Made in the Philippines

Ralph Lauren clothing offers the perfect outfit for any occasion. It has always stood for providing quality products that sells a lifestyle image of sophistication, class and taste. When i bought a Ralph Lauren pants on sale, i was surprised that it was made in the Philippines. While a lot of Ralph Lauren's high-end exclusive stuff is made in Italy, polo shirts, pants and other products are made in the Philippines where they have some sub-contractor companies. Business-wise, labor in the Philippines and other parts of Asia is cheaper compared to US and Europe. Last year, Dirk also bought a printer and its in the Philippines that we found out that its made in Cebu. The ink that is compatible for the printer is not even available in the Philippines, only in Germany. I was also able to buy here a CD player made in our country, the same with Barbie dolls. My best friend Joy bought an Adidas shoes and she found out later that it's also made in the Philippines. I'm proud of it because these big companies provide employment to our countrymen.

Easter Eggs and Gifts

Easter eggs or spring eggs are special eggs that are often given to celebrate Easter or springtime. The old tradition used dyed or painted chicken eggs and now it was changed to chocolate or plastic eggs filled with confectioneries inside. Yesterday is Easter Monday here in Germany and Janine, the 14-year old daughter of Dirk came to hunt easter eggs and gifts hidden around the house.


Below is Annika with her baskets full of easter eggs and chocolate bunnies

Happy Easter to All !!!!!

To my family, readers, facebook/friendster friends, HAPPY EASTER to all of you!!!! Let's make this lenten season, a time for reflection, ask for forgiveness, learn to forgive others and always pray for our Lord's guidance and intervention.

The Lenten Season

Last night, Lani invited me for dinner at their place and bond with her visiting relatives from Stuttgart.

Today, i observed Good Friday by just staying at home. I started my day by praying the rosary which i also do everyday. Holy week is a great season for retreat, reflection and asking for forgiveness. Lent is the time for soul searching and focuses on our individual relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Many also grab this opportunity to visit their relatives and spend easter with them.

First Communion and Confirmation

First Holy Communion and Confirmation are milestones in any young Catholic’s life and a major family celebration here in Germany. Catholic boys and girls often have special suits for this important day and if you plan to have the reception in restaurant, the parents need to reserve it at least a year before the communion date. I still remember i have my first communion when i'm in Grade 3 (mass communion in public school) and all of us just wear school uniforms and a white veil. Would you believe my age when i have my confirmation?? yes, i was 22 when i joined the mass confirmation in Manila, our Godfather was the late Mayor of Manila, Mayor Ramon Bagatsing who is also my employer at that time. I wanted to share with you Dirk's and his brother Klaus' picture during their confirmation.

All about Cars

Dirk never experienced buying a brand new car in his life because it is a costly affair. He do not want to splurge that sort of money on a car, especially when its value drops as soon as you drive it out of the showroom, or you might not want to wait for weeks before it is finally delivered. So far, both our second hand cars really serve its purpose. In a small village like ours, having a car is very important unlike when you live in big cities that there are many public transport available. Owning a car also means paying extra costs which includes, depreciation, interest on your loan, taxes and fees, insurance premiums, fuel costs, maintenance, and repairs.


Germany already finished funding scrappage incentives worth €2,500 to tempt in otherwise reluctant new car buyers, nominally on grounds that scrapping old cars brings a net environmental benefit. This scheme also help to boost the automobile industry here amidst the global economic crisis.

Below is my car named pangga

Dirk's car

My dream car

Freiburg (Part 2)

Freiburg is located in southwest Germany near the Swiss and French border. The beautiful black forest surrounding, its mild climate and its relaxed, comfortable and friendly atmosphere make it attractive for many tourists as well as students. Yesterday, i left my car in Offenburg bahnhof and go to Freiburg by train. I planned this day for my nostalgia trip mode and to bond with my cousins and friends (posted in my other blog)


A stroll through Freiburg's lively old quarter is always a delight. The historical town centre is also the hub of modern Freiburg- great for a stroll and a shopper's paradise. Here you can find artists selling work of arts and musicians performing for some donations.