Storms - let's enjoy cooler climate in the Philippines?

It will be cooler but stormy for the third quarter here in the Philippines. This forecast has been issued by Dr. Prisco Nilo, the country's top meteorologist just weeks after the Philippine Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) failed to provide the precise path of the typhoon Basyang, the second to hit the country this year and knocked out power supply in most of the metropolis. 

I also postponed my next trip to Manila expecting the next typhoon.

Anyway, ill-equipped or not, PAGASA said the third quarter sees the continuing cooling across the equatorial Pacific. A God's blessing for the Philippines? Let's wait and see and have a cup of tea. 

The south west monsoon should peak any time between now and September.... .Anywhere from seven to ten tropical cyclones are likely to develop and enter the Philippin Area of Responsibility during the quarter. 

I just watch the news: Pakistan, China - and even Germany and Poland... .

The Philippines - world's most disaster-prone?

The Center for Research and Epidemiology Disasters disclosed the Philippines ranked first worldwide in the most number of disasters that hit the country with a 25.

Wow!

In an annual statistical review complied by the group, the country, where  I am living now for good as in my second home, led the list of natural disaster events with 24 followed by China with 16 thereby making the country  as the hardest hit in terms of calamities that pose a serious threat to life and limb. While writing this piece, I am again postponing my next trip to Manila, even being invited by a German authority. 

Based on a 46-page report, natural disasters are defined as events where 10 or more  poeple are killed, 100 and more poeple are affected, a state of calamity was declared, and there's a call for international assistance. 

Diaster preparedness and risc reduction measures, which is one of the initiatives being undertaken by the Regional Development Council in the Cordillera, should now be  prioritized by all Philippine local governments by coming up with emergency plans during disasters.

Guys, hurry up!

Almost 11 million Filipinos in almost all parts of the country were and are still badly affected by the aforesaid and coming typhoons. With the onset of the rainy season, let allow me to remind all of us, especially in identified disaster-prone areas like the Cordillera and all low land communities, to prepare for the worst casae scenariao.

It's raining again, while writing this. Light rain and dark sky in Davao City!

 

Save the Philippine Eagle? Yes, PLDT helps... .

A symbol of the country's soaring aspirations, the Philippine eagle, the world's tallest eagle at three feet high from talon to crown, is still facing a grim future as yars of poaching pushed the birds in the brink of extinction.

Jude C. Galford explained it very well. Decades of illegal logging also in the Mindanao rainforests and elsewhere in the country where the eagles inhabit further threatened the very existence of the haribon - derived by blending HARI (king) and IBON (bird) - and the chance for the younger generation to see one of the world's most exotic predators.

As an environmentalist since many years I am glad and happy to announce: the sad fate of the Philippine eagle, moreover, may see a reversal of fortune now that several groups are doing whatever they can to help preserve and protect their natural nesting areas. These groups include PLDT (Philippine Longdistance Telephone Company) and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF). 

Both really climbed the mountains of Barangay Datu Ladayon in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato recently to bring hope to the "monkey-eating-eagle.

Kudos and thank you very much for helping to PLDT Community Relation Head Evelyn M. del Rosario and PLDT Davao Customer Zone Head Mr. Ben Gaite. 

According to PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador, PLDT was the first private institution helping the Arakan Valley. Yes, the Philippine eagle indeed may soar the skies of Cotabato again as one of the biggest living eagles in the world.

Dramatic Increase of Foreigners in The Philippines

The Bureau of Immigration has reported a 559-percent (!) increase in the number of registered foreigners in the Philippines during the first semester 2010.  The new alien registration division chief Danila Almeda said the number  of foreigners listed at his office numbered almost 58.000 as of June 2010, compared to only more than 12.000 who were registered in the same period in 2009.

Almeda disclosed that during the first quarter of the year, the number of BI-registered aliens increased already by 365 percent and their number surged further during the second quarter.

Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar is now the officer-in-charge of the bureau.

Expatriats or working visa applicants account for the bulk of registered foreigners, followed by holders of student visas and foreigners married to Filipinos. 

I would really agree with Almeda's statement attributing the large increase in registered aliens to the aggressive campaign of former BI-commissioner Marcelino Libanan in encouraging foreigners to visit, do business and study in the Philippines. I met Libanan several times personally.

Of course, the Philippines remains as a favorite destination for foreign business executives, many of whom are employed by multinational companies. 

And one more thing: Also citied as a major factor is the success of the BI's regionalization program where in the various field and satellite offices of the bureau were mobilized to encourage foreigners outside of Metro Manila to register and regularize their stay in the Philippines. I am also glad and happy being able to deal with the BI-office in Davao City for example. No need for travelling to Manila... .

My Favourite Music/Meine Lieblingsmusik

What's my favourite music since I am living in the Philippines for good? Of course, there are lot of changes every year. 

Honestly, I love classical music. No wonder! While being in Manila I  start each morning with a clear mind and listening to classical music on 98.7 FM DZFE). Honestly, I am also missing being on air with my radio show "Classics at Night" here in Davao City, to be heard in many parts of Mindanao. Yes, Philippinos love to listen to classical music. 

During long drives I love to listen to beats of U2's. 

When feeling the blues (each one of us experience feeling the blues!), there is indeed nothing more uplifting than sitting down on a piano (or, in my case on a keyboard or electronic piano - "I couldn't bring my grand piano to the Philippines") - and humming to myself. 

Of course, my favourite music - even being an expat living in the Philippines - sre songs from the 1980s and 1970s like    Kenny Loggins, Earth Wind and Fires, and more on pop and light rock music.

I love Broadway musical - yes, and I  admire Philippine love songs, such as "Dahil Ikaw ANg Mahal Ko" and many, many others.

MUSIC is my life. From my home country - and, from my second (?) home country, the Philippines.

Earthquake in Mindanao/Philippinen! Und die Erde bebte wieder... .

It was not the first earthquake I experienced in Mindanao, since living in Davao City for good. It doesn't mean, that I am no more scared. I also held my breath yesterday morning.

Strong earthquakes shook several areas in Mindanao yesterday, although there were no reports of injuries or damage. Thanks god! Aftershocks were felt as far as in Manila and Antipolo.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the first earthquake of magnitude of 6.9 occured at 6:09 a.m. The epicenter was 94 kilometers southwest of Cotabato City, and was even felt in Surigao City and General Santos City.

The second, at magnitude of 6.7, was felt at 6:51 a.m. with the epicenter 97 kilometers southwest of Cotabato City.

The third and strongest, at magnitude 7.1, was recorded at 7:115 a.m. at 98 kilometers southwest of Cotabato City. The epicenters of the quakes were in the sea, but most residents felt the tremors in whole Mindanao.

Since the earthquakes were deep, they would not trigger a tsunami. Good to know. 

Ten Ways to Fight Dreaded Dengue!

1. Clean up your backyard. Mosquitoes love to stay in the dark and damp areas. So if your garage is littered with boxes and assorted garbage, clean them up or throw them away. Don't let them become mosquito havens. Schedule a weekend clean-up day. 

2. Empty containers with stagnant water. The dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. this means that flower pots, garbage cans, aquariums 910, unused swimming pools (!), tires and other piles are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. So after the rains fill with them with water, throw the water away. Newt time, keep these containers closed and upside down. Flower vases should also be replaced weekly.

3. Check your surroundings for stagnant water. Some ornamental plants have this "whorl' or cup-like shape that can hold water water. beautiful to behold but deadly in design. Turn them over and throw the water away! Non-moving rivers, especially in squatter areas, are full of mosquito eggs.

4. Close your doors and windows! Some people open their doors in the morning for a whiff of fresh air. They also believe that mosquitoes would leave the house and go into the sun-light. No, they don't! Place a screen door that keeps the flies AND the mosquitoes outside.

5. Spray insecticide regularly. to rid your house of mosquitoes, flies and also cockroaches, spray it every few days! Make sure you spray those dark corners, crevices, and cabinets. You'll be amazed at the number of pests you'll find dead in the morning. But please, just spray selected rooms when people are not around!

6. Wear pants, pyjamas, long sleeves, and socks. Mosquitoes are attracted to your breath as you exhale so they know how to reach you even in the dark.

7. Apply insect-repellants or use mosquito nets. If your kids are going hiking, camping  or off to school, you can apply insect-repellants like OFF-lotion. Yes, it really works. Kids, of course, like to play outdoors and are prime targets of these killer animals. You can wipe it on selected areas of the clothing like collars, sleeves and pants. 

8. Kill those mosquitoes! When it comes to dengue, it's either kill or be killed! Instruct everyone to kill as many mosquitoes and flies as they can. Once you've got them trapped in your bathroom, show no mercy. 

9. Involve the whole community! The best way to defeat dengue is if the whole community is aware of the threat. Ask your community leaders to schedule a clean-up day! The danger is in empty houses and lots, which are excellent breeding places for mosquitoes. 

10. Spread the word: Dengue fever is here! You'll never know where dengue will strike next time, so better be prepared and inform your neighborhood!

Stay safe and healthy. I wish you all the best!!!

DENGUE - The Killer (Part II)

Dengue cases in Northern Mindanao have increased by 200 percent (!), the Department of Health in Region X said in its latest report. According to Emiliano Galban Jr., DOH X spokesman, 32 persons have been confirmed to the deadly mosquito borne disease while 2.345 (!) have been infected from January to June this year.

Galban said that this year's record is so far the highest in recent medical history of Northern Mindanao as there are more 1.777 (!) more cases recorded this year compared to last year's 568 cases.

Most of the infected persons are in Bukidnon. 

There are two new different types mosquito types such as AEDES and ANOPHELES, attacking especially Mindanao in the Philippines. The AEDES AEGYPTI is the insect you must avoid meeting if you don;t watch to catch dengue, while it is the female ANOPHELES from if you don't want to catch Malaria. Both are deadly and you don't want to catch any of them!

Both, dengue and malaria are also considered major hindrances to the economic growth of an area or a whole country.

There are many ways to fight dreaded dengue! Check it out here tomorrow!

Stay healthy, guys!

25th Anniversary of Silsilah Bulletin

The Silsilah Bulletin is a quarterly publication of Silsilah Dialogue Movement with its editorial office at the Silsilah Center, Joval Building, 137 Gov. Alvarez Avenue in Zamboanga City. 

In 1984 Father Sebastiano D'Ambra, PIME, founded the Islamo-Christian Silsilah  Dialogue Movement but the name was subsequently simplified to Silsilah Dialogue Movement. At the outset Silsilah saw itself as pursuing the attainment of Muslim-Christian dialogue but later expressed this thrust as an effort of "Muslims and Christians, with people of other living faiths". 

The publication of the Bulletin has been anchored on the belief that the printed word is among the best to spread the vision of the Movement and promote the Culture of Dialogue, Path to Peace.

You can also read the Silsilah Bulletin online www.silsilahdialogue.com. 

The inauguration of the Silsilah Center in Davao City happened already on January 20, 2010 in a simple but meaningful ceremony. In his inspiritional message Father Sebastian recollected the beginnings of the Movements widely known not just in the Philippines but in several countries in the world. It was his hope that Silsilah Forum Davao will stay in the forefront of the work of dialogue and peace.   

DENGUE - the Killer!

The fight against dengue is being brought already to the "barangay" level  at the City Health Office and the Department of Health here in Davao City, gathered together all "barangay" captains in a forum on their rule in fighting the spread of the disease. 

Davao city's good mayor Sara Inday Duterte told those in attendance that she is hopeful the "barangay" captains will give emphasis on fighting dengue in the community. Barangay Captains should delegate the work and monitor constituents. 

Bukidnon, so far, is now listed by the Department of Health as a "DENGUE HOTSPOT in Region 10 of the Philippines. Cagayan de Oro came into second with more or less 500 cases during the first six months of 2010. 10 persons have already died.

The municipality of Tagaloan was recorded as having the most number of dengue cases in Misamis Oriental, with 118. Health authorities believed that this increase of dengue incidence in Northern Mindanao is due to the onset of the rainy season.

"Practice cleaning your surroundings?"

HOW?

Check it out here on this website!

BLOODSUCKING TERRORISTS?

YES, THEY ARE HERE AND WAITING FOR YOU!!!