Remembering the Holy Night on December 24

December 26...Boxing Day...who will clear up the stuffs?

December 8, International Day of Climate Action

Ciao! Chanced on these posters today,
December 8, Saturday. Actually, I am transcribing interviews
with IT experts from India for a radio feature and before I
turn into some kind of (pili)nut for deciphering the meanings
of some spoken words,I decided to check on my long unattended blogs
which have not been updated since summer this year. I think
I have done my part in contributing to saving our dear planet
earth without going to Bali for this climate conference. I have
not been using much energy since August...see, no updates!
But today, Saturday, another date for another small
Christmas party celebration and will meet my mama manita...
hope she is generous and fun to be with and just a nice
person. She will love my gift certicate from Tchibo where
she could get her energy conserving electric blanket
and egg cooker, electric peeler, shaker, can opener
chocolate and breadmaker and what have you.
No, Tchibo does not deal yet with electric hair curlers
and electric...relaxation... chairs.
BTW, remember those T-shirts sold by Apo Hiking Society
with funny logos and one liners like:
Anong ginagamit ng mga Pilipino bago nila naimbento
ang gamit ng kandila? Electricity!
For translation, ask your NPs...nice Pinay and Pinoy
friends and neighbors.

Tita Bee

Invitation to a Philippine Summer Festival in Duesseldorf

Philippinen-Forum NRW
Sommerfest 2007
Samstag, 25. August. 2007
Ev. Gemeindezentrum in Düsseldorf-Gerresheim
Programm:

Ab 12:00 Uhr: Anreise
Philippinische Erfrischungen
(kleine Speisen und Getränke)
13:00 Uhr: Ökumenische Andacht
mit Rev. Joy dela Cruz und Fr. Jun de Ocampo, SVD
in der Gustav-Adolf-Kirche

14:00 Uhr: Eröffnung des Sommerfestes

14:30 Uhr: Zeit zum Kennenlernen
Vorstellung der Aktionstische und Ausstellungen
Philippinische Speisen und Getränke

ab 15:30 Uhr: Kultur und Informationsprogramm
mit Tanzen, Musik und Liedern aus den Philippinen
Beiträge zur aktuellen Situation auf den Philippinen,
Präsentation der neuen Ausstellung "Armut unter Palmen"
Vorstellung von Nord-Süd-Projekten
Zeit für Gespräche, Diskussionen und Austausch
Lustiges Kinderprogramm

ab 19:30 Uhr Verabschiedung

20:00 Uhr Ende des Sommerfestes

20.07.2007 As good luck would have it

As good luck would have it.
William Shakespeare "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Got this forward today from another "kababata"
a childhood friend. He has found my email and since then he has
been sending me interesting stuffs and forwards. I have no idea how
he would look like today but I have with me a group photo
after we had performed a dance number during our Kindergarten days.
I could not recall what dance we performed but I still could remember
or maybe I am also imagining that we danced this
"step-close-step, step-close-step" or "heel and toe, forward
backward" sort of folk dancing.
The photo shows little girls standing in a row wearing
long gowns with butterfly sleeves while the boys were half-kneeling
in front wearing Barong Tagalog. And how cute looking these kids
are in this photo.
So when I got the forward about Anti-Ageing Diet today from my
Kindergarten classmate, that group photo suddenly flashed back to
me. From cute looking Kindergarten kids to recipients of Anti-Ageing
tips...

So here's the forward from Boy K. if you have not yet received it
from your own loop.

If AGING IS AN ISSUE WITH YOU.......READ ON.

If I want to live as long and as healthily as possible, what should
my daily menu look like? Something like this, created by
Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D.
It's a balanced diet packed with the best anti-aging foods: colorful
fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and whole foods. And because
research has shown that reducing calories by 25 percent has
impressive anti-aging benefits, it contains around 1,700 calories
a day — about a quarter fewer calories than the National Academy
of Sciences average requirements for an active 30-year-old woman.
(If you're only as active as the average gal, then drop to around
1,500 calories by cutting the last snack.)
Use these first 3 days as your guide, then mix and match.

Day 1
Breakfast
8 oz fat-free yogurt mixed with 1/2 c raspberries
8 oz green tea

Lunch

2 c mixed greens,
1/4 c tomatoes, 1/4 c carrots,
1/4 c red cabbage,
1/3 c chickpeas, 1/3 c red beans,
1/3 c edamame, 1 oz slivered almonds, tossed with 1 Tbsp olive oil
and as much red-wine or balsamic vinegar as you'd like
1 plum
8 oz sparkling water mixed with 1/4 c pomegranate juice
and a twist of lime

Snack

A mini-sandwich: 1 slice whole-grain bread with 1 oz low-fat cheese
and 1 tsp mustard
3/4 c blueberries

Dinner

3 oz grilled wild salmon
1 c brussels sprouts and 1/2 c thinly sliced beets sautéed in
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 small sweet potato, baked
1 glass red wine

Snack

1/2 c high-fiber cereal
1 c fat-free milk
1,710 cal

Day 2
Breakfast

1 slice toasted whole-grain bread, spread with 2 Tbsp peanut butter
(or other nut butter, like almond)
3/4 c strawberries

Lunch

2 oz white turkey, 3 spinach leaves, 2 slices tomato, and
1 Tbsp mustard on 2 slices whole-grain bread
1 c red grapes
8 oz green tea

Snack

6 oz or 100-calorie pack low-fat popcorn, sprinkled with
2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Dinner

5 oz grilled albacore tuna
1/2 c whole-wheat pasta tossed with 1/2 c broccoli and
garlic to taste (about 1 clove) sautéed in 1 tsp olive oil
1 c red-leaf lettuce and 1/4 c shredded fresh beets topped
with 1 Tbsp chopped pecans and 1 Tbsp dried
cranberries, tossed with 1 tsp olive oil
1/2 pink grapefruit
1 glass red wine

Snack

3 graham crackers, topped with 2 Tbsp low-fat whipped
cream cheese and 1/4 c sliced berries of your choice

1,730 cal

Day 3
Breakfast

3/4 c high-fiber cereal
1 c fat-free milk
1/2 banana

Lunch

4-egg-white omelet with 5 spinach leaves,
1/2 c diced red peppers, and 1 slice low-fat cheese
1 small whole-wheat pita
3/4 c grape tomatoes mixed with 1/4 c diced avocado
3/4 c blackberries

Snack

1 Tbsp peanut butter on 2 whole-grain crackers
8 oz raspberry iced tea

Dinner

1 veggie burger on a whole-wheat bun
1/3 c cooked brown rice
1/3 c black beans
1 c sautéed yellow and green squash
1 c mesclun greens with 1/4c shredded carrots, topped with
1 Tbsp chopped walnuts and 1/2 c diced apple
1 glass red wine

Snack

1/2 c low-fat frozen yogurt with
5 c fresh berries of your choice

1,740 cal

While posting this forward, hubby told me that the recent
kidnapping of Giancarlo Bossi (PIME)in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay
has ended today. He was released on this lucky day 20.07.2007.
Luck-bringing Filipino tactic. Kidnap for Kidnap. See daily bulletin
today.

Summery Tags

 
Summertime and the living is easy
Saueregurkenzeit
Italian ice cream
summer camp
when the sun is hottest
and the days are longest
rainstorms
grill partys
candles cozily burning
garden time
summer house
summer holiday
summer job
traffic jam in the Autobahn
cafés
punks in the cities
summer sales
Halo-halo
Love Parade
CSD
cherries and all berries
tanning lotion
shades and caps
open-air-concerts
umbrella and sweaters
fan
eau de cologne
season of B.O.
bikes
cabrio
rollerskates
trip to the zoo
fruit salad
flea markets
summer love
summer wedding
FKK season
daylight saving time
Ozone alert
Sommerloch

Cologne Lights

 

If you are planning to visit Cologne, check the calendar for the
summer activities to get the most of your visit. Kölner Lichter or
Cologne Lights is one of the main summer attractions in the city.
Thousands of tourists and local residents alike flock yearly to the old
city to watch the magnificent display of fireworks from the Rhein
river starting at about 11 in the evening with accompanying music.
But one word of caution...the city could get really so crowded
especially after the spectacular show of fireworks.
I experienced for the first time this crowd, coming out from
a birthday celebration of Helen S. at the flat of Marilou F. where
we enjoyed the lights and sounds of Cologne Lights from a live tv
coverage of the show and from her windows where we enjoyed seeing
some stray bursts of fireworks.

I really panicked when I was caught in this crowd of spectators who
were heading to the platform for their trains. My Japanese
fan came out to be a handy rescue when the heat inside the train
station became unbearable, und all I could see were Caucasian heads
towering over me. I forced myself to walk on toes fearing I might get
lost in the crowd while furiously fanning myself to the delight of the
people around me. To make the Cologne Lights story short, I was able
to catch my train which was similarly jamp-packed with homeward
bound sweating spectators, and I reached home nearly one in the morning.


Photos of Fireworks taken from www.wdr.de and
http://files.koeln.de

Eve of CSD in Cologne on 07.07.07

 
 
 
 
Was checking on some hostels for our scheduled conference in
October when I passed by Altermarkt or the old market area in this
city where tourists and Koelners alike are flocking for rounds and
rounds of Kolsch (local beer brewed in Cologne)when I saw rows of
white tents lining one pavement leading to the old city and crowd
of people flocking to Altermarkt.
The alleys were all lined with stands selling bags, silver ornaments,
t-shirts trinkets, belts, drinks, multi-cultural fingergoodies and info
stands for networking for gays and lesbians, holidays and health
info about HIV. There was this particular stand offering Health Check
and info about TransFamily.Near the Rathaus or City Hall, crowd of
elegantly dressed people were cheering and throwing rice, confetti
to newly married couples coming out of the ceremony hall. It was
the 7 of July on the year 2007, shortly coded as 07.07.07 and
it is a common belief that such combination of numbers brings
luck and harmony in marriage and so the rush of many couples to the
city hall to get official blessing and recognition for their
marital relationship...well marital can mean so many things and
what I would like to say is the legal relationship. Kasalang Opisyal.
(Sa atin sa Pilipinas, maraming possibilidad na makasal na
ilang beses, depende kung marami kang kilalang huwes at loyalists
sa record section ng mga city halls). I will not translate that one,
if you wish, ask a Pinay or Pinoy for this especial feature of
marrying in the Philippines. BTW, we have theoretically no divorce
law but that can like the word marital mean many surprising things.

So this is the weekend of the traditional, yearly Christopher
Street Day of Cologne with the parade scheduled today, this
sunny, beautiful Sunday.More posting later. Aloha ala Cologna!

Anita's Kitchen

On the eve of July 4th, here's a especial recipe shared by
Anita Sese Schoen from the States. Instead of the photo of the
cooked goodies (which I have been searching in my files)
I've posted instead her logo from her kitchen.
Enjoy trying them.
Tita Bee

WELCOME TO ANITA'S KITCHEN!

This is Anita. I love cooking, specially for my nine co-directors
of the OFC (Overseas Filipino Council).
Let me share with you my favorite recipes.

Cooking, I believe is an art. The artist, more of than not, does
not depend on measuring cups or high-tech kitchen gadgets.
She uses her creativity and her senses. She has confidence that
whatever she cooks will be a winner.
I, am a good cook... nobody has complained, no one has gotten
sick and I see their smiles after partaking of whatever I cooked
for them. Anyway, they can always go to Mcdonald's or to
pizza parlors...they are all over the place.

There are many ways of cooking our favorite dish-the Adobo.
Let me share with you the best Adobo recipe
I have tried and tasted so far. But first here is a tip to
make your kitchen odor-free. Be kind to your neighbors,let them smell
the aroma of your adobo. Cook outside, in the patio. If this is not
possible,boil some water and add in some cinnamon. The cinnamon
will absorb the unwanted smell of garlic and vinegar.
If your husband is sensitive to this smell cook inside your house.
I promise you, you will either be kicked out or nobody will visit you anymore...anyway, the cinnamon mix will save on house cleaning.

ADOBO DE CARAJAY

Ingredients:

1/2 pound chicken
1/2 pound pork
1 head garlic, crushed
1 cup thinly sliced onions
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 piece bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup white (Paombong) vinegar
1 tablespoon Virgin Coconut Oil

Procedure:

In a cooking pan, marinate the chicken and the pork in vinegar,
soy sauce, salt and pepper, minced garlic and bay leaf for 30 minutes.
Do not add water (do not use aluminum pan or aluminum frying pan).

Remove the chicken from the marinade. Boil the pork in the mix then
simmer for 15 minutes.Add the chicken and simmer for another 15
minutes or until tender. Remove the bay leaf.

In another frying pan, caramelize chop onions. Remove the sauce
from the pork and chicken mix. Add the VCO and fry until brown then
add the onions. Now, if you don't have VCO, forget everything...
order some pizza.

You found some oil? Ok, olive oil will do. Saute the mix and add the
sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes... presto, you have the best Adobo.

BISTIK TAGALOG

Ingredients:

1 pound beef sirloin, sliced thinly across the grain
1/2 cup lemon or calamansi juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Virgin coconut Oil or olive oil
1/2 cup water
1 medium-size onion, sliced in rings

Procedure:
Marinate the beef in the soy sauce and lemon juice for 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a frying pan. Remove the beef in the marinade and fry
these in the hot oil for about 1 minute on each side.
Place the fried beef in a serving platter and set aside. Fry the
sliced onion rings for a minute or until it becomes tranluscent.
Arrange the onions on top of the beef in the platter.

Add water to the marinade and boil this in a pan until mix thickens.
Season with salt and pepper, cook for 3 minutes.Remove from heat
and pour boiled marinade, while still very hot, over the steak.
Serve with rice. Serves 4 to 5.

This is one of my husband's favorite Filipino food. When i was in
Sydney, Australia in November 2006,I prepared this recipe for
my friends Yasue and Gonz Reynaldo and Nitz and Dindo Generoso.
It has become one of their favorites since then.
*******************************************************************

Enjoy your July 4th Celebration, with tempting Philippine
Adobo! Thanks Anita and keep in touch while you are in
Manila or share highlights of your visit.

Subject:Pampatanggal ng Stress

Korkie sent me this set of Pinoy jokes yesterday. If you have not
received your forward, I am posting them here. Just for the laughs!

Subject: pampatanggal ng stress

ANG NAKARAAN....

May ibinulong ang daga sa elepante. Biglang hinimatay ang elepante.
Ano ang ibinulong ng daga?

DAGA: Buntis ako, ikaw ang ama!

SA PAGPAPATULOY....

Dahil di makapaniwala ang elepante, dinala nya ang daga sa doctor.
Tuwang-tuwa ang elepante at
masayang ibinulong sa daga ang resulta ng ultrasound. Biglang
hinimatay ang daga.

Ano ang ibinulong ng elepante?



ELEPANTE: Ako nga ang ama, at elepante ang anak natin, at kambal sila!
----------------------------

TEACHER: Anong similarity nina Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio,
Ninoy Aquino at Apolinario Mabini?

STUDENT: Ma'am, pagkaka-alam ko po, silang lahat ay pinanganak ng holiday!

----------------------------
TITSER: Juan, use recharge & caffeine in a sentence.

JUAN: Si "Recharge" Gutierrez ay si "Caffeine" Barbell.

----------------------------

ERAP: Soli ko tong nabili kong DVD.

FPJ: Anong problema?

ERAP: Walang picture, tsaka sound. Sayang. Suspense thriller pa yata to.
Tsk, tsk...

FPJ: Anong title?

ERAP: "The Lens Cleaner"

------------------------------

BUNSO: Tay, may multo daw sa kusina natin?

TATAY: Anak, sino naman nagsabi sayo nyan?

BUNSO: Si ate po!

TATAY: Ay nako, wag ka nga magpapaniwala dun!
Wala namang multo eh!
Ang mabuti pa samahan mo na lang ako sa kusina, at iinom lang ako ng tubig...

---------------------------------

BATA: Pabili nga po ng ubas....

TINDERO: Wala kame ubas

......kinabukasan...


BATA: Pabili nga po ng ubas.....

TINDERO: Wala kame ubas

......kinabukasan ulet...


BATA: Mama, pabili nga po ng ubas....

TINDERO: Sinabi na ngang wala e! Pag nagtanong ka pa, iistepler ko
na yang bibig mo!

......kinabukasan ulet...

BATA: Mama, may stapler kayo?

TINDERO: wala..

BATA: Pabili nga po ng ubas
---------------------------------

Psychological Fact:


"All emotional pain lasts for 12 minutes. Anything longer than
that is self inflicted."

In short, nag-iinarte ka na lang daw nun!
------------------------------
PROMDI: Lam ko promdi lang ako kaya wag mo kong lolokohin!
Bakit ganito ang kwarto ko?!?!
Maliit, wala pang kama at bintana..... ha?!?!

ROOMBOY: Sir, nasa elevator pa lang po tayo...
------------------------------

Bill gates' wife was interviewed..

REPORTER: How does it feel to have sex with the richest man?

MRS. GATES: Oh, it's no big deal.
Now I know why his company's named MICROSOFT!

-------------------------------
MRS: Bakit ngayon ka lang?

MR: Pasensha na, nagyaya mga officemates ko, nagkainuman lang. Hehe!

MRS: Lasing ka no?

MR: Hindi!

MRS: Anong hindi?! La ka namang trabaho, pano ka nagka-officemates?!!

Things are Changing! Was sich zum 1.Juli 2007 ändert

Things to change starting July 1, 2007

Was sich zum 1.Juli 2007 ändert

Berlin (dpa) Eine leichte Rentenerhöhung, ein
Mindestlohn für Gebäudereiniger, eine neue
Steuernummer und niedrige Handy-Tarife im
EU-Ausland. (Taken from Finanzen and Karriere)

Rough translation:

Things to change starting 1st of July 2007 in Germany
* a slight increase in old-age pension
* a minimun wage for building cleaners
* a new Tax or Income Tax Return Registration Number
* a lower Mobile Roaming Rate in EU countries
* more rights for flat/apartment/condominium owners
* no smoking in regional trains
* new regulations concerning labels for nutritional values
of foodstuffs

and hopefully, the weather will be not too hot
just sunny but cool!

Answer July

Where is the Bee -
Where is the Blush -
Where is the Hay?

Ah, said July -
Where is the Seed -
Where is the Bud -
Where is the May -
Answer Thee - Me

Emily Dickinson, Answer July

From gardendigest.com

Musikalische Reise Durch Indonesien (Cultural Tour Through Indonesia)

Musikalische Reise Durch Indonesien
Universitas Advent Indonesien-Bandung
Deutsch-Indonesische Gesellschaft e.V.
invite to a musical tour through Indonesia
on Tuesday, 3. July 2007, 7 pm
Bürgerzentrum Alte Feuerwache, Köln
Melchiorstr. 3 (am Ebertplatz)

Eine Gruppe der Universitas Advent Indonesia
(UNAI) aus Bandung lädt im Rahmen einer
Europa-Tournee mit Liedern und Tänzen zur
einer unterhaltsamen Reise durch den Indonesischen
Archipel ein, u.a. mit 'Widuri-Operette',
Volksliedern und Kantaten. Indonesien beheimatet
auf seinen 17,000 Inseln viele "Völker", Kulturen.
Die 30 Mitwirkenden vermittelt einen Blick in die
reichhaltige musikalische Tradition.

Leitung: Christina Tambunan-Simanjuntak
Pianist: Ridwan Lingga

Tombola and Indonesische Spezialitäten
Eintritt, incl. Tombola: 7Euro 4Euro (Studenten)
Kontakt: 0221. 527720/ 413743

The Madrigal Singers in Berlin

 
 
 

BERLINews
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Online News Service of the Philippine Community in Berlin - Nr. 116
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Filipinos Shine Abroad:
Madrigal Singers conquer Europe!

This group of Filipinos has been conquering Europe.
Not with weapons of war or violence, but with their powerful voice.
The Philippine Madrigal Singers, popularly called the “Madz” has
reaped prestigious awards in various Choral Competitions around the
world,but especially in Europe. Their worldwide recognition started
when they participated and won in the “Choruses of the World
Festival” in New York in 1969. Thereafter, they started to shine in Europe.
In 1976,they won First Places in various competitions in Poland and
Hungary.Five years later,they excelled in Italy, France and Bulgaria.
In 1989,they won nine First Prizes in various Competitions held in
Spain,Austria,Italy and Germany.
Winning the Grand Prize in Tolosa, Spain in 1996 qualified them to
participate in the European Grand Champion,a choral competition
among the Grand Prize winners of the six prestigious choral
competitions in Europe.This was held in 1997 in Tours, France. They emerged undefeated and was crowned the European Grand Champion.
Yes,the best European Choir then were the Philippine Madrigal
Singers!In 2004, they again emerged victorious in Torrevieja, Spain
by winning two First Prizes in the “Certames Internacional Habanera
y Polifonia.”

Founded in the year 1963 by Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion, the “Madz”
has a long history of success as Philippine Ambassador of Music and
Culture.They have inspired people around the world with their music.
Like what they have been presently doing during their European Concert Tour.
This year, they have visited Norway, Finnland, Czech Republic,
Germany and France where they will participate in a Choral Competition.
In Berlin, they took part in a series of Concerts marking the 109th
Independence Day celebrations.They have shared their world-class
music in churches, halls and on Radio. On June 12, they sang at the
French Cathedral.
The next day, they graced the afternoon meditation in the presence
of the Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky, Archbishop of Berlin. They also sang
at the historical memorial Church and during the Global Summit on
Women at the Intercontental Hotel.
Wherever they go, they have shown that international standard of
Filipino artistry. The Germans admired their discipline,their
friendliness and above all their music which “comes from the heart.”
Once again the Philippine Madrigal Singers have proven that, they are
one of the Best Choirs in the world, and that we, Filipinos
could shine abroad!

(By Fr. Adonis Narcelles Jr., SVD)

(Pictures) The Philippine Madrigal Singers during their visit in Berlin.
They sang in the presence of Berlin’s Cardinal Sterzinsky and
Philippine Ambassador to Germany Delia Domingo Albert. They also
staged a concert at the Church of the Philippine Community in Berlin.

Ika 146 na Taong Kaarawan ni Dr. Jose P. Rizal

146th Birthday of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on June 19, 2007

Song of the Wanderer

by José Rizal

(A Translation from the Spanish by Nick Joaquin)

Dry leaf that flies at random
till it's seized by a wind from above:
so lives on earth the wanderer,
without north, without soul, without country or love!

Anxious, he seeks joy everywhere
and joy eludes him and flees,
a vain shadow that mocks his yearning
and for which he sails the seas.

Impelled by a hand invisible,
he shall wander from place to place;
memories shall keep him company
of loved ones, of happy days.

A tomb perhaps in the desert,
a sweet refuge, he shall discover,
by his country and the world forgotten
Rest quiet: the torment is over.

And they envy the hapless wanderer
as across the earth he persists!
Ah, they know not of the emptiness
in his soul, where no love exists.

The pilgrim shall return to his country,
shall return perhaps to his shore;
and shall find only ice and ruin,
perished loves, and gravesnothing more.

Begone, wanderer! In your own country,
a stranger now and alone!
Let the others sing of loving,
who are happy but you, begone!

Begone, wanderer! Look not behind you
nor grieve as you leave again.
Begone, wanderer: stifle your sorrows!
the world laughs at another's pain.

(Translated from the Spanish by Nick Joaquin)

Awit Ng Manlalakbay

Kagaya ng dahong nalanta, nalagas,
Sinisiklut-siklot ng hanging marahas;
Abang manlalakbay ay wala nang liyag,
Layuin, kalulwa't bayang matatawag.

Hinahabul-habol yaong kapalarang
Mailap at hindi masunggab-sunggaban;
Magandang pag-asa'y kung nanlalabo man,
Siya'y patuloy ring patungo kung saan!

Sa udyok ng hindi nakikitang lakas,
Silanga't Kanlura'y kanyang nililipad,
Mga minamahal ay napapangarap,
Gayon din ang araw ng pamamanatag.

Sa pusod ng isang disyertong mapanglaw,
Siya'y maaaring doon na mamatay,
Limot ng daigdig at sariling bayan,
Kamtan nawa niya ang kapayapaan!

Dami ng sa kanya ay nangaiinggit,
Ibong naglalakaby sa buong daigdig,
Hindi nila tanto ang laki ng hapis
Na sa kanyang puso ay lumiligalig.

Kung sa mga tanging minahal sa buhay
Siya'y magbalik pa pagdating ng araw,
Makikita niya'y mga guho lamang
At puntod ng kanyang mga kaibigan.

Abang manlalakbay! Huwag nang magbalik,
Sa sariling baya'y wala kang katalik;
Bayaang ang puso ng iba'y umawit,
Lumaboy kang muli sa buong daigdig.

Abang manlalakbay! Bakit babalik pa?
Ang luhang inyukol sa iyo'y tuyo na;
Abang manlalakbay! Limutin ang dusa,
Sa hapis ng tao, mundo'y nagtatawa.
(Isinalin sa Pilipino di kilala)

Kaarawan ng Paglaya ng Pilipinas June 12, 1898

*PAG-IBIG SA TINUBUANG LUPA*
ni Andres Bonifacio

(Madarama sa tulang ito ang mapusok na diwa ng Ama ng Katipunan)

Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya
sa pagkadalisay at magkadakila
Gaya ng pag-ibig sa sariling lupa?
Aling pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga, wala.

Pagpupuring lubos ang palaging hangad
Sa bayan ng taong may dangal na ingat,
Umawit, tumula, kumata't at sumulat,
Kalakhan din niya'y isinisiwalat.

Walang mahalagang hindi inihandog
Ng may pusong mahal sa Bayang nagkupkop,
dugo, yaman, dunong, katiisa't pagod,
Buhay ma'y abuting magkalagut-lagot.

Bakit? Alin ito na sakdal ng laki,
Na hinahandugan ng busong pagkasi,
Na sa lalong mahal nakapangyayari,
At ginugulan ng buhay na iwi?

Ay! Ito'y ang iang bayang tinubuan:
Siya'y iona't tangi sa kinamulatan
Ng kawili-wiling liwanang ng araw
Na nagbigay-init sa buong katawan.

Kalakip din nito'y pag-ibig sa Bayan,
Ang lahat ng lalong sa gunita'y mahal,
Mula sa masaya'y gasong kasanggulan
Hanggang sa katawa'y mapasa-libingan.

Sa aba ng abang mawalay sa bayan!
Gunita ma'y laging sakbibi ng lumbay,
Walang alaala't inaasa-asam
Kundi ang makita'y lupang tinubuan.

Pati ng magdusa'y sampung kamatayan
Wari ay masarap kung dahil sa bayan
At lalong mahirap. Oh, himalang bagay!
Lalong pag-irog pa ang sa kanya'y alay.

Kung ang bayang ito'y masasa-panganib
At siya ay dapat na ipagtangkilik,
Ang anak, asawa, magulang, kapatid;
Isang tawag niya'y tatalidang pilit.

Hayo na nga, hayo, kayong nagabuhay
Sa pag-asang lubos ng kaginhawahan
At walang tinamo kundi kapaitan,
Hayo na't ibangon ang naabang bayan!

Kayong nalagasan ng bunga't bulaklak
Ng kaho'y ng buhay na nilanta't sukat,
Ng bala-balaki't makapal na hirap,
muling manariaw't sa baya'y lumiyag.

Ipahandug-handog ang busong pag-ibig
At hanggang may dugo'y ubusing itigis;
kung sa pagtatanggol, buhay ay mapatid,
Ito'y kapalaran at tunay na langit!


http://www.seasite.niu.edu/trans/tagalog




See English translation

G8 Summit 2007

Breakthrough on Climate Protection

The leading industrialized nations (G8) aim to at least
have global CO2 emissions by 2050. The Heads of State and
Government agreed at Heiligendamm to achieve this goal
together as a part of a U.N. process. The big emerging
economies are also to be incorporated in the process.

Bulongbulongan lang naman!!!!
Bakit kailangan pa nilang magconference kung sa simula
naman klaro ang kanilang mga linya...gumagastos lang ng
malaki para sa kanilang mga takot, sa kanilang security
at sa karangalan ng Host country.
Sa susunod, tumigil na lang sila sa kanikanilang
mga bayan at opisina at magSkype conference na lang kaya
o chatting...at yun million na million na kwartang nagagastos
para sa mga ganitong kumperensiya, ibigay na lang talaga
duon sa mga talagang nangangailangan.
There should be other alternatives to expensive
conferences like these. Why meet when from the very start
it is very clear that many of these powerful nations will
only be sticking to their own suggestions and decisions.
Stay in their own offices and countries if they are
scared of their security. Just do chatting and Skype
conferences...no need then for this dramatic scene of
tight security, millions for their safety and all for
aim to reach results which will be visible in the year 2050!!!
if ever anyway...

Heiligendamm and Heilige Cologne

G8 Summit Week of Action

 

Another World is Possible
1.6-8.6 2007
Week of Action

International Demonstration June 2, 2007

Info: www.heiligendamm2007.de

Fiesta at Santacruzan sa Isang Parte sa Alemanya

Kommentarya! Masaya as usual pero sana kaunting decoration naman
para ipakita yun magagandang bagay mula sa atin at hindi lang
kaldero at plastic na lalagyan ng mga suman, puto at dinuguan.
At please, huwag naman Barong Tagalog with denims as pants or
kahit na denims, itim na parang pormal wear naman!
May kaunting ambiente naman at hindi lang parang karinderia
atmosphere.

At saka, nasaan yun mga bulaklak? Pati ba naman yun nawawala
na rin at papalitan ng Maria cut out of hard cartons? Sana man
lang nilagyan ng kaunting decorasyon. Parang basta na lang ba
nagawa, tapos.

Mahalaga yun may pagkakataon kumita yun mga associations, pero
mahalaga din naman na may presentation, di ba. Hindi lang basta
nakalagay ang panindang pagkain, benta, luto tapos pack-up for
the next opportunity of selling. Hay kulturang maski pops...
mukhang yata talagang mabigat.

Birthday ni Philip II, King of Spain

 

He was born on May 21, 1527, six years after Magellan chanced
upon Mai or Mayi, Luzon and other names referring to "Filipinas"
prior to the Spanish colonization.

More of Prince Philip's titles:

First Official King of Spain from 1556 until 1598,

King of Naples and Sicily from 1554 until 1598
King of England (as King consort of Mary) 1554-1558
King of Portugal and the Algarves 1580 to 1598

Important Details on this monarch whose name
we have for our dear Motherland:

...The rebel leader, William l, Prince of Orange (William the Silent)
was outlawed by Philip, and assassinated in 1584 by a Catholic
fanatic after Philip had offered a reward of 25,000 crowns to anyone
who killed William the Silent, calling him a 'pest on the whole of
Christianity and the enemy of the human race'.

Now we have a country known as Philippines, the only Christian
Country in the Far East (Ost-Timor is the second country competing
with us for the title).

For more interesting details on the life of this King, read Philip II
of Spain in Wikepedia and find many aspects which might be missing in many of our textbooks.

Fast Running Business, From Formel 1 to Strawberry Fields?

I came about this article in Vanity Fair about
Schumacher. "Es ist eine große Erleichterung,"
roughly translated: It is a great relief.
He says, he has more time now for his family, one wakes up in the morning and one works out his own plans. He will help wherever he can.
Taken from Vanity


Well, I have no idea that he wants to help out in
do your own harvest of strawberries in this village.
I know that he comes from the next small city of Kerpen before he bought this villa in tax-friendly Switzerland. Maybe this is a family related enterprise.
See, nothing comes from nothing. From Formel 1 to Strawberry Fields.

Vaters' Tag o Araw ng mga Tatay sa Alemanya

In Germany, we celebrate Father's Day on
Christi Himmelfahrt or Ascension Day. Why they choose this day
to honour German fathers is not the reason for this posting, but I
think I have stayed long enough in Germany to say that if one asks
me about symbolic image associated with Vaters Tag, I would not
think twice but would say men with beer and carts.

Symbols for me for today's honouring the 'breadwinner' of
German families are not men pushing baby carts but men dragging
carts full of beers. It is actually a day for men to go
bonding, grilling and whole day feasting on Wursts (sausages)
and beer with their male friends. I read the other day a German
online survey asking male readers to click on what they would be
doing on this especial day for fathers, drinking excluded as this
is considered as the alpha and omega of this celebration.
* i will go hiking
* i will stay in the garden (will work or will grill?)
* i will go boating
* i will go biking

While loving mothers stay with their families and
enjoy their house arrest and cake with them, dutiful
breadwinners and fathers are granted this especial day to spend
it with their buddies sans baby carts and screaming kids.

And when I see men so gloriously drunk on their
way home after a whole day of fatherly leisure,
either I begin to understand or wonder why they choose
Ascension Day as Father's Day in Alemanya.

Prost! Magbeer muna tayo!

Salamat sa mga uliran Tatay: Chito, Eddie and his Apo Andrea,
and cooking wizard, Glen.

The Day After

Everybody is hoping and praying, I should say for their voted
candidates to occupy any of the seats up for election May 2007.

In the meantime, we read news both in German and English
dailies describing our election from dramatic to bloody
exercise of democracy. Polls "worse than Afghan election,"
says foreign observer reads in the Inquirer Breaking News from
May 15, 2007.

Just a reminder: We are electing candidates for 17,889 seats
including 12 in the Senate and 275 in the House of Representatives.
Women and men with promises to be of service for the
welfare of the country and its people.

HARINAWA!

Philippine Election Day, May 14, 2007

Same Procedure as Every Election Year?


*No elections in some areas in Laguna, Mindanao provinces
*Comelec exec decries PPCRV's refusal to open Cainta counting
*Disabled voters decry lack of facilities
*Aquino leads AMA unofficial count
*Local Absentee vote canvassing starts
*Negros town poll exec relieved for defying exclusion order
*Makati senior voters a force to reckon with
*Binay leads Lapid in initial count in Makati first district
*Uncle of Masbate mayoral bet killed in shootout
*Rich or poor, voters find their names missing
*Defensor at peace with self, will respect outcome of vote
*Cops brace for violence during canvassing as deaths increase
*Pinikpikan singer claims mayor threatened her
*Kabataan claims votes going to Anak party-list
*(UPDATE)Despite 114 dead, polls 'generally peaceful'

Please click for details of the news in
INQUIRER

*Quo Vadis, Genuine Opposition?
(Q & A with Atty. Adel Tamano, Genuine Opposition Spokesperson)
*We Need Good Leaders
*Kabataan Partylist: Ready for Congress
*Anti-Fraud, Militant Groups Fear OFW Votes Tampering
*Militant, Religious Ask for Ban of AFP
Deployment in NCR
*Soldiers Ordered to Vote for Team Unity,
DND Employee Confirms
*Military Geared for Massive Poll Fraud-NPA Leader
*Election Fraud in Mindanao Begins - Pimentel
*Fraud, 2007
*The Philippine Poverty Situation:
Beyond Poverty Measures, Inequality Grows

Please see complete stories in BULATLAT

The Hands that Rock the Cradle Will Rule the World

Mother's Day in Germany on May 13, second Sunday in May

Featuring the origin of Mother's Day in USA.

As a protest against the Civil War, Julia Ward Howe
wrote the Mother's Day Proclamation in 1870.

A part of her proclamation reads:

"Arise then...women of this day!
Arise, all women, who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Say firmly:
"We will not have questions answered by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity,
mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country,
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

A Meaningful Mother's Day, A Day of Peace
to all Mothers.

Philippine Election Special, Voice from a New Botante

Would like to post here a letter/comment from Michelle who will
be voting for the first time this coming Philippine Election
on May 14, 2007.

I'm 23 and I will be voting for the first time this
May 14. I have always been passive about the elections and
have always seen it from an outsider's point of view. This
time, I will try to be a concerned Filipino citizen and
participate in choosing the people to hold the reins. For the
past month, I have been following and watching the news to see
which candidates are worthy of my vote. And to be honest, I
still do not know who is deserving. They are all the same,
I see them as a power-hungry, corrupt officials who have
been milking on the people's tax. What I hate most are
those who bragged about the facilities they have built while
they were in position. (i.e. a bridge with a huge sign
"contributed by Congressman____"). The money used for building
each and every "project" (for lack of words to use), are taken
from the taxpayers'contributions and how dare them take
credit for that.

I have graduated just last 2005 and am in the labor force
for two years. I have felt the bite of tax contribution.
Maybe those who have been working for a longer time now has
taken for granted and/or just choose to forget about these
deductions. But I do not. I get angry while looking at the
"Tax Deductions," in my payslip. It is the amount that I
contribute to the politicians' pocket every month.

This election, I will write the names of those I think are
the lesser devils. I won't vote for actors running for
senators. What do they know about law and lawmaking?
I hope I will make a good choice.

One thing that has been in my mind were the words of
a woman who lived in one of the squatters areas in Manila.
She was interviewed about her views about the candidates
and about the elections. She said, "kung pagsama-
samahin at tuparin ang lahat ng plataporma ng mg kandidato,
tapos ang problema ng Pilipinas" (something to that effect.
How true!

One show in ABS-CBN was also featuring about what children
see about the candidates and politicians; all of them
answered that all Philippine politicians are corrupt.
How sad is that?

I continuously pray for the betterment of the Philippines.
I hope those elected and who will be in power will be
conscientious, and I hope that they would forget their
personal agenda and see what our country desperately needs.
What makes me sad is that I know that I shouldn't hope for
such miracles.

From Michelle

Philippine Election Specials

BEES AND BUGS CONVENTION

BEES
Bees for Eliminating Election Scallywags

BUGS
BUGS UNDERCOVERING GOVERNMENT SECRETS

Who said it in a newspaper that it is better to vote
straight for the carabaos as they are more useful
than some candidates? Touché!

Party-List for the May 14 Philippine Election

Certified List of Sectoral Parties/Organizations/Political
Parties/Coalitions Participating in the Party List System
May 14, 2007 National and Local Elections

1Utak, AA-Kasosyo, At, Abakada, Abanse!Pinay, Aba Ilonggo,
Abono, Add-Tribal, Add, A Teacher, Asahan mo, Agbiagi, Aging Pinoy,
Agap, Ahon, Ahonbayan, Apoi, Akbayan, Aksa, Alagad, Abay Parak,
Abc, Anad, Aawas, Anc, Apo, Arc, Vendors, Ave, Ats, Almana,
Akapin,Agham, Asap, Aba-Ako, An Waray, Amin, Anakpawis, Bandila,
Ag, Alif,A Smile, Aangat ka Pilipino, Anak, Abs, Amang, Assalam,
Aaps, Apec,Babae Ka, Bago, Batas, Btm, Bahandi, Banat, Bayan Muna,
Bigkis, Bp,Biyayang Bukid, Buhay, Cibac, Senior Citizens, Cocofed,
Grecon,Diwa, Gabriela, Hapi, Kabataan, Buklod Filipina, Kalahi,
Kakusa,Ang Kasangga, Kasapi, Butil, Nelfi, Pm, Pmap, Pba, Sm,
Sanlakas,Spi, Suara, Sb, Bantay, Tucp, Umdj, Uni-Mad, VFP,
Yacap, Lypad.

If you wish to check on the meaning of the acronym, please
click on all links pertaining to Philippine Election May 14, 2007.


Photo Credit: Taken from the Internet.

Philippine Election 2007 Specials

 
Senatorial Candidates for the Philippine Elections on May 14, 2007







Angara Edgardo,Aquino Benigno III, Arroyo Joker, Bautista Martin,
Cantal Felix, Cayetano Alan Peter, Cayetano Joselito,
Chavez Melchor, Coseteng Anna Dominique, Defensor Michael,
Enciso Ruben, Escudero Francis Joseph, Estrella Antonio,
Gomez Richard, Honasan Gregorio, Kiram Jamalul III, Lacson Panfilo,
Legarda Loren, Lozano Oliver, Magsaysay Vicente, Montano Cesar,
Oreta Tessie, Orpilla Eduardo, Osmena, John Henry, Pangilinan
Francis, Paredes Zosimo, Pichay Prospero Jr., Pimentel Aquilino III,
Recto Ralph,Roco Sonia, Singson Luis, Sison Adrian, Sotto Vicente III,
Trillanes Antonio IV,Villar Manuel Jr., Wood Victor, Zubiri Juan Miguel

Photo Credits: Niklas

Election Special 08.05.2007

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
aking lupang sinilangan
tahanan ng aking lahi

....So far, 95 people have been killed since campaigning
started in January, including two gunned down last
month when police acting as bodyguards for rival politicians
exchanged fire at a road block in a northern province.

In the 2004 presidential elections, 189 people were
killed and 279 wounded.

See complete story in
Reuters

Election Special

Panatang Makabayan

Kasalukuyang bersyon

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas, aking lupang sinilangan,
Tahanan ng aking lahi, kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang
Maging malakas, masipag at marangal
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas
Diringgin ko ang payo ng aking magulang,
Susundin ko ang tuntunin ng aking paaralan,
Tutuparin ko ang tungkulin ng mamamayang makabayan
Naglilingkod, nag-aaral at nagdarasal nang buong katapatan
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay, pangarap, pagsisikap
Sa bansang Pilipinas.

Dating bersyon

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas
Ito ang aking lupang sinilangan
Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi.
Ako'y kaniyang kinukupkop at tinutulungan,
upang maging malakas, maligaya at kapakipakinabang
Biglang ganti ay diringin ko ang payo ng aking mga magulang
Susundin ko ang tuntunin ng aking paaralan.
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng isang mamamayang makabayan
at masunurin sa batas.
Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan nang walang pag-iimbot
at nang buong katapatan.
Sisikapin kong maging isang tunay na Pilipino,
sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa.

Patriot's Oath

I love the Philippines.
It is the land of my birth;
Is is the home of my people.
It protects me and helps me to be strong,
happy and useful.
In return, I will heed the counsel of my parents;
I will obey the rules of my school;
I will perform the duties of a patriotic,
law-abiding citizen;
I will serve my country unselfishly and faithfully
I will be a true Filipino in thought, in word, and in deed.

Overseas Absentee Voting

Calling All Registered Oveaseas Absentee Voters!
For this coming Senatorial and Party-List
Election on May 14, 2007,please be reminded
that the last day of submission of ballots
is on May 14, 2007 not later than 9:00 AM
at the Philippine Embassy.
For detailed information, please
click on the posting regarding May election
in this blog:


Check also Comelec<

Botschaftergespräch, Länder und Kulturen

Im Rahmen des Veranstaltungswochenendes Kölner Bürgerzentren 'Kölner Elf'

Alte Feuerwache Köln
Samstag 5. Mai 2007 17:00 Uhr
Veranstaltungssaal Eintritt frei

Kuturbotschaft in der Alten Feuerwache
Botschaftergespräch
Länder und Kulturen, Begegnen und Handeln

Am Ende der Multikulturellen Gesselschaft wird deutlich,
dass Toleranz mehr ist und mehr sein muss, als den jeweils
Anderen 'nur' zu dulden. Lessings verzweifelt
aufrührerisch Wirkender Ausruf 'Wir müssen, müssen
Freunde sein!' besagt, dass gerade unsere Unterschiedlichkeit
uns zu Austausch und Gespräch verpflichtet. Denn wie
sonst lassen sich Konflikte und Ausseinandersetzungen
vermeiden, wenn nicht durch den Dialog - die Kenntnis und den
fortlaufenden Abgleich unserer unterschied-lichen Positionen.

Dieses von Lessing weltumspannend gemeinte Gespräch zwischen
Ländern, Kulturen und Religionen nennt sich heute
'interkultureller Dialog'. Nicht nur in Köln soll er vor dem
Hintergrund wachsender Bevölkerungsanteile mit 'Migrations-
hintergrund' gestärkt werden. Dabei wird interessanter Weise
den oft als zu kostenintensive geschmähten Künsten eine
Vorreiterrolle zugewiesen.


Vor dem Hintergrund der von uns geplanten 'Kulturbotschaft', in
der KünstlerInnen aus allen Ländern leben und arbeiten
werden, lader wir daher zu einemm 'Botschaftergespräch' ein.
Am Veranstaltungs-Wochenende, 'Kölner Elf' der Kölner
Bürgerzentren werden wir uns mit KünstlerInnen aus
verschiedenen Ländern aber auch mit MitarbeiterInnen unseres
Zentrums über ihre Welten-Erfahrungen unterhalten und
sie zu Möglichkeiten und Begrenzungen des Interkulturellen
Dialogs und zu unserem Projekt Kulturbotschaft befragen.

Teilnehmen an dem Gespräch werden unter anderem

Sonia Mota Tänzerin, Choreografin; Deutschland-Brasilien
Lena Simanjuntak, Theaterregisseurin; Deutschland-Indonesien
Ade Bantu, Musiker, Gründer Brothers Keepers; Deutschland-Nigeria
Ali Jalaly, Theaterautor, Regisseur; Deutschland-Iran
Leornardo Martinez, Schauspieler, Hörfunkregisseur; Deutschland-Iberoamerika
Moderation: Hans-Georg Lützenkirchen und Gregor Leschig
Information: Gregor Leschig: kontakt@gregorleschig.de

Indonesian Song - Sama-Sama

A multi-Cultural Band CILIWUNG with
Singer YAYAK performing during the
Exhibition of Indonesian Contemporary Art
at the Alte Feuerwache, Cologne City
on April 27 - 29, 2007.

Indonesian Contemporary Art Exhibition in Cologne

Indonesia in Cultural Diversity

In the bustle of Asia's fine arts development in the world,
Indonesia's fine arts is attempting to gain its position,
folowing the earlier China's and India's fine arts.
As a country with the third largest population in Asia,
as well as geographical nature which consists of archipelagos,
Indonesia owns diverse cultural assets, in language and
fine arts.
This time, >The Aryaseni Gallery Singapore
whose programs always introduce the works of Indonesian fine artists,
brings along the works of 8 Indonesian artists to have
an exhibition together. In Alte Feuerwache, Köln, Germany. The 8 artists, who come from different places
in Indonesia, like Marsoyo from Java, Zam Kamil from
Makasaar-Sulawesi, Antonl from Padang-Sumatera and Gustl Alit
Cakra from Bali, the four of whom domicile in Jogyakarta,
as well as Rudi Mukahar from Tasikmaya-West Java, I Wazan
Sujana (Suklu) and I Wayan Sudiarta as Balinese who live in
Bali,try to express Indonesia`s fine arts as a result
of cultural tradition process in globalization era.
Through different style, theme and technique, each artist
reflects what has been part of himself, which bound
to the regional culture, and also, due to the intellectuality
and urban lifestyle which have shifted from tradition to
universal direction. Indonesian culture through the hands
of those artists has become richer and diverse, from which
inbred a new form which is able to cross geographical borders
and is easier to be digested by generation of artists.

The exhibition is expected to encourage cultural
exchange and enrich knowledge so that the understanding
and friendship among countries can grow in harmony.

The involvement and attempt of Elizabeth Becker,
Karl Mertes and Daniel Kho in organizing the exhibition
shall not be forgotten and shall deserve some compliments.
They are infinite steps in the journey of culture.

Cosmas D. Gozali
The Aryaseni Gallery

A as in Asparagus

With this springtime saying April Showers Bring May Flowers,
I am posting one of my favorite things in this
month (it is actually the last week for this tropical-like April heat
which according to German news is the hottest April since 1901 with
a recorded temperature ranging fro 26 to 36 degrees Centigrade).
But more on global warming later.

April in Germany means the start of the season of Asparagus
or Spargel in German which they named as king of
vegetables which is not the explanation why Asparagus is one of my
favourite things dating back since pre-Be (Blogging Era).
Another explanation reads that it is a member of the lily family
which includes onions, leeks and garlic! Watch out for those water
lillies still floating on Pasig River...it might be as delicious
as these wonderfully tasting spears. Anyway.

I bought yesterday about three pounds which was about 1 and half kilo
of white asparagus...(wonder what is the plural form...asparagi?)
for 12Euro which was stilll cheap according to another girlfriend
who bought half a kilo asparagus for 10Euro. Not that she has
what the Germans call a Tick for designer's label
but asparagus could really cost a fortune depending on its quality
and the name of the supermarket, of course.

For tips on how to cook asparagus, please ask your favourite neighbor
for her secrets and this is a good communication skill to keep good
vibration with the rather 'aloof' kapitbahay.
My other German girlfriend who is not hooked on blogging yet,
gave per phone call this tip: Boil water with a teaspoonful of sugar
and salt,a spoonful of butter. Put in the asparagus to cook for
about 25 minutes.I told her that I also put some slices of lemons
to the water,and she said she would try that, too. At least I was
happy to share one piece of wisdom in cooking Spargel while she paid
for the expensive Telecome calling bills.

Our call lasted more than an hour talking about the political
economy of growing and harvesting Asparagus. We talked on topics
like more and more Polish seasonal workers are quitting work in
German asparagus fields for better pay in France and on the effort
of German employment agencies to attract unemployed Germans and
recipients of Hartz IV
unemployment benefits to work in asparagus fields.
In the meantime, the kingly spears were waiting to be cooked and served.

To go with these edible ivory pieces, we just enjoy the simplest mix
of boiled potatoes, Parma ham and butter sauce or what they called
Holland butter sauce.

If interested, click on this website
for info related to Asparagus Officinalis:.
Below are some flash info about the king of the lily family:"
*China is the largest grower
*South Africa and Spain are asparagus powers with US and Peru.
*Japan is the world's importer of asparagus.

And while or rather before we enjoy our delicious Spargel, let us
say these blessings for those workers who start as early as
six in the morning in the asparagus fields for 4.78Euro hourly
working rate, amen.

Tita Bee