A SPECIAL DEPARTMENT STORE

My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and Metro Cagayan Times

ONCE upon a time, I drifted back on my lifetime's way. My niece told me: that's a matter of aging. I smiled. Anyway, drifting back to old memories is not bad. That's sometimes really helpful.

During my journey back, I suddenly  saw a nameplate: Heavenly Department Store. I came closer. The door opened itself wider and wider. A swarm of angels gathered together. One of them presented a shopping basket to me. "Enjoy your shopping, but do it carefully!" Everything what a Christian needs, could be bought in this department store. If one couldn't carry everything home, one could be back next day, get the last bit and buy even more.

At first, I bought PATIENCE, the quality of enduring with calmness. LOVE, the human affection, was in the same shelve. A little bit deeper, I found SYMPATHY, the sharing of emotion, interest, and desire, and COMPREHENSION, the capacity of the mind to perceive and understand together with APPRECIATION, the setting of a valued one.

I added packages of WISDOM, the knowledge and the capacity to make use of it and additional bags of FAITH, the belief especially in a revealed religion. I relaxed a couple of minutes and then, I looked for STRENGTH, the important power or vigor and bravery and fearlessness. They should help me to continue my forward to future. I thought myself, that I shouldn't forget MERCY, the leniency shown to a guilty person, and REDEMPTION, the deliverance from sin.

My basket was already stuffed and I started looking for the cashier. One the way there, I found the PRAYER. I needed it to avoid running dead straight into a sin. An angel advised me also never to forget PEACE AND JOY, hymn of praise and chant.

Now it was really time to pay all those things. But the angel smiled and told me, "Take everything with you, where ever you may go." I asked, "What do I owe you?" The angel answered, "Nothing, somebody paid already your bills long time ago. His name was Jesus!"

I found this fabulous and wonderful fantastic story in my published documents from September 1988, during my time in Abra while writing a column for the mission oriented TINIG NG BAYAN - a magazine for Filipinos abroad. This here is a revised version, because my opinion is, that, no matter, where we are living on this globe especially noawdays in 2020, we should try to project this timeless legend on to our very personal daily life. You'll find out, that it helps to survive in our life struggles. It's important to realize that we must be able to administer wise our valuable treasure of vital life energy, instead of fritter away with it such as knick-knacks.

My dear readers: stay safe  - as always... .

Davao de Oro at your Fingertips

Davao de Oro Province--- Making information readily accessible to all especially Dabawenyos, the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro launches the “DDO iPortal”, a mobile application which features all Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU)-related services that can be accessed online.

As the world currently experiences the pandemic, individuals worldwide start to embrace the new normal. The face-to-face interaction is now done virtually by applications available in the online world. The “DDO iPortal” has 9 (nine) major features making the Provincial Capitol accessible in just a single tap.

The features are: "E-services" which enables the provincial local government authorized employees to view and print daily time records. Authorized program coordinators can also track program funds utilization and document processing status; "Bayanihan Efforts" for news updates of all bayanihan initiatives led by the PLGU Davao de Oro; "Serbisyo Oro Mismo!" the official net-teleradio of the province wherein users can watch live news coverage or replay segments; "Emergency Hotlines," a hassle-free emergency response directory that allows users to dial their desired agency with just one tap; "Call DdOC" which serves as an online consultancy linked to the official page of the 4 provincial hospitals and its official hotline numbers.

Other features include the "Government Orders" which serves as a databank of all executive orders signed this 2020; "Online Palengke" a virtual market that easily links consumers to suppliers; "Online Bagsakan" a virtual platform that directly links (farmers) producers to wholesalers and lastly the "Tourism and Investments" that features the scenic and landmark views, dining accommodation, pasalubong centers, festivities and other activities in Davao de Oro.

In its interface, a map of Davao de Oro can be found which showcases destinations in its 11 municipalities. The application can now be downloaded for free at the Google Play Store.

(Jasteen Abella, ID DAVAO DE ORO)

Limited consular services available

Please be informed, that the German Honorary Consulate in Davao City offers limited counter operations from Mondays until Thursdays from 9 - 10:30 AM too. No walk-ins allowed. Appointments via 082 - 227 1761 or 0915 - 219 9002 or davaocity@hk-diplo.de . Strictly limited to 3 persons daily.

35 stranded CTCSM students return home

... after 14-day quarantine

Davao de Oro-- After 14-day quarantine, 35 stranded students of Community Technical College of Southern Mindanao (CTCSM) in Maco, Davao de Oro finally returned to their respective hometowns and reunited with their families.

It can be recalled that the students were stuck for nearly two months within the campus while the province was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (PIATF) of Davao de Oro facilitated the fetching of the students last May 16, 2020.

Upon fetching, they immediately underwent health screening using the rapid diagnostic test to further check if the students were not manifesting flu-like symptoms linked to Covid-19. After being tested, they were referred to the BFP Building in the Provincial Capitol Complex for their 14-day quarantine commenced.

The students were given psychosocial activities from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) as a means not just to combat boredom and remedy for their homesickness but also enhancement for personality development, overall behavior and attitude in life.

Part also of their daily schedule which they helped plan and organized included “getting to know” activities, physical exercises, and film viewing. The students were also given spiritual session through the Provincial Spiritual Development and Values Restoration program (PSDVRP) to hear and pray for guidance and protection from the crisis.

The Provincial Health Office conducted daily medical check-up to monitor their health status. Safety measures were also observed by the team in providing their service. Meal plan including nutritious foods were also served by the Kusina ng Kalinga program to ensure that the basic needs of the stranded students under quarantine will be provided.

“Mapasalamaton mi sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Davao de Oro sa panguna ni Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy inubanan sa DepEd, PHO, PSWDO ug uban pa kabahin sa pagtabang arun maka uli mi sa tagsa-tagsa namu ka pamilya”, their team leader said.

Prior to boarding, goods as well as school bags, grocery items, financial assistance, and medical certificates were given to each student as proof that they are tested negative from the virus after being quarantined.

“Daghang salamat sa inyung dakong kooperasyon sa mga aktibidadis nga gihatag sa inyuha sulod sa 14-day quarantine dinhi sa atuang probinsya nga part usab sa atuang health protocol batok sa COVID-19. Hinaot nga sa inyuhang pag-uli sa tagsa-tagsa ka mga panimalay malipayon mo nga makauban ang inyuhang pamilya”, Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy said as he personally bid goodbye to the students. (Rheafe Hortizano, PAO-ID Davao de Oro)

Lufthansa muss Start- und Landerechte abgeben

Die EU hat grünes Licht für das Lufthansa-Rettungspaket der Bundesregierung gegeben. Doch ein Kompromiss-Detail dürfte der Airline gar nicht passen: Sie muss in Frankfurt und München auf sogenannte Slots verzichten.

Bundesregierung und EU-Kommission haben sich bei langwierigen Verhandlungen zum Rettungspaket für die schwer angeschlagene Lufthansa auf einen Kompromiss geeinigt. Demnach muss die Airline Start- und Landerechte, sogenannte Slots, in Frankfurt am Main und München abgeben. Die Vereinbarung sieht vor, dass die Lufthansa insgesamt acht Flugzeuge - vier in Frankfurt und vier München - mitsamt der dazugehörigen 24 Slots abgibt. Damit könnten Wettbewerber an den beiden Heimatflughäfen der Lufthansa jeweils eine eigene Basis errichten.

Management stimmt Auflagen zu

Der Vorstand der Lufthansa akzeptiert die von der EU-Kommission verlangten Auflagen für das neun Milliarden Euro schwere Rettungspaket. Das habe das Management beschlossen, teilte das Unternehmen in der Nacht zum Samstag mit. Der LH-Aufsichtsrat und die Hauptversammlung müssen aber noch zustimmen.

Staatshilfe darf nicht zur Wettbewerbsvorteil führen

Für die EU-Kommission, deren Zustimmung zu dem deutschen Rettungspaket notwendig war, hatte Wettbewerbskommissarin Margrethe Vestager gefordert, dass im Gegenzug für staatliche Hilfen an die Lufthansa Start- und Landerechte an Wettbewerber abgetreten werden müssten. Vestager begründete dies mit der Bedeutung der Slots für den Wettbewerb. "Wenn jemand mit ihnen (Lufthansa) konkurrieren will, braucht er Slots an einem Flughafen", sagte die Dänin.

Nach Informationen aus Verhandlungskreisen hatte die EU ursprünglich die Slots von bis zu 20 Flugzeugen gefordert. Deutschlands größte Fluggesellschaft hatte zunächst die Abgabe von drei Flugzeugen angeboten.

Versuch, die Pleite abzuwenden

Die Lufthansa und die Bundesregierung hatten sich am Montag auf staatliche Hilfen in Form von drei Milliarden Euro Krediten, sowie sechs Milliarden stillen Einlagen und einem Aktienpaket für den Staat an der Airline von 20 Prozent geeinigt. Schon diese Gespräche hatten sich wochenlang hingezogen, weil es in der Regierung einen Streit darüber gab, wie stark der Staat sich als Geldgeber künftig bei dem Unternehmen einmischen kann.

Die Corona-Pandemie mit den folgenden Reisebeschränkungen hat die Geschäfte der Lufthansa, wie auch die der Mitbewerber, nahezu zum Erliegen gebracht hat. Die Lufthansa-Gruppe transportierte im April und Mai gerade noch ein Prozent der Fluggäste im Vergleich zum Vorjahr. Einzig das Luftfrachtgeschäft lief eingeschränkt weiter. In dem Konzern mit rund 138.000 Beschäftigten stehen deswegen Zehntausende Arbeitsplätze auf der Kippe.

qu/mak (dpa, afp, rtr)

Maybrit Illner | 28.05.2020 | Reise ins Ungewisse – wie gefährlich wird ...

Bundesregierung will Reisewarnung für 31 Länder aufheben

Rechtzeitig zur Ferienzeit will Deutschland ab dem 15. Juni die weltweite Reisewarnung aufheben – allerdings nur für europäische Länder. Reisehinweise sollen künftig die Risiken für jedes Land aufzeigen. Dafür gibt es bereits eine Blaupause.

Die Bundesregierung will die weltweite Reisewarnung für Touristen ab dem 15. Juni für 31 europäische Staaten aufheben, wenn die weitere Entwicklung der Corona-Pandemie es zulässt. Neben den 26 Partnerländern Deutschlands in der Europäischen Union gehören dazu das aus der EU ausgetretene Großbritannien und die vier Staaten des grenzkontrollfreien Schengen-Raums, die nicht Mitglied in der EU sind: Island, Norwegen, die Schweiz und Liechtenstein.

Das geht aus dem Entwurf für ein Eckpunktepapier mit dem Titel „Kriterien zur Ermöglichung des innereuropäischen Tourismus“ hervor, der möglicherweise bereits am Mittwoch im Kabinett beschlossen werden soll und der Deutschen Presse-Agentur vorliegt.

Bundesaußenminister Heiko Maas (SPD) hatte die weltweite Reisewarnung am 17. März ausgesprochen – ein bisher einmaliger Schritt. Bisher wurden Reisewarnungen nur bei einer Gefahr für Leib und Leben vor allem in Krisengebieten wie Syrien oder Afghanistan verhängt.

Hinweise statt Warnung

Die Aufhebung der Reisewarnung soll nun gerade rechtzeitig vor der Ferienzeit das Startsignal für grenzüberschreitenden Sommerurlaub in Europa geben. Man lasse sich dabei von dem Gedanken leiten, „dass die Wiederbelebung des Tourismus wichtig ist sowohl für Reisende und die deutsche Reisewirtschaft als auch für die wirtschaftliche Stabilität in den jeweiligen Zielländern“, heißt es in dem Entwurf aus dem Auswärtigen Amt.

Die Reisewarnung soll durch individuelle Reisehinweise ersetzt werden, die für jedes einzelne Land die Risiken aufzeigen sollen. Um einen möglichst guten Schutz der Touristen vor einer Corona-Infektion zu gewährleisten, will sich die Bundesregierung in der EU für eine Reihe gemeinsamer Kriterien einsetzen.

Unter anderem schlägt sie die Übernahme der Obergrenze von 50 Neuinfektionen auf 100.000 Einwohner innerhalb von sieben Tagen durch die anderen europäischen Länder vor. In Deutschland führt eine Überschreitung dieser Grenze zu einer Wiedereinführung von bereits abgeschafften Anti-Corona-Maßnahmen.

(C) WELT 2020

NEGATIVITY KILLS

Sometimes, we feel our life is turning miserably. Our negativity doesn't allow us to keep our eyes, ears - and, most important! -  our minds, hearts and souls opened. Were reaching our breaking point.

For many people around us, the "new normality" because of lock-down and so many more new restrictions results in physical and mental illnesses. 2020 - a year we never expected to be like this. And, it's not yet over ... .

As I said several years ago here: this breaking point can be the prelude to our strongest moment. It is when we reach our breaking point, that we discover our real strength. Allow me to ask you, my dear readers, "What happens to you or with you when you reach your breaking point?" Do you face it or do you run away?

I'll be giving you a very simple answer: If you face it - you break it. If you run away (and/or close your ears, eyes and mouth) - it surely breaks you!

Every day in quarantine - a dull reality! Many of us will answer this question with a big YES!  When boredom strikes ... . Actually we do like to cover a newborn day already with grey veil? Each day has a new face, but nowadays, we don't have the strength to watch its countenance. Of course, not every day has adventures and highlights.

But we enjoy quarreling and arguing. With other people and even with ourselves. Yes, we're all experiencing new normality.

Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that, at the same time, seemed especially desolating and painful with a particular satisfaction. Indeed, everything I have learned, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my existence, has been through affliction and not through happiness.

If it ever were to be possible to eliminate affliction from your earthly existence, the result would not be make life delectable, but to make it too banal and trivial to be endurable.

By observation, we can feel that many of us need help to manage the everyday life. We need something that would keep us going as we journey through life. Many times we can also learn from other people and their experiences.

And here is one more thing: Affection is the humblest love - it gives itself no airs. It lives with humble and private things: soft slippers, old clothes, old jokes, and the thump of a sleepy dog's tail on the kitchen floor. The glory of affection, the disposition of mind, the good will and tender attachment, is that it can unite those who are not "made for one and another", people. Who, if not out down by fate in the same household or community, would have nothing to do with one and another.

For me life has been a thing of ups and downs in approximately equal measure. I don't have something sensational to report every day about my progress. Often, I wonder if fulfillment in life is necessarily tied to change for the better. Even now while experiencing "new normality" ... .

German Honorary Consulate in Davao City reopens

Please be informed that due to so many requests the German Honorary Consulate in Davao City for Mindanao is reopening starting next Tuesday May 26, 2020 following the strict health and hygiene measures. Personal appointments are limited to 3 clients per day and only after setting an appointment via 0915 219 9002 or 082 227 1761. NO WALK-INS ALLOWED! 

If you miss your scheduled appointment, you shall set up anew appointment because you'll be entertained on your scheduled appointment only. For your guidance.

A MOST DOWN-TO-EARTH BOOK

When tragedy strikes, it's easy to harden our hearts and cry out, "God, why did you let this happen?" Maybe then, we started praying. Before, when everything goes smooth, we would not even think a minute about praying... .

In times like now, while dealing with the corona virus and all the related circumstances, many of us might starting praying again. Each of us has concerns to fight with. Financial and  natural health problems - worries about our future - our businesses, education etc. etc. pp.

"To be a Christian without prayer, "said protestant Martin Luther, "is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." Prayer is the only way of becoming what God wants us to be. This is the reason, why Jesus spent many hours in praying.

Unquestionable, our daily needs bring us to a place of prayer. Confronted with danger, natural disasters or other  tragedies, as I mentioned earlier, we look for God's help. Difficult times always cause the hearts of men to turn to God into prayer.

Let me ask you: How long has it been since your're brought your burdens to God? Since when  did you ask His forgiveness for your shortcomings?

During my home office time, I spent a lot for hours in my library. I found a very interesting book:  "People in Prayer". The author Dr. John White reminds us that prayer is a divine-human interaction and it is always God who takes the initiative. White write: "God speaks and we respond. God is always speaking. To hear his voice is not usually a mystical experience. It consists merely of a willingness to pay heed to God who lays a claim to our lives."

Yes, God always speaks. It is up to us whether we will listen and respond to Him. Many think we are the ones who initiate prayer. But prayers begin and end with God.

There was a time, I wasn't in the mood to pray any more. It seemed that God didn't listen my prayer any more. I didn't get what I prayed for. Of course, not... ! That's not the meaning of praying to God. All my wishes will be granted? Heaven forbid!

Sometimes, after we have prayed, God's answers may puzzle us. But as time times goes by and as events unfold we see God's purpose in his answers. We might get a larger vision, what HE likes. Not what WE like... .

Think about it for a moment: How does the idea that prayer begins and ends with God affect me now? Do I have the habit of listening to god? How do I respond to Him? How do I usually pray?

I confess that long time ago I have been trying to persuade God to change other people in my surroundings or circumstances. Nothing changed. Of course not, what a fatal attraction? I got confused because God never granted my requests. Meanwhile I got God's answers to my prayers. Maybe very simple: I was willing to let God change me... .This is how each one of us should start. Happy endings. Because I prayed according to His will... .

Talking about prayer, we also have to mention the probably most down-earth book in the bible which is  Proverbs. Its education prepares you for the street and the marketplace, not the schoolroom The book offers the warm advice you get by growing up in a good family. It covers small questions as well as large: talking too much, visiting neighbors to often, being unbearable cheerful to early in the morning. Proverbs simply tells how life works most of the time.

I always love to quote proverbs, which express truth about life in an elegant, witty kernel. You should not hunt through it for proverbs you might like. You should study the whole book to get its overall point of view. This takes time, for Proverbs covers dozens of subjects in the subtle detail.