You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?

There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!

Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!


Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!

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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Infancy

Re-post of Editorial "Mindanao Daily Mirror" from February 15, 2012 with friendly permission by publisher and editor-in-chief Marietta Siongco.


"In ten days the country will celebrate the 26th anniversary of the first People Power uprising in EDSA, the one that booted out a dictator and restored democracy to a people deprived of freedom for two decades. The Marcos administration ha been characterized by corruption and brutality, and by the time the conjugal dictatorship was toppled it had brought the country nearly to its knees. It was from this humiliating position that the Philippines has had to rise up, and it has been a slow ascent - and in many ways it has not even been achieved yet.
For here we are, more than a quarter of a century and five presidents later, and we are still marked by bad government. One would think that 26 years wold have been enough for the country to recover; after all, it took less time for us to rise up from the ashes  of World War II to become a force to reckon with in Asia. But what we see all around us are evidences of failure on the part of the government  and the people to capitalize on the gains of People Power; instead, we are still struggling to get by, and our government is still marked by corruption. Just look at who is being fried at the Senate now: our very own Supreme Court chief justice, accused of various acts that allegedly disqualify him from further serving in his post.
One could say, however, that the impeachment process is proof that things are changing under the current administration, that at last something is being done to correct a bad system. We truly want to believe that, but forgive usfor not holding our breath. We must remember that we went through an impeachment once before, one which the senator-judges failed to bring to completion but was  preempted by a second People Power uprising. It is as we. as a people, are not willing to respect our own system and therefore take matters into our own heads.
What it all boils down to is this: 26 years after the first EDSA revolt, we are still in our infancy, unable and unwilling to follow the legal processes and insisting on taking shortcuts. And when we stop and think about it, that tis the definition of corruption."


Saturday, February 11, 2012

Aquino to Inaugurate Lufthansa Technik Facility


President Benigno Aquino will lead the inauguration  of the Lufthansa Technik, Philippines' new maintenance hangar for Airbus aircraft in Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

The maintenance hangar, located at Macro Asia Special Economic Zone inside the Villamar Airbase, is intended for Airbus 380 aircraft.

Upon his arrival at the venue, the President will simulate operating an Airbus  A 380 aircraft. He will then pull the throttle that will signal the opening of the new maintenance hangar.

After his speech, the President will tour  the existing hangar servicing the Airbus A 380 aircraft. The inauguration of Lufthansa Technik Philippines is considered a milestone in the Philippine aviation industry, making it one of the world's nine locations capable of maintaining, repairing and overhauling the Airbus A 380, the biggest air craft in the world today.
For more than a decade, Lufthansa Technik Philippines, a German-Philippine joint venture, has placed the Philippines in the global aviation map by having German technology, precision, and innovation in addition to Filipino crafts-manship.

Lufthansa Technik Philippines' million new investment, as one could learn from a Philippine News Agency report, is expected to expand the company's capacity, create more local jobs and contribute to nation building.

Philhealth to Increase Members' Contribution from 1,200 to 2,400 Pesos

I am an expat in the Philippines since 1999 and also a member of PhilHealth.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is looking at increasing contribution of its members from 1,200 to 2,400 Pesos (from 20 to 40 EUROS) per year. effective July 1, 2012. One could learn this from Dr. Eduardo Banzon, president and chief executive officer. Banzon said the increase on contribution is based on Circular 22 approved already last December. Under this circular, members can avail of the old rate by paying their contribution before June 30. They can also avail if they pay their 2012 contribution before the deadline.

By July 1, members, including those newly - registered will have to pay the annual contribution of 2,400 Pesos. Self-employed professionals earning an average monthly income of more than 25,000 Pesos will continue to pay their annual premium contribution of 3,600 Pesos. 

PhilHealth also implemented already the "No Balance Billing Policy to provide financial protection to its members, including indigent families. This means the patient does not need to shell out money for other fees or expenses. All government hospitals are reminded not refuse admissions to PhilHealth members, Banzon said.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Earthquakes Occuring Everyday in The Philippines


While writing this piece I received some messages from good friends in Cebu City telling me, that this area has been hit by another strong earthquake just an hour ago. Tsunami warning has been given out.

Saturday, another quake initially measuring 6.0 in magnitude struck Samar Island. The quake hit at 9 p.m. at a depth of 60 kilometres north of the city of Guiuan. The epicenter was around 600 km away east of Manila. 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said that low-magnitude earthquakes occur daily based on its intensity Scale. Honestly, I experienced this since living in the Philippines for good.

Looking back, last Wednesday two minor earthquakes have occurred. The latest was a magnitude 3.5 of tectonic origin hitting 25 kilometres north of San Julian, Eastern Samar with a 16 km depth of focus. The other hit 30 km south-east of Sta. Ana, Cagayan also of tectonic origin with a magnitude 3.2 having a 12 km depth of focus. 

Imagine, last Tuesday six minor tremors occurred in Bolinao, Pangasinan; Borongan, Samar; Infanta; Pangasinan; Vigan, Ilocos Sur and Burgos, Surigao del Norte.
 


Thursday, February 2, 2012

License Plates in The Philippines


 Sometimes Filipinos are strange people. Expat friend Jan tells you why he thinks so:

license plates in the Philippines, follow-up

Hungarian Classical Music by Zoltan Kodaly


Zoltan Kodaly:

a classical composer, pedagogue, linguist and philosopher. An amazing person:


Here is more about him:

www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com












Or tune in to 104.3 FM "The Edge Radio Davao" every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. (Philippine standard time) to my radio show Classics with Klaus Doring or via live stream www.davao.theedge.ph.

Immigration Resumes Employment Generation Program

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday resumed the implementation of an employment generation program that grants foreign businessmen employing at least 10 Filipino workers the privilege to stay indefinitely in the country.

Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. made the announcement after Justice Secretary Leila de Lima approved memorandum circular No. RADJR-11-007, dated December 14, 2011, prescribing the revised rules for implementing the Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG), which was first introduced in 2009 pursuant to Executive Order No. 758.

However, the visa is still subject to restrictions imposed by the Constitution and existing laws on foreign investments, according to Associate Commissioner Siegfred Mison.

"The applicant must prove that his investment are substantial and that the business employs at least 10 Filipinos occupying managerial, executive, professional, technical, skilled or unskilled positions," Mison said in a statement.

He further said that the SVEG holders are considered special non-immigrants with multiply entry privileges and conditional extended stay, without need of prior departure from the Philippines.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Sayaw Pinoy 2012 Goes to Davao City


"Sayaw Pinoy", the longest running national dance tour featured in this year's Philippine Arts Festival (PAF), will be staged in Davao City on February 3 - 4.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) brings in to Davao City the country's top dance companies to perform the dance tour that will showcase colorful tradition of dances and movements in the country.



NCCA's National Committee on Dance head Shirley Halili-Cruz said that the national dancer groups together with three local dance groups in the city will carry-out different dance forms, such as classical ballet, folk dance, contemporary, and modern dance like hip-hop.

The back-to-back performances will be staged at the Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai International School and University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) on February 3, 2012 and at SM City Davao and Abreeza Mall on February 4, 2012.

The dance tour "aims to reach the grass roots level to discover new talents as well as to connect to more Filipino dance artists," said Halili-Cruz.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Joseph Joachim - Time to Remember Another Classical Composer

Joseph Joachim



- another classical composer and friend during my life as expatriate and radio host in the Philippines!

Here is more:

Father and Son in Compostela Valley



ComVal (Compostella Valley) Governor Arturo Uy and Sports Coordinator Tyrone Uy help in the distribution of 892 armchairs in ten national high schools and 400 kiddie chairs to day care centers in Compostela.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Energy Savings - A Dream?

Since being connected with the DOST Regional Office XI as consultant, one project really caught my attention: the DREAM Team services. 



People indeed get very much excited about their saving accounts earning interests. But, the Department of Science and Technology has seen a better idea to invest into something that earns three or five times that of bank interests. You know how?

An "energy audit" is a good first step toward realizing those money savings by making your place more energy efficient, as one could learn from the dost XI Public Service Announcement. Many industrial establishments nowadays are becoming more and more conscious of their energy usage due to increased energy costs. In response to these needs, the Davao Region Energy Audit and Management (DREAM) Team can help the industries in the region in setting energy conservation goals, identify areas where energy wastes can occur or recommend energy saving opportunities - just to mention two among many others.

An audit can show how to save electricity. Or, how about the air condition system or the many costly gaps around doors and windows?

By the way, the DREAM Team is a multi-agency group with members from the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the University of Southeastern Philippines (where I am also teaching!), the University of Mindanao and the DOST Regional Office XI.

I am pretty sure, that a big number of companies will be interested to avail the DREAM Team services. Engineer Benjamin V.D. Estrelladao, the DREAM Team Focal Person, is looking forward to your calls (Davao 082 - 221 5428): from companies, and, of course, also from private house holds.

The DOST XI Energy Audit Team is now ready to serve the region. Happy savings!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

HAY NAKU... (?)

"Hay naku?"


It's indeed avery special Philippine expression. I heard it million times, while living as an expat in the Philippines since 1999. 


My Dutch friend and blogger Jan has to say more about it:


ENJOY READING AND UNDERSTANDING MORE THE PHILIPPINE CULTURE!

Lovi Poe in MUZIKLABAN

Beer fans will surely look forard to the upcoming Muziklaban grand finals on January 28 at he Aseana City in Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City, with the recent addition of actress lovi poe to San Miguel Beer's roster of celebrity endorsers.

The fast rising KAPUSO network star will jin rock legends Pepe Smith, Ely Buendia, Slapshock, Razorback, Greyhoundz, Kjwan, Wilabilaw, and past MUZIKLABAN champions in spicing up the culmination of the 2011 Red Horse Beer Muziklaban, the biggest, loudest, and most prestigious amatuer rock band competition in the Philippines. 

Enjoy guys!

Classical Music and much more: HERE!




Read more here:



Listen more here every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.  (Philippine time):

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Finally I Found Him: Alexander N. Skriabin

Yes, finally I found him: one of my most loved Russian composers. Here is more about him:

Noise Pollution in The Philippines

This post is about my expat's friend Jan from The Netherlands and his observations about noice, sounds, and music in the Philippines - a very welcome addition to my foregoing post about dog barking. 

Have you wondered (Jan asks), why Filipinos in general speak in loud voices? And why they all speak at the same time? Have you ever attended a real Philippine party where many Filipinos are? Did you notice that Philippine television and radio are mostly (?) loud?

Questions, questions, questions... and, a lot of answers are here:


from a Dutch expat, who decided to spend the rest of his life in the Philippines.

And so I do!

Dog Owner in Davao City Told to Shut up Dogs or Move Them out!

Living in the Philippines is really wonderful. Loving dogs, my family and I are having also some pets. The dogs in our neighborhood have been really disturbing since more a year. I wish to thank Vice Mayor Rudy Duterte for mentioning the problem in our neighborhood in Bajada, Davao City in this weekly TV program.

Dog owner in Davao City told to shut up dogs or move them out |Davao City News Feed

Saturday, January 14, 2012

General Santos City - Unsolved Killings Here?


Concerned with the rising unsolved cases of killings here and the neighboring areas, Mindanao Development Authority chair person Secretary Luwalhati Antonio has pushed for the assignment of additional policemen in the area. 

Antonio, who hails from this city, said in a radio interview that the recent killings perpetrated by motorcycle-riding gunmen were considered alaring and showed the need for more intensified law enforcement and security operations.

She specifically cited the killing of local newspaper publisher Christopher Guarin and of city traffic enforcer Oliver Dayap.

God bless Mindanao and the Philippines!

Friday, January 13, 2012

A Dream in Davao...


to materialize this New Year 2012....

To all his friends and benefactors of Davao City, Father Franco wishes a Blessed and Happy New Year. He hopes this is the year, that shall him fulfill his long-cherished dream in Buda on behalf of the Indigenous Youth.

Fr. Franco is a Salesian of Don Bosco and is about to start taking care of 45 "lumad" youths/children, starting this May 2012.

He has decided to start, trusting as usual, in Davao providence, the good hearted people in Davao City and its surroundings. One of the many concerns he has to face ia the preparation of the daily meals and other needs. The help promised by European donors for this project, is hard to come, because Europe has its economic and financial problems.

There's also another way for sponsoring the "cause" of Father Franco, as I was able to learn during my last visit in Buda. Try to buy the gourmet products he himself has designed and produced to be able to support this project, Just visit "Pasalubong Center, Palma Gil Street, People's Park, Davao City" or, find time to take fresh breath along with your family and friends and come up to Buda tp Father Franco's place.

I am also glad to give you more information. Kindly contact me.

God bless you all!






Thursday, January 12, 2012

Arthur Honegger - a Swiss Classical Composer

You wish to learn more about him (and many other composers?) and their music?



Go to:

http://www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com

Valley of Death


The old year ended with natural disasters (check my last post in 2011) - the new year 2012 started with natural disasters.

A team from the Compostela Valley Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council was among the first to send rescue and retrieval groups when landeslides hit Sitio Diat Uno, Napuapan, Pantukan, where -by the way- also several good friends are living - and, THEY SURVIVED!

A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS HERE!

EIN FROHES UND GESUNDES NEUES JAHR 2012 AN ALLE MEINE LESERINNEN UND LESER HIER!