Do you love my favourite fruit?
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Goethe Institute Turns 50 - Goethe Institut wird 50!
Program highlights will be the Art talk i-panel discussion on the role of the international cultural institution in Manila and the Philippines. Opening speeches will be holding by Dr. Richard Kuenzl, Director of the German Culture Centre Goethe Institut Manila and His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Philippines, Mr. Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch.
I am honoured and blessed being invited to join this and other anniversary's events while teaching German language as faculty member at the University of Southeastern Philippines; a partner school of the Goethe Institut, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding between both institutions earlier in 2010. More details will surely follow after my return from Manila to Davao.
Am 7. April 2011 feiert das Goethe Institut Manila sein 50jaehriges Jubilaeum. Mehrere kulturelle Veranstaltungen werden stattfinden. Die Eroeffnungsreden am 7. April 2011 halten der Direktor des Goethe Instituts, Herr Dr. Richard Kuenzl sowie Seine Excellenz, der Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in Manila, Herr Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch.
Es ist eine Ehre fuer mich, dass ich zu diesem Jubilaeum eingeladen wurde. Mehrere Einzelheiten auf dieser Webseite nach meiner Rueckkehr von Manila.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Flight Of The Bumble-Bee
You might ask: What has the flight of a bumble-bee to do with the life of an expatriate in the Philippines?
Sie moegen sich sicherlich fragen, was der Flug einer Hummel mit dem Leben eines Auslaenders auf den Philippinen zu tun hat?
Well, it has something to do woth classical music.
Nun, es hat etwas mit Klassischer Musik zu tun.
http://www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com
My Mindanao - Mein Mindanao!
I love the Philippines. I love to live here for good. I love Mindanao. Even having a terrible hectic schedule from time to time, I love to travel in Mindanao. That's not new. A lot of other expatriates do the same. Fact is, Mindanao is worth travelling around.
This island-region, situated down south of the Philippine archipelago is famous for its mega-biodicersity, exotic wilderness and culture-tourism destinations.
From east to west one can easily embrace several pristine waters of Mindanao's beaches, springs, rivers, and waterfalls; or be enthralled by the mysticism of the caves, the lithe grace of lake waters or the lush vegetations within the 'lungs of the earth' - the still vast and verdant forests.
I am just back from another trip tp Bukidnon. Yes, it has been terrible cool (cold?), foggy, and it pours cats and dogs. But I enjoyed the trip...! Even before I tried to clinch the challenging heights and thrilling trails of hills and mountains with their awesome cliffs, flora and fauna... .
Welcome to Mindanao! B'yahe ta Mindanaw!
(Off to Surigao del Sur now...!!!)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Philippine Breakfast - Philippinisches Fruehstueck
Sieht Ihres auch so aus?
How does YOUR breakfast look like? Same?
5Y4APWYZ9SRB
Monday, March 21, 2011
Lazy Summerdays
You don't get anything for nothing in life. This is the main motto of our life. This is the epigraph of our biography - whether we like it our not.
According to the book of Genesis, after God created the universe in six days, he rested on the seventh day. In other words, He took a vacation. So, if God reted after working for the some period of time, there is no reason why man, who is finite and limited in his physical streng, should not take a vacation.
Hurray, doing nothing is really something. No, I don't mean those people, who just hang out day-by-day and week-by-week (Filipinos and/or expatriates!) doing nothing. No, I mean, doing nothing is really something after a period of really hard work. By the way, it doesn't matter, if it regards our children or us. None of us need all our time. Also my nieces and nephews started now enjoying some lazy summerdays. At home, at a beach, during a trip somehow somewhere... .
I met innumerable kids, who don't go to dances, gymnastics, piano or trampoline lessons. One of nieces loves take-wan-do. Okay lang. Others don't want to, and that's fine with their parents. When the kids are ready, they will surely join a sport or ask to take lessons in something that interests them. No, not now. Pwede! Enjoy some lazy summer days. It's vacation time in the Philippines.
For now, especially during school vacation, time off is just time off and should be - from time to time. Lazy summer days - if we're not on duty - how cool such days could be: Stay outside and so absolutely nothing structured. Maybe, go for walks, ride bikes (ignore the rain!), go to the beach (swimming while raining is wonderful!), have a picnic somewhere. Or, if you really can't survive the bad weather, stay home drawing, playing games, write something
or read one of those books, waiting for you since years.I still remember my lazy summer days, when I wasn't yet living in the Philippines, sitting in the blazing sun, eating a Popsicle, getting all sticky, and running after the bees. Those (old) lazy summer days even turned into lazy winter days in my home country Germany, and shaped and characterized my whole life.
So guys, enjoy some lazy summer days right now - somewhere - somehow, especially if you're stressed, overwhelmed or depressed. You really deserve it! Let's rest for a while to acquire new energy. Me too! Yes, me too! While you might read this, I also enjoy the first of my lazy summer days - somewhere - somehow!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Radioactive Plume From Japan to Reach US
Of course, you might wonder, why I repost such stuff as an expat living in the Philippines.
Sie moegen sich alle wundern, warum ich derartige Artikel hier auf meiner Webseite veroeffentliche.
The wind could have change its direction. The Philippines are indeed not very far away from Japan.
Der Wind haette seine Richtung immer noch aendern koennen, und, er koennte es noch immer. Die Philippinen sind nun wirklich nicht sehr weit entfernt von Japan.
It's the concern of a German expat living in the Philippines.
Radioactive plume from Japan to reach US
Camille Saint-Saens - one of my piano idols...
I love playing piano since I turned to the age of 4.Chopin and many other composers became my idols. And also he,
Camille Saint-Saens.
MY EXPATRIATE LIFE IN THE PHILIPPINES NEVER EVER GETS BORING. Why? I keep myself busy and I took everything and everybody with me. Also my music and my classical music composers.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Basilica Minore del Santo Nino - a Cebu Trip
Der Bau der heutigen Basilika - frueher San Augustin Church - wurde 1740 vollendet. Drei hoelzerne Konstruktionen fielen zuvor den Flammen zum Opfer. Die leicht verwitterte Steinkirche ist El Senor Santo Nino, eine kleine Jesuskind-Statue. Man braucht viel Zeit und Ausdauer, um dies bewundern zu koennen - es heisst, lange in der Schlange zu stehen.
Uebrigens, es soll das Taufgeschenk Magellans an die Gattin Humabons sein. Santo Nino ist der Schutzpatron der Cebuanos.
Santo Nino is the patron of the Cebuanos.
(People rejoicing for patron Sto. Nino)
(Photos taken by APRIL BALCOM)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Strangeness, Changes, Challenges
Something more about my life as an expatriate living in the Philippines:
http://www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com
http://www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com
Monday, March 14, 2011
After the Japan Disaster/Nach dem Japandisaster: Deutschenliste und Krisenvorsorge Philippinen
Mitteilung der Deutschen Botschaft in Manila/Philippinen:
Krisenvorsorge - Anmeldung ab sofort im Internet!
Krisenvorsorge - Anmeldung ab sofort im Internet!
Die bisherige Deutschenliste wurde bereits 2009 abgeschafft. Ihre Daten, die auf der manuell gefuehrten Krisenvorsorgeliste registriert wurden, koennen leider nicht mehr uebernommen werden.
Die Aufnahme in die Krisenvorsorgeliste erfolgt nur noch passwortgeschuetzt im on-line Verfahren.
Die elektronische Registrierung ersetzt die bisher manuell gefuehrte Krisenvorsorgeliste der Botschaft/und-oder des naechsten Generalkonsulats. Es wird gebeten, Ihre Daten bald ueber das Internet einzugeben, auch wenn Sie bisher schon registriert waren. Sie werden ausserdem kuenftig automatisch in regelmaessigen Abstaenden aufgefordert werden, Ihre Angaben zu bestaetigen bzw. zu aktualisieren. Damit sollen Vollstaendigkeit und Aktualitaet der Registrierungen im Sinne einer wirksamen Krisenvorsorge und -bewaeltigung sichergestellt werden. Bitte beantworten Sie daher die Ihnen automatisch zugehenden Anforderungen deshalb in Ihrem eigenen Interess
Sollten Sie bei der Online-Registrierung auf Schwierigkeiten stossen, senden Sie bitte eine E-Mail (rk-101@auswaertiges-amt-de) mit einer kurzen Erlaeuterung oder rufen Sie an (fuer die Philippinen): 02 - 702 3044.
Giacomo Meyerbeer - One of My Favourite Classic Music Composers
Check out more:
Meyerbeer seems to be forgotten up to now because many attempts to restore his compositions have been without success. It's really a great pity!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Conquer Compostella Valley in Mindanao
Compostela Valley is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao - also one of my favourite spots while travelling in Mindanao. The province, called COMVAL for short, used to be part of Davao del Norte, until it was made independent in 1998. The province borders Davao del Norte to the west, Agusan del Sur to the north, and Davao Oriental to the east. To the south west lies the Davao Gulf.
Compostela Valley is subdivided into 11 municipalities namely Compostela, Laak (San Vicente), Mabini (Dona Alicia), Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, New Bataan and Pantukan.
The capital town of Nabunturan is only a two-hours drive from Davao City. There are also several privately owned airstrips in the province, mostly owned by multinational companies.
Come and conquer COMVAL!
(My deepest gratitude to Miss Fe Fuentes Maestre, PGO Comval Province!)
+++
(My deepest gratitude to Miss Fe Fuentes Maestre, PGO Comval Province!)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Check out more on:Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
I Decided to Be Happy as Expat in The Philippines!
Yes, I did so! You know, why? The world is full of bad news and all of us are very easy to be influenced by "negative people" in our surroundings. Yes, also among us expatriates... .
Sometimes I really get tired, because even I can feel how these people fritter away my energy, strengths and good mood while chatting away my time.
Okay, let's swing ourselves into the saddle and let's explore the positive flanks and directions in our daily (expat-)life. A couple of days ago a good friend of mine from a Western country texted me: "Write with an open mind about what you see and hear, smell and touch. It could be an inspiration. Life is so beautiful for us to keep on going - also here in the Philippines!"
Honestly, this guy is true. There is no paradise on earth. Each nation in the world has its positive and negative sites. But, I decided to stay here in the Philippines with my family, and, I decided to be happy, to be glad, to be content, to be fortunate, to be fitting... . One thing, I learned here is this: "If we like to be happy,we must open our eyes and find people in our surroundings, which have the special talent for listening. We have to find people who will walk the first miles with us then steadfastly believe that we can walk alone after a while. I found such people here. Many, many!!! don't get me wrong: I Never forgot my home country. But now, I am living here in the Philippines.
Being happy means also to find the courage, that we can have it. Ask yourself, what's your emotional dependence. When we are emotionally dependent, we look to others for happiness, our "self"-concept, and our emotional well-being. We give up what we want and need out of fear of rejection, abandonment or confrontation.
No, also in the Philippines isn't everything right and correct. I observe that our expectations can kill us emotionally because we suffer under the tyranny of them. We are losing our happiness. Culture Shock, here, there and every where!
But I decided to overcome the shock. I am glad, I was able to do so. I am happy now. A happy expatriate - living in the Philippines for good!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Rats, rats - and more rats!
http://www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com
Regarding to MindaNews more provinces in Eastern Mindanao and many parts of the Philippines have been reported attacked by swarms of field rats , in an infestation that an official blamed on climate change and human interference in Nature's food chain.
After farmers in eight barangays in the northern hinterlands of Davao City whose farms were devastated appealed for help, reports indicated that areas in South Cotabato, North Cotabato and Sarangani areas were also attacked by rats.
My friend and City Agriculture Officer Leo Avila III said that rats attaked provinces in the Visayas and in the rice-producing areas in Central Luzon too. I learned from Leo Avila, he would also ask the Provincial Agriculture Office in Davao del Norte to confirm reports of rat infestation in its northwestern town of Talaingod which shares boundary with Davao City's rat-infested northern barnagys.
Taking necessary measures to lessen the rat infestation in rice and corn-producing areas in the provinces and put-up systems of preventing future occurrences seem to be essential and inevitable.
Johannes Brahms - another German Classical Composer
- and a child of Romanticism.
He remains also as one of my favourite composers. His compositions have been become a world power - equal to Beethoven and Wagner.
Brahms in the Philippines? Classic music under palms? Sure, why not...!
Check out more:
http://www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
When in Manila...
When in Manila...If you and your friends will be visiting Manila any time soon (as I will next week!), I believe that the following product could be your alternative tour guide in enjoying the beauty and wonders of Manila.
It's the "Enjoy Travel Manila Guidebook", a 3-in-1 guide consisting of
1. an independently written, edited, and curated travel guide for visiting tourists, returning residents, and newly settled expatriates.
2. a free downloadable mobile application and street maps for easy navigation.
3. an Enjoy Card with over PHP 100,000 worth of savings at top restaurants, shops, attractions and hotels.
The guidebook is indeed the perfect travel guide for you and me. It could be also a welcome gift to foreign friends and/or expatriates who are planning to visit Manila. The guidebook is sold for only PHP 599.
Check out more on
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Shallow Gimmick and Samal Island
By friendly permission of Mindanao Daily Mirror, where I am also writing my regular column "In My Opinion", I like to share with you the Editorial from February 18, 2011:
Shallow gimmick
The local government of the island Garden City of Samal has come up with a gimmick ostensibly to entice more tourists, specially foreigners, to visit the island city and enjoy the amenities offered by beach resorts therein. The booklet, shaped and designed like a passport, will be available at the Davao International Airport, overland transport terminals, and malls in Davao City.
At first blush, the "passports" look great as tourism, particularly, beach resort operation, and is the island's main industry. Scheduled for release next month , the booklet contains discount coupons of beach resorts, a list of activities and other tourism information guides. so says Nelson Aquino, officer-in-charge of the IGACOS tourism office. Some 30 beach resorts are operating in the island most of which are located along the coastline facing Davao City.
On closer look, the "passport" is nothing bunch a shallow gimmick and an empty gesture to welcome visitors. The local government's effort to attract more tourists to the island will be more meaningful and significant if it revises, better yet repeal altogether, the controversial revenue ordinance that imposes heavy fees on users of the island's recreational facilities as well as plain visitors.
Anyone who goes to Samal Island even for a short visit is charged with an entrance fee of 5 Pesos. In all likelihood, it is the only place in the world that imposes an entrance fee for visitors. That's only for starters. The so-called environmental user's fees also include: Island hopping or plain sightseeing: 20 Pesos per person per day; strolling at mangrove board walk: 20 Pesos person; mountaineering: 20 Pesos per person; spelunking: 25 Pesos per person; extreme adventure sports: 30 Pesos per person; snorkeling or scuba-diving: 50 Pesos per person; photo documentation: 500 Pesos per day; research: 500 Pesos per group; and video documentation: 1,000 Pesos per day.
Noting the unfriendliness and oppressiveness of the ordinance to beach resort users, resort owners and operators have filed a suit before the Regional Trial Court in Panabo City seeking to declare the new revenue code as unconstitutional. The local government's imposition of exorbitant fees to users of beach resort facilities is one sure way of driving away tourists.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Bolero
File:Ravel au piano.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Check out more about this great composer on
http://www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com
Maurice Ravel and his bolero - a classical music master piece.
Check out more about this great composer on
http://www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com
What Foreigners Sometimes Ask About the Philippines... .
I am living in the Philippines for good since January 1999. Being involved in several businesses - as you can read in profile - I do get a lot of emails every day. Mostly from concerned foreigners, who plan to put up a business here in the Philippines, to get married to a Philippine national -or plan to settle down here. Not only inquiries because of this and that - no, but also a lot of questions. Sometimes it's indeed very difficult to formulate the correct (or best) replay and answer.
Of course, foreigners, who are still planning to stay here for good, should plan very well and ask a lot of questions, because law and requirements change always. All updates regarding all concerns can't even be published here.
But here are also some (additional) questions, I get on a regular basis:
- A doctor from a Western country asked, if Filipinos are also wearing shoes, because he only (?) sam them wearing slippers.
- A business man asked, why most Filipinos try to avoid to speak the Spanish language. (I suggested the man to research in Philippine history...).
- A German woman asked, if the Philippines (in general) are really poor, and if we would experience hunger here. What would you answer her?
- Another doctor from an European country, who planned to open a clinic in "the capital of the Philippines - and really only there!", asked me, if I really would enjoy living and working - in "Jakarta" (!?).
Some questions are really more then unbelievable. Asking me, if Filipinos can survive without electricity, or, if we also have chickens and tomatoes - oh boy, I am sure, everybody understands that I left such questions unanswered.
As Philippine Star columnist Jessica Zafra voiced out last year: "The Philippines is an entire country also outside its national borders. All those Filipinos have have friends, foreign classmates, colleagues and family members living and working all over the globe!"
Those Filipinos are also helping to promote the right imagine of this wonderful country. Who else could help?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Now is the Time for PEACE!
(PNA) - Saying the Filipino is weary of all the fighting, discord, and senseless armed combat characteristic of the growing gap between the government and members of the rebel groups, President Benigo Aquino called on all the stakeholders and concerned citizens to rally behind his administration and support the resumption of peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The President made the call during the "Ilaw ng Kapayapaan" (Light of Peace) candle lighting ceremonies held at Quezon Memorial Circle last Tuesday night.
Peace: - calm, repose, freedom from disturbance, war or hostilities as well as tumult and commotion.
A German sayings goes like this: "Ein Friede ist besser als 10 Siege!" One peace is better then ten victories.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God!" (Matthew 5:9).
Also as an expat living in the Philippines and knowing the Philippines, especially Mindanao since the early 1980s, I wish us peace. In Mindanao, in the Philippines, and of course, in the whole world!
Bela Bartok - Another Incredible Classical Music Composer
Even while living in the Philippines I do still love also Bela Bartok's music.
Check out more:
http://www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
"CAN-CAN" and more. Jacques Offenbach...
Check out more about this unique classical music composer from France:
http://www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com
Expats and Healthcare in The Philippines
I am lucky. Yes, I am! When I moved to the Philippines for good in 1999, i was still able to get some very good health insurance plans: critical illness, accident, death because of accident etcetera etcetera....
And, I also joined PHILHEALTH.
I informed several other expats and (Filipino) friends of mine about it. One of them became very lucky. He has been hospitalized and needed a blood transfusion several months ago. I informed him about the latest statement of Dr. Rey B. Aquino, President and CEO of PhilHealth: "In keeping with its trust objective of providing its members with responsive benefits, blood transfusions done even as an outpatient is now being paid for by the state run Philippine Health Insurance cooperation (PhilHealth). This took effect already on al claims for outpatient blood transfusions starting one year ago.
Of course, it should be clarified that while purchase of blood is not included in the benefits , all medically-necessary drugs and medicines used during the transfusion shall be compensated in addition to the usual blood donor screening test.
What ever, however, being a PhilHealth member is a must - also and/or especially for expatriates living here in the Philippines.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Das Goethe Institut Manila
Das Goethe-Institut engagiert sich im Auftrag der Bundesrepublik Deutschland auf der ganzen Welt - also nicht nur in Manila auf den Philippinen.
Die Kernaufgabe liegt dabei, neben der Pflege der internationalen kulturellen Zusammenarbeit, vor allem in der Foerderung der deutschen Sprache. Das Goethe-Institut, wo auch immer auf der Welt, bietet vielfaeltige Leistungen im Rahmen der Sprachfoerderung.
The Goethe Institut works on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany all over the world and not only in Manila in the Philippines. Goethe Institut's core role is not only maintain international cultural dialogue, but most importantly to promote the German language.
A real demonstrating that the Goethe Institut offers a wide range of services in the context of language improvement.
Mehr dazu:
Check out more:http://www.germaninthephilippines.tropicalpenpals.com
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Philippine Classical Music
or
Lucio San Pedro
Philippine Classical Music is unique and helps me to relax and unwind.
Check out more on my website:
http://www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com
(Constancio de Guzman)
GARY GRANADA
ALAY MO BUHAY KO was one of the songs recorded in the album DAMDMAIN NG BAGONG KABATAAN, released November 1986. Philippine classics... .
Sung by the WEA's Children's Choir, the song was a charity project of WEA Records and Safegiuard. The proceeds were used for the benefit of the UNICEF project to protect the children of Negros.
Composer Gary Granada is probably better known in the gospel music industry. He has won many competitions for his compositions, the most recent (!early 1988!) of which are: EARTH KEEPER for the Environment Song Contest, and BAHAY for the KBP Music Fest. His song ALAY MO BUHAY KO (I brought on air many times in my radio shows in Davao City!) also won an award in last year's advertising congress.
Casino Filipino Davao celebrates Chinese New Year 2011
Enjoy theLION DANCE at 8:00 PM
and
FREE BEER and COCKTAILS
as well as
FORTUNE TELLING!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Cultural Center of the Philippines - PIANIST RAUL SUNICO IS NEW CCP PRESIDENT
Cultural Center of the Philippines - PIANIST RAUL SUNICO IS NEW CCP PRESIDENT
www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com
When it came to Philippine Classical Music, I got really honoured to meet Raul Sunico,
who obtained the degrees of Bachelor of Music (cum laude) among many others. He later obtained his Master of Music degree from the Juillard School of Music in New York under Sascha Gorodnitzki.
who obtained the degrees of Bachelor of Music (cum laude) among many others. He later obtained his Master of Music degree from the Juillard School of Music in New York under Sascha Gorodnitzki.
In the Philippines, he was a winner of the Manila Symphony Young Artists Auditions.
Because of him I learned more about Philippine classical music.
Check it out also here
www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com
How to price your property - News and Information | MyProperty.ph
How to price your property - News and Information | MyProperty.ph
It's indeed a very interesting post, I would like to share with you.
It's indeed a very interesting post, I would like to share with you.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Take Good Care!
I am an expatriate living in the Philippines for good since 12 years. I have never been back in Germany, my home country. I visited the Philippines since 1976 - since 1982 on a regular basis. I always remember the phrase: "Take good care of yourself!" Sure, I did! I always did good care of myself - also whiule staying in more then 60 other countries worldwide.
Although one takes good care, anything can happen: an accident, an illness. Also YOU, just reading this, may be at risk.
Did you experience any chest pains or heaviness? Come on, stop smiling. Have you had a weakness or numbness on one side of your body which resolves completely at the end of the day? Come on, yes I DID BEFORE! I experienced it twice - mild strokes. Nearly 26 million people worldwide die (!) every year of diseases associated with "atherothrombosis".
Now, hy am I so concerned about this topic? Sure, everybody can get sick or ill. Filipinos and expats living herein the Philippines. Fact is, the Philippine health infrastructure is deadly! I really hold my breath reading alot of news while researching for this post. No, no good news! Sorry, really bad news!
It happened several months ago, but it's still up to date: Philippine "STAR"-columnist Boo Chanco, whom I really admire, has been talking to a number of doctors and always got the same message: "If you should have a heart attack or stroke, pray that neither happens outside of Metro Manila nor Metro Cebu!" Boom-bang! How about all the other places in the Philippines? Mindanao, Davao City - has not breath a word.
It means to say: Proper emergency care is not available outside Manila and Ceby. Which hospitals, I am referring to Mindanao, in my case especially Davao City - can provide proper emergency care and treatment for these two medical emergencies?
Let's mention again basic tourism programs, retirement programs or the development of luxury second homes away from the metro areas, as Boo Chanco stressed. I am pretty sure we can't wait for the government again to provide us. The private sector developers indeed will have to include adequate mdeical facilities in their plans.
PhilHealth is not bankrupt. Even being an expat I am a member of. And, by the way, the "Generic Pharmacy" (Mabisa na - Matipid pa!!!) is still extending nationwide.
Take good care of yourselves, guys! Stay safe and healthy in the Philippines.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Remembering the history of classical composers - Klaus Doring's Classical Music
No, it's not because of a certain culture shock. Classical music helps me to rewind and relax.
One of my most famous classical composers is Edvard Grieg.
Check out more on my music website... .
Valentine Afternoon Delight in Paradise
Sun, sand and blue water! My favourite resort on Samal Island, the one and only and original Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort presents a very special event: The Valentine Afternoon Delight in Paradise. Olivia Dabawenya takes you to the time you fell in love for the first time with her carefully lined up songs for this special day. Featuring also Mr. Bob Puyat on saxophone.
Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort also featured a 12:00 Valentine Sunday Fling, a pre-Valentine Show, featuring one of Davao's Pop Bands, reminiscing how falling in love can bring so many cherished memories through songs. And one thing more: the couple with the best valentine attire wins a fabulous prize.
For further information you might call 082 - 233-0251 or visit
www.paradiseislanddavao.com.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
What Do Filipinos Value Most?
When I read one of a national papers' poll, I could only strongly agree. Yes, that's what I experienced since the first moment I stepped on Philippine soil.
Allow me to share it with you:
Family comes first: Filipinos value most their families. Filipinos are very much family-oriented that they will sacrifice everything just to be able to give their children the best of life. It is indeed the family that matters most to all Filipinos. Close family ties characterize the typical Filipino clan. No other values could displace it in the hearts of true-blooded Filipinos.
I also agree with several poll joiners, that Pinoys indeed give prime concern to bonding with relatives AND FRIENDS., ready to spent the last penny to impress their unlimited hospitality.
Time changes everything. Not only I observed it - also a lot of Filipinos joining this poll. Yes, it's true: there has been a paradigm shift in what Filipinos value. These values have eroded slowly.
A good education still seems to be a status symbol in many Filipino families. Many Filipinos are keep on dreaming (and trying their best!) for the children to have a good education and a better future. And, Filipinos value loyality and honesty at work.
"Crab mentality" is and will remain as a bane.
Although, after 12 years living in the Philippines for good as an expat, I also value many things here: especially the hospitality, gratefulness and credibility, I can experience every single day. And, I feel save and happy and so very much secure in this family-oriented society.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wellness and Medical Tourism in The Philippines
Since living in the Philippines for good, I have always observed the country's world-class physicians, very often a modern technology and the so very true brand of caring and compassion of Filipinos. no wonder that wellness and medical tourism in the Philippines is becoming more and more important as the country positions itself as a premier gloabl destination.
One thing is very clear: the pool of foreign tourist patients and health buffs in the Philippines is increasing dramatically. The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) is doing well, pushing tour operators to develop more medical and wellness tourism packages. that will cater to the growing number of foreign patients visiting this country nowadays and in the future.
I am not sure if this will materialize: The DOT honestly expects the Philippines to corner a total of three billion US$ (!?) from the global medical tourism industry by 20154, if more or less 200,000 foreign patients arrive here annually. I wish these will figures really become true - for the sake of the Philippines.
Of course, the innate hospitality of the Filipinos is very well-known, but health care providers should also constantly upgrade their facilities to be at par with world-class standards.
Mabuhay , and welcome to the Philippines!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Deutscher Konsularsprechtag in Davao/German Consular Day in Davao
Die Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in Manila gibt bekannt, dass am
Mittwoch, den 16. Februar 2011 von 9.00 - 12.30 Uhr und 14.00 - 16.00 Uhr
ein Konsularsprechtag stattfinden wird in der
University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), Board Room, Office of the President, Inigo Street, Haupteingang (in der Naehe der N. Torres, Cervantes and Porras Streets0, Barangay Obrero, Davao City (hinter Victoria Plaza Mall) mit Telefon-/Faxnummern 082 - 221 7737 und 082 - 225 4696.
Ansprechpartner ist der Leiter der Rechts- und Konsularabteilung der Botschaft, Herr Konsul Klaus Mueller.
Bitte beachten Sie, dass wegen der biometrischen Daten (u.a. Fingerabdruecke) nur noch vollstaendige Antraege auf Ausstellung vorlaeufiger Reisepaesse und Kinderreisepaesse - NICHT JEDOCH Antrage auf EUROPAPAESSE entgegengenommen werden koennen.
Visaantraege koennen NICHT gestellt werden. Fragen zu Visa werden NICHT beantwortet.
Fuer eine erfolgreiche Bearbeitung Ihres Anliegens (z.B. Beurkundungen/Beglaubigungen etc.) setzen Sie sich bitte rechtzeitig zwecks Vorbereitung der Urkunde mit der Botschaft in Verbindung.
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Manila would like to inform you that the Head of the Legal and Consular Section, First Secretary (and Consul) Mr. Klaus Mueller, will hold office
Wednesday, 16th February 2011 from 9.00 am - 12.30 pm and from 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), Board Room, Office of the President, Inigo Street, main gate (near N. Torres/Cervantes and Porras Streets), Barangay Obrero, Davao City, back of the Victoria Plaza Mall, Telephone/Fax: 082 - 221 7737 and 082 - 225 4696.
Please note that due to the biometric specifications only complete applications for the German Temporary Passports and children's passports can be accepted. Visa applications CANNOT be accepted as well. Inquiries regarding visa well not be answered and should be directed to the Visa Section of the Embassy.
Kindly contact the embassy well in advance in case legal documents have to be prepared.
You may also visit the embassy's website.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Forgotten (?) Illness AIDS (in the Philippines)
The topic AIDS has been, is and will be always remain a hot potato. AIDS doesn't know any special season, but it seems to have been forgotten. Especially distressing is till, for many fellow the condemnation and ignorance about condoms - the one and only sure HIV-AIDS protection as has been proven many times.
For many people the saying still seems to be: "AIDS - doesn't matter!" What a fatal attraction who continue playing Russian roulette. Here in the Philippines - and worldwide.
I am not very comfortable with figures when it comes to "official numbers" of the Philippines. They said, since 1984 the Philippines registered 5,364 HIV and AIDS cases. I am pretty sure that these numbers never show the reality.
Since 2004 the last figures showed the number of new infections hitting one record after the other. in several countries AIDS tests for willing married couples are still required by law. So far so good, but how about most of the new infection cases involving heterosexual men, gays, or those men who force prostitutes to have unsafe sex without condoms? How about drug users, who spread the AIDS virus by using dirty injection needles?
The latest registry in the Philippines (and I carefully agree!) said most of the individuals, about 90 percent of them, were males and the most number of infections cme at the productive age group between 20 to 29 years old. And, sexual contact was the most common made fir HIV transmission. Worldwide immigration authorities require HIV/AIDS tests several times in different intervals before entering the country and/or before a continuation of immigration permanent status documents processing. I experience it for myself in 1999 when moving to the Philippines. Nowadays one can't find such requirements any more.
Dr. Edsel Salvana, associate professor on the infectious disease section of the University of the Philippines (UP), Manila said, the Philippines could be facing an "epidemic" HIV/AIDS cases as numbers continue to rise while newly-infected individuals are even getting younger.
Chasteness and chastity seem to become more and more foreign words. Ask the young generation and don't wonder if you'll mostly hear a plucky laughter.
AIDS doesn't matter? What a fatal attraction!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Fishkill
I have been and I will remain an intolerable, merciless, and unrestrained environmentalist. Ecodooms and pollution as well as contamination of our environment go on without limits. This latest news infuriated and distressed me again and again. Yes, I have written about this topic many times already. And also this post will not be the last!
Last November large "Imelda" fish went belly up in the Pasig River, while the surface of Bicol's Lake Buhi was nearly covered with dead 'tilapia". Good heavens! I stayed twice at Lake Sebu in South Cotabato and enjoy this wonderful fish three times a day! I was really sad to know that in Southern Metro Manila, large milk fish or "bangus" has being sold for as low as 10 Pesos per kilo as cases of fish kill were reported across Luzon in the wake of typhoon "Basyang" last year.
Fish kill has been occuring with increasing frequency all over the Philippines in recent years, and not just during the typhoon season. The phenomenon, which can leave tons of fish decimated, has become a regular reminder of the need to clean up the Philippines' waters. Fish kill has been occuring more often as toxic waste is dumped into the waters around the archipelago. Of course, pollution is also killing spawning grounds of marine life, resulting in a steadlily dwindling fish catch.
What are our local governments doing to protect the environment and avoid the horrific damage of the nation's food security?
I feel horrible reading such news from Australia, that scientists have discovered sea life hundreds of meters below the Great Barrier Reef, in an unprecedented mission to document species under threat of ocean warming. Can you imagine? Ancient sharks, swarms of crustaceans and a primitive shell-dwelling squid species were among the astonishing life?
Let's keep in mind: scientists have already warned long time ago that the attraction is a serious jeopardy, as global warming and chemical run off threaten to kill marine species and cause disease outbreaks.
Quo vadis, Mother Earth?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
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