German Goethe Institut Manila and USEP ink Partnership

It was really a great day: Monday May 17, 2010. The Memorandum of Understanding between USEP (University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City) and the Goethe-Institut Manila/Philippines on cooperation in the Promotion of the German Culture in Mindanao has been signed by:

- Mr. Helmut Frielinghaus, Language Consultant and Vice-Director Goethe Institut Manila/Philippines

- Dr. Perfecto A. Alibin, SUC-President University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City

witnessed by:

Executive Director Institute of Languages and Dean Dr. Patricia Elbanbuena and yours truly Klaus Doring, Faculty Member for German Language.

More details here on this website soon... .

+++

Ja, es war schon ein grossartiger Tag der 17. Mai 2010:

Unterzeichnung der Schriftlichen Vereinbarung im gegenseitigen Einvernehmen und Einverstaendnis  zur Foerderung und Unterstuetzung der Deutschen Kultur in Mindanao zwischen dem Goetheinstitut Manila und der University of Southeastern Philippines.

Mehr darueber demnaechst auf dieser website... .

Radio Deutschland live? Kein Problem! Listen German radiostations live? No problem!

Ich habe schon immer das Radio geliebt. Nein, nicht weil ich auch schon als Radiomoderator auf den Philippinen taetig war. Nein, aber es macht mir Spass, mit meinem frueheren Heimatsender in Kontakt zu bleiben. Und, ich bin froh, dass es Moeglichkeiten gibt, diesen Sender (und viele andere) der ARD angeschlossenen Sender hier hoeren zu duerfen.

Klicken Sie auf meiner website unten an "Radio Deutschland live" und suchen Sie Ihren Sender. Viel Spass beim Lauschen. Und inzwischen koennen Sie weiterhin meine Artikel lesen.

Liebe Gruesse von den Philippinen...

Ihr

KLAUS DORING

Der Monat der Blumen/The Flowers of May/Flores de Mayo

May is the month of flowers - not only in the Philippines - in mostly all parts of the world. This is the time when springs ends and summer begins in so-called temperature countries, like in my home country Germany. 

In tropical countries, like in the Philippines, May is the height of summer, when the flower buds begin to open up and burst into a kaleidoscope of colors. The fields, mountainsides, forets, churches, shps, parks and gardens.

I can even experience this in my own tropical garden surrounding my residence. Promise: more photos will follow soon here. 

After almost 12 years in the Philippines I experienced also: after the cold of December to February comes the warmer climate of March and April, whcih awakens the underground bulbs and the terminal branches of flowering shrubs and trees.

Flowers, les fleurs, flori, flores, hana, bulaklak, angre, mei lan, Blumen....... whatever name is given by countries all over the world, it's the same creation given by God that makes our world liveable and lovable... .

Almost all countries in the entire world have their national flowers: Austria has its EDELWEISS (I am pretty sure you know the wonderful musical melody!); The Netherlands (or Holland) has its TULIPS; France has its FLEURS DE LICS; Japan (of course!) CHRYSANTHEMUM; China has its LOTUS; Hawaii its HISBISCUS - and the Philippines? Of course the SAMPAGUITA!

Flowers are all around: Americans bring baskets of daisies, gereaniums, gerbera and roses to the sick to make them feel better. Thais offer lotus leaves formed into baots filled with all sorts of flowers.

In the Philippines, especially during Palm Sunday people make decorative coco palm fronds with flowers to symbolize  Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. During the month of May children offer flowers picked from gardens daily to the Blessed Virgin Mary in churches and chapels and to culminate the floral festivities of the May. Young ladies in their beautiful TERNOS converge in town plazas and walk in procession carrying flowers around the major thoroughfares.

Let us help restore our heavily damaged environment so that our children and their children's children will experience many many more "Flowers of May" - Flores de Mayos... .

Expats and HealthcareAuswanderer und Gesundheit

Long time before starting to be an expat (not only in the Philippines) I thought about the very important topic health care and insurance.

Read more in www.edgedavao.net.

Just look for the Competitive Edge Section and my expat column.

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? 

Ninoy Aquino - my National Hero after Jose Rizal

Yes, being an expat living in the Philippines, I "met" already two (Philippine national heroes). After Jose Rizal, THE Philippine national hero I "met" another one: former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., who, in the 1967 elections catapulted into the greatest adventure of his life, and taught the entire nation what it takes to be a real hero - and a true legend!

Ninoy Aquino taught us a lot of things:

  -  1. Build a good reputation: Indeed Ninoy's track record speaks for itself.
 - 2. Be a visionary: Ninoy was a public speaker in global history with the incredible gift of holding an audience spellbound for hours.
 - 3. Don't take anything for granted: A mistake taken by many of us. Ninoy's campaign strategy has been really amazing.
 - 4. Defend human rights.

And, for me, the most important:

 - 5. Reach (really!) out to the people! Ninoy really knew he must get his message across clearly and direct to the people.

I was blessed to meet his wife Cory during a state visit in Germany (during that time I was the Legal Head of the Philippine Community in Berlin!). Ninoy's wife Cory touched already (not only!) my heart.

Ninoy Aquino was being attacked relentlessly. His comment: Defend your honor!

Tuna Fish Ban Affects Local Industry

The tuna fish fishing ban in the Pacific Ocean will indeed directly affect some 500 workers in the country's local fishing industry, as one could learn from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The fishing ban will also affect more then 50 fishing companies in Sarangani and General Santos City. 13 of which have licenses to fish in the high seas covered by the ourse seine ban. The two year ban on fishing in the Pacific ocean will of course an impact on the workers in the fishing industry. Measures have to set in to mitigate the impact of the ban.

I love tuna. How about you? Is the fishing ban a boon?

A Blessed easter to all!

After the waving of the tree branches by the Jewish  crowd and hosannas of Palm Sunday , the arrest of Jesus betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Olives, the imprisonment and humiliation of Holy Thursday night, the carrying of the Cross, crucifixion, and death at noon of Good Friday - Jesus Christ, the son of god rose from the tomb on Easter sunday, glorious and will never suffer and die again!

We celebrate the festival commemorating Christ's resurrection. In "Old english" the "Eastern" (NOT Easter!) has been marked by a ceremony as spring festival of the goddess of dawn.

Symbolically we see that Easter Resurrection depicted in various ways, which always point to life after death. Especially in other parts of the world (including my home country Germany), where deep winter makes all plants and trees 'SLEEP' for a couple of months, people enjoy the new shoots coming out of the trees' big trunks.

People enjoy the seedlings that protrude from the ground in spring, tyhe colorful little flowers that emerge from the soil. I still remember one of my most favorite spring and Easter flowers, the daffodil.

Nowadays, and also here in the Philippines, we enjoy the well-known Easter egg, out of which also the new life germinates.I am also pretty sure, you and I really enjoy the egg hunting with our beloveds.

A blessed Easter to all of you! Walk this day with great confidence in your heart, mind and soul. A lot of people await goodness and love, which you carry within. As Oprah Winfrey said: "People think that spirituality is about church or religion, but it's about you, about life!"

Ich wuensche Ihnen allen, meine lieben Leser, ein gesegnetes und froehliches Osterfest!

Lazy Summerdays - but Walking Around is also Good for YOU!

The lazy summer days have started in the Philippines. School vacations mean the start of the Philippine summer. The heat is on. More heat is on - and we're all getting lazier and lazier. 

Of course, office life is indeed comfortable.Eight hours daily - or even more - we sit in cool surroundings, often times cold enough to wear sweaters and jackets while the rest of the entire outside world endures the scorching heat of the tropical sun.

But the cool comfort of office jobs entails a sedentary lifestyle, the outcome of which may not be very comforting to think about. Sitting too much could be deadly. Ooopss!!!  How can we rethink how to define physical activity to highlight the danger of sitting? Yes, even whikle writing this piece, I am trying to think about this question. 

After four hours or more of sitting the body stars sending harmful signals. I am sitting already since almost six hours. I didn't feel anything... .

Sure, we people should keep exercising because that has a lot of benefits. Even the heat is on now - and even the lazy summer days in the Philippines have started now.

Take mini-walks.

Climb stairs.

Park and walk.

Walk on your lunch break.

Move while on the phone.

Swing your arms, turn your neck.

Eat less and drink more water.

Interact with people in person.

Join a sport team.

Adopt a fidgety habit to deal with stress!

Enjoy your summer days!

Earth Hour! You Wanna Join?

The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) has marked Earth Hour 2010 on March 27, 2010 at 8:30 p.m., calling for the participation of 15 million Filipinos in more then 1,000 towns, cities and municipalities to take a symbolic stand against climate change.

Aside from the DOE, this year's Earth Hour will be jointly organized by WWF-Philippines, Green Army Network Foundation and SWITCH Movement.

"Earth Hour delivers a simple message, but a powerful one - the time to take action against the climate crisis is now. Individual actions, when put together can create impacts far greater than the action of any single government. Earth Hour shows that we can produce far greater results if we rally on causes that unite, rather than dwell on issues that divide," Philippine Energy Seceretary Aneglo Reyes said.

By the way, the Philippines accounts for only 0.29 percent of the world's energy-related CO2 emission - one of the lowest in South-East Asia.

Anyway - I wish and pray you, my dear readers, gonna join us on March 27, 2010 on 8.30 pm - for the sake of all following generations worldwide.

Rotary Club of East Davao: District Convention in GenSan

Several members of the Rotary Club of East Davao (including this writer) joined the District Convention in General Santos City. Yes, it was indeed a homely and enjoyable trip having so many familiar faces around. As club president and friend Ronald "Ronnie" Go voiced out: "I like to congratulate all those who contributed to the Rotary Foundation  and helped us to exceed our targets for the year!"

The list of those who joined are:

PDG Totoy Cabarroguis, PDG Hermie Villano (Davao Doctor's Hospital), PDG Boy Reyes, PDG Monet Tirol (former Philippine Ambassador in Germany), and President elect 2010/2011 Antonio "Tony" Ajero, former SUNSTAR publisher and now EDGE DAVAO publisher and chief editor - just to mentioned some among others.

Dionesia Pacquiao, mother of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao graced the evening with a special performance.

Salute, cheers, prost...

A big thanks and hand shake (friend and President Mr. Ronald Go)