2007: A groundbreaking year for LiP

The Live in the Philippines Web Magazine had a groundbreaking year in 2007.  So many milestones were reached, it’s hard to even know where to start!

I guess that the first thing would be to mention the growth in the Staff of the site.  We started out 2007 as a blog, and I was the only writer.

In the first few months of the year, my wife Feyma joined me in writing.  I wanted to add Feyma to the site, because her perspective on living here was totally different than mine!  Feyma had lived in the USA for 10 years after marrying me in 1990.  When we decided to move back to the Philippines to live permanently, it was a big commitment for Feyma (something that she didn’t want to do at first), and I wanted her to tell that saga on the site, as it was important for readers to consider the female side of making such a move too.

Later, in June of 2007, I invited my friend John Grant to write for the blog.  He happily accepted, and began contributing interesting articles for the readers to consider.  John is a native of the UK, but has been in Davao off and on for several years now.

Also in June, we added Kevin Smith, a writer who lives in the States, but has ties to Digos, Davao del Sur.  Kevin is a teacher by trade, and also operates a non-profit group to assist children in the Digos area.

In July 2007, I invited another friend, AmericanLola (A.L. chooses to write under this pseudonym on the blog).  AmericanLola has been living for many years in the Philippines doing missionary work, and is currently residing in Cagayan de Oro City.  Many have come to realize that advice from AmericanLola is sage advice that should be considered carefully, as it is generally spot on.

Another addition came to LiP in July, Klaus Döring. Klaus is from Germany, but has been living in Davao for many years now.  Klaus is a good friend, and often adds a “German” touch to his articles, posting in both English and German for the advantage of our readers in Germany.

Just last month, we took on another writer, Ichi Miyake.  Ichi is a Japanese resident of Davao, and a “friend of a friend.”  I hope we hear more from Ichi as time goes by.

About the time we were adding more and more writers, I came up with the idea to convert from being a blog to being a “Web Magazine” with a stable of authors and other features to serve our readers.  I think that our migration has been a success, and the traffic figures of the site would seem to agree with my thinking on that.

It’s been a good year for the LiP Web Magazine!  I hope that we have served you well, and that we will continue to innovate and add new features that the readers enjoy.  If you have a suggestion, please write to me and let me know and let me know what your idea is!  We are always happy to entertain new ideas from readers!  If you want to write a guest blog post, please let me know that too!

Tomorrow, let’s have a look at the LiP Highlights for 2007!

Good year ender!

A few days before Christmas me and my family, with some friends, went to a not so fortunate place here in Davao City to give out something for the kids and parents. It’s really our tradition in our household that we started like 5 years ago for our kids. We buy some food and toys for the kids and some grocery items for the parents. It’s just an instant gift for them. We were not really prepared this year unlike the previous years. Before we really had it planned on what to give and where would we go. Since it got so busy last year we gave the money away for charity. This year we thought of giving it again, but then its again good for our kids to bring them again to the less fortunate kids and let our kids give them the food. They really like to give to those kids and parents. Those people are really nice and very respectful. We are so touched that at least we could give even just a small something to them. We know it’s not much, but at least just to make some kids happy this season.

Our kids also had some extra money from their allowance that they put into the piggy bank. They usually put it after school. This year the allowance for the kids the recipient is my mom. They wanted to give Lola something that she really needed. It’s my Mom’s birthday the day after Christmas. They wanted her to have it. Honestly it could be my Mom’s last Christmas this year. She’s really sick. My kids just want their Lola to be happy in any way they can. They love her. Chris really is close to my Mom.

We are just so thankful of the good blessings that we have this year. We hope again for a good and fruitful 2008 for all of us.

Happy New Year Everybody!

Happy New Year!

Once again to all of you: A Prosperous Happy New Year, good health, joy, success and all the best for you all!

God bless us all!

Nochmals fuer Sie alle: Ein gesegnetes glueckliches Neues Jahr bei guter Gesundheit, Freude, Erfolg und alles Gute! :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Gott segne uns alle!

Finally, a place to go for New Year’s Eve!

In the past, I have written about the lack of any New Year’s celebrations in the Philippines.  John Grant wrote a good article about his experience along these lines too a while back.

The fact is, if you want to celebrate the New Year here in the Philippines, you will likely find that almost every place is closed up for the night!  Traffic is non-existent on New Year’s Eve.  People stay home with the family.  Nothing wrong with staying home to ring in the New Year, but for many of us that is not what we are used to.  For some people who are single, they might not have a family to spend the night with, so they have no choice but to stay home and actually be lonely.

But, this year, it seems that in Davao there is finally a place where you can go out, enjoy time with friends, and ring in the New Year when Midnight rolls around!  That’s right, Felis Resort has announced that they will be having a New Year’s Party this year!

The Party will start at 8pm on December 31.  Location is at Felis Resort, which is  located in Matina Aplaya, Davao City.  You can get there by either taking the road behind SM City, headed south, or by going to Matina Crossing and turning North to Felis.  Felis is located right on the Gulf of Davao, with a beautiful view of Mt. Apo.  It is really a wonderful place to relax, enjoy time with friends and have a generally great time!

Will I be at the New Year’s Party?  Not sure yet….  but there is a good chance that I’ll be stopping by for a while at least.  Maybe I’ll see you there!

The Noble Heart and Mind

In times of quickly dwindling hopes of many people I feel inspired to put the cart before the horse. Maybe at the end of this piece I’ll tread the footsteps of other columnists and commentators. So be it!

Pride comes before a fall - but never magnanimity. The dictionary defines magnanimity as in greatness of mind and generosity of heart especially in forgiveness. Filipinos are really magnanimous people. Especially nowadays Filipinos seem to have the quality of being high souled, rising above pettiness or meanness and the generosity in overlooking injury or insult.

The late Harry Emerson Fosdick, a famous Protestant teacher wrote: ” No man ever saved anybody, or served any great or left any enduring impress, who was not willing to forget indignities, bear no grudges. The world’s saviours have all, in one way and another, loved their enemies and done them good!”

Magnanimity, applied to relations between nations and peoples, transforms hostility into helpfulness. Consider the massive assistance the U.S. provided to its former enemies following World War II, enabling them to rebuild their blasted cities and shattered economies. No “West Berlin inhabitant” will forget the U.S. airlift during the East German-Russian blockade, when the so called “raisin bomber planes” kept West-Berlin and its people alive. Once upon a time…

What quality in human character do you consider the most admirable of all? How about tolerance toward another’s viewpoint without smugness? How about refusal to judge another’s actions or motives without first knowing what lies behind them? U.S. writer Clarence W. Hall said before: “Magnanimity must be developed and habitual by practice, but it’s a virtue that sweetens and glorifies life.”

People with a noble heart and mind are fond of day dreams. Of course fantasies don’t have to be a flight from reality, In fact, psychologists are discovering that they can play a creative role in self-development and a better mutual understanding. It’s also one of the best things for the well being of a nation. In this case I really mean the Philippines, because I decided to live here for good.

Christmas Deliveries

A few days before Christmas, Bob asked me if I would like to come along with him and deliver some food packages and rice to some of the poor people living in the more remote areas of Davao.

Apparently this is something that he and his family do each year, just prior to the 24th December. Bob will purchase a large amount of food packs (Macdonalds meals this time) and many many bags of rice and then travel out with his family to some areas where there are people living who have very little of their own.

I think this is his way of saying, thank you to the people of Davao and also his way of showing some kindness and bringing some cheer to people who may have almost nothing to eat and enjoy at Christmas time. This is the kind of person that he is, it is a real deep gesture of warmth and caring. Therefore I was very honoured indeed to be asked to be part of this. I gratefully accepted the invitation to go along.

We all got into Bob’s car, the back crammed with meal packs and bags of rice and we set off, heading out of the main city and along the Panabo road. We stopped a couple of times, the first stop being along the side of the main road where there were many shacks and little wooden huts. We ended up mostly distributing the Macdonalds meal packs to the children that we met and handing the bags of rice to the adults.Indeed for me this was a very moving experience. A simple gesture of kindness from my good friend Bob to these people and the way their received their food and rice was wonderful to see. It brought big smiles to everyone’s faces, the children, some shy at first, were then delighted when they looked inside the food pack and saw what was there. For sure, our activities attracted a big crowd of people, I think they were very curious to see what was going on at first. Then as the food and rice was handed out the people shook our hands, thanking us so very much for our kindness and a happy and high spirited experience was had by all.After the first stop we travelled along the main road just a little bit further and then turned off onto a very rough beaten track. We travelled up here a little while and came across a whole village set back away from the road. Again, we carried the food and rice in our arms and walked through the village area, handing out the goods and wishing everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.It was truly wonderful to see the happiness on these people’s faces. Being part of this experience reminded me of the true meaning of Christmas again. Unfortunately in the West we have become very materialistic and Christmas has become so much a process of who can buy the biggest most expensive gift and who’s house looks better decorated than the next. But here, on the outskirts of Davao, walking through the little village of shacks and wooden houses, where the people had so very little in the way of possessions, the best gift of all for me were their smiles and happiness. My heart was warmed and my spirit was lifted.Take away the money, the expensive gifts, the flashing decorations, trying to impress everybody, the whole material side of Christmas and that was what the people we visited had - the family and their love for one another. That is surely the greatest gift of all.I know I am sounding rather sentimental and I apologise for that, but what Bob and his family did for those people made me feel these things and provoked me into reflecting about quite a few others. Thank you Bob for allowing me to be part of that day with you and thank you to all those people we visited, allowing us to walk into their villages and garden areas and greeting us with such kindess and happiness. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

Five great reasons to keep visiting the Philippines

When we think about the Philippines, luxury is not usually the first thing that comes to mine, is it?  Most of us think about a simpler life, cheaper living, less stress and such.  Certainly these things are all true, but luxury can be part of the overall lifestyle in the Philippines too!  Since moving here nearly 8 years ago, I have come to appreciate the ability to pamper myself while keeping a tight budget.  Such pampering can lead to improved health, both mentally and physically too.  When I think of pampering myself, I think of things like a nice massage to loosen up tight muscles, and other such things to reward myself, and make my life more comfortable.

A few days ago, I was watching a show on TV called “Executive Class.”  Executive Class is aired weekly on ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) and is hosted by David Celdran.  Basically, the show covers the finer things in life, especially those available in the Philippines.  I enjoy watching this show, because I often learn about things around the Islands that I previously didn’t know about, and things that I often want to check out.  This week’s show dealt with subject “Five Reasons to Visit the Philippines.”  Basically, the five reasons were sort of re-caps of previous shows, featuring luxury reasons to keep you coming to the Philippines!  Let’s have a look at the things that they say should keep you coming back (it would seem that the items are arranged geographically from North to South):

1.  Luxury in Manila.  The show covered several places in Manila where you could get a World Class experience, with World Class Service:

• Chi Spa at Shangri La Hotel. When you go to Chi Spa, start off with a nice cup of hot tea to get relaxed and into the proper mood.  After your tea, start a soothing spa treatment to relax you and put you at peace.  You can choose from a variety of Spa treatments, including Aroma therapy, Vitality treatment, Swedish Massage, Shiatsu Massage and others.  This is truly a world class spa experience, and at a price that will keep you coming back for more!
• Kipling Cigar. If you smoke Cigars, try a visit to Kipling Cigar Club in Manila.  Here, you can enjoy all kinds of Cigars, even world class Cuban Cigars!  They have the Cohiba Cigar, the favorite of Fidel Castro, but it’s not cheap.  P4,000 per cigar!  Kipling can also server you world class Whiskey to enjoy with your Cigar too!  Their best whiskey is P300,000 per bottle!  Maybe not a cheap visit, but luxury nonetheless!

2.  Next stop is at the fabulous beaches of Boracay!  Boracay is the best, if you are looking for a Beach Holiday destination, no doubt.  It is a 30 minute flight from Manila and the entire Island is about 10 Square Kilometers, very small.  Boracay has often been rated in World Class travel magazines as one of the top beach destinations in the world.  About a half million travelers visit Boracay each year!

• Did you know that you can rent a fully furnished luxury villa on the beach at Boracay for as low as $500 per night?  The Villa is 400 sq. meters, 4 befrooms (2 bedrooms with veranda!) and can hold up to 8 guests!  Very luxurious!
• Discovery Shores Hotel is a recently opened hotel in Boracay, and it is the only 5 star hotel on the island!  When you arrive at Discovery Shores you will receive a foot massage.  The lofts at Discovery Shores are spacious, and feature rain shower heads.
• Of course, you can enjoy all kinds of water sports on Boracay.  Windsurfing and Kiteboarding are just two of many sports that you can try out!  Equipment rentals are readily available too.

3.  Next stop, Cebu.  Cebu features rich surroundings because of a strong economy on the island.  You can find restaurants featuring world renowned chefs catering to the locals and foreign tourists alike.  Visit the Loft Bar to see a stylish Cebu after hours hangout with live DJ’s.  The Z Bar is a champagne and wine bar with an extravagant ambiance!

4.  Now, it’s on to Bohol.  They featured the Escaya Resort in Bohol, and uber-distination particularly suited for the very well to do.  There are 70 thatched villas at the resort, bahay kobo (native) style.  They resort also features an infinity pool that spills into the Mindanao sea.  Don’t get your hopes up too much though, unless you can spend $2,000 per night!  That’s right, Two Thousand US Dollars per night to stay at this resort!

5.  The final stop on this Philippine luxury tour is right here in my hometown of Davao.  Davao is a 55 minute flight from Cebu, an hour and 50 minutes from Manila.  And, we have quite a luxury destination in Davao.

• Buena Vista Island in the Gulf of Davao.  You can rent your own Private Island right in the Gulf of Davao, Buena Vista.  That’s right, the only people on the island will be you, your family/friends and Butlers if you so choose.  The island is an area of 4 hectares and you have a choice of accommodations on the island - anything from a tent to a family Villa on the shore.   The Family Villa is 5 Star quality, yet quiet and free from other guests.  You can house up to 10 people in the Villa, and the price is $2,500 per night!  Not cheap, but first class all the way!

Well, for me, I can find super luxury without needing to spend so much!  But, for those for whom money is no object, maybe some of these places would keep you coming back to the Philippines again and again.  As for me, by keeping my budget in check, I don’t have to keep coming back… I choose to stay permanently!

It’s Still Christmas…

…and it’s not too late to oil the wheels of relationships with a little gift giving. My husband was out yesterday delivering little gifts of chocolate to the bank tellers who had been especially helpful to him this year, and to the ladies who have helped us at the post office.When there was a language school in Butuan and a constant stream of foreigners were collecting mail from the same post office box, we all baked a batch of cookies and took them in for all the post office employees to enjoy. Later we took calendars to all the postal employees when we lived in Gingoog. We have always gotten extra special service in the restaurant where we give a little cash gift at Christmas for all the waiters and workers.So, those of you who live in the Philippines, think about expressing a little special appreciation for those who have given you good service this last year. It will be remembered!Suggested gifts: Toblerone chocolate, small cheese balls, calendars, small fruit baskets, breads or cakes.

Overview of Iligan City

Once again, today we will look at another City where expats might want to consider settling down! Today’s Overview is of Iligan City, and I was helped out by my friend, Marc de Piolenc. Marc is a dual French/US Citizen, and I’ve known him since the early ’90s online, and in person for nearly 10 years now too! I consider Marc a good friend, and I appreciate his willingness to answer my survey.

Marc tells us that he has been living in Iligan for Nine years already! Heck, he’s already practically a founder of the city, having been there that long!

When it comes to housing, Marc says that price depends on your needs, of course, but you can readily find a place to rent for P5,000 to P10,000. Marc says that he is currently paying P6,000 for his place. I’ve visited Marc’s house a number of times, and I can tell you that it is quite livable and very nice! I feel that P6,000 is quite a bargain for the house that he is living in! To give you an idea, Marc’s home is a 1 1/2 storey detached house in a great neighborhood near to a good local university and also close to the National Highway.

As for amenities in town that foreigner might be looking for, Marc says the following:

A new Gaisano mall is under construction to replace the aging department store near the port area. There are gyms, but I’m not a user so can’t comment. No public swimming pools in town, but Timoga springs with multiple pools is a few km outside of town on the Lanao side; likewise Maze Park. On the other side, the corporate rec area of Holcim Cement is accessible for a modest fee. There are four cinemas and many restaurants, ranging from hole-in-the wall eateries to restaurants I would not hesitate to take foreign visitors to.

Marc says that the cost of living in Iligan is “Cheap” with a lechon manok going for P140.

As far as transportation in Iligan, Marc says that the highways are very good, with local roads ranging from good to not so good. Jeepneys, Tricycles and Taxis are all readily available around town. Taxis are even radio dispatched, and will pick you up if you give the dispatcher a call! Unfortunately, while Iligan has an airport, it currently has no commercial flights. Generally, people in Iligan would depend on the Cagayan de Oro Airport, about an hour and a half away.
Marc also says that dealing with Government offices in Iligan is getting better all the time. He says that while there are some hassles, they are really improving compared to previous years.

Marc says that there are not too many foreigners living in Iligan, maybe a maximum of 100 or so in the entire city. He says that it would be rare to find more than 20 of them in a single place, though. Many of these foreigners are missionaries working with the local people in the area.

Iligan gets about 40 inches of rain per year, with peak rainfall in November. Minimum rainfall is in April.  Summers are hot and humid, and mostly dry. Tap water varies in quality, and Marc recommends drinking only bottled water, which is delivered to the house at a reasonable price. Electricity in Iligan is cheap, due to the vast amounts of hydro power being used in the area. Electricity rates are only about P5 per kilowatt hour. Power interruptions are frequent, though - Marc reports that they average about two brownouts per week.

For entertainment, Marc says that good beaches can be found very close to Iligan - around 10 Kilometers in either direction of the city. Cable TV is also available in town, as is broadband internet.

Marc reports that some imported items (like Wine!) are available in Iligan, but for better shopping you should plan to go to Cagayan de Oro, about 80km away.

Marc feel that most people in Iligan are quite friendly, although there are a few neighborhoods that he would not visit alone at night - although those are small and few.

By the way, one thing that Marc didn’t mention, but I thought that I would add is that Iligan is the “City of Waterfalls” with lots of great waterfalls. If you love waterfalls, you will certainly love Iligan City!

Thanks again, Marc for sharing your experiences in Iligan!

Philippine-German Relations (XII)

There are political and economic ties but also social and cultural understanding between the Philippines and Germany.

The German Cultural Center, popularly known in the Philippines as “Goethe Institut”, since its foundation in 1961, has played an important role not only spreading the German language and culture among the people, but also in monitoring the Philippine national language Tagalog and culture among the Germans and other nationals residing in the Philippines, as we can learn in Father Gene’s (Hermogenes E. Bacareza’s) thesis.

The Goethe Institut is a society registered in the Federal Republic of Germany with the full title: “Goethe Institut for the Promotion of the German Language and Culture”. It is active in pursuing German cultural policy by promoting cultural exchanges also with other countries in the world. Although it receives financial support from the German government.

The institute operates as an autonomous organization and was founded in 1932 to mark the centenary of the death of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Goethe, the famous German poet, was really a universal personality, a dramatist, novelist, philosopher, lawyer and much more.

In Manila, the Goethe Insitut, one of the 115 institutes worldwide, was inaugurated on the 7th April 1961 in Pasay City.

(To be continued!)