NAIA Janitor Returns 634.807 Philippine Pesos

It hasn't been the first honest person on the International Airport in Manila. A janitor has returned a bag containing assorted documents and 634.807 Pesos in cash he found at the terminal 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport late Monday afternoon.

Marie Cherrie Lyn Cruz, of the NAIA T2 Lost and Found Section, reported that Janitor Ronald Gadayan first noticed the black bag unattended at the Gate 1 of the pre-departure area around 3:30 pm.

After 30 minute, the janitor still found the black bag prompting him to retriee it and inform authorities who consequently turned it over to the lost and found section.

At around 4 pm, a certain Manuel Manahan appeared before the office of the lost and found section to inquire if someone had found a black bag owned bis his employer, a passenger of PAL flight PR 849 leaving for Cebu.

Manahan, who claimed he was authorized by his employer identified only as Francis Chua, thanked Gadayan for returning the bag containing also the cash amount.

Hello from Davao.: Magnitude of 7.6 Earthquake hits East of Philippin...

Hello from Davao.: Magnitude of 7.6 Earthquake hits East of Philippin...: A earthquake of a magnitude 7.6 has occurred east of the Philippines and has the potential to generate a tsunami across the Pacific...

You Should Not Missed it...

September 15, 2012 at 7 pm in CAP Auditorium in Davao City. 

See you there.

Cancer and Kidney Transplant in Mindanao

Cancer ranks third as the leading cause of death in the Philippines. It is estimated that for every 1,800 Filipinos, one will develop cancer annually and it is very common among Filipino patients to seek medical advice only when the disease is at advanced or terminal stage.

This topic is also very imported for foreigners/expatriates living in the Philippines.

I was surprised and happy being informed, that it is with this premise that the Davao Regional Hospital took center stage in developing a 200-million Pesos worth NUCLEAR RADIOTHERAPY CENTER that was inaugurated by no less than the Philippine Secretary of Health, Dr. Enrique T. Ona and paved its way as an additional service to the public already on January 8, 2012.

The first and only government hospital in Mindanao with the state-of-the-art digital medical linear accelerator, Davao Regional Hospital's Nuclear & Radiotherapy Center provides the most comprehensive services and affordable treatment for cancer patients not only in the region but in whole Mindanao.

For more detail information on the Radiotherapy Services you might contact:

084 - 4005614 or 0999 - 7622544 or 0933 - 942 6431 or email drh_tagum@yahoo.com.

One more thing: kidney transplant. The Davao Regional Hospital in Apokon, Tagum City, Davao del Norte  as a DOH (Department of Health)-retained Tertiary Teaching Hospital  has provided a comprehensive, accessible and quality kidney transplant service to the people in Davao and whole Mindanao since 2002 already. In the 5-year Kidney transplant census (2007-2011) of the Philippine Renal Disease Registry, Davao Regional Hospital is the NUMBER 1 TOP PERFORMING TRANSPLANT CENTER OUTSIDE METRO MANILA and on Rank 8 out of 32 transplant centers in the Philippines.

The Kidney Transplant Program is powered by a dedicated team of experts headed by Dr. Romulo A. Busuego with telephone-numbers 084 - 4005323 or 0908 - 5803585 or 0933 - 9426431 or email drh_tagum@yahoo.com.

Absurd

(Re-post of the Editorial of MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR from August 21, 2012 with friendly permission of the Publisher and Editor in Chief Mrs. Marietta Siongco.)

Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto, or at least his chief-of-staff, Hector Villacorta, have unwittingly given the go-signal for everyone in the Philippines to take everything in the internet and using it in any way possible without having to attribute the source - indeed, we can now even claim the words, pictures, music, and other creations of other people as our own without fear of being taken to court. This scenario has come out after Villacorta, in explaining Sotto's apparent plagiarism of blogger Sarah Pope, said Philippine law still regard the Internet as public domain and that no liabilities should be raised when information was taken from this source.

This means Filipino students from now on can copy-paste any work taken from the Internet and use it for their term paper, theme writing, essays, and other school work and not be scolded by their teachers. Online publications can take any article, photograph, art work, music - literally anything - from any online source and publish it without having to pay the artists, or even inform them. And yes, government officials can swipe the research of other people and use them for their own purposes, without having to do their own work and without even having to verify if the research is accurate.

if that scenario sounds absurd to you, that's because it is. In the irst place, it is not true what Villacorta said: we do have the Intellectual Property Code o the Philippines, officially known as Republic Act No. 8293, which holds that copyright is automatically given for creative works. While the Internet is not explicitly mentioned, the fact is that blog posts - or any other material on the Internet - are owned by their creators and as such much not be appropriated without attribution. Any use of the material without proper citation is tantamount to stealing. Everyone knows that - except, apparently, for Sotto and his people.

 

Philippines and Germany to Sign New Tax Treaty in 2013

 

The Philippines and Germany are set to sign in 2013 a new tax agreement aimed at increasing German investments in the country.

In a meeting in Berlin last July 20, both countries have concluded the third and final round of negotiations on the revision of the accord, called "Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and Capital, at Germany's Federal Ministry of Finance.

All outstanding issues were resolved during the last round of the five days meetings, with both parties agreeing on the adoption of new standards in the adoption in the tax treaty.

The new tax treaty is designed to protect against the risk of double taxation where the same income is taxable in the Philippines and in Germany.

the signing of the new agreement is expected to take place in Germany early 2013. Amid an unresolved airport terminal dispute between Manila and Berlin, Germany remained a strong significant partner of the Philippines  with a total bilateral trade valued US$ 2.9 billion in 2011.

Magicians in Davao

 

The Asian Magic Association (AMA) was founded last April 28, 2003 In Hong Kong during its 2003 International Magic Convention, by magic societies from Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Philippines and Korea. On the 9th convention AMA has chosen to hold it in the Philippines: and, the beautiful city of Davao takes pride as the host city. It was made possible through the efforts of James Infiesto (also one of my Facebook connection), Davao City's Father of Magic and Convention Director.

The convention will be on September 14 to 17, 2012. It is a star-studded affair with Asian celebrities in Magic wherein some will either compete, show-off, and give lectures. Two Star Magic Shows on September 14 and 15, is both a delightful source of amazing magical moments for Davao people to mark their calendars. Fortunately, a power cast lectures promises a vast opportunity to gain insights and techniques for Filipino magicians to hone their talents. 

For more details visit http://www.asianmagicdavao.com or call James Infiesto at 0933 663 5401 or 0910 204 1199.

Philippines' Music and Images

Population Bill Tests Philippine Catholic Church's Clout | The Christian Century

 Check out this:

Population bill tests Philippine Catholic Church's clout | The Christian Century

A Glimpse at Davao City's Theater Organizations - Why They Hardly Survive and Thrive

GUEST COLUMN

by Jared Okri

Davao City is undoubtedly a haven of emerging artists. Performing arts groups - whether formed out of friendship or formally established have been sprouting recently. These groups come and go; are able to produce one production or two at most. And, as always, most of these groups and organizations don't see the dawning of another production.

Let's tak about registered theater organizations. A lot of actors are to be considered in giving conclusion to their early demise. Primarily, there is a scare financial backing. Putting up a simple theater production is no easy task. The cost of an average theater production (with hefty performance space rentals and all the technical and manpower requirements) would cost around 80,000.00 Pesos on the average and finding funds for these productions is like pushing a camel through a needle's hole, so to speak.

Another viable reason why it's hard for theater organizations to survive in Davao City is lack of support from the government sector. Speaking from past experiences, a government official would aptly support socio-civic projects than extend generosity to theater play productions. There are few names that can be considered as "patrons of theater plays". Unfortunately, their generosity would be limited to just a single production. After such, they wil bid goodbye to being 'patrons' of the thespians. Hardly do I know of a local performing arts council that nurtures theater organizations. If there's any, please inform me.

Most theater productions, to be able to survive, would rely on sponsorships. Unfortunately, when a local theater organization pitches a proposal for sponsorship, it is easily turned down simply because it's not known or hasn't produced big productions. After this goes back to how can a self-sustaining theater organization produce high-quality productions without financial aid/grant? It is also a sad fact that when national celebrities are brought to the city, almost all of these companies and establishments would go gaga in volunteering to sponsor such events, while our local theater organizations are dying on the side. The harsh reality of discrimination is an almost always on the front when these small local theater organizations are against these big, well-established productions heralding these national celebrities.

Don't these theater productions sell tickets? They do. Unfortunately, the lack of theater play goers to watch and appreciate theater productions is almost always the reason for plummeting ticket sales. Theater productions like plays and musicals are expensive to mount. But prices are kept low allowing public to watch and enjoy these productions, thus affecting the ticket sales revenue. It is also a fact that only a meager percentage of Dabawenyos appreciates theater plays and musicals. It must have come from the fact that art appreciations is not well rooted in our culture. Or shall I say the more dominant performing arts culture flourishing in our city is the ethnic culture, leaving mainstream theater productions as minority.

With all these problems at hand, why are theater organizations pushing it real hard to mount productions? The answer to this question vary from one theater group to another.Some theater companies do it for advocacy while others do it for profit. Voiceworks Theater Company, Inc. (VCTI) - http://www.vtci.weebly.com for one, strives to promote the development of theater and musical theater in Davao City, providing avenue for emerging actors and theater practitioners to hone their craft, with a bigger goal of "inspiring young people to achieve discipline and excellence in life through performing arts. Voiceworks is established not just to teach people how to sing, dance, or act. VCTI envisions to teach everyone to dream, to offer hope, to present opportunities for change, to give direction and lead people to discover their purposes, to encourage a lifestyle of excellence and service, and build a community that is sincerely concerned of the welfare of this country.

Theater organizations like Voiceworks Theater company, Inc. whose aim is for the betterment of the youth and the society needs support in all forms for it to survive and thrive specially during these times of economic crisis. Government and private sectors alike can impact in helping theater organizations to flourish in Davao City. Patrons and matrons can be prime movers in teaching appreciation for theater plays. Classroom activities specifically designed for art appreciation like going to a theater play will help theater productions to flourish.

All these and more can greatly help our city's theater organizations to survive, thrive and continue to produce theater productions that are relevant, shakers, movers and agents of social change. Whether you're a government oficial, a leader of an organization, a business owner or just an overage individual: YOU CAN HELP!

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Author's Note: Share this article and help stir awareness on theater play appreciation in our community. - This article is one of ten articles on THE IMPORTANCE OF THEATER PLAYS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

Davao's Exotic Delights

Travelling to Davao is always an exotic experience. The safest city in the country has got its tourists falling in love with its natural wonders and exciting adventures. But that's not the end of it. Even the food here is thrilling! Some may call it weird or unusual, but isn't it that the best part of travelling? To try something that is out of the ordinary so that you can truly say you've experienced the place? And we're not just talking about the exotic Durian fruit. 

They've got more!

Ever tasted Carabao meat? Picture your "pochero" or beef stew with Carabao meat in it, and it will spell delicious in Davao. It's considered a delicacy, especially if made by one restaurant called Bulca Chong. The place looks like a house, except there is a big sign of its name with a drawing of a red carabao head. The meat is tender and the soup is mouth-watering. Need more? They'll give you extra bowls of soup for your rice to swim on. they open till late night, and it's where most people go to after a long night of partying.

One of the after-sought places to eat in Davao is the Goat's eye at Matina Town Square. No, there is no food here that has the goat's eye, but Davaoenos claim this is where the best Dinakdakan can be eaten.Made of pork ears, cheeks, and brain, plus a dish of citrus flavor and some onions, the unique dish will surely give your taste buds a kick, Nothing goes to waste in Philippine cooking. Every part is used up and every bit tastes just as good.

Did you know that crocodile meat is low in fat and calories, and high in protein? Riverwalk Grill has got an "exotic menu" with various ways of eating crocodile meat. They have got crocodile cooked as a steak, sislig, roasted ribs, caldereta, and kare-kare. They also serve ostrich meat and even an ostrich-egg omelet! Now how lare can that oelet be?

Just recently, Philip Dizon, owner of the Davao Crocodile farm has ventured into something more exotic. He has made his very own Crocodile Lechon. Now, before animal conservationists give a big no-no to this, the crocodiles used for eating are those that are bread in his farm, and are not endangered. He has already perfected his recipe, and people who tasted it have been clamoring for more. Definitely a must-try, and definitely Filipino.

On your next trip to Davao, go ahead and explore. Fill your eyes with the sights of Davao, nourish your mind with the culture and lives of the people, absorb the friendliness of  the Davaoenos, and give your stomach a unique gastronomic kick! Eating is indeed more fun in the Philippines!

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(Repost with friendly permission from WHERE MAGAZINE. My gratitude to Publisher Raymund Isaac and Chief Editor Mitzi Gamboa-Tongoy. Visit also www.whrmag.com).

Philippine National Artist Fernando Poe, Jr.

President Aquino has finally approved and signed Proclamation 435 affirming a previous proclamation of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declaring the late movie icon Fernando Poe Jr. a National Artist, posthumously.

Poe, Ronald Allan Poe in real life, was officially defeated by Arroyo in the May 2004 presidential elections. He died in December of the same year.

His family didn't attend the formal conferment of the award in May 20096. His wife, veteran Susan Roces, accused Arroyo of rigging the votes in her favor.

The National Artist Award is the most fitting recognition in the Philippines.

Who will be the next? DOLPHY?

Davao City International Airport's Anti-trafficking Desk

An anti-trafficking in persons desk was finally opened last July 20, 2012 at the Davao International Airport. The desk is initiated by the Regional Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking-Integrated Action Network.

According to Regional State Prosecutor Antonio Arrellano, concurrent Regional Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking chair, the establishment o an airport desk is an urgency with Davao City becoming more accessible to air travel being the primary entry and exit point in the region.

The desk will be manned by the Airport Security Group, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the regional Public Safety Battalion. It is aimed as mechanism of integration and coordination between all member agencies.

By June 2012 the network has rescued and intercepted 111 trafficking victims. About 94 victims were rescued in Davao City.

The launching ceremony was graced by the presence of City Mayor Sara Duterte who expressed full support to the initiatives. She also expressed the possibility of opening a similar anti-trafficking person's desk in the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal.

Survival of Philippine Eagles

While it is crucial to seek more donors to save the Philippine eagle from extinction, the Philippine Eagle foundation admitted that it is utterly careful in accepting funds for the survival of the country's national bird.

At the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos district near Davao City (where, by the way, one of my nieces is working as a volunteer!), 12 of the 36 Philippine eagles in captivity are still up for adoption.

Dennis Salvador, Philippine Eagle Foundation executive director, told Mindanews, that there are companies that are insistent to support the foundation. But, Salvador clariied that the foundation has a policy in screening their partners, especially if the company is involve in resource extraction.

By the way, former Philippine president Fidel Ramos officially declared the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) as the national bird in 1995.

Meanwhile, real estate developer Avida and entered into a three-years-sponsorship with the foundation and donated 125,000 Pesos to the foundation  for a 12-years-old eagle now known as "Avida".

Museo Dabawenyo in Davao City Philippines

Voiceworks Theater Company Davao City, Inc. Presents...

Order your tickets now...

Witness another great play from talented Davao City's performer.

See you then.

Why is The Filipino Special?

Writer's note: This is an article written by former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., which has been re-posted several times in the past, and several days ago in Mindanao Daily Mirror, where fellow columnist Juan L. Mercado commented: "YOU MAY FIND MUCH TO AGREE WITH IT - OR DISAGREE. ANYWAY READ ON...". I would say the same. As an expatriate, living in the Philippines since 1999 for good, I found Magsaysay's article very interesting... .

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Filipinos are brown. Our color should not be a reason for an inferiority complex. (Some) pine for a fair complexion, white people tan themselves - approximate the Filipino complexion.

Filipinos are a touching people. We create human chains with our perennial AKBAY (putting an arm around another's shoulder, HAWAK (hold), KALABIT (touching with the tip of a finger). We seek inter connections.

Filipinos are linguists. It is not uncommon for Filipinos to speak at least three: his own dialect, Filipino and English. A lot speak an added language, Chinese, Spanish, or, if he works abroad, thelanguage of his host country.

Filipinos are "groupists". We surround ourselves with people and hover over them. An average Filipino would have and know at least 300 relatives, notes Dr. Patricia Licuanan of Ateneo and Miriam College.

At work, we live BAYANIHAN (mutual help). We want a KALARA (playmate) more than LARUAN (toy). At socials, even guests bring in other guests. When the is no more space in the vehicle, we KALONG KALONG (sit on anoher!). No one suggests splitting.

Filipinos are weavers. Look at our baskets, mats and other crafts. This art is metaphor. We are social weavers. We weave their into ours that we all become parts of another. Thus, we put preium  on PAKIKISAMA (getting along) and PAKIKIPAGKAPWA (relating). WALANG PAKIKI-PAGKAPWA (inability to relate) is one of the worst labels. 

We harmonize with people and include them in our "tribe", our "family". We seek to be included. Thus, we call our friend's mother NANAY. We ca a friend's sister ATE (eldest sister), and so on. We even call strangers TIA/TITA (aunt) or TIO/TITO (uncle).

We have the "KA" - institution - loosely translated as "equal to the same kind" as in KASAMA (of the same company), KAISA (of the same cause), KAPANALIG (of the same believe), etc. In our social fiber, we treat other people as co-equals. 

Filipinos are adventurers. We have a tradition of separation. Our legends speak of heroes and heroines who almost always get separated from loved ones, and move to far-away lands. There, they find wealth and power.

Our Spanish colonial history is filled with separations caused by the reduccion (hamleting), and forced migration to build towns, churches and galleons. American occupation enlarged the space of Filipino wandering, including America. There is documented evidence of Filipino presence in America as far as back as 1587.

Now, Filipinos composed the world's largest population of overseas workers. Today's citizens of the world bring BAGOONG (salty shrimps paste), PANSIT (sauteed noodles), SIOPAO (meat-filled dough), including the TABO (ladle) and TSINELAS  (slippers).

Filipinos recreate their home, or feel at home anywhere. Filipinos have PAKIRAMDAM (deep feeling/discernment). We know how to feel what others feel. Being MANHID (dense) is slur. In our PAKIKI-PAGKAPWA (relating), we get not only to wear another man's shoe but also his heart.

Filipinos are very spiritual. We transcend the physical world. We have a sense of KABA (hunch). A Filipino wife instinctively feels her husband or child is going astray, whether or not tell-tale signs present themselves. Filipinos spiritually makes him invoke divine intervention. Rightly or wrongly, Filipinos are always acknowledging, invoking or driving away spirits into and from their life.

Filipinos are timeless. For nearly half-a-millennium now, the Western clock encroached into our lives. Except for official functions, Filipinos will still measure the time with feeling. Our time is diffused, not framed.

Appointments are defined by UMAGA (morning), TANGHALI (noon), HAPON (afternoon), or GABI (evening). Our most exact time reference is probably KATANGHALIANG-TAPAT (high noon), which allows many minutes of leeway. There is really no defenite time. A Filipino event has no clear-cut beginning nor ending. We have a fiesta, but there is VISPERAS (evening), a day after the fiesta is still considered a good time to visit. The Filipino Christmas is not confined on December 25, it somehow begins months before December and extends up to beyond the first days of January.

Filipinos are spaceless. The Filipino concept of space is not expressed in kilometers but with feelings. We say MALAYO (far) or MALAPIT (near). Indigenous culture did not divide land into private lots but kept it open for all to partake of its abundance.

One's party may expropriate the street! So do SARI SARI - stores! Provincial folks dry PALAYAN (rice grain) on the high ways. Religious groups matter-of-factly commandeer streets for processions and parades. "Filipinos eat, sleep, chat, socialize, quarrel, even urinate ANYWHERE!

So what makes the Filipino special? Brown, spiritual, timeless, spaceless, linguists, groupists, weavers, adventures? Filipinos should contribute their traits to the world-wide-community of men. But first, they should know, like and love themselves...!

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Again: this is an article, written by former Senator Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. - Comments are very much welcome here.

Philippines mourns 'King of Comedy' Dolphy

 DOLPHY PASSED AWAY...

gulfnews : Philippines mourns 'King of Comedy' Dolphy

Kadayawan Festival in Davao City 2012

See you in Davao City. HAPPY KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL from August 12 - 19, 2012!!!

Taxi Technology Hits Davao City

Davao City has now the most advanced mode of payment for taxis. Pay via ATM or Debit Card.

MABUHAY Taxi assistant manager Ryan Tan informed the media by stating that from their current 25 units of black taxis 20 are now installed with wireless ATM and Debit terminals and a GBS (global positioning system) done by a computer.

MABUHAY!!!

 

Davao City Airport Landing

Organic Farmers Gear up to go Mainstream

Organic farming practitioners and their advocates are meeting soon with the city's Technical Committee on Organic Agriculture/Organic Agriculture Management Council (TCOA-OAMC) to determine how to mainstream organic farming in the next five years. The most pressing questions include how to sustain the production of high quality organic products, and how to make organic farm produce more accessible to the public.

Go Organic Davao City network member Ling Castro, of the Interface Development Interventions, said, that they hope to have the 5 years strategy plan in place before this years ends. "Having a strategic plan for organic makes it even more a commitment for Davao City to establish itself as the organic center in Southern Mindanao where organic farming communities are producing a sufficient supply of affordable organic produce and where these communities are patronized and supported by the local government and the public," she said.

I strongly agree with Castro, who also stated: "This will contribute to Davao's vision of a green city where there is a confluence of sustainable initiatives and environment-friendly lifestyles."

Davao City already has more than 100 farmers practicing organic agriculture, excluding the indigenous upland farmers.

Liezel, Hazel and Twinkle from Davao City

Liez

 

Liezel, Hazel and Twinkle, these are three girls and great entertainers from the beautiful Davao City in the Philippines, who are performing right now in Malaysia. Their Number One Goal is to entertain us and to make us have a good time. Just let's sit back, relax and tap our feet and have fun.

The Celestial Band is performing songs from the last decade as well as from the 90s, 80s, 70s and Latin Rock.

Check out more here:

http://www.TheCelestialBand.com

ERDA Vocational School Receives Grant from German Embassy

  

Under its small-scale projects scheme, the German Embassy in Manila granted 150,000 Pesos to the ERDA Technical and Vocational Secondary School in Manila yesterday.  The funds will be used for partially renovating and equipping the school's clinic, providing additional electric fans for its classrooms as well as giving technical equipment for its vocational training workshops. 

With its grant, the embassy wants to help improve ERDA's health services, provide a more conducive learning environment as well as develop a better quality of education.

Representatives of ERDA, led by School Principal Mrs. Jane Natividad, visited the Embassy for the contract signing of the project. German Ambassador Dr. Joachim Heidorn (photo) released the grant to Mrs. Natividad, who express her gratitude to the German Embassy.

Small-scale projects are local initiatives financed by the Federal Foreign Ministry through the German Embassy and are implemented through non-profit entities. Through quick and direct assistance, the projects aim to directly improve the quality of life among the poorest sectors of society.

For more information on the German Embassy grants for small-scale projects contact the Development Cooperation Section through http://www.manila.diplo.de  or 02 - 702 3035.

Implementing Ban on Plastics is a Challenge

Last week Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte admitted that implementing the ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam containers is "challenging" but said it is a challenge the city is willing to take.

"For a city as big as Davao City, the implementation is a challenge, but the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) is determined to implement the law," the mayor said in an interview.

The ban of the use of plastics is contained in the Solid Waster Management Ordinance approved in 2012. The city will start the implementation on June 28, 2012, two years after the ordinance was submitted. 

I agree with mayor saying while the ordinance contains some "grey areas", it will take time so the city has no choice but to work on the current law. 

Some manufactures, vendors' associations, store owners, and other business establishments made an appeal, because they have yet to get rid of their stock of old plastics.  Also wet food products should be exempted from the ban. The ban covers the use of all plastic bags used for grocery and shopping, packaging for meats and fish in wet markets including materials made of polystyrene foam or Styrofoam. 

The ban is aimed at further mitigating the harmful effects of non-biodegradable materials littered in the environment or dumped at the sanitary landfill. 

Dan Hill Comes to Davao: Sometimes When We Touch!

In a karaoke session may it be at home or party, Dan Hill's "Sometimes When we Touch" is the all time favorite and most requested song.

Well, rest that microphone for awhile because the multi-Grammy award singer and song-writer will be in Davao City on July 7 to serenade us live with his hit songs like "Never Thought", "Can't We Try", "In Your Eyes" and a lot more.

The show will be held at the RSM Event Center of the Philippine Women's College. This is for the benefit of the AMUMA Foundation and Davao Watershed Management. The concert is presented tp us by Davao Medical Society, Far East Associates, Verdemonte Realty Corp, Generation YES in cooperation with Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Davao City Government.

For ticket sales and reservations, contact in Davao 082 - 221 7515, 226 4433, 227 6850; 0917 - 974 7804 and 0916 - 324 3985.

University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao: Here you can also learn GERMAN!

The University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City (Obrero) is not only the TOP 5 among 300 Philippine Universities. USeP also offers foreign language courses. If you wish to like more, visit

http://www.usep.edu.ph

and then click ACADEMICS - DELIVERY SYSTEMS - INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGES.

I am honoured to be one of the faculty members (German Language Professor) since more then four years now.

Become A Guardian of Radio Airwaves

Every hour - an average crowds in your mind - both - positive and negative.

The airwaves - television and radio-transmissions are top influencers .

The EDGE RADIO DAVAO 104.3 FM IS INVITING YOU TO BE A GUARDIAN OF THE AIRWAVES.

Log on to:

http://www.theedgeradiodavao.yolasite.com

 (This writer - minutes before being on air as DJ - Disciple of Jesus, together with station manager Sister Lisa Faye.)

Maybe that's something for YOU???

Call Davao 082 - 2950670

Philippines and China left Disputed Shoal

Is it only because of the bad weather? Anyway, China says, it will pull out his fishing boats from the disputed shoal in the South China Sea following a similar move by the Philippines.

The Philippine President ordered the pullout of the two remaining Government ships, citing bad weather. The Philippines are expected the third heavy tropical storm on Wednesday.

Happy Birth Anniversary Dr. Jose Rizal

 Born on June 19, 1861 and was martyred on December 30, 1896, Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was a polymath, patriot and the most prominent advocate for reform in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era.

 He was born to a rich family in Calamba, Laguna and was the seventh of eleven children.

He attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, earning a Bachelor of Arts, and enrolled in Medicine at the University of Sto. Tomas.

He continued his studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid in Spain, earning the degree of Licentiate in Medicine.

He also attended the University of Paris and earned a second doctorate at the University of Heidelberg. 

Rizal was a polyglot conversant in 22 languages.

He was a prolific poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, and novelist whose most famous works were his two novels "Noli me Tangere" and 'El Filibusterismo'.

As a political figure, according to historical account, Jose Rizal was the founder of La Liga Filipina, a civic organisation that subsequently gave birth to the Katipunan led by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo/

He was a proponent of achieving Philippine self-government peacefully through institutional reform rather than through violent revolution, although he would support "violent means" as a last resort. 

History also has it that Rizal had the belief that the only justification for national liberation and self-government is the restoration of the dignity of the people.

He was quoted having said, "Why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?" The general consensus among Rizal scholars was that his execution by the Spanish helped bring about the Philippine Revolution.

I have been always very much interested in Rizal's works and life since I met my former Philippine mentor, the late Monsignor Professor Dr. Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, who was our chaplain in the Philippine Community in Berlin already during the 1980s. 

Why Do I love to live in The Philippines? Warum liebe ich es, auf den Philippinen zu leben?

The Abel Family - Die Abel Familie

The German Abel family belongs to one of the first classical music forerunners and paved the way for innumerable and - let me subscribe it - as "indirect foundations laying".

CLAMOR HEINRICH ABEL, was born in the German county Westphalia (which is, by the way, also this writer's home!) around 1640.

Clamor Heinrich Abel became a chamber musician in 1665 and published his edition of sonatas during the period 1674-1677. Notes estates are available until nowadays.

CHRISTIAN FERDINAND ABEL, his son, became a cellist under Johann Sebastian Bach during the years 1715-1737. From him Bach composed i.e. the popular "Viola da Gamba". Bach was also the NINONG (godfather) of his third child. Christian Ferdinand Abel's two sons entered his foot-steps.

LEOPOLD AUGUST ABEL (born March 24, 1718, passed away August 25, 1794), scholar of Francois Benda (1709-17860 became Royal Conductor at the Ludwigslust Castle.

CARL FRIEDRICH ABEL (born December 22, 1723 and passed away June 20, 1787 in London), also student of Bach, remained as "last gambist" (Viola da gamba, a 'on the knees put and played violin). Since 1765 Carl Friedrich Abel arranged and organized concert performances with Johann Christian Bach. Unfortunately happened this without success and Carl-Friedrich Abel became a saucy drinker. One of his symphonies has been ascribed to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "KV 18" in e-flat major, but i wasn't Mozart's "18th" composition.

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Enjoy knowing more about classical composers and their life and music here:

http://www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com

or enjoy listening my radio show "Classics with Klaus Doring", every Sunday from 2 to 4 PM on 104.3 FM "The Edge Radio Davao" or via live stream

http://www.livestream.com/theedgeradiodavao

Bahala na! I DON'T CARE!

Republished from MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR (Friday, June 15, 2012)

From the sheer goodness of one's heart - are we really doing even small things for our fellow creatures? Hey, don't you see it/

We are becoming more and more uninterested. We live without concern. We are not making the difference. We even don't think or even don't try to think about it. We have no influence or weight - neither good nor bad. Is that really what we want?

The taxi driver has learned his way and makes a detour without his conscience pricking him in taking my pruse: "Nong, asa ka? Diretso lang!" - "Sorry, Sir!"

On the other hand, while walking a short distance somewhere down town in Davao City, I don't care about the (blind?) beggar, who might really need any single centavo. Many other "business beggars" or swindlers have dulled so much my usually open hand character. BAHALA NA - suddenly, I really don't care!

Several years ago, while riding a jeepney (yes, I always loved to so!), I listened to two passengers. "You know, our neighbour suffers from lung cancer. He asked me a loan because he needs to be hospitalized." - "And, what did you do/" - "WALA, nothing, BAHALA SIYA! Why did he never quit smoking as I have told him already long time ago?"

Well, here we are! Why should I help other people around me, if, on the other side, MY cries of help or urgent appeals have been rejected, as intentionally unanswered? Indifference or egoism? It seems to be a privilege for us to close our eyes, ears, and mouths in such an indifferent and shameful way, that we hurt those who seek our attention.

Somebody tries to become our friend. Sure, why not?

Somebody was hired as a leader and needs the support of his or her staff. Sure, why not?

Somebody is ill and is suffering from from persecution and needs us? Sure, why not?

Somebody needs our advice because he or she is facing a difficult decision or homelessness or living alone or losing his job? Sure, why not?

Somebody suffers overwhelming prejudice, provocation, and loss of reputation and needs badly the involvement of another helping hand. Sure, why not?

Because of indifference, we keep keep on destroying our good nature and the whole globe by unintentional or international contamination of the environment. Indifference allows wars instead looking for peace. Indifference allows man to hide behind stupid excuses... .

 

Papa Ogie Turns Sexy Mama

Be careful what you wish for - it might just come true! Since June 11, 2012, GMA-Network presents viewers the spell-binding and hilarious yet heart-warming story of Bong and his daughter Daisy in the new family romantic-comedy series MY DADDY DEAREST. Multi-awarded singer-songwriter-actor and friend Ogie Alcasid plays the role of Bong, son of a rich man grew up without guidance and care of his mother.

I don't want to tell you the whole story - just check it out yourself. 

Joining Ogie in this enchanting series are Jolina Magdangal as Rose, Pinky Amador as Mercedes, Sherylin Reyes as Daphne, Ehra Madrigal (left!) as Ivy and many more.

The new family drama is being aired weekdays before 24 ORAS an GMA-TV 7.

The Case Of Cotabato City Judge Indar

The Supreme Court of the Philippines disbarred a trial court judge in Cotabato for issuing decisions on numerous annulments of marriage cases without conducting any judicial proceedings in the cases.

In per curiam decision, the High Court found Judge Cadar O. Indar, Al Haj, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 14, Cotbato City and Acting Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, branch 15, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, guilty of gross misconduct and dishonesty.

The case originated from reports by the Local Civil Registrars of Manila and Quezon City to the Office of the Court Administration that they have an alarming number of decisions, resolutions, and orders on annulment of marriages cases issued by Judge Indar. 

the audit team found that the list of cases submitted by the Local Civil Registrars did not even appear in the records of cases received, pending, and disposed by RTC Branch 15 in Shariff Aguak and the annulment of marriage decisions did not also exist in the records of RTC Branch 14 in Cotabato City.

During investigations, Judge Indar and clerk of court lawyer Umaima Silongan failed to appear before the investigating team. The authorities also failed to locate their whereabouts. 

The Supreme Court ruled:

"Such malfeasance not only makes a mockery o marriage and its lie-changing consequences but likewise grossly violates the basic norms of truth, justice, and due process. Not only, that Judge Indar's gross misconduct greatly undermines the people's faith in the judiciary and betrays public trust and confidence in the courts. Judge Indar's utter lack of moral fitness has no place in the Judiciary. Judge Indar deserves nothing less than dismissal from the service!"

Automatic Weather Stations Installed in Region XI

Six Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) were successfully installed in Region XI by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PAGASA). the six weather stations were strategically located at the Provincial Nursery of Baganga, Davao Oriental; Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur; PAGASA office, Sasa, Davoa City; City Hall, Island Garden City of Samal; Provincial Capitol of Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province; and at the Davao Oriental State college o Science and Technology in Mati, Davao Oriental. The AWS are stand-alone devices that measure weather-related factors and transmit data from remote areas to the PAGASA Head Office on real-time basis.

"These AWS stations installed in the region play critical role in mitigating hazards not only in the region but all throughout the country. This equipment will transmit weather data from the remote sites to PAGASA Head Office for further analysis and weather forecasting," says DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony Sales. 

Aside from those installed by DOST-PAGASA, there were four units installed in Region XI under the collocation project with SMART Communications Inc. The collocation project of DOST-PAGASA with SMART aims to improve the weather monitoring, forecasts, warnings and strengthen the disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts of the Philippines. 

If you need further information please do not hesitate and contact Mr. Eric c. Colmenares thru telephone no. (082) 221-5428.

Issues of Sovereignty - The Territorial Dispute between China and Philippines

Scarborough Shoal, a cluster of coral reefs and islets...

It lies well within a 200-nautical-miles "exclusive economic zone" provided for by the United Nations Convention on "The Law of Sea". But China - which claims most of the South China Sea, including portions also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, insists that the Shoal has been part of its territory since at least the 13th century and points to old maps that mark it as Chinese... .

Moral and Human Values

In these eventful times with shouting for peace all around the globe but also with "lust after war", with corrupt politicians and terrorism attacks against innocents and with cries for justice, it is very easy to forget moral and human values. People, don't let this happen!

Allow me to ask you a questions: "What makes a modern person?" Technology and knowledge for sure? If not, we couldn't operate with our computers or other equipments. Skills, of course, belong to it. But more important are attitudes and values, and our readiness for new ways of reacting, feeling and looking for things.

I am afraid that we have to look first into ourselves. Everybody of us can notice our group feeling besides terrible egoism many times. We care so much for the good of our own families and ourselves by making great sacrifices even for a long time. Charity starts and ends mostly at home. Why are we not able to develop fidelity that expands into a wider field of action so that we can go beyond the limits of our unsocial system and reach to others around us?

We easily blame our governments. This happens in mostly every country worldwide - not only here in the Philippines. But don't we only get the government that we deserve? Misuse, improper treatment, rude language and behavior, corruption - these are all reflections of ourselves. The mistake the injustice, the wrong sense of values, and the lack of priority through arrogance and ignorance are daily with us and simply our own.

A nation might have been rich with abundant blessings; it is only unfortunate that these blessings could not made useful because some flaws in the entire system. Why do we have collapsing economies or huge foreign debts? Because human values are not put into place. It's easier to fill own pockets  then to care for a neighbor. Aren't we paid for the service we rendered that we resort to other unlawful and shameful activities? Are we really priotizing material things over and above spiritual satisfaction?


We are becoming weaker and weaker when we lack punctituality, honesty, and task responsibility. We have to improve as human persons with national pride, discipline, and consistency, because skills and knowledge of technology are not enough. We have to avoid too much subjective comments, sensisivity and being fancy and conceited of ourselves.

If a nation like the Philippines is still rich of natural resources and intelligent, high creative people, these people should prevent criticism from know-it-alls such as insufficiency, imbalance, or inequality.

(Repost from my column IN MY OPINION in Mindanao Daily Mirror June 1, 2012).

Good Prize, Sir!

I love Shakespeare! Most of his literary works can inspire one to prepare one write up after the next.

"All the world is a stage" and columnists sometimes might really "roar like a lion". Being sure about their topics they don't have "much ado about nothing' now and then, or from time to time. Occasionally columnists and other writers or commentators feel like "love labors lost" by pointing defects and abuses but only receive discredit, misinterpretation, disapproval, disdain or indifference.

That causes me personally a certain uneasiness of mind. We all know that hell is paved with good intentions; but before we might miss the bus, let's give caviar to the general, and suddenly is NOT much ado about nothing!

"Put money in thy purse" and go down town. Trading and haggling at any corner is part of our daily life.

Being in Apo View Hotel several times and visiting some other places in its surroundings I observed (again and again!) some traders, who try to sell puppies for hefty amounts up to 4,000 Pesos and even much more. Poor devil, that's really enough to drive me around the bend1

I really love dogs. I stressed already before many times, that I am happy and proud having six "TLC"-dogs at home: "True-Lasting-Company"-creatures... . Loving animals is worth it. But look at those pitiful creatures, suffering in very small cages, and even being put into the murderous sun all day long. The cut-throat dealers even don't mind the heart-touching yelping and howling of those pitiful puppies.

I ignored one dealer's hints, who even tried to follow me in Ilustre street while shouting "Good prize, Sir!" Overstrained I "persuaded" myself to hold my explosive reaction and controlled my temper. I am pretty sure certain legitimacy could finish this awkward and flimsy business which is nothing more then animal tortures. 

By the way, while leaving Davao City in different directions (and not only there!). one can also encounter other dealers who love to sell snakes, birds and other creatures. It's indeed distressing and upsets me.

(Reposted from my column "In my opinion", Mindanao Daily Mirror,May 25, 2012.)

Do You Love Philippine Soap Operas?

If you love them, then you might have another reason to watch TV in the Philippines.

ABS-CBN opened yesterday the pages of one of the most provocative stories to be ever told on television: Precious Hearts Romances presents HIYAS, starring the first team up of Zanjoe Marudo and Megan Young. this series marks the return of sought-after leading man Zanjoe in a soap opera and marks the first daring role to be portrayed on television by host-actress Megan. Joing the two are model-turned-actor Edward Mendez, and princess of Pinoy indie films, Mercedes Cabral.

HIYAS is being aired every day after "PBB Teen edition 4 UBER on ABS-CBN.