Good News for Expat Senior Citizen

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 use according to his personal needs, for example.

Go to your nearest City Hall and visit the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs, which is established in cities and municipalities under the Office of the Mayor headed by a Senior Citizen – in Davao City by OSCA Acting Head Mr. Francisco T. Rivera.

A senior citizen who cannot personally attend, appoint a representative to transact on his/her behalf. The authorized representative shall be required to present a valid government issued identification document (for aliens the ACR-Card) together with the OSCA-issued identification document of the concerned senior citizen and an authorization letter.

Good news also for expat senior citizens? A big yes!

Filipino Endeavors

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, sacrificing loneliness and disregarding all the hazards along the way, even risking their lives in order to make sure food is on the table for the family and enough money for children’s education!

Filipinos excel in the field of labor export , as evidenced by the fact that 10 million Pinoys are out of the country helping the Philippine economy afloat.
Philippine Oversea Workers can be find all over the world.

Filipinos are excellent in the medical field. It’s sad however, that they have to practice their profession outside the country to sustain a life of comfort. Care giving – nursing – just to add two more.

Filipinos can do a portion of everything. This, however, isn’t very effective, when specialization is highly in demand.

Filipinos really excel in any endeavor – good or bad. It’s really up to them to choose.

Yes, Filipinos are really excel in the field of entertainment, sports, music or science. Filipinos love to sing and dance. Filipinos are really great entertainers.

Filipinos do very well in micro or medium-scale businesses. Putting customer first in their endeavors have made them very successful entrepreneurs.

Filipinos talents are unlimited. They can be the best in any field.

As I said, these have been some of many examples, voiced out by Filipinos themselves. Interesting… .

What do you think as Filipino or Expat reader?

Proud to be a Rotarian

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 standards, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Some 31,000 Rotary clubs in more than 165 countries carry out service projects in their local communities and abroad to address such critical issues as poverty, health, hunger, illiteracy, and the environment.

Sometime early last year, when I started teaching German in the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City, my director of the Institute of Languages Professor Dr. Pattie Elbanbuena introduced me to her husband Efren, past president of RCED. Efren (Government Information Service) invited me to join Rotary.

Already after only a few months I realized, that i have joined an organization of professional men and women dedicated to service to others, high ethical standards, and international fellowship and cooperation. Yes, even on our club, we speak many languages and we’re coming from many backgrounds – but all of us are working TO MAKE DREAMS REAL for children and others in need throughout the world.

I really discover the many ways that Rotary brought me closer to my own community – even being (only?) an expat living in the Philippines. And, being an active member, one is blessed to meet Rotarians from every part of the globe – people who share your commitment to helping others. These contacts really open up the world of international friendship and service. Rotary Club of East Davao is an ideal mix of professionals and businessmen of Filipinos and nationals from Japan, U.S.A., U.K., Australia, New Zealand and – Germany.

Meanwhile I became the Vice Chairman Public Relations and a member of Special Committees. I am the Event Chairman of the Classical Music Concert in Davao City on December 5, 2009 – a fund raising event for Polio Philippines. I wrote about it some days ago here in LIP. Even being very busy sometimes I enjoy being a volunteer for a service project and serve on a committee.

For some of us it’s time to prepare for the District 3860 Seminar in the Cebu Grand Convention Center August 21 and 22. In our regular meetings we are able to listen to really outstanding guest speakers, like during the last weeks to Mr. Manuel Orig, Davao Light and Power, or Lt. Gen. Raymundo B. Ferrer, Commander Eastern Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines. I was honored to to deliver the introduction speech for him.

Offering my vocational talents to provide opportunities for young people, to work for the relief of the special needs of others, and to improve the quality of life in my community. What a wonderful commitment also for an expat living in the Philippines.

What Sara Duterte, Vice Mayor of Davao City said… .

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 intelligent woman, who knows, how to move on, when it comes to answer my questions. I got a lot of questions. Some of them, and the Vice Mayors answers are here:

1. How can Davao City attract more investors and pensioners to settle down here?

“Sure, there are a lot of reasons. Just to mention some among many others: First, the peace and order situation and the public safety. The Philippine’s first emergency 911 call center was one of the priority development programs of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. A state of the art communication system that Davao City shares in common to only two other countries in the world that has this system – Canada and the U.S. The highest percentage of calls, received per category are regarding law enforcements and medical emergencies. The Davao City Police mobile cars patrolling the city were all equipped with two-way radio transceivers netted with the Central 911 Call Center. – The K-9 Unit conducts daily sniffing/inspections of key areas and cargoes at the Davao International Airport, public markets, schools, and even churches. The unit responds to calls regarding suspicious circumstances such as unattended bags and baggage and bomb threats. One could also mention the Davao City Defense and Security Unit or the City Anti Drug Abuse Council among many others. Davao City doesn’t know kidnapping and ransoms. – What else makes Davao City attractive? Sure, the low cost of diong business, the one stop shop for business application, the very skilled human resources, the good climate (typhoon-free), the laid-back environment or the rural-urban lifestyle.
Many other things could me mentioned and touched only slightly. Important is this: the preferred areas for investments are information and communications technology (call centers etc.), agri-business and food processing, tourism and recreational facilities (business hotels, beach and mountain resorts, restaurants), or establishments of foreign bank branches.”

2. What do you think about the bridge project to Samal Island?

“No doubts, a possible bridge would be an important linkage of two areas (cities) and the possibility of shared economies. Still “dugay pa” – it will take time and it took already long time.”

3. How do you think are your chances to become the next mayor of Davao City?

“That’s not easy to answer. There are still a lot of things to do, but I am really confident, that many people know me and about my plans and dreams for a bright future of this city and its people, locals and foreigners.”

4. If you have leisure time, what do you do then?

“I love to swim – in the pool, or with my family in one of the nice beach resorts.
There are two favorites of us on Samal Island. And, at night, I love to browse in the internet and play.”

With a big smile on our faces, we mentioned, that we are also friends on Facebook (together with some other councilors of Davao City).

It has been an interesting one hour with Davao City Vice Mayor Inday Sara Duterte. We’ll meet us again – for more questions and answers. Daghan salamat po Vice Mayor Sara.

An Evening of Classical Music in Davao

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 composers de Guzman and Canesco have collaborated to come up with hauntingly beautiful arrangements of popular nationalistic Philippine songs.

Of course, classical music is also Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, or de Falla’s Fire Dance from the ballet “El Amor Brujio” with mad notes, evil trills and primitive rhythms – actually transcribed for two pianos.

Two pianos? Why not four?

Yes, the Four Davaoena Pianists on Four Pianos will be back on stage on December 5, 2009 in Davao City with a funds raising concert for Polio Philippines, initiated by the Rotary Club of East Davao, which appointed me as Chairman for this event.

An evening of Piano Classical Concert not only fulfills a mission of charity but also provides a venue to lift up aesthetic values among benefactors lending a moment of pleasurable classical experiences.

Members of the city government of Davao have expressed already their readiness to support this event.

The outstanding pianists are:

Evelyn Abellera-Magno, a woman of impeccable credentials, who has proved her competence from the schoolroom to the corporate boardroom and back to her music. Evelyn, my friend and neighbour, past governor of Rotary International, District 3860 has been a grantee at the Havard University School of Education at Cambridge, Massachussetts.

Mila Cabaguio Jocson, an A.B.M. graduate of Fernandez Piano School, taught music in the Ateneo de Davao and others. Together with Celine Dacuado Garcia, Nelly Domingo castro and Inday Fucoy Montero, they formed the original Davao Piano Quartett more then 20 years ago.

Daphne Cabaguio Jocson broadened her musical horizon under Ms. Vera Berskaya and Dr. Hugo Goldenzweig at the Mannes College of Music in New York City. Daphne also performed with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra at the Central Bank Auditorium in Davao City and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila.

Maria Luisa “Inday” Fucoy Montero attended the conservatory of music at St. Paul’s College of Manila, where she studied piano initially with Sony Lacson and Carmencita Arambulo earning a Bachelor of Music.

Come and experience, what “classical music” can means. It could be Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 (one of my favourits) as well as Deep Purple’s “Peter de Rose” or “Parish and Carmichael” (Stardust).

Master of Ceremonies will be no other then Michaelangelo Ebro Dakudao, Ph.D., friend and former fellow columnist in Mindanao Times.

Tickets will be available for PHP 1,000, PHP 500, PHP 300 and PHP 100.

See you then and there!

This And That!

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 be boring for you too. Anyway, this and that.

I can still live in the Philippines, and, don’t worry: I continue living here.

This is that:

• My German courses in the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City are running well. The number of students is still increasing. German language knowledge is still a must and by law required for visa applicants, except one is a tourist.
• Besides many commitments I still do enjoy being a member of Rotary Club of East Davao. In the organizational structure of the rotary year 2009-2010 under my friend and President Ronald Go, you can find me as Vice Chairman for Public Relations and as member for Special Committees with its director Rey Fuentes. -
• Special events? Yes! I am honoured and glad to “convince” the Four Davaoenya Pianists on Four Pianos to be back on a very special concert: Evelyn Abellera Magno (my friend and neighbor), Mila Cabaguio Jocson, Daphne Cabaguio Jocson (her daughter) and Ma. Luisa “Inday” Fucoy Montero. The event is being scheduled for December 5, 2009 at 6.30 pm at the CAP Auditorium in Davao City. “A Night Mood” or “A Classical Musical Evening” is waiting for you. Please bear with me: it will be a refunding raising event – also or especially for Polio Philippines.

This and that… . My life as an expat has its ups and downs. Another “up” has been the invitation of Philippine Retirement Authority”, Manila through its in charge for Davao City and Mindanao, Mr. Jimmy Llames. You plan to stay in the Philippines for good (without getting married to a Filipino national?). Sure, there are a lot f different possibilities. I am really glad to announce that the Philippine Retirement Authority has chosen Davao City, in example, as one of the best locations or destinations for retirement. Don’t get me wrong: it doesn’t mean that that other places in the Philippines are bad or not better… . Allow me to quote guest speaker PDGen. Edgar B. Aglipay, PNP (Ret.): “I am glad to tell you, that increasing millions of retirees from the most developed countries are faced with the spiraling costs of living.”

Are the Philippines a country to live and there for good? Besides all financial reasons, what’s your opinion???

This is that… .

I enjoy living here. And you???

Sige Daw! Let's try it! Let's do it!

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 – stories of healing, stories of inner-struggle, stories of passionate patience and obstinate faith, by those who may have lost their hair but never lost hope. These cancer survivors belong to the “Amuma Cancer Support Group”. “Amuma” means “to care” in Cebuano.

Evelyn was one of the authors of this book. She talked about shock and disbelief, denial, anger, blame and guilt, resentment, withdrawal and isolation – but, also about values she has learned: acceptance, forgiveness, contentment and generosity.

Evelyn wrote: “Most people become overwhelmed when told they have cancer. A number of feelings build up, feelings that are muddled and quickly change. Reactions may differ from one person to another – there is no right or wrong way to feel. These are parts of the process people go through in trying to come to terms with their illness. Partners, family members, and friends frequently need as much support and guidance in coping with their feelings”.

The book published by the Research and Publication Office of the Ateneo de Davao University is still available. The Amuma Cancer Support Group Foundation, Inc. under the new president Dr. Alex Tan, are still meeting in the Imperial Hotel in Davao City. the group need support and appreciate all forms of assistance, which one could provide.

I know there are a lot of similar groups and foundations in the Philippines. Please bear with me, because I only mention this Davao based group.

*****

Two days ago, after a miscall, I received a text message from Evelyn: “I am sick! I am again due to chemotherapy!”

I can't live in the Philippines anymore… .

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 doing very well, because I got a lot of clients after being accredited in several Philippine authorities. A lot of aliens have been entering the Philippines especially this year. And here is the thing. which start bothering me (and some of my good friends) more and more:

A rising number of aliens is keep on complaining about the “very bad situation” in their home countries. Okay guys, we all know very well, how the present (financial?) situation WORLDWIDE looks like nowadays. I can tell you honestly, if the bad situation in one’s home country is the main reason to move to the Philippines, the failure to adjust and live here is automatically predetermined.

As I said, I met a lot of foreigners already. I am also receiving innumerable emails through this website LiP (Live In The Philippines) and because of my articles in the business weekly Edge Davao, for example, which is also on the net (www.edgedavao.net).

I really try my best to reply every single email in a neutral way out of my sight as an expatriate living in the Philippines for almost 11 years now.

I try to avoid expat meetings. Yeah, it’s really sad to say, because mostly I did meet complaining and criticizing fellows. And suddenly after a couple of months or even only a couple of weeks here comes the unseemly utter: “I can’t live in the Philippines any more!” From ‘them’ – not from me… !

Quotations:

It’s too hot here! The awfully sultry weather kills me!

Filipinos are never on time! I really like to give them momentum!

I can’t get my Mercedes fixed properly! This would never happen in my home country!

I really like to swing myself into the saddle, but it makes me feel giddy, if I observe them working in government offices!

Okay, and so on and so on! Hold on, don’t get me wrong. I also have some complaints. Everybody has – not only living in the Philippines as an expat. It has been mentioned already several times in LIP: there is no perfect place on earth!

Sometimes I try to convince such grumpy and sullen contemporaries with kind phrases. But honestly, I am getting dizzy easily since a couple of time.

And then, I always ask the same questions: “What you gonna do now? What are your future plans?”

The answer is mostly: “I don’t know!”

Where I Live? In Davao Of Course…

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 days waiting for the next monthly pension.

Why Davao?

Well, I could write several posts, just to answer this simple question. As one could read in a brochure: “If you are smarter than a 5th grader, then you would know most of Davao’s titles – Orchid Capital of the Philippines (yipee – my “waling-waling” is blooming again!), one of the largest cities of the world (when it comes to the total area, IT IS the world’s largest city!), the Fruit Basket of the Philippines (come here and you’ll see, that’s true!)… and so on and so on…

And, as many Filipino writers or actors or others voiced out before: “Aside from all these monikers, the thing I love most about my home town is that you’ll never run out of things to do and to enjoy.”

Where to start? Don’t worry, I’ll also take you through my top destinations where to stay, dine, shop, meet and enjoy.

Please bear with me: I might have to have many ideas where to stay and what to do. One thing is for sure: you need more then one day to experience Davao City and its surroundings.

Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort on Samal Island in the Gulf of Davao, take the boat at Km. 9, Sasa. Sure, there are a lot more: Barcelo Pearl Farm Resort, Costa Marina, Eden Nature Park. You really can’t go to Davao without visiting its beautiful beaches. Soft white sand and clear waters, Samal Island, i.e. is the place to go to spend that relaxing day (or those days) out in the sun.

Why Davao City?

You can have it all here in Davao City and its surroundings: nature tripping, wild water adventures, shopping and dining. Hold on, hold on, guys. Don’t get me wrong, this post isn’t mean to be a commercial for Davao City or Southern Mindanao. Yes, I also like to visit General Santos City, Sarangani or all the beautiful places in Bukidnon or Davao Oriental.

Or:

• Aldevinco Arts and Crafts Center, C.M.Recto Street, near one of my favorite hotels, the Marco Polo Davao City. No one leaves Davao City, without PASALUBONG, and the best place to find native arts and crafts is at the Aldevinco Shopping Center. The center is a one-stop-place for trinkets, cloths, dresses, furniture and pearls jewelry. You can also change your money there.
• Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Center, Malagos, Calinan, Davao City (45 minutes away from downtown).
• If you want to buy orchids, buy them at Puentespina Gardens and Tropical Plants (Bolcan Street in Agdao).
• The Eden Nature Park and Resort, Inc. is a must, if you visit Davao City.
• For the best view of Davao City, eat dinner at Jack’s Ridge.
• Or cap the night by listening to local bands at Matina Town Square.

Where to stay in Davao? I don’t get any commissions, but first on my list is the Marco Polo Davao City. Aside from its luxurious room amenities it has two of the top restaurants in Davao, and a cocktail lounge. You might also enjoy a good stay in Apo View Hotel, Chateau Veronica Apartelle, Grand Regal Hotel (Casino) or the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Bear with me, but I am a serious food lover. I might be a self-proclaimed connoisseur of restaurants, but I hesitate right now and here to mention my top restaurants. Only this: try to find Picobello Italian Restaurant or the Swiss Deli in Lanang/Davao City.

Oh boy, and what I am missing since years? I miss real cultural events, such as concerts (classical and others), as I mentioned in several articles during the last ten years. I miss special stage plays and the visit of well known artists or other performances, such as TV-live-shows happening in Manila, Cebu City or Boracay. Davao City needs more support!

Anyway, yes, I love my Davao City. I feel secure and safe living here. I would never move to another place.

I was really wondering

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 Travel Expo in Hong Kong chose the country as a finalist for the ‘New Travel Route Competition’, where finalist countries will be put to popular vote as the most preferred destination for avid travelers.”

Wow, wow! Imagine, joining the Philippines in the list of finalists are Switzerland, Greece, Peru, India, South Korea, Turkey, and Japan. Not even my home country Germany…  Ok lang…

Funny and amazing has been also, that the Philippine Department of Tourism also promoted the country as a wedding destination at the international expo. “Romantic Philippines” is set to captivate Asian couples (and not only them!), featuring unique getaways and exhilarating thrills in the country’s more than 36,000 kilometers of coastline, scenic landscapes and a myriad of natural wonders. No wonder, why I wanted to get married in the Philippines in 1982. On the other side, I am still wondering to read such press releases! Tourism Promotion?

Being a member of Rotary Club of East Davao, I enjoyed the 45th Annual Induction of Officers and Directors and the Turnover Ceremonies for the Rotary Year 2009-2010 last Saturday in the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City. I was able to share some minutes with Secretary of National Defense Mr. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., being the Guest of Honor and Speaker. His speech and talking with him for a short while left my heart beating faster. Yes Sir, the Philippines needs people like you. But I was just wondering myself to hear so many ideas, so many wonderful expressions.  I hope and pray, that all these things become true one day, for the sake of this wonderful country.