German Embassy Manila in The Philippines

THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY IN THE PHILIPPINES
DEUTSCHE BOTSCHAFT AUF DEN PHILIPPINEN

                                                                                 STREET ADDRESS:
                                                                                  25/F Tower II - RCBC Plaza
                                                                                  6819 Ayala Avenue
                                                                                  1200 Makati City, Metro Manila
                                                                                  Philippines
   Vw/RK 253.00/1 (RK-S1) – Stand: 18. Februar 2013                               POSTAL ADDRESS:
                                                                                  P. O. Box 2190, Makati CPO
                                                                                  Makati City, 1261 Metro Manila
                                                                                  INTERNET: www.manila.diplo.de
                                           Übersetzer/Translators                 TEL: + 63-(02) 702 3000
                                                                                  FAX: + 63-(02) 702 3015
Haftungsausschluss: Dieses Merkblatt dient ausschließlich zu Ihrer Information. Die Deutsche Botschaft in
Manila übernimmt ausdrücklich keine Verantwortung für die Integrität, die Arbeitsweise und die Qualität der
aufgeführten Übersetzer.
Bitte vereinbaren Sie zunächst telefonisch einen Termin / Please call first for an appointment
Klaus Döring                                                     Handy:    0063/(0) 927 496 3149
                                                dt.⇔ eng.
Km. 4 Morning Side Heights                                       Tel:      0063/(82) 227 1761 (residence)
                                                ger.⇔ engl.
26, Everlasting Road                                             Tel/Fax:  0063/(82) 227 1760 (office)
NCCC Village, Bajada, Davao City                                 E-Mail:   doringklaus@gmail.com
oder                                                             Website:  www.germanexpatinthephilippines.
Postanschrift:                                                             blogspot.com
P.O. Box 80810                                                             www.usep.edu.ph (→Academics→Delivery
Central Post Office, Davao City 8000                                       System→Institute of Languages)
Locker Translation Office                                        Tel./Fax: 0063/(0)2/942 6330
                                                dt.⇔ eng.
DDr. Markus Ekkehard Locker                                                0063/(0)2/546 6696
                                                ger.⇔ engl.
B-3 L-10 Ateneoville Subd., Puerto Rico Street                   Handy:    0063/(0) 917 899 0237 (Globe)
along J.P. Rizal, Brgy. Nangka,                                            0063/(0) 922 354 5820 (Sun)
Marikina City 1808                                                         0063/(0) 932 847 1526 (Sun)
(with offices in Quezon City and Makati City)                              0063/(0) 919 651 4889 (Smart)
Öffentlich bestellter und vereidigter Urkunden-                  E-Mail:   mlocker@ateneo.edu
übersetzer der englischen Sprache für Baden-                               edithalocker@hotmail.com
Württemberg                                                                ramonbmarcelo@yahoo.com
Jocelyn Mariano                                                  Tel.:     0063/(0)2/939 8350
                                                dt.⇔ eng.
28 Sampaguita Street                                             Handy:    0063/(0)917 791 0037
                                                ger.⇔ engl.
DRJ Village, Sauyo, Novaliches                                   E-Mail:   jmariano234@yahoo.com
                                                dt.⇔fil/tagalog
                                                ger.⇔fil/tagalog
1123 Quezon City, Metro Manila
Orange Translations Inc.                                         Tel.      0063/(0)2/ 836 0854
                                                dt.⇔ eng.
37/F LKG Tower                                                   Handy:    0063/(0) 908 881 88 35
                                                ger.⇔ engl.
                                                All other major
6801 Ayala Avenue                                                Fax:      0063/(0)2/ 799 3439
                                                languages
1226 Makati City, Metro Manila                                   E-Mail:   phil@orangetranslations.com
                                                                 Website   www.orangetranslations.com
Dr. Franz Seidenschwarz                                          Handy:    0063/(0)927 536 2044 (Globe)
                                                dt.⇔ eng.
Deutsches Honorarkonsulat Cebu                                             0063(0)929 667 6386 (Smart)
                                                ger.⇔ engl.
Ford's Inn Hotel                                                 Office:   0063(32) 344 79 80 105
A. S. Fortuna St., Banilad                                       Tel./Fax: 0063(32) 236 1318
6000 Cebu City                                                   E-Mail:   fseiden@yahoo.com
Dr. Beatriz K. Tschoepke                                         Handy:    0063/(0)999 436 9104
                                                dt.⇔ eng.
Pacific Place, Pearl Drive                                       E-Mail:   cibmworks@gmail.com
                                                ger.⇔ engl.
Ortigas Center                                                             btschoepke@hotmail.com
                                                dt.⇔fil/tagalog
                                                ger.⇔fil/tagalog
Pasig City, Metro Manila                                                   btschoepke@yahoo.de
                                                                           dtschoepke@hotmail.com
Dr. phil. Violet B. Valdez                                                 0063/(0)2/ 995 8998
c/o Lucky Travel Corporation                                               0063/(0)917 303 1716
Ground Floor, Allied Bank Center                                           idioms_translation@hotmail.com
6754 Ayala Avenue, Makati City                                             vvaldez@ateneo.edu
oder
38 A Alta Vista Drive, Alta Vista Subd., Loyola
Heights, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila

Reality in Paradise...

Going for the Gold - Philippine Madrigal Singers in Davao City

TT

Organized by National Artist professor Andrea O. Veneracion on 1963, the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers is composed of students, faculty and alumni from the different colleges of UP. Demonstration of their notable musical competence, they were the first choir in the world to win the European Grand Prix for choral singing twice in 1997 and 2007.

This year, the Philippine Madrigal Singers have been already invited to perform during the American Choral Direcors Association, National convention in Dallas and during the America Cantat in Bogota/Columbia. All these coincide with the group's celebration of its 50th year.

I was able to watch and listen the choirs performance already sometime in the 1980s during its world tour while staying in Berlin.

On March 5, the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers are to set to enthrall Davao with their impeccable musicality. With choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio, the group is expected to perform sacred songs. the audience will be also captivated with powerful classics, i.e. from Rossini and others.

The second half of the concert will be an aode to Philippine culture with folk songs and others.

Dare not miss this very rare chance to be in audience with music royalty. Catch the Madrigal singers on March 5 at 6 pm at the SM Lanang Premier Atrium in Davao City. For inquiries please call 082 - 285 0943.

Philippine Madrigal Singers Photo Documentary

Music Royalty - Philippine Madrigal Singers in Davao City soon

Catch them on March 5 at 6 pm at the SM Lanang Premier Atrium. Admission is free, but you are required to buy a eco-friendly shopping bag for 140 Pesos per ticket.

More details are following here soon...

Araw Ng Davao - Part II

 

Kristine A. Estoque, Mutya ng Davao 2013 (Best in Talent) and Talent Showcase (February 20, 2013).

Photos (with friendly permission) from the City Information Office Davao City.

Araw ng Dabaw 2013

Peace in Mindanao? CONTRAST

Re-published Editorial from Mindanao Daily Mirror from February 12, 2013 with friendly permission of the the publisher Marietta Siongco.

The contrast could not have been starker. President Benigno Aquino's visit to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) stronghold of Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat was marked by festivities, sports events, a fluvial parade, and plenty of optimism for a future that, while still tentative, no longer looks impossible bleak.

Some 13 years ago, then-President Joseph Estrada went to the same place - then called Camp Abubakar - in a scene of destruction and waste as the military overran it in pursuance of his "all-out-war" on the MILF. The only festivities that were done by soldiers who feasted on lechon and beer -both forbidden under Islam- brought in by Estrada himself. The desecration was never forgottten and set back the peace initiatives to almost unsalvaeable levels.

The contrast between the two leaders' handling of the MILF can be jarring, and both have their share of supporters and critics. Even now, as President Aquino makes inroads to peace by visiting Camp Darapanan, some sectors are saying he is making the wrong move, and that sooner or later conflict will once again erupt in Mindanao. But it is to his credit that the President has apparently taken things personally in the island: he is thus far the only president to have visited an MILF stronghold in peace. The message he is trying to convince has obviously reached his audience: peace is not just a matter of taking to the negotiating table but also in actually meeting each other, shaking hands, even feasting and playing together. 

Time will tell if all this work, but at least for now, there is a reason to be optimistic. For the first time, peace in Mindanao is not an abstract concept discussed in Metro Manila or Malaysia but an actual event, in one which Mindanaoans themselves are participants.

Brownouts to Persist in Mindanao till 2016?

BAD NEWS FOR ALL OF US IN MINDANAO? This is written by PNA-Philippine News Agency...

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Electricity consumers in Mindanao would have to endure continued power outages until 2016, when the construction of new coal-fired power plants goes full steam, it was learned over the weekend.

The energy committee of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) reached this conclusion last week after reviewing the government’s responses to resolutions on tackling issues in the power and fuel sector that were submitted to President Aquino at the conclusion of the 2012 Philippine Business Conference.

Mindanao, except the cities of Davao and Cagayan de Oro, endures daily power shortages that result in brownouts.

Robert Calilim, chairman of the PCCI’s sub-committee on power, told representatives of the power sector in Mindanao, as well as some of the country’s biggest power companies, that a solution could be adopted if the government activates the hydroelectric generators in the area during peak hours.

In his presentation, Calilim, also a senior executive of the power-generation subsidiary of San Miguel Corp., boldly proposed making coal-fired geothermal and diesel plants the baseload electricity generators.

He said hydropower plants along the Agus and Polangi rivers in Bukidnon province should only be used during peak hours.

Calilim explained that the peak-hour requirements of Mindanao totals only 1,279 megawatts, much lower than the generating capacity of power-generating plants in the area that was initially computed at over 1,600 megawatts.

“The region has excess capacity of 400 megawatts. There should be no shortage there,” he said.

This approach to the brownout problem has not been taken, however, because of an existing policy that requires using the hydropower plants as baseload generators. This means the electricity these produce will be used first.

According to Calilim, this policy continues to be observed because the electricity produced by the dams is much cheaper than other energy sources.

A trade-off will be necessary, and consumers will have to pay about P1 more per kilowatt-hour with the diesel plants, including power barges deployed there once the power crisis starts to worsen.

Calilim assured, though, the sacrifice would be temporary. Once coal-fired plants are connected to the grid, these will replace diesel plants as baseload sources of power.

13,404 Migratory Birds Counted

A total numberof 13,404 migratory birds were recently counted by the three teams of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-XI (DENR-XI).

The 7-day bird watching/bird counting activity was done in Malalag Bay, Davao del Sur; Carmen, Davao del Norte and Banaybanay, Davao Oriental in line with the Annual Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) for migratory birds.

There were 3,738 birds found in Malalag, Davao del Sur, 3,914 birds in La Paz, Carmen, Davao del Norte and 5,752 birds in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

These municipalities are the only three identified temporary habitats of migratory birds in the month of January after crossing the continents.

DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus E. Fragada said that bird watching/bird counting activity aims to obtain information on the population of migratory birds at wetlands in the region as well as to monitor on an annual basis the status and condition of wetlands. This year, most of the migratory birds that were counted are Black-winged Stilt, Little Egret, Common Tern and Whiskered Tern among others.

Last year, a total number of 7,836 migratory birds were counted on the same areas and these were composed of species like Godwit, Sand Plover, Common Greenshank and Black-winged Stilt to name a few.

AWC is an annual event which takes place during the second and third weeks of January. The census was initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent and has grown rapidly to cover over 32 countries.

According to the National Wetlands Program, many species of water birds fly in droves during winter to go to warmer and more hospitable tropics. After winter following weeks of hoping from one country to another, waterbirds go back the same way feeding on marine species of animals and plants found along the shores. (DENR-XI PR)

THANK YOU VERY MUCH DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES REGION XI FOR PROVIDING ME WITH YOUR PRESS RELEASE.

Toni Gonzaga to Host The Voice of the Philippines

Ultimate Multimedia Star Toni Gonzaga is officially the host of "The Voice of the Philippines", the country's edition of the worldwide hit singing competition. Toni shared to give viewers a glimpse on what to expect on her new show: "It's a singing competition with a different concept. We will showcase the best singers in the Philippines, you have never seen before."

The Voice is a unique singing competition where auditions are based solely on vocal ability. In the first stage called the "blind auditions", all four coaches must listen to the artist without facing him or her and must their buttons if they want the artist to be part of the team they will mentor.

Angel Locsin Refuses to Marry this Year

Actress Angel Locsin denied the rumors that she refused to get married with boyfriend Phil Younghausband this year BECAUSE OF BAD LUCK!

"It has nothing to do with luck. The reason why we don't have wedding plans yet is because we're both focused on our work right now. We both have a lot of things we want to accomplish this year, so we're not in a hurry," said Angel.

When asked if she believes in numerology just like Isabel, her character in "Toda Max", Angel said that love love can't be measured by the ength and compatibility of names. "All I know is that Phil and I clicked without the need of numerology, "she said.

I strongly agree with you Angel... .

Stamp Honors National Artist Centenary

Shared with Renz Emmanuel Raquion:

Today's young people grew up sleeping to the melodious tune of "Ugoy ng Duyan", sung as a lullaby by their mothers. Hearing it, even at a grown up age, reawakens the liking to be the loving arms of singing mothers once again.

The lilting lullaby was composed by Maestro Lucio D. San Pedro, in partnership with equally-talented composer Levi Celerio. Sand Pedro was named National Artist of the Philippines for Music 1991.

The composer, band conductor and professor celebrated his Birth Centennial on February 11, 2013, and a fitting tribute to his genius was the issuance of Proclamation No. 496 s. 2012 declaring the the period February 11, 2013 to February 11, 2014 as the Centennial Year of National Artist for Music, Meastro Lucio D. San Pedro.

Stamps and Official First Day covers are available at the PHLPost Liawsang Bonifacio, and in all regional offices of the Philippines Postal Corporation.

Potential Cyclone Nears Mindanao

February 18, 2013 10:23am

Satellite image at 8 a.m., 18 Feb 2013. Satellite image at 8 a.m., 18 Feb 2013 Weather Central

Possible flash floods and landslides threaten parts of Mindanao as a potential cyclone—a low-pressure area—moved closer to Southern Mindanao early Monday, state weather forecasters said.

In a radio interview, PAGASA forecaster Connie Dadivas said the LPA was estimated at 1,120 km east of Southern Mindanao as of 4 a.m.

"May paulan na sa Mindanao. Sa ngayon medyo mahina, 5-7 mm per hour. Pero expect natin in the next 24 hours baka magdulot ito ng moderate to heavy rain," Dadivas said in an interview on dzBB radio.

She also said that while they cannot discount the possibility of the LPA becoming a cyclone, their models presently show it has little chance of intensifying into one.

If the LPA becomes a cyclone while inside the Philippine area of responsibility, it will be codenamed Crising.

"Sa ngayon mahina ang chance maging bagyo. Pagtawid ng Mindanao, LPA pa rin. Sa nakikita natin mahina siya at hindi siya magiging bagyo," she said.

HERE IS MORE:

Potential cyclone nears Mindanao, may bring floods, landslides

Through the Airwaves

irirRe-published from Mindanao Daily Mirror

The Edge Radio Davao 104.3 FM celebrated its 7th anniversary and fund raising part last Januar 18, 2013 with several invited guests and prayer partners. The seven years of service to the community as an agent of encourgament and blessing has been only been airing music and inspirational thoughts that enriches the spirit and soul.

What makes the station so unique from the rest is that it operates solely on volunteers who dedicated their time and talents to run operations from the station manager down to the the DJ's (Disciples of Jesus) and even the program coordinators. These volunteers call themselves "Media Missionaries", who are all serving the same purpose that is to bless and serve the City of Davao and its surroundings with the positive music and powerful messages through the radio ariwaves.

Christian music, that covers all genres from contemporary, rock and metal, reggae, house, dance, jazz and even classical music from the last centuries - just to name a few.

God has enabled the station to endure challenges and victories in the last seven years and the volunteers of this Christian station are hoping to continue with its operation until the following years come.

"We hope to continue to do just that. If there's one thing our city needs, it is a choice between good and bad music. With lyrics that do not gratify negativity, but rather it encourages and influences the minds of the youth," station manager and very good friend Jay Bringas said.

Bringas believes that the young generation of today deserves to have a choice of having that kind of music they wanted to listen to, and encourage the whole community of Davao City to embrace and adopt the station and be part of the call as "Guardians of the Airwaves".

The station manager said listeners can expect better music and programs in 2013. Also, the Edge Radio Davao is the only one in this genre.

Chrisr

To God be the Glory - Through the Airwaves

7th year Anniversary of The Edge Radio Davao 104.3 FM on January 18, 2013

 

 

 

Stationmanager Jay Bringas

 

Mark Tabin, Jay Bringas and General Manager Mike Medlin from Manila

A Dinner for a Cause

by Grace Almedilla

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE-----The Provincial Government has scheduled a  Dinner for a Cause on February 20 at the Function Room 3, SMX Convention Center of SM Lanang, Davao City  at 6:00 p.m.  This is in partnership with the Gawad Kalinga Development Foundation, Inc.

The dinner proceeds shall support the rebuilding efforts of the province in repairing school classrooms, Daycare Centers, and school facilities in the typhoon hardly hit municipalities:  Laak, Monkayo, Montevista, Compostela, and New Bataan.

Governor Arturo T. Uy created a Provincial Committee to facilitate the preparation of the coming activity dubbed as “Kalinga sa Kabataan Dinner for a Cause” for the typhoon victims, delegating Vice Governor Ramil L. Gentugaya to lead the Committee.

According to Executive Assistant IV Isabelo L. Melendres that the province is inviting those who have generous hearts to take part of the endeavor.  A gate pass pass shall be issued and stubs of raffle tickets shall be sold to those who will join.  Each stub costs P25,000.00 containing 25 raffle tickets.  These tickets will be drawn at the Capitol on March 8, 2013 during the celebration of the 6th Bulawan Festival and 15th Founding Anniversary of Compostela Valley. 

Amazing prizes await the lucky winners.  The 1^st Prize Winner shall own a brand new Mitsubishi 4X2 Pick-up.  There will be 2 winners for the 2^nd Prize with Yamaha YBR as the winning items.  Another 2 winners for the 3^rd Prize who will each receive a Honda Scooter while the Consolation Prizes are 4 Samsung Galaxy III Cellular Phones and another 2 Samsung Tab units. 

In his recent visit to the province, it is also reported that TV Host Boy Abunda has bought 100 raffle tickets to support the program.  (grace almedilla/ gilbert m. cabahug, ids-comval)

Child Actors in The Philippines...

...maybe child exploitation?

First I should say that I am not against child actors, as long as they do this job in the time they are free of school. A good education is the best a child can get. Big money from a young acting career is not as good as a decent education.
And this is where this post is about.

The Philippines has many child actors, performing in series, soaps and daily tv-shows. Knowing how much time it cost to shoot a film or a soap, or even performing in a daily tv noon show, I wonder if these children have a proper education.

To make things worse, child talents are poorly developed and injudiciously handled. They’re made to work too long, cry too much, perform in a fake and knee-jerk fashion, are thrust into the potentially harmful company of jaded adults, and are exploited even by their own families, some of whom persuade or even force them to be their clans’ breadwinners. 

Here is more:

www.expatinthephilippines.com

 

WORLD FAMOUS SINULOG FESTIVAL 2013 TRAVEL, CULTURE, ADVENTURE...

Maybank injects US$100m into Philippine operations

Maybank also started building in Davao City.
Check out more here:

Maybank injects US$100m into Philippine operations

The German Ambassador For the Philippines/Der deutsche Botschafter auf den Philippinen

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During my last Manila trip I got the chance to meet German Ambassador for the Philippines, Dr. Joachim Heidorn in the Embassy in Makati City/Manila. He took a lot of time allowing me to talk with him about "God and the whole world" - as a saying goes...

Dr. Heidorn is indeed a incredible statesman.

He was born in Hanover, Lower-Saxony in 1951, is married and has three children. He received his Ph.D. in Political Sociology in the University Marburg.

Dr. Heidorn stayed in several countries in the past, i.e. in the German Embassy London - as Deputy Head also in the German Embassies in Tripoli, Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Riad (Saudi Arabia). As he told me: Colombo was his most challenging time so far.

From 2008 till 2011 Dr. Heidorn became German Ambassador in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Since October 2011 he appointed in the Philippines.

Yes, it has been his wish to stay in the Philippines as German Ambassador. Long time ago he has been visited the Philippines as a tourist and fell in love to this tropical nation and its people. His family and he are feeling very well here and are well established already. 

Dr. Joachim Heidorn likes diving, the Beatles and reading. His favourite books is Thomas Mann's "Buddenbrooks".

The German Ambassador in Manila Dr. Joachim Heidorn: a very pleasant representative of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Philippines.

Thank you very much Ambassador for taking time and allowing me to ask many questions.

Philippine German Month February 2013

ComVal Suffers More...

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE (Jan. 23)----- The rain has stopped but the Provincial, Municipal, and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils remain ready with their respective rescue teams and keep on watch for any sudden change of the weather condition.

There were family evacuees in the province as rains poured in since Friday evening (January 18).  Per flooding incident official report issued by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) as of 8:00 a.m. of January 21, 2013, there were 2,143 families who vacated for safety to the identified evacuation centers.  As of 8:00 a.m. of January 22, the number of families became 441.  As the water subsides, those residents of flooded areas which are accessible already have started to go home.

Governor Arturo T. Uy being the Chairman of the PDRRM Council earlier issued an order for the suspension of classes in schools for the safety of the students and teachers considering the flood risks. But today, classes have resumed already.

PDRRM Officer Raul Villocino said that with the experienced weather disturbance, the people are advised to stay alert and abide to any issued public warnings and safety measures implemented by the local authorities. 

Thank you Grace Almedilla, ids-comval for your update...

 

Philippine German Month 2013

Enjoy - and more details right here...

Flood in Davao and its Neighbours

DAVAO CITY – More than 5,000 families or 25,000 individuals have been affected by the flooding that hit riverside villages here following non-stop rain since Saturday night.

The city government has called off classes from kindergarten to high school, in both public and private schools, Monday as the city continues to assess the extent of the damage from one of the worst flooding the city has experienced in the past years.

Emmanuel Jaldon, the chief of the Davao City Disaster Risk and Management Council (DCDRMC), said local officials have issued the warning as early 9 p.m. Saturday because of the overflowing of the Tamugan river, one of the main tributaries of the Davao river.

As a result, at least 12 barangays (villages) lining down Davao river was submerged in flood.

Jaldon, however, said some residents who have already been used to floods, refused to evacuate, which was the reason some of them were trapped.

“The problem is their coping threshold, most of them have already experienced the worst of flooding, so, they just don’t evacuate until the waters reach critical level,” he said. “They still stayed on the second floor of their houses, believing they still have a second chance.”

Jaldon also said the rain still continues in the upland areas of Davao City, and that as of 2:30 p.m. Sunday, the water continues to rise.

Dante Donayre, operations chief of the DCDRMC, said that despite the disaster-preparedness training held for community leaders in the past, the disaster-preparedness is still wanting in the community level as elected barangay officials still fail to re-echo these in the communities.

Malou Bermudo, chief of the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), said a total of 5,165 families from 12 city barangays affected by the flood are now in different evacuation centers; among them, are 2,700 families from Buhangin area, which covered the Jade Valley and Juliville Subdivisions.

Choreyn Mae Dumape, 20, a resident of Jade Valley who was rescued from the top of their house, said her parents were still inside the village.

“My parents are still there,” Dumape said, adding that the water rose at around 1 a.m. Sunday.

In Compostela Valley, at least 178 families have left their homes, even as authorities forced some residents to evacuation centers as water levels in major rivers there continue to rise, threatening low-lying communities, according to Raul Villocino, provincial disaster officer.

In neighboring Davao del Norte province, over 800 people have been evacuated overnight as floodwater swamped the rice-producing municipalities of Kapalong, Sto. Tomas, Braulio Dujali and Asuncion, said Romulo Tagalo, Davao del Norte assistant administrator.

Those evacuated, according to Villocino, included 129 families in the villages of Andap, Cogonon and Cabinuangan, in New Bataan, the town which suffered the most number of casualties in last December’s killer storm.

At least 37 families also headed to the evacuation centers in Basak and Magsaysay villages in Nabunturan, while 12 families from Sitio (Sub-village) Pag-ibig, in the mining village of Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo town sheltered at the village hall due to fear of a landslide, the disaster official said.

Waist-deep floodwater has submerged most of Maniki village, the center of Kapalong town, forcing many residents to flee to safer grounds, Mayor Edgardo Timbol said. Germelina Lacorte, Dennis Jay Santos, Karlos Manlupig, Ayan C. Mellejor and Frinston L. Lim, Inquirer Mindanao

How is the Weather in The Philippines?

Davao Light and Power Co. has now made weather updates and forecasts available to its customers and all readers of this website through its own website www.davao-light.com .

This has been made possible through the site's link to the Weather Philippines Foundation (WPF) website.

WPF provides localized and regularly updated weather forecasts in major cities in the Philippines, of course, including my new home town Davao City. Weather Data is transmitted every 10 minutes automatically.

Thanks a lot to Davao Light and Power Information Officer and friend, Mr. Rossano Luga.

The Sound of Music - The Musical - IN DAVAO

P

In 1930's Austria, a young woman named Maria is failing miserably in her attempts to become a nun. When the Navy captain Georg Von Trapp writes to the convent asking for a governess that can handle his seven mischievous children, Maria is given the job. The Captain's wife is dead, and he is often away, and runs the household as strictly as he does the ships he sails on. The children are unhappy and resentful of the governesses that their father keeps hiring, and have managed to run each of them off one by one. When Maria arrives, she is initially met with the same hostility, but her kindness, understanding, and sense of fun soon draws them to her and brings some much-needed joy into all their lives -- including the Captain's. Eventually he and Maria find themselves falling in love, even though Georg is already engaged to a Baroness and Maria is still a postulant. The romance makes them both start questioning the decisions they have made... 

INDIGENT CHILDREN EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE, INC.

ICEA OERFORMING ARTS

in cooperation with

CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE - ARCHDIOCESE OF DAVAO

presents

A NIGHT ON BROADWAY FEATURING

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

February 9, 2013, Saturday at 7:30 PM CAP Auditorium, Anda Street, Davao City,

For more information and ticket reservations please call:

MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR, publisher Marietta F. Siongco, 082 - 2275716 or 082 - 2224595 and all MERCO outlets.

Tickets: 500, 300 and 200 Pesos.

A Philippine Hero

MANILA, Philippines - A member of the Philippine Contingent to the Golan Heights territory received a Peacekeeper of the Month Award at a United Nations Office in Syria for saving the lives of 14 Austrians, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported on Tuesday.

Technical Sergeant Herman Galiza of the Philippine Battalion was awarded by the UN Disengagement Observer Force for his "exemplary performance and devotion to duty rendered" as bus driver for the Austrian and Croatian Contingents' rotation convoy from Camp Faouar to Damascus International Airport last Nov. 28. Galiza managed to secure and protect 14 Austrian passengers when the 25-vehicle convoy came under heavy fire from anti-government forces while on its way to the airport.

“This award will reflect on how the 6th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights performed well in its mandated tasks and mission. Likewise, this will boost the morale of the officers, men and women of the Philippine Battalion,” Lt. Col. Nolie Anquillano, commanding officer of the Phillippine Contingent said.

The sixth Philippine Contingent assumed peacekeeping in the Golan Heights last Nov. 19.

"Technical Sergeant Herman Galiza’s bravery and exemplary performance in the line of duty are truly remarkable and worth noting.  He highlighted the gallantry and selflessness of each and every Filipino soldier at home or anywhere in the world. He truly deserves the award, commendation and recognition of the Community of Nations. The Philippines is proud of you.  Mabuhay po kayo and the rest of the Philippine Contingent in the Golan,” Philippine Ambassador to Israel Generoso D.G. Calonge said.

Sarah and GMA Fight

GMA Network addressed all issues raised by Sarah Lahbati - starting from her posts in the social networking and microblogging site Twitter, which were eventually picked up by the media.

"Sarah Lahbati's Artist Management Contract with GMA Network is effective until February 21, 2015. There is no provision for leave of absence in said contract. Any leave is subject to prior agreement between the Network and Sarah. Therefore, Sarah's unilateral decision to go on leave, despite its earlier disapproval by the Network, is a violation of her contract with the Network. Further, her declared trip to Switzerland for an indefinite period, without the prior and approval of the Network, will be an additional violation of her contract!"

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It's Fun to Be A Senator in The Philippines

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Ever wonder why many are dying to become senators?

Philippine Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago posed this question during an interview with Radyo Inquirer Wednesday after Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile reportedly played Santa Claus last Christmas, giving gifts using so-called "savings" that she said had become the "grandmama of all scandals."

She then proceeded to outline why nothing beats being a senator.

Related story: Enrile: Cash gifts were 'lambing' not bribe

Imagine a yearly pork barrel of 200 million pesos (US$4.9 million), 2.2 million pesos monthly for staff salaries and office expenses, a 500,000 pesos annual travel allowance and an honorarium that ranges between 30,000 to 60,000 pesos a month as chair of a Senate committee.

And don't forget the regular monthly salary of 75,000 pesos.

An unscrupulous senator can simply make it appear that he or she is using all these perks legitimately and then pocket these. Here is where Santiago wants the Commission on Audit (COA) to come in.

Also read: Like senators, House members got more funds last Christmas

Santiago asked COA Chairperson Ma. Gracia Pulido-Tan to instruct auditors assigned to the Senate and the House of Representatives to examine and audit so-called "savings" or "secret funds" available to the Senate President, House Speaker, and other heads of offices, to ensure transparency.

Santiago's revelations followed Enrile's supposedly selective release of a total of 1.618 million pesos in two tranches as additional "maintenance and other operating expenditures" (MOOE) to each of her 18 colleagues from "savings" of the chamber in 2012. Four other senators Enrile wasn't exactly fond of-Santiago included-got 250,000 pesos each.

Nat'l scandal

"The so-called savings of each public office have turned into a national scandal, the grandmama of all scandals. The Constitution allows savings to be used by the office at the end of the year. But in reality, the head of office manipulates the books and creates so-called savings by refusing to fill up vacancies, or refusing to buy essential office supplies or services, or capital equipment. These so-called 'enforced savings' are then distributed among the highest officials, in the guise of Christmas bonuses," Santiago explained.

In many cases, the COA auditor usually accommodates the "enforced savings" ordered by the head of office, because COA auditors are often afraid of politicians, or the COA auditors themselves share in the "enforced savings," she said.

In other news: Aquino rejects gun ban calls

"I challenge the COA to reveal to the public the total income annually of every senator and every representative. This total income should include basic salary, Christmas and other bonuses, monthly honoraria for committee work, monthly appropriation to be spent at the senator's discretion for staff salaries and for MOOE, appropriations for consultants, foreign travel funds, etc.," she said.

Members of each Senate committee are also given an allowance, but she did not give a specific amount.

"That's why some of my colleagues become members of so many committees," she noted. "This amount is given whether or not you attend the hearings conducted by the committee."

The same policy holds true for the 500,000 pesos travel allowance. "We are given that every year, whether we use it or not. It is for official trips such as those to international conferences. But even if you don't leave, you still get that," she said.

Biggest perk

The biggest perk, however, remains the 200 million pesos pork barrel, or the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Santiago recalled that when she was still a newbie senator in 1995, she was approached by a contractor who guaranteed her a "clean" 10-percent kickback from her pork-funded infrastructure projects.

Also read: President Aquino Predicted To Fall

She calculated that during a six-year term, a senator can earn 120 million pesos from kickbacks, enough to jumpstart a reelection bid.

"One who wants big money should run for senator," Santiago said.

As for Enrile's "gift," Santiago said she sent it back to the Senate President because he had returned her gift of biscuits to him.

"You don't like my biscuit, I also don't like your money," was how she explained it.

A report by Fe Zamora.

It's More Fun in the Philippines...

Compostela Valley - Stands Up!

The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation visits ComVal and conducts relief goods distribution and medical mission on January 5 in Compostela and January 6 in New Bataan.  Guiding them were Governor Arturo T. Uy and Congresswoman Maricar Zamora. The Foundation has four major Missions consist of Charity, Medicine, Education, and Humanity.  It is said that the founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen is often referred as  “The Mother Teresa of Asia.”  (A. Dayao/ IDS ComVal)

Mount Pinatubo Travel Advisory

MT. PINATUBO TRAVEL ADVISORY NO. 01-2013

The recent spate of untoward incidents that has occurred in and around the crater of Mt. Pinatubo demonstrates a dire need for the Department of Tourism – Region 3 Office to issue its own travel advisory relating to the safety and security of foreign and local tourists aiming to venture into a lahar-laden landscape.

This advisory hereby serves as a WARNING to all tourists who intend to mount an uphill climb to crater of Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales via the jump-off point in Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac that the serene yet crystal blue lake thereat is meant to be a glorious and majestic vista to behold only to be charmed by its natural beauty; never to be treated like a resort playground for swimming, kayaking or aqua cycling. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has determined that the Pinatubo crater lake water which contains hazardous substances such as arsenic (As), alluminum (Al), boron (BO), chloride (Cl), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), sulphate (SO4) and total solids (TDS) may affect the human health in various ways and may become fatal over an extended period of time. Tourists are forewarned never to stay close to the lakeshore as this poses a potential threat to one’s life due mainly to frequent occurrences of rock falls and landslides, especially during heavy downpour.

Further, any development in the area should be low impact, provide economic benefits, promote environmental protection, provide education to tourists, and encourage the full participation of the local communities as subscribed by Phivolcs in its most recent travel advisory.

After a physically stressful 2-hour trek, tourists are advised, instead, to lie down and rest awhile; if possible, say a little prayer before the deity of our indigenous brothers in the uplands called Apu Malyari.

For the guidance of all concerned.

Issued this 4th day of January 2013, Angeles City, Philippines.

Email cast by:

Department of Tourism - Region III (Central Luzon)
Paskuhan Village, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
Phone: (63 45) 961-2612 / 5617 / 625-8525
Email: celtour@yahoo.com
Recipient (Best Ecotourism Project - Mt. Pinatubo): PATA Gold Intl Award 2001, Kalakbay Natl Award 2001, ASEANTA Intl Award 2002
Log on: www.visitmyphilippines.com

International Assistance to ComVal continues...

 

by Grace Almedilla

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE----- Aside from the various local donors, foreign and international assistance keep coming in through the United Nations with agencies like World Food Program, United Nation’s Children’s Fund or UNICEF, World Health Organization, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, United Nations Population Fund, International Labor Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Organization for Migration, among others.

These agencies extended support ranging from food and non-food, and even to the technical procedures and coordination management of the distribution of assistance.

Correspondingly, to fast track the province’s recovery from the destruction caused by the Typhoon Pablo in December 2012, Governor Arturo T. Uy has strengthen the coordination system by organizing a Provincial Coordinating Team which is parallel to the clustering system of the United Nations in facilitating for humanitarian response and recovery.

The provincial team is composed of different clusters like Food & Non-Food, Health & Psychosocial, Agriculture, Emergency Telecom, Information Management, WASH, Education, Early Recovery, Infrastructure/ Shelter, Logistics, Camp Coordination & Management, Protection, Nutrition, and Livelihood.

Each cluster shall facilitate in the provision of the needed assistance of the affected families and the necessary technical measures for the immediate recovery of the province. 

The move is part of the Rebuilding Program launched by Governor Uy on December 19 which is anchored on the battlecry, “Tindog ComVal, Walang Iwanan.”  (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

Philippine Snail Mail

 

 "I will just write him a quick note!"  Yes, sure, why not? But guys, as I warned you already several years ago: Don't mail it! What I mean, don't mail it per post. Email it- fax it or use messengers or companies like LBC or Air 21, just too mention two!

I am really more than mad. Season holidays, like Christmas, seem to worsen the situation.

Since I got tired to wait the mail man in Davao (NCCC-Village), I started renting a post office box - meanwhile for 1,000 Pesos annually. So far so good. The service of the Philippine Postal Corperation and nowadays also in the Central Post Office in Davao City, where I got my POB is getting more and more down.

Just one example: Big brown envelope, a Christmas calendar: mailed in Germany November 2, 2012, received in the Davao Central Post Office December 7, 2012 (as posted on the envelope!). Note card in my box December 21, 2012 (wow!). Finally I received the calendar on January 2, 2013 - handed over to me from a very unfriendly lady (Window 19).

Several weeks ago I wanted to mail a registered letter to Germany. I got the stamps and was informed to paste them myself onto the envelope. Then I should wait at the window for registered mail. Nobody was there. After three or four minutes I knocked at the glass - and got the harsh information, if I wouldn't learn how to wait...!

I could easily fill up the whole blog with innumerably similar examples - sometimes it gets really ridiculous. With the advent of technology, the "mail-coach century" should be left already behind us. 

I am looking forward to the privatization of the Philippine Postal Corporation!

Miss Philippines 2012 Janine Tugonon

Miss Philippines 2012 Janine Tugonon did the whole country proud with her first runner-up finish during the Coronation Night of the recently concluded 61st Miss Universe Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada last December 2012. Her performances throughout the competition garnered admires from all over the globe; the interview portion, for one, where she was asked whether English should be prerequisite for Miss Universe 2012 and her top-notch answer being "For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language. It's all about being able t influence and inspire other people. If you have the heart to serve and a strong mind to show people then you can be Miss Universe!"

Prosit Neujahr 2013/Happy New Year 2013