Farm Tour in Malungon

Are you interested in a one day fun farm tour? Come and visit MALUNGON, exotic, exquisite, different. Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as Chairman of the Tourism Council helps... .

(Sarangani Bay)

Such a farm tour can be really fun! Departure is around 7:00 am for example in Davao City and around 9:00 from General Santos City. First Destination: Municipal Grounds and Parks (like the tree park or the arts & crafts gallery at the Municipal Hall) with a guided tour of CROWN Awardee Nutrition Program or vieing of rare ornamental plants.

Second destination: the Pacman Farm with viewing of Manny Pacquiao's memorabilias. Experience the Champ's quiet time in this wonderful garden where he prays before going to a fight.

Next will be D'Peak Restobar, where lunch (Filipino cuisine) will be served.

Later you'll be able to visit the Communal Vegetable farm at Datal Tampal, where you can pick fruits and take pictures. 

One highlight is indeed the visit Edna's Vineyard or Macnit Grapes Farm: have fun picking fruits. The owner will weigh your harvest at a farm gate price. 

Then visit the JG Goats and Ostrich Farm and learn something about milk processing.

For more information please email to pacman_tourism@yahoo.com or eleanorsaguiguit@yahoo.com or call 0926 226 8656.

 

Have fun!


See you there!!!

Lake Sebu - Simply Beyond Your Expectation!

South Cotabato is a province of the Philippines with its capital Korondal City and borders Sultan Kudarat to the north and west, Sarangani to the south and east, and Davao del Sur to the east. To the southeast lies Sarangani Bay, the finish of this journey.

South Cotabato is subdivided into ten municipalities and two cities, Genera Santos City (before Dadiangas), Koronadal City, Banga, Lake Sebu (my overnight stay and the first photo shot above), Norala, Polomok, Santa Nino, Surallah (nice town also), Tampakan, Tantangan, T'Boli (watch my photos) and Tupi.

Before the turn of the 20th century the area to which South Cotabato would be carved was sparsely inhabited. The inhabitants were Muslims, B'laans, Manobos, Tagabilis, and other ethnic groups who migrate to this part of Mindanao perhaps even before the birth of Christ. 

These Malayan pioneers led a peaceful existence and were isolated from other developing civilizations of the world after their migration. They remained isolated until the 15th century when Shariff Kabunsuan of Arabia arrived in Cotabato with his religious teachers to introduce the Mohammedan religion. He converted most of the Malayan settlers who occupied the lower and upper Cotabato Valley along both sides of the Maguindanao River.

On May 11, 1992 South Cotabato gave birth to a new province, Sarangani, signalling its coming of age. It is a new challenge, and South Cotabatenos, with their indomitable spirit, will prove more than able to keep up with the demands of the times.

 Lake Sebu is home to the T'bolis, a highland tribe that has it roots in South Cotabato. The local tribesmen consider the lake not only a God-given food basket (the Tilapia is really mouth-watering), but also a miraculous body of water that never dries up.

 Lake Sebu, a place where life indeed blends with nature... .

Don't miss the H'Gelobong Festival at the second week of November. A festival show casting the different arts, culture, sports, and other tribal activities of the T'boli.

The province is known for its collection of ground and serial orchids as well as indigenous flowers which can be found in Abiera Farms. The T'boli products are also worth buying and one should check out their colourful costumes, intricate beadwork, beautifully woven baskets and traditional brass ornaments. Fresh pineapples from the DOLE pineapple farms are also available.

Lake Sebu and Sarangani/Peace in Mindanao

One of the statements in President Noynoy's inaugural address that caught indeed my attention was his unique commitment to a peaceful settlement of conflicts in Mindanao. 

Quotation: "My government will be sincere in dealing with all people in Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all - may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian!"

Picture has been taken during stopover and lunch in Royal House Hotel in General Santos City with Presidential Adviser for Peace in Mindanao Mr. J. Dureza, and good friends Klaus and Helen Schweinheim, my wife and my mother.

Off to South Cotabato/Mindanao/Philippines

Yes, I am off to another trip in Mindanao - to South Cotabato being a province of the Philippines located in the southern region of Mindanao. Its capital is Korondal City and borders to Sultan Kudarat to he north and west, Sarangani to the south and east, and Davao del Sur to the east. To the southeast lies Sarangani Bay. 

One of my destinations shall be the Lake Sebu, the home to the T'bolis, a highland tribe, that has his roots in South Cotabato. The local tribesmen consider the lake not only a God-given food basket  but also a miraculous body of water  that never dries up.

Expect more here and especially more photos... .

Somewhere in Paradise... / Irgendwo im Paradies...

Somewhere in paradise? Yes, since more then 25 years I know this place. And, since almost 12 years I am living in the Philippines for good.

If you stay in Davao City or on Samal Island in the Gulf of Davao you should visit the Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort.

You can avail between Premier, deluxe and standard rooms.

Sun, sand and more... .There are lot of things you can do, while staying in this unique and well-managed beach resort. Dine by the beach (al fresco) and savor a variety of delectable seafood for example. Yes, the best paella in town can be found here. Ice Cream, bar, inland sports. aqua sports, souvenir items, sweat camp, x and fish feeding, mini zoo/aviary... or just relax and take a deep breath!

Or enjoy a relaxing and soothing massage by the beach or at the massage room. I prefer it here by the beach.

Come as a special guest - but leave as a friend!

Visit www.paradiseislanddavao.com or email paradiseislanddavao@gmail.com.

See you somewhere in paradise!!!

Providing Quick-response Customer Assistance - PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company)

A favourite activity of many Filipinos, sending text messages, has become a part of our daily people's life. These people begin to imagine a life without cell phones and text messages.

Aware of people's need for immediate feedback through text messages, PLDT launched the 77171 TXTPRESS service, a quick-response customer service helpline.

TXTPRESS is available to PLDT customers 24/7 for products and service inquiries , applications, billing inquiries, and complainant reporting, by simply sending text messages to 77171. The service is free for Smart and Talk 'N Text subscribers and initially available for residential account inquiries. eventually all customer segments may be able to use the service through all mobile networks.

Subscribers now have several options to reach PLDT customer service: they can visit any PLDT Business Center, call the toll-free hotlines, send an email to customercare@pldt.com. and now via PLDT 77171 TXTPRESS. 

Additional features will be added in the future. Customer service updates through SMS will be also soon developed. The feature is a proactive approach that aims to update customers of the status of their applications and concerns. 

Again Kudos to PLDT, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company!

Mehr Rechtssicherheit fuer Auslaender auf den Philippinen/More Legal Protection for Foreigners in The Philippines

Eigentlich traeumt jeder Mensch vom Paradies auf Erden. Viele Rentner und Aussteiger haben auf den Philippinen ihr Glueck gesucht - und einige auch gefunden. Ich zaehle mich dazu. Die Beweggruende sind natuerlich bei jedem unterschiedlich. Fuer den einen ist es das Wetter, fuer den anderen die immer freundlichen Menschen, und andere wiederum suchen fuer den letzten Lebensabschnitt eine schoene Frau zum Heiraten. Warum nicht...?

Aber, wie in einer Ehe gibt es nicht nur Sonnenschein, sondern auch Regen. Dutzende Auslaender haben auch negative Erfahrungen machen muessen, da sie vergassen, den europaeischen Kopf bzw. die fruehere Denkweise abzuschalten. Aber, es gibt auch gute Nachrichten fuer Diejenigen, die aus welchen Gruenden auch immer, in gravierende Schwierigkeiten geraten sind, oder noch geraten koennten. Neid, Missgunst, Intriquen, "boese Nachbarn" - um nur einige Beispiele aufzuzaehlen!

Seit zwei Jahren existiert das Foreign Assistance Center Philippines, kurz FAC genannt, das allen hier lebenden Auslaendern in Immigrations- oder Visafragen mit Rat und Tat zur Verfuegung steht.

Das FAC Philippines  setzt sich vehement  fuer mehr Rechtssicherheit lebender Auslaender auf den Philippinen ein.Die neue Reportage auf DW_TV (Deutsche Welle) "Unser Mann in Manila" zeigt eindrucksvoll, wie der Gruender des FAC, Herr Alfred Lehnert, seit ueber fuenf Jahren erfolgreich Auslaender verschiedener Nationalitaeten vor der Deportation oder einem laengeren Gefaengnisaufenthalt bewahrt.

Beim Studium der FAC-Internetseite stellt man fest: "Sag' niemals nie!" Es kann jeden treffen. Man kann nur jedem hier lebenden Auslaender mit auf den Weg geben - eine FAC-Mitgliedschaft ist zwar keine 100%ige Garantie fuer ALLES, aber es ist gut zu wissen, dass es jemanden gibt, der immer fuer mich da ist!

(Alfred Lehnert auf dem Weg ins Bureau of Immigration in Manila - waehrend der Dreharbeiten zur Reportage "Unser Mann in Manila" (Deutsche Welle TV).

(Alfred Lehnert on the way to the Bureau of Immigration in Manila - during the report shooting "Our Man in Manila" (Deutsche Welle TV).

GMA Network Goes Green

I said it already many, many times: I admire people, who go green taking care of our environment. Sure, also if those people are from the media. I have a lot of friends there - of course, also in GMA-Television-Network, which turns 60 this year. 

GMA is really going beyond business as it counts among its priorities the corporate social responsibility of promoting environmental awareness and conservation. In a press release, one could learn that today GMA perpetuates eco-friendly practices and projects to counter the effects of environment degradation. 

"GMA Network, as a media company, plays an important role helping save the environment, "said Carmencita G. Arce, consultant of the company's Corporate Affairs Division and one of the proponents of GMA's Network environmental advocacy program dubbed "Kapuso ng Kalikasan". GMA has implemented a number of "green initiatives, i.e. enegery and water conservations.

GMA Network is also conscious of proper waste disposal and has been implementing a waste management scheme that encourages employees to reduce, recycle,a and reuse office materials and supplies. Vry important - look at our surroundings, especially our rivers: they are full of trash. The drainage systems are also clogged by wastes of different kind.

Among any other things, of course, GMA-Network also produced special environmental documentaries like "Signos: Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima, which provided a comprehensive view of climate change. During the Earth Day Celebration, GMA Network produced a special "One Earth-One Journey", which showcased the essence of the Earth Day Celebration through music merged with visual art display that highlighted the importance of preserving our beloved Mother Earth.

Kudos to GMA-Network! Hopefully many other media institutions will follow!

Daily Apple Opens First Metro Manila Outlet

Daily Apple, the ever first Filipino nutraceutical and health food store, recently opened its first outlet in Metro Manila at the Westlane Basement area of Robinsons Galleria. Now with a total of eight stores in the Philippines, Daily Apple offers health and wellness enthusiasts with healthier solutions from nature. I am a big fan of it too!

Present during the ribbon-cutting were Herbanext, Inc. President Philip Cruz, Dr. Rafael Guerrero (also known as father of Vermiculture in the Philippines), Business Development Manager for National Products of the Department of Trade and Industry Bureau of Export Promotion Teresita Oyson and Daily Apple President Ruby Cruz.

More outlets are found in Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao. For more details email inquiry@dailyapple.com.ph.

Visa Program Generates Jobs

The Bureau of Immigration reported some days ago that 530 foreign investors and their dependents have availed themselves of the agency's special visa for the employment generation (SVEG), which in turn gave at least 35,000 new full-time and regular jobs to Filipino workers.

A report submitted to Commissioner Marcelino Libanan showed that 141 Korean investors topped the list of the visa applicants since the scheme was implemented in April last year. 

Bureau of Immigration Spokesman Floro Balato Jr. said that aside from Koreans, the list of applicants includes 43 Chinese, 27 Americans, 19 Taiwanese, 16 Britons, 15 Indians, 11 Japanese, 11 Australians, 8 Malaysians, 6 Singaporeans, and 4 (!) Germans.

Other nationalities who availed themselves of the job visa are Austrian, Bangladeshi, Belgian, Danish, Dutch, Egyptian, Finnish, Greek, Hong-Kong, Indonesian and many more.

Balato said that as of May 2010 344 principal applicants and 186 of their dependents have availed themselves of the job visa and paid the Philippine government more than 6,7 million Pesos in immigration fees.