The Village Store

Here in Appenweier, we have a small store which sells freshly baked breads, eggs, meats, noodles, cheese and many others. They have their own farm and all the food stuff that they are selling are their own product. It is a successful family business which
provides economic opportunities for family members and probably handed down from generation to generation.


It looks like a house but its a store

Garden Time

Yesterday, we did drive to Thomas Philipps in Kehl to buy soils in our garden. It needs tons of garden soils to cover the existing unlevelled areas. It's good that they have special offers which is just one third of the price at leading garden stores. And today, Dirk bought the second batches of soils and we still need 10 more sacks.

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.