Klaus Doring

The processing takes time. You need a lot of patience. The check list of the requirements is awesome and changes more or less every few months.

These are the informations I got from the Bureau of Immigration:

a) Five (5) copies of Personal History Statement (PHS) forms duly accomplished by the student-applicant. PHS forms may be secured from the Philippine Embassy or the school of his choice;

b) Original and photocopy of Transcript of Records;

c)Affidavit of Support from abroad accompanied by a bank statement;

d) Data page of passport;

e) Certificate of Good Moral Character from the School Head of Institution where he or she last attended.

How to go on then?

The school, having been satisfied that the academic requirements are complied with, issues a NOTICE OF ACCEPTANCE.

School indorses a copy of the Notice of Acceptance together with the Personal History Statement and authenticated Transcript of Records to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), copy furnished the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The DFA, Manila, approves applications and authorizes the Philippine foreign establishment abroad concerned on the issuance of a student visa. Upon approval of the issuance of a student visa, the DFA, Manila also informs the school concerned on action taken, copy furnished CHED.

A prospective secondary graduate foreign student (at least 18 years of age) WHILE ABROAD applies in writing for admission directly to any Philippine school of his or her choice should submit the following documents, DULY AUTHENTICATED BY THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN HIS HOME COUNTRY.

(To be continued!)

Plastic money (or better known as credit card), loneliness, and advertising - that’s a dangerous mixture, owing to more and more people falling straight into shopping ecstasy - also here in the Philippines.

It’s weekend again, the sunbeam touches us, we’re dressed in our weekend’s best, right after the mass we are on the way to a shopping mall. Yes, they’re really tempting us by their offers. The credit cards glow; we’re all right for the money!

We don’t have decent clothes any more! Really? Our shoes make us a laughing-stock. Top stylish or even the latest fashion for a few Philippine Pesos, sure, we can afford it!

Women especially (really?) arrange to meet very often for substantial shopping sprees. If they are any men among my readers, pleaselet me know.

It’s just fun, but sometimes it becomes already a competition: Who gets hold of the most stylish and best special offers? It’s paradoxical; actually they are not able to afford it. In spite of their strained financial situation many people do unnecessary free-living shopping.

They feel happy, contented, satisfied, and relaxed.

Is shopping a substitutive or vicarious satisfaction because of less love and care? Yes, for a short moment shopping satisfies and eases mostly unfulfilled longings for love, appreciations, receiving attention and affection. How comes, that I met many Filipinas, married to ex pats, living in the Philippines, told me this???

One things is very clear: the shopping ecstasy will be followed by a happiness-intoxication. the new dress becomes a four-leaf clover and lucky break. But, we became addicted… .

Disastrous, unlucky and awkward in shopping is that the special offers are not really needed. That’s the point: it’s just the kick-down, which can be felt while shopping of useless things. Clothes, shoes, jewelyries, or cosmetics will be used once or once in a while, they will be cleared or concealed and hidden from other people. Our conscience is pricking us. Depression follows; an empty inwardness causes pain - up to the next ecstasy.

It’s a dangerous vicious circle, which can bring us to a financial precipice. For a long time experts have warned: “The limits between pleasure, desire, frustration, and ecstasy shopping are fluent and fluid.”

The incredible Americans invented even a medicine against the so-called “shopaholics” (New York Times, June 13, 2004).

I wish you a great weekend. Enjoy your stay in a mall.

The German spring always evoked in poets and romantic writers, emotions of youth. In Germany, it was the time when the flowers began to grow and nature began to bloom. I also remember the most expected time after weeks and months of cold and grey weather.

It was also the time, when Rizal observed the same happenings. He was so attracted by the freshness and beauty of the surroundings of the campus of the University of Heidelberg, that he described it as “it makes one want to burst out singing”. He expressed his sentiments in the verses of “A las flores de Heidelberg” - “To the flowers of Heidelberg”.

Go to my country, go, foreign flowers!

Planted by the traveler on his way.

And there beneath that sky of blue that over my beloved towers, speak for this traveler to say: What faith in his homeland he breathes to you.

(To be continued!) 

“Though often maligned these days and at times sweetly deserving it, politicians just same need to be loved by all of us. And yes, at all times, not only from time to time!” This is an excerpt of a Guest Editorial of a Catholic priest in a daily five years ago. I kept it. And I must say, nothing changed. So far, so good.

Okay. I am sure I was brought up as a Christian, and I spent my life in a Christian way. I was blessed by being able to visit more then 60 countries worldwide during my life. I was able to meet many politicians, who belonged to many different ideologies. I am blessed also to have some politicians as good or even very good friends here in the Philippines. I know that they are also stopping by this blog and the whole LiP magazine for ex pats.

To be honest: I love these politicians, who do their job for their people’s and countries’ advantages. We have to see, that politicians play an important and indispensable party in our life. I know, there are pros and contras. Actually I was inspired to post this article after joining again the Philippine Congress Meeting last night regarding the new speaker. Don’t worry, I will not bore you with details. Look around the world and into the historical past and count how many buffoons and harlequins have been longing to get a politician  position - and GOT IT. Chaos or disorder, no peace and harmony and  a society like a headless chicken are or have been many times the main reasons through incompetent and incapable politicial (AND OTHER!) leaders., who just shine/d because of inability.

There is no difference between a corrupt district officer or a real dictator and his administration that use their people as cannon fodder while washing their hands of it in dirty innocence. Don’t worry, I really will not bore you.

Loving our politicians? Yes, why not? Thanks god, there are still some who have integrity and competence, and they know what common good is and what the basic social principles are.

I met plenty unsusceptible people in my surroundings during the last weeks. Sometimes I got tired, but while writing this piece, I feel, all those meetings have been valuable. We should try to pray, that we might find more real politicians (worldwide!), who anyhow can credit themselves with success in being familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of different ideologies.

I tried to explain my standpoint from the philosophically and religious view - not discussing with a case of beer under my table… .

Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage for you!”

“Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.”

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser. Ich weiss, dass ich viele deutschsprachige Leser habe, die der englischen Sprache nicht so maechtig sind. Als ich meine ersten Artikel hier veroeffentlichte, habe ich einmal angefragt, ob Bedarf an mehr deutschsprachigen Artikeln besteht. Ich habe einige wenige Antworten erhalten. Vielleicht sind Sie erst heute auf meine website gestossen und wuerden gern verschiedene Dinge in Deutsch lesen. Lassen Sie es mich bitte wissen - und, vor allen Dingen geben Sie mir bitte Tips und Ideen, ueber was Sie informiert werden wollen. Sie koennen mich auch persoenlich kontaktieren… Vielen Dank und viel Spass mit “Live in the Philippines“.

Furthermore the following requirements will be expected:

3. True Copy of the Marriage contract of the alien and the Filipino spouse

4. Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage, issued by the Embassy or the Consulate  of the alien spouse (if marriage in the Philippines), OR official family register with authentic interpretation as certified by the Philippine Embassy of Consulate in the alien’s home and country (if marriage has been solemnized there)

5. Joint Affidavit of legal capacity to contract marriage, stating any previous marriage(s) and the manner by which the marriage was dissolved

6. If alien spouse was previously married, a true copy of the divorce decree dissolution of marriage or death certificate, as the case may be, duly authenticated

7. True copy of birth certificate of minor unmarried children under 21 years, if any

8. Joint Affidavit of Financial Capacity and support executed by the applicant and the alien spouse with supporting documents (bank statements, land titles, income, pension) showing capacity to support themselves

9. Medical Certificate from the Bureau of Quaratine that alien spouse and unmarried children are not afflicted with any contegious, dangerous and loathsome disease

10. Separate AIDS certification from selected hospitals

11. Clearance from the central government agency of applicant’s country or place of residence, on any criminal record the applicant may have, duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in or closest to the applicant’s country

12. Philippine NBI clearance

13. Bureau of Immigration Clearance

14. Copy of passport of alien spouse and children showing date of arrivals and validity of stay.

All documents NOT in English language must be translated by authorized and certified translator.

If the wife (or husband) of alien applicant was former Philippine citizen, he/she has to prepare a Letter of Application for change status to returning former Filipino citizen (Section 13, para G, P.I.A., as amended). Additional requirements are:

1. General application form duly accomplished AND notarized

2. 2 x 2 ID pictures to be attached to the application form

3. Birth certificate of applicant (NSO!)

4. Certificate of naturalization in a foreign country (eventually with translation!)

5. Medical certification from the Bureau of Quarantine stating that the alien (former Filipino) is not afflicted  with any dangerous, contagious or loathsome disease

6. Attach photocopy of passport

7. Affidavit stating that the applicant intends to reside permanently in the Philippines with proof of financial capacity.

If spouse and minor unmarried children shall join the applicant, the following requirements are requested:

1. Certified true copy of marriage contract of applicant and spouse

2. Birth Certificate of minor unmarried children

3. Affidavit of Support of guaranty by the applicant

4. Copies of their respective passports.

I have been asked several times about the requirements and general procedures in the processing of entry and stay for foreign students. Check out my next article soon!

Since a couple months an incredible increase of permanent stay visa applications have been observed. Is it the bad economical situation in the US and Europe? Maybe… . Fact is, that more and more people arrived in the Philippines with little luggage and “some cash savings” and asked for the requirements to stay here for good. It’s not such easy, my dear readers. The checklist is becoming longer and longer, and you need to process some documents in your home country (duly authenticated by a Philippine Embassy or Consulate there). During the next days, I try to explain the latest informations for it. If you are still in your home country and you plan to move here, inform yourself and go first to your nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. It’s easier to start processing all documents already in your home country.

If you are already living in the Philippines and if you are married to a Philippine national you have to apply for “Change of Status from Temporary Visitor to Non Quota Immigrant by Marriage under Section 13a of Philippine Immigration Act (PIA) of 1940, as amended.

You need:

1. Letter of application (applicant AND Filipino spouse)

2. General application form DULY accomplished AND notarized (it’s BI Form No. RBR 98-01)

3. 2×2 picture to be attached to the application form (just be prepared for more or less 15 pictures for the future)

4. Birth Certificate of applicant AND Filipino spouse; in the absence of a birth certificate of the Filipino spouse, submit the following:

a) Certification of the Local Civil Registrar or the NSO (National Statistic Office) of its loss or non-availability

b) Any public document which establish the Filipino citizenship of the spouse

c)Affidavit of two disinterested persons indicating nationality of the parents of the Filipino spouse, and his/her birth place and birth date of applicant.

(To be continued!)

I asked already: Why Rizal chose to study in Heidelberg, instead of Berlin or other German places? Was it the beauty of the place Heidelberg? Or was it the known and glorious achievements of the old university of Heidelberg? Rizal developed really a desire for professional growth in Heidelberg. At any rate, Rizal’s decision to specialize in ophthalmology was prompted by his mother’s failing eyesight. This he accomplishged in Paris under Dr. Louis de Wecker, originally an immigrant German Jew. He lived from 1832 to 1906. After a few months in Paris Rizal finally decided to move to Germany. He believed that aside from improving his skill in the technique of eye diagnosis, he could live more easily there since he was convinced that it was cheaper to live in Germany.

“With respect to my studies about diseases of the eye, they are progressing very well”, Rizal wrote to his parents in the Philippines (100 Letters of Rizal, page 246). “I know how to perform the operations. i shall have to train in studying the ocular fundus which needs much practice. In Germany, I am told that they teach this well, but one has to matriculate and pay $110.00 a month. I am going to Germany with nearly $100 which will be reduced to $75 after deducting the transportation fare. If I find that the cost of living is cheap I shall matriculate and it may not be necessary to help me in two or three months. In six months, I hope to speak German, study and follow my speciality… .”

(To be continued!)

“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long on the wine, those who go in search of mixed wines? Do not look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. … They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I didn’t feel it. When shall I awoke, that I may seek another drink?” (Proverbs 23:29-35).

The writer of this Proverb expressed very well the effect of alcohol.

Have you noticed already how cheap is any kind of alcohol in the Philippines compared to our home countries? Well, well… .

Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down the function of all the body’s parts. Vital functions can be slowed down to the point of death. Under its influence people choke to death at family picnics, drown at the beach, fall asleep while driving a car, hurt and even kill other people.

The devil alcohol creates a feeling of freedom without worries and euphoria. Our feelings are free flowing. Everyday worries are replaced with a carefree spirit. Wow, I really feel top today…!

I myself join the circle of other fellows around, more or less regular social drinking, habitual drinking with meals (beer or wine!). When I stayed in France, I couldn’t believe that for many Frenchmen a breakfast consists of bread (baguette), cheese, coffee - and red wine! Where are the borderlines of social drinking?

Once we reach the addictive stage we are already in danger. Gulping drinks and secret drinking daily to relieve stress makes one lose control and being unable to stop drinking create drinking habits. Danger is with us if we lose control over when, where and how much we drink. We loose our self-respect and the performance of our work is seriously affected. Loss of interests in everything (except in drinking) means loss of job, conflicts with the law, loss of friends, mental deterioration even death…

I still remember one of my best colleagues friend in Germany, who was not able to stop drinking even after several alcoholism cures and months of treatments in centres for alcoholic and drug addicts. Unintentional but thoughtless acceptance of drinking made him a victim of alcohol. Even herbal medicines sometimes contain alcohol - a terrible sentence. I spare myself the trouble to explain to how, how my friend died… .

Every time I enjoy a drink in acceptable measurements I try asking myself: Am I drinking too heavily? Do I sneak drinks? do i want to drink because of frustrations or problems or just because the world is so nice and pink tinted and life is so wonderful in the Philippines?

During this week a Filipina widow asked me to assist her for the widow pension application. Her (expat) husband died. Reason: Alcoholism because of frustrations…

It should be now as I learned from other Philippinos and expats? Mmh, this reminds me of several comments (and complains) of different expats, who really miss winter here in the Philippines. At my first glance, I thought, they are just kidding.

I am staying in the Philippines now since more then nine years and I must confess, I have never ever miss the winter with snow and ice and “bad road conditions”.

How about you? Do you miss such stuff? Or do you try “to heal this desire” in going back to your home country, which provides you now with real winter elements???