Duterte home for the holidays

By: Edith Regalado (The Philippine Star)

DAVAO CITY

President Duterte, as he usually does, is expected to follow his tradition of spending Christmas with his family, especially with his children and grandchildren, here in Davao City.

The President has 10 grandchildren with his children – Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and sons Paolo and Sebastian – with his first wife Elizabeth Zimmerman.


Duterte also has a child, named Veronica or Kitty, with his partner Cielito Avanceña, who is also based in Davao City.

The President arrived here last night for the Christmas weekend. He is also scheduled to bring holiday cheer to government troops as well as the sick children in a hospital in Davao City.


Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said yesterday that indeed the President will spend the holidays with his family.

The President usually hosts a Christmas party for the residents at his old house in Barangay Bangkal when he was still mayor of Davao City.

But when he became President in 2016, Duterte could no longer attend the event for security reasons, although the annual gift-giving still continues.

But what the President also wants to do is make sure he has the time to visit the sick children, especially those afflicted with cancer and are confined at the Southern Philippines Medical Centre (SPMC).

“Doon mo makikita ang kanyang (There you can see his) compassion. He sheds tears every time,” Panelo said of the President’s visit to sick children.

The  President also spent Christmas here last year comforting the families of the victims who perished in the fire that gutted a mall in Davao.

Duterte stayed with the families of the victims as he was also the one who announced the predicament of the 38 call center agents who died in the fire that razed the NCCC Mall along Maa Road here on Christmas last year.

Christmas is just around the corner

My today's column in
MINDANAO DAILY
Christmas evokes memories and sentiments that travel with us treasured gifts of our hearts. It is the time for reflection of the year past, of things we've done to make a difference in the lives of others. It's indeed a time for thanksgiving for the blessings received, and for the trials and pains that helped shape, strengthen, and mold us to become better persons.

"Hay nako" - the typical Philippine expression, I adopted many times since living in the Philippines for good. What on earth am I here for?

The more I look around the world, the more people I'm able to observe: stranded people, but many still having the optimistic smile on their faces. People, who are losing more and more of their bearings and are getting muddled in their lives. 

If several political leaders globally confuse us more instead of leading us on the right way, we cry out for a satisfying answer through the institution church. It doesn't matter what season we are in: wars, climate change with natural disasters, helpless politicians at the present G20 - conference trying to portray a positive outlook with their picture taking... . Yes, "hay nako" ...!

Modesty will never get them what they actually deserve. Charity and brotherly or sisterly love, as the bible teaches us, are becoming foreign terms. moral and human values are badly needed to drive and out energy and vigor in our daily life as we stroll into painful indifference and peppered egoism. 

Our daily ill feelings regarding all parts of our life can't be or can't remain as a permanent state of affairs. Incompetent and incapable leaders, who are still being able to continue in their own monstrous, unhindered and impertinent style are every country's poison and reason for decline.

During the last weeks I received innumerable religious and philosophical literature and invitation from several institutions. I must confess, that I have been confused many times. I am sorry and I really wish to apologize, if I reject most "of this stuff", and, if I decide NOT to answer such emails or text messages. Sure, it's is Christmas time, but... .

May the love and humility the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ signified remain etched in our hearts. Let not the frenetic gift-giving and seemingly endless merriment becloud the pristine message that Christmas imparts.

Palace suspends government's work also on December 26 and January 2.

To give government employees more time to celebrate the holidays with their families, Malacanang has suspended government work non December 26, 2017 and January 2, 2018.

The declaration was made through Memorandum Circular No. 37, which was signed on December 13, 2017 by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, by authority of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Memo Circular covers all government offices, including government-owned and -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges, local government units, and other agencies and instrumentalities. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING OFFICE HOURS IN DECEMBER 2017 AND JANUARY 2018.

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Manila will be closed from 25-26 December 2017 and on 01 January 2018.

The legal and consular section (including the visa section) will be closed to the public from 27-29 December 2017.

Die Deutsche Botschaft in Manila wird vom 25.-26. Dezember 2017 sowie am 01. Januar 2018 geschlossen sein.

Die Rechts- und Konsularabteilung (inklusive Visastelle) wird vom 27.-29. Dezember 2017 für den Besucherverkehr geschlossen sein.

Please be advised, that the German Honorary Consulate in Davao City will be closed to the public from 22 December 2017 - 02 January 2018.

Das deutsche Honorarkonsulat in Davao City wird vom 22. Dezember 2017 bis 2. Januar 2018 für den Besucherverkehr geschlossen sein.

Christmas evokes memories ...

CHRISTMAS EVOKES MEMORIES ...

Yes, Christmas evokes memories and sentiments that travel with us like treasured gifts of our hearts. It is the time for reflection of the past year and of things we've done to make a difference in the lives of others. Hopefully, we did.

Several years ago already, Elvie Punzalan-Estavillo, fellow Philippine Star columnist voiced it out very well. It's indeed a time for thanksgiving for the blessings received, and for the trials and pains that helped shape, strengthen, and mold us to become better persons.

"Hay nako" - the typical Philippine expression, I adopted many times since living in the Philippines for good. What on earth am I here for?

The more I look around, the more people I'm able to observe: stranded people, still having the optimistic smile on their faces. People, who are losing more and more of their bearings and are getting muddled in their lives. 

If political leaders confuse us more instead of leading us on the right way, we cry out for a satisfying answer through the institution church.

Modesty will never get them what they actually deserve. Charity and brotherly or sisterly love, as the bible teaches us, are becoming foreign terms. Moral and human values are badly needed to drive and out energy and vigor in our daily life as we stroll into painful indifference and sharp-peppered egoism. 

Our daily ill feelings regarding all parts of our life can't be or can't remain as a permanent state of affairs. Incompetent and incapable leaders, who are still being able to continue in their own monstrous, unhindered and impertinent style are every country's poison and reason for decline.

During the last weeks, as in every year, I received innumerable religious and philosophical literature and invitation from several institutions. I must confess, that I have been confused many times. I am sorry and I really wish to apologize, if I reject most "of this stuff", and, if I decide NOT to answer such emails or text messages. Sure, it's is Christmas time, but... .

May the love and humility the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ signified remain etched in our hearts. Let not the frenetic gift-giving and seemingly endless merriment becloud the pristine message that Christmas imparts.

Ten Days to Christmas ...

... 7 Christmas treats in Makati

Joko Magalong

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• Christmas is fast approaching and with it comes deals aplenty.

Urbanits don’t have to travel far, as the City of Makati, Ayala Land, Mastercard, and their partner hotels serve you up a bevy of holiday treats — from staycation choices, various sights, and activities to unwind, bond,and relax.

1. Buy 1 night, get 1 night free

A guest room at Holiday Inn. Handout photo

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati takes the "giving" part of the season seriously with its exclusive holiday promos for Mastercard cardholders. Every night stay availed on the Best Available Rate during the weekend (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) will get an equal complimentary night’s stay in Holiday Inn’s partner hotels in Bangkok (Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukumvit22) or Singapore (Holiday Inn Express SG Katong).

This promo runs until December 31, 2016, while the complimentary night redemption can be enjoyed until March 31, 2017.

2. 2+1 buffet at Flavors

Running out of places to eat in Glorietta? Check out Flavors at the Holiday Inn & Suites.

The buffet as Flavors Restaurant of Holiday Inn. Handout photo

While the buffet is smaller compared to nearby hotels, the spread covers all the requisites from salad, Japanese (with fresh sashimi and rolls), main dishes that run the whole gamut from Indian, Filipino, and even French, a grill station, lechon, delectable desserts (including a version of Crepe Samurai by one of the previous chefs of the Intercontinental Manila, and a DIY ice cream station), and even a Mexican taco station. You get to taste everything and go back to get more of the things that you enjoyed the most, ideal for that business meeting, or family dinner.

For some holiday cheer, Flavors Restaurant offers the 2 + 1 exclusively for Mastercard holders, where for every two paying guests, the third guest gets to eat free. Perfect for those holiday get-togethers.

3. Bed and breakfast weekends

With your Mastercard, avail of Fairmont Hotel’s exclusive 50% off on its Bed and Breakfast Weekends package. The stay includes breakfast and lunch for two at the Spectrum Restaurant (except for Sunday brunch), and 50% off on all treatments at the Willow Stream Spa.

A guest room at Fairmont Hotel. Handout photo

Raffles Makati, meanwhile, offers 30% off when you use your Mastercard to book their Best Available Rates during weekends. A posh classic afternoon tea, as well as evening cocktails are included in the staycation at the Writer’s Bar.

Sip cocktails with your choice of tapas during Happy Hour at the Long Bar at Raffles and dine on delectable treats at the Spectrum’s buffet for lunch (except Sunday brunch) or dinner, with the Spectrum’s 3+1 package, where for every three paying guests, the fourth guest eats free.

Craft cocktails during Happy Hour at the Long Bar at Raffles. Photo by author

Relax and unwind with an automatic 30% off on all ala carte treatments at the Willow Stream Spa.

All promos are only available when you use your Mastercard. Book through the reservation desks of the hotels, or head on over to www.makeitmakati.com to book your packages.

4. Shopping rebate

Enjoy stress-free shopping at Rustan’s when you use your Mastercard, as cardholders get P500 off when you spend a minimum of P5,000 at Rustan’s Makati.

Platinum, World Elite, and World Mastercard holders also get additional perks like personal shopping, free delivery, and complimentary use of the VIP lounge.

5. Ayala Triangle Garden's Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Photo by author

For a few years now, the Ayala Triangle Garden’s Festival of Lights has drawn crowds for its spectacle of light and sound.

Hailed by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the Seven Most Spectacular Light Shows in the World, this year’s presentation features not only features the now-classic tree-laden lights dancing to Christmas music, but laser light shows as well.

Already a Makati tradition, this light show never fails to astound and bring out the kid in all of us.

6. Circuit's Christmas tree

The Circuit Christmas tree. Photo by author

Another sight only found in Makati, the Circuit’s Christmas tree rises up to 56 feet, fully laden with lights. It’s immersive, as you can step inside the tree and marvel at the lights from another angle.

7. Take up archery

Kodanda Archery at the Makati Cinema Square. Photo by author

Adventure can be found right at the heart of Makati at the Kodanda Archery Range located in Makati Cinema Square. For at least an hour, instructors will teach you to how to shoot with your bow and arrow. A fun and different bonding activity for family and friends, as you learn a potential zombie apocalypse skill.

Christmas and vacation

TUE, DECEMBER 15, 2015 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINION
Klaus Doring

Several years ago, MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR‘s Editorial stated it very clear: “During the Christmas holidays, we tend to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, that we sometimes forget the essence of Christmas. We even remove Christ from the word Christmas reducing it to X’mas or substituting it with a name of a product or a shopping center.”

Yes, guys, honestly, that’s it…! I really don’t enjoy received “XMAS GREETINGS”….

I am glad looking forward to a two weeks vacation “between the years” – meaning to say between December 23 and January 7. No teaching at University of Southeastern Philippines, although most students wish to be prepared for their January exam in Manila. I might also send a very few office hours in my agency.

A rest from some occupation, business and other stressful activities is waiting for me. Strictly speaking, vacation concerns those who are in school or studying in colleges and universities. “Furlough” would be the appropriate term….

Christmas and vacation: Speaking about myself – I want to bring back Christ to the holiday season and indeed wish to share my blessings with the less fortunate. One of the best-known religious poems is “The Hound of Heaven” written by Francis Thompson, who tried to run away from God. He wanted to have a vacation from God. In reality it is Thompson’s own life. His poem shows clearly the fact in this world that we can have a vacation from physical and mental activities, but never from God.

As I stated before: according to the book of Genesis, after God created the universe in six days. He rested on the seventh day. In other words, He took a vacation. So if God rested after working for some period of time, there is no reason why man, who is finite and limited in his physical strength, should not take a vacation.

Vacation is freedom or release from tension or pressure of work. And, believe me, I learned already from my students, that they will enjoy Christmas and vacation. Many of us feel tired and weak. We are stressed, overwhelmed, depressed and worried about the future – the enumeration, in any order whatever, could be incessant.

Relaxation, meditation, and reinvigoration are badly needed for most of us nowadays. Life, affected by the “burnout syndrome” needs to be animated with energy and strengths.

Yes, Christmas has always been equated with all these worldly ways. Sure, there is indeed nothing wrong with this. Let’s don’t only focus on non-stop merrymaking and countless gifts. Let’s take a break, and let’s try to imagine and enjoy the real meaning of Christmas. Merry Christmas again to everyone – also from this corner….

+++

Email: doringklaus @gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatin the philippines.blogspot. com or www.klausdorings classicalmusic.blogspot.com.

Christmas at home - Weihnachten zu Hause

Christmas at home. Weihnachten zu Hause.

The Catholic Church in The Philippines and the Concept of Christmas

Here is an interesting post of a Dutch expat living in the Philippines for good:

http://www.expatinthephilippines.com

Froehliche Weihnachten! Merry Christmas!

EIN GESEGNETES UND FROHES WEIHNACHTSFEST IHNEN ALLEN LIEBE LESERINNEN UND LESER. GOTT SEGNE SIE!

A BLESSED AND VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU MY DEAR READERS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Die Heilige Nacht im Wandel der Zeit

Als ich ein Kind gewesen,
das ist schon lange her,
da war Weihnachten noch ein Erlebnis,
ein Maerchen und noch viel mehr.
Es gab nur keine Geschenke,
denn wir waren ja nicht reich,
doch diese bescheidenen Gaben
kamen dem Paradiese gleich.
Da gab es Aepfel und Nuesse,
mitunter auch ein paar Schuh',
und wenn es die Kasse erlaubte
ein kleines Pueppchen dazu.
Wie war doch das Kinderherz selig
ob all der herrlichen Pracht,
und es war ein herrliches Raunen
um die Stille Heilige Nacht.

Dann wurde ich aelter und groesser
und wuenschte mir das und dies
und hoerte auf, an das Christkind zu glauben
und verlor dabei das Paradies.
Dann kam der Krieg mit all' seinen Leiden
mit Hunger und mit Not,
da wurde ich wieder bescheiden
und war dankbar fuer ein stueck Brot.

Wir alle wurden da kleiner
und nur ein Wunsch hatte die Nacht,
wir wollten vereint sein mit unseren lieben
in der Stillen Heiligen Nacht.
Doch der Wunsch erfuellte sich selten,
denn die lagen da draussen und hielten die Wacht,
und wir waren einsam und weinten
in der Stillen Heiligen Nacht.

Und als der Krieg dann endlich zu Ende
wuchs eine neue Jugend heran,
und die hatte dann auch ihre Wuensche
an den lieben Weihnachtsmann.
Nur die waren nicht klein und bescheiden,
denn der Wohlstand kam in das Land,
die Wunsche wurden groesser und groesser,
und das Schenken nahm ueberhand.
Nun wir gewuenscht und gegeben,
und keiner fragt nach dem Wert,
vergessen sind Krieg und Armut
und die Stunden am einsamen Herd.
Aus dem schoensten der christlichen Feste
hat der Mensch einen Jahrmarkt gemacht,
er wuenscht sich vom Besten das Beste
und vergisst den Sinn der Heiligen Nacht.

The Jolliest Season in The Philippines

Many times I have been asked, if I am a preacher or pastor. I am not any of them. I was born and grew up in a parish house. While treading on different paths around the globe, through life, God has been more or less my permanent compadre. This might explain the "religious touch" in many write ups from time to time.

When the Christmas spirit sweeps through the Philippines, i learned how this spirit infects residents, tourists and a lot of expats alike with its gaiety.

The "official" Christmas season in the Philippines stretches from December 16 to January 6, but Christmas carols began already in October, and the season decorations stay up until the end of January. I remember my time as radio host in the Philippines: requests for Christmas tracks started already in September (!). They didn't surprise me while being on air for almost five years... .

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 church yards and on store facades, but often the carabao and the chicken have replaced the ox and ass. Humble farmers and fishermen bring offerings of fruits and fish to the babe 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.

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 (near Manila!) is very 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.

Yes, the Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season worldwide infecting every one with gaiety. Count me in...!

I feel very touched when the "Gloria in excelsis Deo' rings triumphantly. After midnight families gather together around a table of traditional fare: foods and gifts. Towns are filled with wonderful and biosterous parties, noisemakers, and fire workers (NOT in Davao City!).

For me as a foreigner, who experienced the jolliest season of the year many times already, it is always an unforgettable event. 

Merry Christmas and Maligayang Pasko!

10th Christmas in the Philippines/10.Weihnachtsfest auf den Philippinen

This has been our 10th Christmas in the Philippines together with some family members - and, I must confess, it was wonderful.

Dies war das 10. Weihnachtsfest auf den Philippinen zusammen mit einigen Familienmitgliedern, und, ich muss sagen, es war wunderschoen.

Christmas in the Philippines - no more culture shock for me as before... .

Weihnachten auf den Philippinen - kein Kulturschock mehr fuer mich ... .

Minus 6 Grad und Schneefall/6 degress below Zero and Snowfall

Waehrend ich diese Zeilen schreibe, erhalte ich gerade den neuesten Wetterbericht aus Deutschland. Nun, ich war noch nie ein Freund vom Winter. Vielleicht war dies auch ein Grund, warum ich immer in die Heimat meiner Familie auswandern wollte. So sah es in unserer Umgebung am 1.1.2005 (Neujahr) aus. Aehnlich ist es auch heute, wenn auch der Himmel wolkenverhangen ist und gelegentliche Regenschauer ueber uns herniedergehen. Frohe Weihnachten!

While writing this post, I am receiving the last weather forecast from Germany. Honestly, I have never been a fan of winter time. Maybe this has been one reason for me and my family to move to the Philippines for good. Watch the photo: that's how our surroundings looked like on New Year 2005. Today it's very cloudy with some rain showers. Anyway: Merry Christmas!

Season is Thoughts

The most awaited season of the year has finally come. The most joyous month is here at least. At times it makes me really wonder what life would be without December. Something is indeed very special on this season, which brings about changes not only in the atmosphere but also in our zest of life and living.

Yes, the air begins to get cooler especially in the mornings when the field and remaining forests are embraced and kissed by the fog that slowly descends upon the earth. The first streak of light that pierces the darkness of earth is the sign of life. the stillness of the dawn which has long been awakened by the crowning of the fowls and singing of the birds only add more color and harmony to the many fabrics of creation, all for the beauty of life and for the joy of mankind.

Yes, we may not have snow in the Philippines to behold and touch as the music lanes blast to the tune of 'White Christmas' like I grew up in my home country Germany. But out in the grassy fields, as you feel the earth with your feet, the fog and the dew give testimony that the earth is still full of life.

December is Christmas, although Christmas in the Philippines is much more different then in Germany. I am looking forward to my 10th Christmas in the Philippines. I love it here. I learned something here: December and Christmas should be the song to awaken our hardened hearts, to touch those people around us, who might have waited a long time for such a move.

Einen frohen und besinnlichen 1. Advent!