Klaus Doring

Deutsche, die auf den Philippinen heiraten moechten, benoetigen also auch ein “Consular Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage”, das bei der Deutsche Botschaft in Manila beantragt werden kann. Fuer die Ausstellung muss das originale Ehefaehigkeitszeugnis aus Deutschland vorgelegt werden. Die Gebuehr betraegt momentan 20 Euro. Bei persoenlicher Abholung in Manila betraegt die Bearbeitungszeit nach Auskunft der Botschaft ca. 2 Tage. Sollten Sie der Botschaft das originale Ehefaehigkeitszeugnis zusenden wollen, muessen Sie weitere Schritte beachten, ueber die ich im Teil VI. berichten werde.

(Fortsetzung folgt!)

If we go back to Part II of this serial, we are able to find the very interesting comment and question of Dr. Long. Detailed opinions of German politicians during that time couldn’t be find yet. I will try to continue with more researches.

I learned, that in 1898, the year of the First German naval law, a German fleet with “unknown orders” (Quotation Hermogenes E. Bacareza, p. 20) appeared off Manila Bay at the time Admiral George Dewey was attacking the Spanish fleet during the Spanish-American War. In 1899, Germany took advantage of British preoccupation with the Boer War to demand for and subsequently acquire some of the islands in the Samoan group.

After the battle on May 1, 1898, the navies of Germany, Great Britain, France and Japan entered the Manila Bay “in order to protect the interests of their nationals in the Philippines” (Bacareza p. 85). For Germany, however, this was not the main reason.Germany’s ambition in the Far East at the close of the 19th century was to acquire colonies for naval stations of her still growing and powerful navy. She was, therefore, eager to grapple “with any power”, even to grab the Philippines, if possible.

In Manila Bay the Germans maintained a powerful fleet including cruiser Kaiserin Augusta, Irene and Kornoran. Nobody knows, if it was really true, what Edwin Wildman wrote in “The Philippine Review, August-September 1921: “What Dewey Feared in Manila Bay”. Was it true that the American Admiral feared the Germans, in spite of his being prepared for trouble with them?

If we follow the chronology of Philippine- German Relations, can we noticed, that Ferdinand Magellan’s landing on Philippine soil happend with three Germans on board the Concepcion and Victoria.

(To be continued!)

I have written about this topic several times. I observed during the last years also here in the Philippines a dramatic increase of “wars at the working place”.

We spend more time with colleagues than with our partners and families, if we don’t have the chance to earn by working at home. Even if this, there are always people outside, who get jealous and try to destroy your name and you reputation.

Back to the war in the office: we have a lot of occasions to commit and experience conflicts, disagreements, disputes, fights, rivalries, intrigues up to psychological terror. The war-like arguments claim more and more victims. People consider no sacrifice too great to act as tyrants, intriguers, schemers and careerists while stopping at nothing. The scapegoats as well as the plotters can be found anywhere up to the executive floors, no matter if it’s an ordinary company or church-based or government-based institutions.

Clever-dicks and hypocritical such as nice acting mask wearers, in all modesty, are the decline of every enterprise. Management consultants and doctors, worldwide, and also here in the Philippines, observe such phenomena in rapid rising. Wherever human beings have to cooperate and coordinate (also outside an office), one can find different matters of opinions, That’s okay. But the daily psycho stress makes body, mind and soul sick. It’s the poisonous atmosphere caused by colleagues (or the boss him- or herself). The principal of making the polluter pay is so simple: well-considered good conduct by being kindly disposed towards someone but later a terrible back fighter, who enjoys any kind of gossip and harassment.

In Western countries, we call it “mobbing”, a technical term coming from “mob”, or “pack of hounds”. In executive floors it was named witty as “bossing”, because adversaries and opponents prosper also here. The worse working place conditions the more sick workers: a very simple explanation. But, progressive enterprises and institutions reorganize or remodel themselves. “Management By Love” instead of oppression and modern slavery are the magic formulas. Quarrelsomeness, allowed or even supported by the management forces only one thing: the economically bankruptcy and the bankruptcy of moral values. Such kinds of war happened also many times between friends or even expats, originally coming from the same country.

Do we really need to do such things because only to satisfy our sphere of influence or win a not necessary struggle of power???

Every time I visit a shopping mall here in Davao or somewhere else, I passed by the “Entertainment Centre” or however it’s called: Noise, kids sitting in front of computer machines while playing video games. Sometimes, I guess the kid’s age something like 4 or 5…

Are such games really starting to mean something? Long time ago I wrote already a column about it.

The force of habit let me turn on my television every night just to feel updated about everything what’s going on in the whole world and possible watch some movies. When I again started to utter innumerable groans, my 15years old nephew invited me to join him playing video games. So far so good - I tried my very best!

I also had in mind Steven Spielberg, who spoke out on video games in October 2004 at the EA Game Innovation Lab at the University of Southern California. “I think the real indicator,” he said, “will be when somebody confesses they cried at Level 17″. Spielberg was talking about video games, and the less absurd question of are-they-or-aren’t they. I was here to accept Spielberg’s challenge and come clean. I confess, the video game made me cry, and my nephew asked me, if I didn’t feel well,,,

I forgot the game’s name, and it wasn’t actually Level 17 or even Level 8 or 9 or so, I guess, I still remained at Level 2, I had been slugging it out for what seemed like - and probably was - hours with a bunch of aliens in an icy canyon. Just as all hope was fading, I chose an alien aircraft and made my escape. Moody music, like something “Carmina Burana” swelled at the background. It was like the end of “Platoon”, and I was Charlie Sheen. but then the waterworks started…

My cellphone features Snake II, Space Impact, Bantumi, Pairs II and other nice games. I forgot my tears and start smiling: Sounds on, light on, shakes on, SPACE IMPACT - new game, top score 3,615! Great right??? Anyway, I guess, that was 2 years ago!

Are video games art? Nobody know yet, but the cool thing is, we’re the ones who get to decide. So if you are in the mood, grab a joystic, sit back and relax (relax ) and get it on Level 1. I promise, nobody has to know. And just in case, keep some tissues handy !

Law and Order, here and everywhere, are one of the fundamental columns of nation. Or, it should be like this. Many times we are being within our rights. The other side thinks the same.

Whether we like it or not, also as foreigners living in the Philippines, a lawsuits cross our paths. Legal protection or legal costs insurance is more or less unknown. To be honest, I haven’t try it yet. If we need to hire a lawyer/attorney, we have to trust him. Shyster can be found at any corner.Being in the right means never to wine a case. Even in my own experience I met attorneys, “who promised a successful close of case within a few weeks”. It took years… Those experiences appeared not only in the Philippines.

I am glad to find an attorney, who works well and won’t overcharge you, because you are a foreigner. During the first consultation, one will know about the “following steps”, the well-calculated charges and the pros and contras regarding the case. Actually I was hesitating before to use my blog for other people’s promotion. But “in this case” it’s really an exemption. I am sure, that all the other attorneys,  who know me, are not getting mad.

Well, if you need an attorney, I would highly recommend Mr. Jose Vicente C. Ventosa III (Attorney-at-Law and Notary Public), Ventosa Law Office, Fairlanes Annex Building, Pryce Road cor. F. Torres Str., Bajada, Davao City, Cellphone 0922-8368672, landline 082-224-5720 or 082-305-5561, Email: atty_blue@yahoo.com.

I told you already, that from time to time, I would only like to ask you, dear reader, a question and then being very curious and interested in your answers. My today’s question is: “What do you think about Filipino time and how do you deal with it?” I am pretty sure, that many of you could leave a comment. I got the idea because of Bob’s yesterday’s write up. Actually, I would like to share my opinion with you later. But let me tell you  already now: I didn’t and I will never adjust myself if it’s coming to this topic. Anyway, guys, thanks for reading and thanks for visiting “Liveinthephilippines”…

When the Christmas spirit sweeps through the Philippines, where I decided to stay now almost nine years and hopefully also in future, I learned how this spirit infects residents and tourists alike with its gaiety.

The “official Christmas season” stretches from December 16 to January 6, but Christmas carols began already last month, and the season decorations stay mostly up to the end of January. When I was radio host here in Davao, I wasn’t surprised anymore, when listeners’ requests for Christmas songs already appeared in September.

Spanish missionaries introduced Christianity in the Philippines in the early 16th century. Many Christmas customs are derived from European roots. A creche is commonly found in churchyards and on store facades, but often the carabao and the chicken have replaced the ox. Humble farmers and fishermen bring offerings of fruits to the baby in the manger.  Real evergreen trees or the real Christmas tree, which can be found in Europe or other parts of the globe are rare in the Philippines. Filipinos have devised imaginative rattan representations, or “Silver Trees” fashioned with aluminium foil as well as just a “Plastic Christmas Tree”.

No dwelling or business address, however, is too humble to display a “parol”, the traditional star shaped Japanese paper and bamboo lantern, that is a unique Christmas symbol in the Philippines. There are plenty of examples nationwide, which show us how to celebrate the jolliest season of the year.

Las Pinas (besides Manila)is well known for its lantern makers. Have you seen already the marketplace overflowing with fanciful designed lanterns? San Fernando/Pampanga is famous for its spectacular lantern parade on Christmas Eve.

The Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season infecting every one with gaiety. Ok, maybe not every one. Let me know, dear reader, what you are thinking about it?

Carols are an important part of the yuletide scene. A midnight mass climaxes the religious ceremonies. The churches are bedecked with decorations of flowers and lights. I remember very well being touched, when the “Gloria In Excelsis Deo” rang triumphantly… .

Towns are filled with wonderful parties, noisemakers and fire crackers, if not official banned like in Davao City. Holy night, SILENT night…?

Anyway, I think I should stop writing now, because I observed my family  starting to put up the Christmas decorations. I remember, it took three days last year. Thank you for all the helping hands in my surroundings…

Deutsche Staatsbuerger muessen fuer die Erteilung einer Marriage License folgende Unterlagen vorlegen: - Reisepass; - Geburtsurkunde (mehrsprachlich, Uebersetzung dann nicht mehr noetig), legalisiert durch eine philippinische Auslandsvertretung (Botschaft, Konsulat) im Herkunftsland der Urkunde. - Ist einer der beiden Partner zwischen 18 und 21 Jahre alt, muessen die Eltern oder der Vormund der Eheschliessung zustimmen, es sei denn, der Partner war schon einmal verheiratet. Eine Erklaerung in deutscher Sprache mit englischer Uebersetzung ist also vorzulegen. Klaeren Sie vorher mit dem philippinischen Standesamt, welcher Uebersetzer akkrediert ist bzw. anerkannt wird.
-Ist einer oder sind beide Partner zwischen 21 und 25 Jahre alt, ist eine Erklaerung der Eltern oder des Vormundes vorzulegen, dass ihr Rat zu der beabsichtigten Eheschliessunbg eingeholt wurde. Wurde die Erklaerung in einer Fremdsprache abgegeben, ist eine englische Uebersetzung beizubringen. - Bei Geschiedenen: Scheidungsurteil, legalisiert durch die philippinische Botschaft oder ein philippinisches Konsulat in Deutschland mit englischer Uebersetzung. - Bei Verwitweten: Sterbeurkunde des verstorbenen Ehepartners auf internationalem (mehrsprachrigem) Formular oder mit englischer Uebersetzung und erneut legalisiert durch eine philippinische Auslandsvertretung. - Schliesslich das (deutsche) Ehefaehigkeitszeugnis (vom deutschen Standesamt) (ueberwiegend mehrsprachig, Uebersetzung nicht mehr noetig), damit das “Consular Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” bei der Deutschen Botschaft in Manila beantragt werden kann.

Dazu mehr im naechsten Teil.

(Fortsetzung folgt!)

Mostly “bloggers”,like me in this section, publish a write up and get some, or even a lot of comments - opinions, critics or appreciations from the readers. From time to time I would like to try it this way: Allow me to ask a question, and then I am really curious about the incoming comments. While living in the Philippines I met a lot more controversial to be discussed topics. One of many has something to do with my today’s question: “Cockfight - real entertainment?

Refusal and compassion characterize society’s attitude as regards social weaklings and handicapped people. It’s a topic which one gladly drives out, represses or tries to forget.

Even in different groups, some segments of society are distant to them. The socially discriminated and handicapped people don’t correspond to performance, work, capacity, stress and competition in our life. Options like these - well, that’s how people do it.

The anti-social slum inhabitant has not accepted his responsibility, and the anti-social confidence trickster, certainly not blind and without having difficulties in walking doesn’t believe in us. Finished.

The bobo, the alcoholic, the without means gentleman of the road - so what! Did everybody not select his own living conditions? In plain English: The ideals of success, ability, efficiency and competitiveness in our performance-oriented society describe such fringe groups as “standard violators”, flop or slacker. But remember: a tax evasion is more costly than a social welfare client.

The social weakling appears as a monotonous mass through the glasses of prejudices. But, the “typical poor man (woman)” can’t be finding as little the “typical homeless person”.

Hindrance and handicap drive many times into poverty. Prevailing opinions is that poverty is going for a fault. The affected people draw back themselves with a terrible sense of shame. I learned in Germany to communicate with handicapped people “as normal as with NORMAL people”. Every time in a mall here in Davao City when I met the same Filipino in a wheelchair, I tried to smile at him. After eight years, he smiled back and watched into my eyes.

Have you given notice already, that most handicapped people fell isolated from their surroundings, because most non-handicapped people try to overlook or fail to notice their handicapped neighbor. I am sure, it took a very long time that this wheelchair-driver tried himself to go out to this mall. Honestly, meeting a handicapped person becomes sometimes a bashful but also prejudiced situation while giving (or trying to give!) the appearance of normality. Handicapped people suffer more, because non-handicapped people try to avoid any communication, because they might say or do something wrong.

How can we take remedial action?

Let’s give “such people” autonomies and acceptance from kindergarten or pre-school already. Let’s increase more livable offers for organization of especially handicapped people’s leisure time! Guys, walked around and inspect restaurants, entertainment centers etc. and find out “if a handicapped person is really able to join”. Hinderness after hinderness for them. On the other hand, social weaklings and handicapped people don;t hinder, hamper or prevent us from living in a society with a much philanthropist face. They are human beings like you and me.