Deadly Taifun - Toedlicher Taifun

More than 200 dead victims ...
Mehr als 200 Todesopfer...

Fastest Growth in Asean?

I was really surprised receiving the news, that the Philippine economy moved to the fastest in Southeast Asia in the third quarter at 7.1 percent from a year earlier, coming just a little behind China's growth and surpassing projections.

I received these news while waiting at the airport in Manila for my flight back to Davao City.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda commented it like this: "This was possible due to sustained confidence in the leadership of President Aquino and his administration, which has consistently equated good governance with good economics. The government has pushed to ensure this economic growth is felt by the broadest number of people!"

The German Ambassador for the Philippines, Dr. Joachim Heidorn, whom I interviewed just a little while ago, had the same opinion. By the way, the interview shall be published here soon.

Philippines - the fastest growth in Asean? I pray and I wish, it might not become a nine days fly... .

PhilPop Enriches Filipino Music

Filipino music is indeed a genuine expression of Filipinos not only as a unified group, but also as unique individuals. The PhilPOP MusicFest Foundation, Inc. is an advocate of this notion, which is it established the Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPOP) early this year. Now, it is already setting the stage for 2013.

PhilPOP is a search for Filipino musical composers, whether residing here or abroad, who can showcase musical ingenuity and passion. Songwriters can start sending their entries by January 1, 2013 till the end of February through www.philpop.com.ph .

The PhilPOP competition has generated excitement since it kicked off earlier this year because of Filipinos' love for music. The spotlight being given to singwriters now is an undertaking of national identity.

The PhilPOP Foundation sees Filipino music as a cultural treasure and an indication of national identity. The foundation is again giving Filipinos the opportunity to become their own inspiration. Then, it cam be cascaded to future generations, which in turn can make their own music.

By the way, PhilPOP is also presented by Maynilad, Smart, Meralco, PLDT, Resorts Word Manila, TV 5, Metro Pacific Investment Corp., NLEX, PICC, Sun Cellular, KBP and Philex.

The foundation also preserves the vanishing musical germs and empowers Filipino songwriters whose music can inspire and motivate a nation. Kudos to PhilPOP.

Try Mindanao!

 

Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines located between Davao City in Davao del Sur Province and Cotabato Province. This majestic peak is one of the country's most popular climbing destinations.

It's the centre of wonders  in Mindanao and one of the highest land-based biological diversity in terms of flora and fauna per unit area.  

It's also home to one of the world's largest eagles, the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, which is the country's national bird.

Try Mindanao!

(Photo taken by TravelPhilippinesNow.com)