gibt kein Treffen von Filipinos, an dem nicht Essen aufgetragen wird. Es gehört zur üblichen Gastfreundschaft, Besuchern nicht nur Getränke, sondern auch Speisen anzubieten. Die übliche philippinische Begrüßung lautet fast immer: "Haben Sie schon gegessen?" ("Kumain ka na ba?") Es gehört sich nicht, vor den Augen eines anderen zu essen, ohne ihm davon anzubieten. Dazu gehört auch die Kaffeepause, die "Merienda". Eßlokale aller Art schiessen wie Pilze aus dem Boden: vornehme Restaurants , philippinische Spezialitätenlokale, Imbißbuden, Straßengrills und Garküchen. Sie, liebe Leser und Leserinnen  haben die Wahl.

Food is extremely important to the state of mind of a Filipino/Filipina. It seems as if the fear always sits in his/her neck that he/she has to go hungry. Wherever you go, enough provisions will be provided. The huge number of parcels that inevitably accompany every trip to the beach is unable to soothe the uneasy feeling in the stomach area. On the way to a new destination, a few fruit stalls have to be replenished.

There is no meeting of Filipinos where food is not served. It is part of the usual hospitality to visitors not only drinks but also offer foods. The usual Filipino greeting is almost always: "Have you eaten already?" It is not proper to eat in front of another without offering it to him/her. This also includes the coffee break, the "merienda".  Eateries of all kinds are springing up as upscale restaurants, Filipino specialities restaurants,  and local street food stalls. You, my dear readers have the choice.

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XI): Dancing in Germany

CHAPTER XI: Dancing in Germany

My story of a German-Filipino mixed marriage life in Germany began. A life especially with elements of dance and music. The Broadway Dancing and Music Show at the Theater des Westens in Berlin was an unforgettable experience for Rossana. Sure, for me too. I love classical music. I love Jazz. Until now. 

The same evening we got home, she looked at me and asked, "Can you imagine that we will start a Filipino Cultural Dance Group here in Berlin? Just like my Manisan Dance Group in the Philippines?" I saw her shining eyes... .

"Sure, I will try and support your plan and idea", I replied. But before that, I would like to introduce more classical music. 'The Merry Wifes of Windsor' followed. An opera by  German composer Otto Nicolai. Rossana got a headache. Beethoven followed. She smiled... .

The weeks passed. I really got very busy in the office. Overtime at home. "If I could help you finish the layout and proof-reading", Rossana asked me. "You have to be able to master the German language very well", I replied. "Where can I learn German?" Rossana asked me. The German Cultural Center, the Goethe Institut had its office in Berlin near our residence. Rossana enrolled as soon as possible and finished her studies with the C2- exam (the highest language level for applying for German citizenship) after 1 1/2 years. 

During this period, she started several jobs as a babysitter in a family of a French soldier. During that time too, West-Berlin was divided in the three western sectors British, French and United States. Later, she would work in the Stars and Stripes Bookstore at the American Airbase at the Military Airport Berlin-Tempelhof. No entry even for me!

In the meantime, Rossana and I were able to set up the "New Manisan Dance Group Berlin". Several performances followed. Several talk shows too. I was very proud that the Berlin Theater Club arranged a performance for us as talk members at the Berlin Intercontinental Hotel.  The Annual International Tourism Fair Berlin allowed Rossana and our dance ensemble to perform as Philippine representatives.

And another aspect helped Rossana delete her loneliness. The Philippine Community Berlin and its chaplain, the legendary Father Gene, Professor Dr. Hermogenes Bacareza, author of the book "German-Philippine Relations", my major mentor in future. In the next few years, he "opened all doors for me", especially for journalistic work in the Philippines, while we were still living in the Philippines. My first column was published in "Tinig ng Bayan" (Voice of the Nation), a global mission-oriented publication based in Abra. Father Gene would visit us already in 2000 and blessed our house and lot in Davao City.

Our honeymoon took us to Switzerland. And then: a big visit from the Philippines had been announced. Vice President Laurel and family. Huge excitement in the Philippine community Berlin.

(To be continued!)

Why do so many relationships break down?

Since the pandemic hit us, many people have changed. From depression until aggression and indifference. Actually  "Relationship" comes from the Latin "referre" or "relatum", which means "to bring back". Some might say: That's of no importance to me. That doesn't worry me at all. There is even no need to worry about it. Yes, sometimes, we wish people around us weren't so thoughtless.

In one of my penultimate columns I tried to explain, "when to keep our mouth shut"! Silence is also an answer - sure! But some of my readers posed the question, if also broken relationships can be only restored by silence or waiting. My answer is YES and/or NO!

Sometimes it's a wonder, what a small dose of determined silence can do. Relationships are ALWAYS worth restoring, because life is all about learning how to love and how to value relationships and make the effort to maintain them instead of discarding them whenever there is a rift, a hurt, or a conflict. The bible told us that all of us have been given the ministry of restoring broken relationships.

Broken or cooled down relationships can be noticed at any corner. Restoring them is equal to peacemaking or peacekeeping but also not avoiding facing conflicts. Running away from a problem (and then keeping the mouth shut!), pretending that the problem doesn't exist or being too afraid to talk about it, that's how the hypocritical coward acts.  Some people love to downplay everything: Things aren't too bad - they could be worse! 

I always love to talk to God before I talk to a person. Later, I can find the right moment and take the initiative to restore broken relationships or face the problem. I can even look out for others' interests first. I can use "my telescope of life" (from the Greek word "skopos") and play close attention. I can start with sympathy but not with great solutions right away. I can confess my part of a possible conflict.

Paul said in Romans 12:18: "Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody!" In resolving conflicts, a word not to be spoken may be the choicest word of all, or IF WE TALK, HOW we say it, is important.

The US-author Rick Warren confessed in one of his books; "We can establish a relationship even when we are unable to resolve our differences. Christians often have legitimate, honest disagreements and differing opinions. But, we can disagree without being disagreeable. The same diamond looks different from different angles. God expects unity, not uniformity, and, we can walk arm-in-arm without seeing eye-to-eye on every issue!"

Typical Filipino (VI) - Typisch Philippinisch (VI): "Tingi" - der Mini-Einkauf

 

Typical Filipino (VI) - Typisch Philippinisch (VI): "Tingi" - der Mini-Einkauf

Waren gehen auch in kleinsten Mengen über den Tisch: als einzelne Zigarette, Knoblauchknolle oder einzelne Kaugummis, eine Tasse Essig oder ein Klacks Fett. Und der Jeepneyfahrer, der eine Zigarette kauft, läßt sich diese dann auch noch gern anzünden. Während große Supermärkte den Einkauf größerer Mengen natürlich fördern, scheinen eine Reihe Verbraucher auf den Philippinen eher geneigt zu sein, stets eine minimale Menge zu erwerben.

Even the smallest quantities of goods are sold: a cup of vinegar, a garlic bulb or a dollop of fat or a single chewing gum. And the jeepney driver, who buys a cigarette, is happy, if the seller lights it. While large supermarkets encourage larger quantities to be purchased, a number of consumers in the Philippines seem to be more inclined to always purchase minimal quantities.

Facebook, Google, TikTok, Twitter express support for DOH’s campaign vs COVID-19 misinformation

by Analou de Vera, Manila Bulletin

Technology companies Facebook, Google, TikTok, and Twitter expressed their support to the campaign against misinformation on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and vaccines, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday, April 7. 

The DOH on Wednesday launched “Check the FAQs”  campaign that emphasizes the “importance of accurate information in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage the public to fact-check information that they come across.”

“Playing an important role in championing media literacy on vaccines, Facebook, Google, TikTok, and Twitter have committed to support the campaign which includes helping build awareness for the initiative,” the DOH said in a statement. 

“As COVID-19 vaccination becomes top priority across the globe, we must also race to fight disinformation and misinformation surrounding COVID-19 vaccines and the pandemic. Spreading the right information can save lives,” said Beverly Lorraine Ho, director of the DOH’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau and the Health Promotion Bureau. 

The DOH said that a “Check the FAQs” page on its website was put up in order  for “Filipinos to have a source of trustworthy information about COVID-19 and its vaccines.”

“Whenever you see or hear new information, we encourage everyone to #ChecktheFAQs. With the campaign and by promoting this single message on social media platforms, we hope to urge every Filipino to always verify any information regarding the vaccines they may come across,”  said Ho. 

Facebook  will “make it easy for people to find authoritative COVID-19 and vaccine information” among its users, said Facebook Philippines’ Public Policy Head Clare Amador. 

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve connected over 2 billion people to resources from health authorities through our COVID-19 information center and pop-ups on Facebook and Instagram. We are also taking action against accounts that break our COVID-19 and vaccine rules—including reducing their distribution or removing them from our platform. While misinformation is complex and always evolving, we continue using research, teams, and technologies to tackle it in the most comprehensive and effective way possible,” she said. 

Google, meanwhile, committed to protect its platforms from “misinformation and connecting more people to information they can trust,” said Google Philippines Director Bernadette Nacario.

“That includes taking down harmful and misleading content across our products, raising authoritative information on Search and YouTube, providing ad grants, and supporting quality news reporting on vaccines,” said Nacario.

“Globally, more than 700,000 videos related to dangerous or false COVID-19 information have been removed and our information panels on YouTube have been viewed 400 billion times, making them a valuable source of credible information,” she added. 

Misinformation and disinformation that continue to spread about immunization can cost lives, said  Kristoffer Rada, TikTok Philippines Head for Public Policy.

“At TikTok, we are committed to minimizing the spread of potentially misleading COVID-19 vaccine content. We take the responsibility of helping counter inauthentic, misleading or false information. To combat these, we’ve collaborated with fact-checking partners to determine whether the content shared on the platform is false,” said Rada. 

Twitter, meanwhile, has committed to protect the public’s conversation with regards to COVID-19, said Twitter Southeast Asia Head of Public Policy, Government and Philanthropy Monrawee Ampolpittayanant.

“We also recently implemented new policies to apply labels to the Tweets that may contain misleading information surrounding COVID-19, in addition to our continued efforts to remove it,” said Ampolpittayanant.

 

Typical Filipino (V) - Typisch Philippinisch (V) : Faith Healer - Wunderheiler

 Selbst Patienten aus Europa und Amerika haben sich in die Hände philippinischer Wunderheiler begeben, denen man übernatürliche Heilkräfte nachsagt. Angeblich können sie ohne Instrumente Operationen durchführen und Wunden verschließen, ohne Narben zu hinterlassen. Sie beten mit göttlicher Hilfe. Zeigt ihre Behandlung keinen Erfolg, so liegt dies, wie man sagt, am Verlust ihrer Fähigkeiten. Das wird damit erklärt, daß sie zum Beispiel der Gewinnsucht anheimfielen oder ihre Energien erschöpft haben. Ein bekannter Wunderheiler zögerte nicht, sich im Krankenhaus am Blinddarm operieren zu lassen, und das mag - oder auch nicht - etwas über Wunderheilung aussagen. Ich habe andere, positive Erfahrungen machen können. Auf jeden Fall besteht die Tradition schon seit mehreren Jahrhunderten.

Even patients from Europe and America have placed themselves in the hands of Filipino faith healers who are said to have supernatural powers. Allegedly, they can perform operations without instruments and close wounds without leaving scars. They are praying with divine help. If their treatment is unsuccessful, it is said to be due to the loss of their skills.This is explained by the fact that they e.g. have fallen victim to profitability or have exhausted their energies. A famous faith healer did not hesitate to have an appendix operated in the hospital - and this says - or not a lot about faith healing. I have had other, positive experiences during the last 30 years. In any case, the tradition has existed for several centuries.

Typical Filipino (IV) - Typisch Philippinisch (IV): "Tampo" - der große, leise Seufzer

 "Tampo" - der große, leise Seufzer

Da Filipinos Ärger oder Verstimmung oft nicht gern offen ausdrücken wollen, äußert  sich das in der Form von stiller Mißbilligung und dem Vermeiden der sonst üblichen Fröhlichkeit in Anwesenheit jener Person, über die man sich ärgert. Solche Signale sollten genügen, um den Übeltäter zu veranlassen, die Harmonie wieder herzustellen, nicht notwendigerweise durch ein Gespräch über das Problem, sondern indem er sich über das Wohlergehen der verletzten Person besorgt zeigt.

Es ist wichtig, auf diese Zeichen mit freundlichen Angeboten zu reagieren, andernfalls werden die Beziehungen sich weiter verschlechtern. Filipinos lassen sich meist einige Zeit zum "Abkühlen" und antworten dann mit freundschaftlichen Annäherungsversuchen.

Since Filipinos often do not want to express anger or disgruntlement openly, this is expressed in the form of silent disapproval and avoiding the usual cheerfulness in the presence of the person they are angry about. Such signals should be enough to induce the culprit to restore harmony; not necessarily by talking about the problem, but by showing concern for the injured person's welfare.

It is important to respond to these signs with kind offers, otherwise the relationship will continue to deteriorate. Filipinos usually take some time to "cool down" and then respond with friendly advances.

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (X)

 

Chapter X: I married a family

Rossana and I invited 100 guests for our wedding reception. But more then 300 guests came. That was learned Filipino tradition. I felt very comfortable between all the many people. For some minutes, I missed "my" Ludwig van Beethoven" ... .

The farewell after our wedding was a mixture of sheer party happiness and many, many farewell tears. For the picture taken at the airport, one quickly shed all tears and smiled. We didn't know when we would come back to Davao City.

Our stay at the German Embassy in Manila lasted only 10 minutes. Rossana got her visa for Germany.

April 1983. Our 10-hours-flight from Manila to Frankfurt wasn't a problem. But my obligatory phone call at home Frankfurt. My mother had successfully survived the cancer operation but stayed in our best friends' house. My father had left.

After the connecting flight Frankfurt - Berlin, Rossana and I rushed to my apartment. A typical 1-room Bachelor apartment with bathroom, kitchen and balcony somewhere in the middle of the Berlin city. 

"I am hungry", sighed Rossana. "Don't you have rice or fish?" There was only canned Ravioli and bags of soups. " I like roasted chicken", replied Rossana. I was really too tired to go with her to a restaurant. She ate some of the Ravioli... . The first part of her culture shock had started.

Just a week later, my beloved Lola died. I almost got my heart out of my body. Rossana didn't get a visa for the other - the communist Eastern part  of Germany - the German Democratic Republic. My mother and I made us alone on the way to the funeral. It rained the whole day. "I hope one day I will get to meet your Asian wife!" Those were Lola's last words on my visit a week before my Philippine journey.

Rossana was getting more and more lonely in Germany. I was trying to help her.

"Your friends only speak to me in English, but I would like to speak in German", Rossana told me one day. Summer 1983, she enrolled in a German language course. Daily six hours Mondays until Fridays.

She liked our balcony and took care of the plants and flowers. 

"Would you like to go to the theatre one day?" I asked. As a member of the Berlin Theater Club, I got tickets for stage plays, classical music concerts and Musical performances. Rossana replied, "Yes. When?" " I have two tickets for a Broadway Dance Revue", I told her. Of course, it was not Beethoven and Co. But, it was exactly Rossana's style as a dancer.

(To be continued!)

GIVING WHILE LIVING

Philanthropy is a very interesting topic. Philanthropy comes from the Greek "philein" (to love) and "anthropos" (man) and means a desire to help mankind, especially as shown by gifts to charitable institutions.

Philanthropists are loving and seeking to do well to their fellow men (and women) and are paying more attention to how they give their money away. Especially during this pandemic, if more and more people get jobless and businesses crash down.

In times of pandemic, political crisis and corruption, we might only observe our own pockets becoming emptier and emptier, while others' slop over. Giving while living? Of course not, getting and receiving as much as possible seems to me the motto many times. 

One of the Bible's books of poetry, the Proverbs really offers advice on every imaginable area of life. The style of wise living described here leads to a fulfilled life. Proverbs 28:27 say:"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses!"

In view of a feature in an old issue of the magazine "The Economist" I learned that Andrew Carnegie ("The King of Steel'', 1835-1919) would surely have approved of Lord David Sainsbury. The supermarket tycoon turned politician was one of Great Britain's richest men. It was reported that he not only intended to give away at least $ 1.83 billion during his lifetime, but to insist that this charitable foundation spent both its income and capital before he passed away.

Few rich donors have yet gone this far. But Lord Sainsbury's decision was part of a broad trend among a new generation of philanthropists to play an active role in seeing that their money is very well spent. Such efforts should be applauded. In his great 1889 essay on wealth, Carnegie, who gave away about $7 billion in today's money - argued that the rich had the duty to use most of their money to benefit the community, and should do so actively during their lifetime. Let's look around if we can still find such donors and patrons in our daily life.

Typically Filipino (III) - Typisch Philippinisch (III)

"Aswang"

Aswang ist eine böse Kreatur der Unterwelt, die bisweilen die Gestalt eines Schweines oder eines Hundes annimmt, manchmal auch die eines Nachtvogels namens TIK-TIK. ASWANG mag jeder Person schaden, doch bewegt dieses Wesen schwangere Frauen, da menschliche Fötusse seine Lieblingsspeise sind.

Aswang is an evil creature of the underworld that sometimes takes the shape of a pig or a dog, sometimes that of a night bird named TIK-TIK. ASWANG may harm everyone, but this creature moves pregnant women as human fetuses are his favorite food.

Weekly oil price hikes: Profit-making or genuine market dynamics?

by Manila Bulletin

As consumers complain of dizzying hikes in oil prices, or at times, unsatisfied at the amount of rollbacks in recent weeks, the oil companies are consequentially suspect of profit-taking.

The deregulation of the downstream oil industry is already traversing roughly 23 years — yet the fires of controversies are still very much focused on the same concern — pricing.

Battle lines though may have been shifting a bit as industry competition gets tougher and the players’ trump card now hinges more on aggressive strategies to corner patrons and gobble up rivals’ market shares.

And in a legitimate sense of price competition, that would be a very acceptable proposition. However, recent swagger of big-time price hikes undoubtedly snitched thunders, and tugged all the other industry players into the ‘defensive’ side. Subsequently, politicians as well as advocacy groups are back in vilifying them – some want freeze in price hikes; while lawmakers and the Department of Energy (DOE) have been batting for more transparent pricing; hence, they’re urging the oil companies to itemize the cost components of their products retailed at the pumps.

With prospects of economic recovery post-COVID, the main question in consumers’ mind is: how are prices headed in the coming days? No one has a crystal ball; but there are pricing benchmarks and intervening factors that the industry has been analyzing weekly relative to their price adjustments.

The industry previously reached a consensus on weekly price movements referencing on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) or the moving average of prices of oil commodities traded in Singapore. Even refiner Petron Corporation adheres to MOPS-based pricing because that assures it of competitive pricing versus finished product importers.

Another factor influencing price movements is the fluctuation in peso-dollar exchange rates. Beyond these, competitive forces could be held as the strongest element affecting price movements. For example, if an oil company estimates price hike to be at P1.00/liter but its competitor station nearby is selling even lower, that player will be forced to match the price of the other firm so it will not lose customers – in the context of market competition, that is typically called “destroyer pricing.”

And since the Philippines is heavily dependent on importation for its oil supply, it is inextricably hostage to developments that have been affecting supply-demand balance and international price swings that are either triggered by geopolitical factors (i.e. weather conditions, terrorist assaults in oil-producing countries) or market speculation (including economic recovery forecasts). Other pricing pressures are traced to fluctuations in the consumption or the rise-and-fall in oil inventories of major economies, like the United States and China, which are closely monitored as these affect market fundamentals especially if there are depressing news, such as the lingering impact of the pandemic and slower economic growths.

So why would an oil company choose to stay in the market amid the rough patches? Beyond business, perhaps, it is because of the challenge of providing Filipinos such a basic commodity and in becoming part of an industry that supports the economic growth of the country.

Samantha Bernardo tops Miss Grand International 2020 swimsuit competition

Samantha Bernardo

 

by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin

Miss Philippines Samantha Bernardo topped the swimsuit round of the Miss Grand International 2020 pre-pageant competition.

On Facebook, organizers said Bernardo was ranked No. 1 in the swimsuit category as voted by pageant fans.

Aside from Bernardo, other beauties in the top 5 of the swimsuit round are delegates from 2) Indonesia; 3) Mexico; 4) Cambodia; and 5) Paraguay.

The judges will also announce the other top 5 candidates in swimsuits.

Sixty-candidates are competing in the Miss Grand International 2020 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.

Typically Filipino (II) - Typisch Philippinisch (II)

 "Tao"

Das Wort für Mensch heißt TAO. Es wird in verschiedenen Versionen verwandt, die aber alle die menschliche Würde oder Zerbrechlichkeit betonen. Menschliche Schwächen werden mit dem Satz "Wir sind alle nur Menschen" (Sapagkat kami ay tao lamang) entschuldigt.

Der Ausdruck TAO bezeichnet auch den einfachen Menschen, den Bauern und den Arbeiter. Und, wer seine Anwesenheit im Haus eines anderen ankündigen will, klopft an und sagt: "Tao po", was bedeutet "Ein Mensch ist hier!"

The word for human is tao. It is used in different versions, of all which emphasize human dignity or fragility. Human weaknesses are excused with the sentence: We are all just human beings.

The term TAO also describes the common man or woman, the farmer and the worker. And whoever wants announce his presence in someone's else house, knocks and says: "Tao po", which means "a human or a person ist hier!"