My Philippine Mentor

I owe him a lot. I met him for the first time during the 1980's, when he was the Chaplain of the Philippine Community in Berlin. "Father Gene" involved me in many things - especially, when it came to media and publishing.

Msgr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, SVD, born in Maribojoc, Bohol, was an internationally known scholar, author, linguist, lawyer and historian, holding two doctorate degrees in Modern European History and Canan Law. He studied at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Goethe-Institut Inter Naciones in Munich/Germany, at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome/Italy, specializing in Ecclesitical Rotal Jurisprudence with a grade of Summa cum Laude.

He has written several books and published numerous articles in different learn journals. I was blessed to be part of his two publications for Filipinos abroad and in Germany during the 1980's (Ang Mabuhay and Deutsch-Philippinischer Informationsspiegel Berlin). 

Some time in January 2003 in appreciation of his efforts to promote harmonious relations between the Philippines and Germany, Dr. Johannes Rau, former German President, conferred on Father Bacareza, the highest honor from the Federal Republic of Germany, the "Grosses Bundesverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse" (Insignia of the Order of Merit) at the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Auditorium in the presence of his students, faculty, German Embassy officials and members of the German Community in the Philippines.

His doctorate and several publications regarding the Philippine-German Relations are not only interesting to read - it's a must to read for every one, who wishes to know more about this topic.

From time to time, I'll be publishing some more facts and notes here on my website.

Until his death, Father Gene kept on teaching in Manila. He visited my family and me in Davao City shortly before he passed away in April 2011. Thank you very much Monsignor Bacareza for teaching us/me a lot about this fascinating topic.

PLDT and SMART ink Deals with Bureau of Immigration

PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone) and SMART Business Solutions recently closed deals with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to be the latter's provider of data and wireless communications technology that will allow the bureau to broaden its services and extend further its operation in order to sustain its growth and efficiency.

The Bureau of Immigration is the administration and enforcement of immigration, citizenship, and alien admission and registration laws in accordance with the provisions of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, the Alien Registration Act of 1950, including other pertinent laws related thereto.

It is committed to uphold national integrity as a sacred trust through humane, responsive and conscientious control and regulation of foreign nationals and migrants in the Philippines with the view of excellence in public service.

Kudos to present BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan and his whole staff. 

Staying for Good in The Philippines?

Staying for good in the Philippines? Yes, why not!

My view, and not only mine, on safety and security has changed over the last 30 years. I have written about it several times in different publications. As I said before, I did stay in more then 60 countries worldwide. The rise of terrorism and natural disasters told me that there was not and that there will be no place on earth, which is entirely and absolutely safe.

Foreign travel advisories especially regarding the Philippines, and mostly Mindanao are (sorry!) absurd and never well proven. Many friends of mine abroad are still planning to retire in the Philippines and stay here for good. Some of them are getting discouraged because of all these negative news.

As I said, there is no absolutely safe place in the whole world. I visited "dangerous' places like the "Black-People-Soweto" in Johannesburg, the Golan Heights and some well known infamous parts of Los Angeles, being the only White among Blacks birthday parties. 

Even before living in Mindanao, I went to several places in Davao Oriental, Monkayo and even stayed in Cotabato. Of course, media, especially from so-called "safe countries" (again which are these?) still love to sensationalize the negative aspects in the Philippines.

Back to the other half of those foreigners, who are planning to settle down here: they feel happy and safe. Of course, sensibility and awareness are always parts of our life. Here and everywhere. this has nothing to do with the Philippines. 

The dream that globally governments and people might build peace and unity by respecting all cultures and religions and work for equitable distributions of the world's resources, and more for sustainable development that respects nature, will remain as a dream.

Whatever are the decisions of others, I stay in this country for good and forever. Living in a gated village or not - one can live a simple but meaningful life - here in Davao City or where ever in the Philippines.

Mabuhay!

One in Every Four Pinoy Adults has Hypertension

An article in a Philippine national daily let one learned, that a recent survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute showed that more and more Filipinos are at-risk for lifestyle-related diseases.

Results of the recent National Nutrition and Health Survey done by the FNRI found that more Filipinos have hypertension, high fasting blood sugar as well as high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other lifestyle-related illnesses.

The survey revealed that one in every four Filipino adults has hypertension or a blood pressure (BP) reading equal to or higher than 140/90 millimeter mercury. High BP increases from 40 to 49 years old.

Facts are: these lifestyle-related diseases are among the diseases that currently dominate the list of leading causes of death in the Philippines. These are also the leading causes of morbidity, particularly diseases of the heart and the vascular systen. 

Filipinos should exercise regularly, avoid smoking (!) and drinking alcoholic beverages (!). Mmmh, I am sure, we expatriats are also included.

Eating a variety of foods everyday, consuming more fruits, vegetables, root crops and legumes can be done while living in the Philippines.

Music That Really Soothe

Another inspirational album is bound to bring serenity and enlightenment to one's soul - yes also to mine. Star Records launched its Sa 'Yo Lamang Album'! Gosh, what a music!

Produced by Jamie Rivera, this album is a collection of really heavenly voices interpreting 12 of the most loved and indeed timeless heart warming songs in a wonderful glow-in-the-dark packaging. 

A choir singing competition titled "Sa'Yo Lamang Choral Fest" was held last February where the winners of the said competition had the chance to participate in the album. 

Songs can also be down-loaded from  www.facebook.com/sayolamangost.

I love it. Try it! You'll love it too. 

One EARTH - our EARTH

As Philippine writer Ida Anita Q. del Mundo confessed: "With the formation of Earth Day Networks, people around the world have recognized the importance of taking care of the Earth. Now on its 40th year, countries all over the world will be clebrating Earth Day on April 22!"

Earth Day is indeed an example of the power of one - as Bebet Gozun, chairman of Earth Day Network Philippines and 2007 Champion of the Earth awardee of the United Nations Environment Program voiced it out several days ago.

In 1990, Earth Day went global, with the Philippines becoming one of 144 countries that joined the celebration. Since then, the Philippine branch of Earth Day Network has established itself as an active supporter of the cause. I really love to publish this also here on my website. During the last two years the Philippines placed first in the world when it comes to Earth Hour participation. 

This is the way for people how to show they care!

And, how DO YOU care?

Step up Drive versus Human Smuggling

As one can read in several Philippine dailies: the Bureau of Immigration's capability to fight human smugglings at the airports will be further bolstered as six of its immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport were tapped to undergo a special training program administered by the Interpol.

In a report to -in my opinion outstanding - Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, BI-Interpol unit chief Floro Balato Jr. said six members of the bureau's migration compliance and monitoring group  at the NAIA are taking part in the training program that started already April 12, 2010 in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Dubbed as the Dismantling Smuggling Networks, the scheme aims to improve the knowledge and capability of immigration officers and other Philippine law enforces in combating and crippling the syndicates involved in human smuggling, human trafficking and other national crimes.

Libanan welcomed the Interpol project as a giant leap in the global campaign to stop people smuggling and illegal migration. Well said, Sir. I strongy agree with you!

Bureau of Immigration Operation Division Chief Ferdinand Sampol, whom I was able to meet before, also stressed, that this will bring to test the people on how deal with the smugglers and put them to an end.

Pinoy Travelers Urged to Declare Money

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reminded travellers again to declare money in excess of US$ 10.000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies after some Filipinos were reportedly taken in for investigation at several international airports for carrying excess amounts of currencies.

Citing, for example, a report of the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands/Europe, the DFA said Filipinos had been investigated by foreign authorities and detained for several days for carrying over US$ 10.000, although the money was later proven to be their own.

Foreign authorities have the right even to confiscate the money.

All travellers should really declare if they have more than US$ 10.000 as mandated by the Anti-Money-Laundering Act of 2002 and several international regulations.

Happy trip!!!

Christian Filipino Dating For The Philippines and Asia

KChristian Filipino Dating For The Philippines and Asia

The Culture Shock - Der Kulturschock (III)

Weil die Filipinos gesellig sind, lebensfroh und lebenslustig, ist es wirklich nicht so sehr schwierig, wie es oft scheint, ihre Freundschaft und ihr Wohlwollen zu gewinnen, nachdem der Schock dem Fremden bewusst gemacht hat, dass das, was ihm zunaechst vertraut erschien, in der Tat doch etwas ganz anders ist. Es ist wirklich alles eine Frage des bedachten Verfolgens des gesellschaftlichen Erreichbaren, weniger der Erwartung westlichen Effektivitaet.

Schon viele Autoren haben es so beschrieben: der Europaer legt mit Sicherheit die Stirn in Falten und schlaegt vielleicht sogar einen aergerlichen Ton an, wenn er einen fuer ihn wichtigen Ton nicht mehr hoeren moechte und herausstreichen will. Und, was geschieht auf der anderen Seite: der Filipino ist entspannt - und laechelt! Warum laechelt er oder bricht sogar in lautes Lachen aus? Er will eine entscheidende Botschaft uebermitteln oder vermitteln... .

Philippinische Aerzte, und ich habe einige sehr gute Freunde unter ihnen, sind ein sehr gutes Beispiel fuer mein heutiges Thema. Am Anfang war ich entsetzt. Bekommt man die Nachricht, man sei ernsthaft krank, wird der, oftmals ueber das ganze Gesicht laecheln, aussehen, als genoesse er das Ueberbringen dieser Schreckensnachricht. Das ist nun wirklich nicht Gefuehlslosigkeit, sondern ganz einfach anerkennendes Verhalten Kranken gegenueber, um sie zu beruhigen und den mit Sicherheit harten Schlag zu mildern.

Was ich in den letzten 12 Jahren als expat auf den Philippinen gelernt habe: Filipinos lachen, im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes ueber ihre Sorgen. Das bedeutet aber nicht, dass sie sich ueber ihre Sorgen freuen... .

(Fortsetzung folgt!)

The Aging Filipino Population

The Philippine population is considered always to be a young one - with people aged below 30 years "young" comprising about 70 percent (!) of the total. In contrast, people who are 65 years old and up are estimated to make up only 4,1 percent.

If one could learn from different media reports, at the recent the Philippine Medical Women's Association diamond anniversary and 60th annual convention at the Manila hotel, a couple of days ago. a symposium was held to discuss also and especially dementia, a serious cognitive disorder and a problem faced by a certain number of people of old age. 

Several resource speakers tackled issues related to dementia, such as its social and economic impact, what can be done for the patient in the different stages of disorder, and what is needed in the Philippine setting.

Of course, cases of dementia will also increase in the Philippines. Life has changed also in the Philippines: with the stresses of modern-day living, people have been moving away from taking care of the extended family. Thus, the attenion given to elderly people has dwindled. 

What do you think? Are you an expat or a Filipino?