Some know about it - many don't. Are you an expatriate at the age of 60 and above and a holder of a permanent stay visa for the Philippines? Good for you! The Philippine Republic Act 9257, also known as the "Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2003" was signed into law already in February 26, 2004 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo amending RA 7432 and granting additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens. Also, if you're an expat living in the Philippines, you can apply for these benefits. There are a lot of benefits and discounts: A senior citizen is entitled to a minimum of 20% discount in the purchase of medicine for his personal … [Read more...]
Filipino Endeavors
August 30, 2009 By 13 Comments
Sometimes it's really interesting to research and analyze polls in the Philippines. For me, I am still keep on learning when it comes to this country and its people. Sure, many things are known when we let Filipinos talk and explain about the fields of endeavor most Filipinos tend to excel in. Allow me enumerate several examples, and please let me know if they are correct or not. Don't get me wrong, these are examples, which have been voiced out by Filipinos. Love of family is the most important value of Filipinos. This is the reason why Filipinos work hard and grab any opportunity they can, even to the point of leaving behind their love ones, … [Read more...]
Proud to be a Rotarian
August 23, 2009 By 11 Comments
I have written about this topic already twice. When my "permanent life in the Philippines" as an expatriate started, I kept on looking for several tasks and commitments. I joined several 'clubs', expat gatherings and many different associations. Since more then a year, I am a member of Rotary International - here in Rotary Club of East Davao. Yes, I feel like being in a big family - and, I must confess, I am really proud to be one of only more or less 1,2 million members worldwide. Rotary is a global network of community volunteers. Rotary members are business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical … [Read more...]
What Sara Duterte, Vice Mayor of Davao City said… .
August 16, 2009 By 28 Comments
I met Vice Mayor of Davao City, Sara Inday Duterte for the first time on July 21, 2009, being invited by Edgar B. Aglipay (PDGEN ret.) of the Philippine Retirement Authority (Manila) to its 24th anniversary celebrations. Last week I was able to meet Sara Duterte in her office and asked for another meeting with her. Thank you very much to Mr. Lemuel G. Ortino, chief-of-staff, office of the Vice Mayor, and to Jojo and Mitch from the staff, making it possible to talk to Sara Duterte for almost an hour, although having a fully packed and concise schedule. Sara Duterte, Vice Mayor of Davao City, one forth German (as she said!), a simple but awesome … [Read more...]
An Evening of Classical Music in Davao
August 9, 2009 By 20 Comments
It's never to early to promote it: All music lovers will have the chance again to enjoy a wonderful evening of classical music in Davao City at the 5th of December 2009 in the CAP Auditorium. I wrote already a little bit about it in my last post 'This and That'. Meanwhile I am getting so many emails, text messages and phone calls, which let me decide to add some more details in this post regarding this very special event. Sometimes I meet people, who "don't like classical music". But "classical music" is NOT ONLY Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart or Bach. People consider the Beatles, the Bee Gees or even late Michael Jackson as classics. Philippine … [Read more...]
This And That!
August 2, 2009 By 21 Comments
This and that? What does it mean? I have no more ideas to write about??? Guys, I have more then enough. My problem is really the time and the importance of some topics. Imagine, time goes by very fast. I am a columnist in LIP for now more than two years. I was - and I am still writing for several publications. LIP is one of my most precious platforms. Thank you Bob! This and that? Yes, sometimes within a week or so, many things cross my pathway or my life as an expat living here in the Philippines. Many things might be boring for you, my dear reader. Don't worry, I'll not bother you. Some things are really important for me - and might … [Read more...]
Sige Daw! Let's try it! Let's do it!
July 25, 2009 By 4 Comments
Life has ups and downs. Also here in the Philippines. I met Evelyn sometime in 2001. She worked in the Department of Labor and Employment here in Davao City. We became very good friends. One day she told me about her cancer. I really started admiring her and the way she fought against the big "C". In 2003 two important things happened: First Evelyn invited me a Classic Concert of the "Himig Singers Alumni Chorus in the Apo View Hotel. Second: this event has been also the book launching of "Sige Daw", which is a beautiful little book written by people who have one thing in common - an encounter with cancer. Between the covers we find their stories … [Read more...]
I can't live in the Philippines anymore… .
July 15, 2009 By 140 Comments
Since I am running several businesses here in the Philippines, many expats (or those-who-want-to-be) crossed, and are still crossing my paths. Just let me explain: these are mostly pensioners from all around the globe, married to a Filipina, who planned to stay in the Philippines for good. They are also some business people, who wish to set up any kind of business here. Well, there are a lot of possibilities to settle down in the Philippines, of course without being married to a Philippine national. Since a couple of months the Philippine government makes it really easier to move in here - and to stay here! That's why my businesses are really … [Read more...]
Where I Live? In Davao Of Course…
July 6, 2009 By 22 Comments
It was 1982, when I came to Mindanao for the first time in my life. I stepped already on Philippine soil in 1976, before heading to Japan. Being back from Japan it happened that I got several pen pals from the Philippines - one from Manila, one from Cebu City, one from Davao City and one from Zamboanga City. As I said, in 1982 I visited Mindanao for the very first time - and, I got married here in 1983. Since 1999, after almost annual visits I settled down in Davao City for good with my family. I am still being very busy with several businesses and tasks. That's good. Even being an expat, I wouldn't love to sit under a palm tree and count my … [Read more...]
I was really wondering
July 4, 2009 By 8 Comments
Living in this (for me still wonderful) country named "The Philippines" as a journalist (asides some other commitments and businesses) allows me to receive a lot of press releases from different government agencies. I appreciate this very much, although several aliens let me doubting in such information. OK, hold on, I wouldn't say, I doubt in such press releases, but sometimes I really start wondering myself... Could this and that really be true??? For example this: the Philippine Tourism Secretary Ace Durano reported, "that the Philippines may once again be officially recognized as the world's most preferred travel destination. The International … [Read more...]
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