CPH Post Philippines Supplement

Philippines

UNITED ARAB PHILIPPINES EMIRATES It’s more fun in the

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AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE

The Philippines places great value on its relations with Denmark. Bilateral relations between the Philippines and Denmark have always been cordial and friendly and, as we look forward to the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Denmark diplomatic relations in 2021, it is timely that we are able to establish the first Philippine Embassy in Copenhagen.

With our partners, we wish to build upon the gains of the past and further expand the areas for mutual understanding and co-operation with Denmark in the political, economic, security and cultural spheres. It is a relationship strongly anchored on the shared values of our peoples and their common aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity.

Danish society, being host to 13,000 Filipinos, is no stranger to the friendliness, resilience, creativity and wide-ranging talents of our people. I understand that Filipinos in Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, whether they are au pairs, healthcare workers, engineers, chefs, artists or seafarers, are much loved. They carry their share of nation-building, committed to the ideals of democracy, animated by an abiding faith and genuinely family-centred. They have learned and adapted to the language and culture of their adopted homeland.

Photo:Hasse Ferrold

Through this special feature on the Philippines, I hope that the reader will gain greater awareness of the excellent and diverse opportunities for the Philippines as a rewarding destination of investment, trade and tourism. I note that Danish businesses in important sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, eyewear, shipping, logistics and renewable energy have established offices in the Philippines. Given that the Philippines is among the fastest growing economies in Asia, I invite more Danish businesses to further grow these investments. I also wish to invite more Danish tourists to explore and experience the beautiful 7,641 islands of the Philippines, the many flavours of Filipino cuisine and the warm hospitality of the Filipino people.

The honour of being the first Philippine ambassador to this country also gives me the unique privilege of opening our new chancery – which reflects the good image of my country and my people in Denmark – at Arne Jacobsens Allé 13.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at Denmark!

Tusind tak.

LEO M. HERRERA-LIM Ambassador of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Denmark.

Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen Journalists: Ben Hamilton, Dominie McIntosh, Valmira Gjoni, Roselyne Min Layout: CPH POST Info: hans@cphpost.dk • Tel: +45 2420 2411

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PHILIPPINE EMBASSY OPENS IN COPENHAGEN 13,000-STRONG FILIPINO COMMUNITY HAVE A NEW HOME IN ØRESTAD

On 14 January 2019, the Philippines opened its first Embassy in Denmark to enhance bilateral relations, boost trade and investment between the Philippines and Denmark, as well as to promote the welfare of the 13,000 Filipinos living in Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

A very lean team tasked with making all the necessary arrangements was able to achieve one of the quickest turnaround times in the opening of an embassy. Barely two months after landing in Kastrup, they began delivering consular services from their initial office in Lyngbyvej to the Filipino Danish and international communities.

In November 2019, the Embassy moved to its permanent chancery at Arne Jacobsens Allé 13 in Ørestad. Plans are in place to also make this a centre of Philippine culture and arts infused with Danish innovation, technology and design.

The Embassy now provides complete consular services to the public from Mondays to Fridays, 09:00-13:00. Among its services are: passporting, civil registration notarisation of documents for use in the Philippines, and retention/ reacquisition of Philippine citizenship. It also provides acknowledgment of au pair and employment contracts for Danish host families and employers respectively, as well as visa services to non-Filipinos.

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The Embassy also conducts regular consular outreach missions to bring government services closer to the citizens. Since its opening, it has served Filipinos in Aarhus, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Kolding and Odense. In the coming months, the Embassy will go back to the Faroe Islands and Greenland, and it will also serve Filipinos in Aalborg, Billund and Vejle.

“Their talents and trustworthiness should be matched by nothing less.

And this is part of our advocacy work.”

FILIPINOS IN DENMARK

Ambassador Leo Herrera-Lim

GLENN CAPARAS JORGENSEN Filipino Martial Arts Expert Since establishing the selfdefence school Progressive Institute of Martial Arts (PIOMA) in his home town of Copenhagen in 2004, Glenn has played a large role in promoting Filipino Martial Arts, along with the “rich and unique culture” of his parents’ homeland, to the Filipino community. Born in Copenhagen, Glenn feels the martial arts “embody the very ‘heart’ of what it means to be Filipino – to always strive to solve a problem and adapt”.

FILIPINOS:

FIRM FRIENDS FROM THE FIRST Denmark and the Philippines are nearing three quarters of a century of diplomatic relations

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS • On 28 January 1946, diplomatic relations are established between the Philippines and Denmark.

• On 22 January 2015, Denmark reopened its Embassy in Manila, signifying the Philippines’ importance as a bilateral partner. On the principle of reciprocity, and given the growing number of Filipinos in Denmark, the Philippine Government decided to establish a Philippine Embassy in Denmark.

• On 16 April 2018, the inaugural Philippines-Denmark Bilateral Consultations were held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

• Also in 2018, a trade delegation led by the Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Brian Mikkelsen, visited Manila to explore and expand economic co-operation between the two countries.

• On 14 January 2019, the Philippine Embassy in Copenhagen officially opened with jurisdiction over Denmark and its territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

Photo:Hasse Ferrold

• HE Leo M. Herrera-Lim presented his credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to Her Majesty, Queen Margrethe II, on 27 September 2019 at Fredensborg Palace.

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

LOTS IN COMMON

Denmark and the Philippines have reaped the benefits of an effective, bilateral co-operation since 1946, with Denmark being one of the first countries to recognise the Philippines as an independent country.

“The Philippines and Denmark have a lot in common: our commitment to democratic ideals and way of life, our collective aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity, our goodness anchored on the blessings of faith. And both countries are family-centred,” commented Philippines Ambassador Leo Herrera-Lim.

The two countries have successfully partnered in both private and public sectors, such as education, development, shipping, renewables, cultural exchanges, technology, social services and trade.

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Photo:Hasse Ferrold

As evidenced by their alignment on various issues – including human rights, maritime affairs and the environment – the Philippines and Denmark have always maintained friendly ties.

“On balance, there is a fair wind blowing in the sails of Philippine-Denmark relations. The Philippines is always ready to be on the side of those who share our commitment to democracy and the multilateral approach towards addressing global security challenges.”

FILIPINO COMMUNITY

The first Filipinos came to Denmark in the late 1960s and early 1970s after a special law was passed to address a shortage of labour. Many ended up working in the hotel industry.

Three generations later and there are officially close to 13,000 Filipinos living permanently in Denmark, along with just under a thousand au pairs and other temporary residents.

GREAT INTEGRATORS While fiercely proud of their heritage, Filipinos in the Nordic region have also shown a remarkable capacity to integrate into their adopted culture while at the same time contributing elements of their own heritage into Nordic society.

“They have an excellent reputation for being hard workers and are very rarely unemployed,” contended Philippines Ambassador Leo Herrera-Lim. “Many third-generation Filipinos hold highly respectable careers, such as doctors and teachers, while au pairs have had an indelible impact, contributing to the education of thousands of Danish children.”

To date, there are about 30 Filipino community associations in Denmark

that are registered with the Philippine Embassy. The Embassy regularly reaches out to many of these organisations to partner with them in extending assistance to Filipinos in distress.

SPIRIT OF THE AU PAIRS The Filipino people take pride in adhering to the values of the Filipino word ‘Bayanihan’ – the spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective. It means to help each other because this is what should be done.

If you are an au pair for a family in Denmark, for example, it fits round the basic idea that you live on an equal footing with the rest of the family members.

“We are proud of the Filipino au pairs in Denmark. They have made themselves worthy of being invited into the most treasured place for any Dane: their homes,” added Herrera-Lim. “They have been trusted to be part of their families – and around their children. Collectively, they form the image of a much-loved group of migrants in society. They all justly deserve respect.”

PHILIPPINE ECONOMY

CULTURAL SIMILARITIES

Photo: Pixabay

Despite the wide distance between the two nations and their very different cultures, Denmark and the Philippines have a surprising number of similarities.

FOND OF CHRISTMAS One of the HC Andersen stories that Rizal translated into Tagalog was ‘The Little Fir Tree’, which details the German tradition of bringing trees into the home at Christmas, which was quickly adopted by his homeland well in advance of the period of American rule. And today both Denmark and the Philippines remained ardent lovers of the festive period. While Christmas unofficially starts in Denmark on the first Friday of November, in the Philippines it is written into the calendar as beginning on September 1!

ISLAND NATIONS

LOVE OF HC ANDERSEN Both Filipino and Danish children grew up with the beloved fairy tales of HC Andersen. The Philippines’ national hero Jose Rizal translated some of HC Andersen’s tales into Tagalog and they are now published in the book “Hans Christian Andersen and Jose Rizal: From Denmark to the Philippines” by Anvil.

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At first glance, the Philippines, with 7,641 islands to Denmark’s 406, would appear to have substantially more. But then again, the Philippines is seven times larger, so proportionately the need to navigate the waters between their various fragments is just as large. Both countries are significant maritime nations – while Denmark is the fifth largest shipping nation, the Philippines is the fourth largest shipbuilder. Historically, Mærsk has employed a great many of its crews from the island nation, bringing many Filipinos to the shores of Denmark. And more recently, the visits have been reciprocated by Danish tourists who wish to enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

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PHILIPPINES

WIND AND RAIN In August the 476.3 mm of rain that falls on Manila is only just shy of the 522.6mm that falls on Copenhagen in an average year. But yet Denmark is known as a rainy and windy country – it rains three out of every seven days in the capital – by European standards.

The Philippines, situated in the tropics and in the way of numerous cyclones every year, sees rainfall ranging from 965 to 4,064 mm, depending on where you are in the country. Surprisingly, however, Denmark is windier, clocking up an average rate of 7.6 metres per second – double that of most locations in the Philippines.

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PORK LOVERS Both Denmark and the Philippines have a love of pork that is best summed up in their adoration of flæskesteg and lechon respectively. Challenge either nationality to say the word without thinking of home and licking their lips – they can’t! For Danes, flæskesteg is the embodiment of all things hygge: cosy nights in with the whole family, affordable-for-all fine dining and, of course, Christmas. Lechon, a slightly more expensive option, is a slowlyroasted suckling pig stuffed with goodies such as lemongrass, tamarind, garlic, onions, and chives. No celebration is complete without one.

BELIEF IN WELFARE The Philippines and Denmark share an abiding interest in the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of their people, and many maintain that iit is this common people-centered vision that has steered Philippines-Denmark bilateral relations.

Competitive rates, fast service and long opening hours!

Visit our stores in Copenhagen: Nørreport Station: Nørre Voldgade 21, 1358 Copenhagen K

Photo: Freepik

Central Station: Bernstorffsgade 16, 1577 Copenhagen K

follow us on Facebook:

@RiaDenmark

PHILIPPINE ECONOMY

PHILIPPINE PHENOMENON Exports soaring – and not just to Denmark!

agricultural products. There is also a push to encourage SMEs to produce environmentallyfriendly products for local and foreign consumption.

There is emphasis for more rapid development of the healthcare, biotechnology and agriculture sectors. These areas present investment opportunities for Danish companies.

Photo: Pixabay

BIG ASPIRATIONS To achieve the Philippine Government’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the country aspires to triple its GDP per capita income by 2040.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure development agenda (see page 11) is designed to provide the necessary infrastructure to reach the country’s SDG goals.

This program is intended to improve transportation, communication and energy facilities, and housing – the backbones of the economy.

EDUCATED WORKFORCE Sustainable social programs are being promoted in various parts of the country to spread the benefits of development up to the remote areas of the archipelago.

Free education from kindergarten to college, as well as universal healthcare, have been introduced to ensure the presence of an educated workforce.

This young, highly-motivated and skilled workforce has made the country a major back-office operations hub in Asia.

FILIPINOS IN DENMARK DRESDEN RAMOS Opera Singer at Den Jyske Opera

The Philippines is one of the bestperforming major economies in Asia, posting an average GDP growth rate of more than 6 percent over the last eight years.

Growth projection for the Philippine economy in the next few years is promising, as multilateral agencies and banks expect growth to range from 6.0 to 6.9 percent – one of the fastest rates in Asia and the world.

Reaping the fruits of this growth are more than 40 Danish companies with a presence in the Philippines. Some of them are household names in Denmark such as Maersk, Vestas, Lindberg and Sonion.

RAPID RISE IN EXPORTS Given the Philippine economy’s performance, it’s no surprise to learn that Danish exports to the Philippines rose by 102 percent between 2013 and 2018.

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In 2018, they amounted to 147.26 million dollars (see breakdown), making the Asian country its 54th biggest market. In contrast, Denmark is the Philippines’ 61st biggest importer, taking in $70.09 million of its goods. Danish exports to the Philippines have grown threefold since the 1990s.

It’s a far cry from the 1990s, when Denmark exported an average 45 million a year and the Philippines 25 million.

MORE FOCUS ON SMES Foreign direct investments in the Philippines amounted to $9.8 billion in 2019. The Philippines welcomed new investments in transportation, communication and energy infrastructures, industry, healthcare and biotechnology – among others by both multinationals and SMEs. The Philippines’ major exports are integrated circuits, spare parts and

A regular performer for Den Jyske Opera, the internationally-renowned tenor recently made the final of All Together Now on Danish TV, scoring 93 percent in his first performance.

“I pour my Filipino identity into my music,” he reveals. “ For example, you’ll find the Filipino ‘kundimans’ in my concert repertoire, which the Danish people appreciate and love so much. One audience member told me my performance went straight through his heart.”

ANDY RODA Recording Artist

This self-confessed fan of Danish simplicity and efficiency delights in being the pioneering Filipino in mainstream Danish media. Since launching his singing career over 20 years ago, he has opened for the Backstreet Boys, become the first Filipino artist to compete in the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, appeared in the Eurovision final as a backing vocalist, founded the P-Noise Festival, starred in the Susanne Bier film ‘Efter Brylluppet’, and worked with the likes of Safri Duo, Thomas Helmig and MC Clemens.

PHILIPPINE ECONOMY

THE COUNTRY THAT RODRIGO BUILT Two-thirds of the way through an administration whose legacy will be ‘Build, Build, Build’

By Roselyne Min Upon the start of his presidency in 2016, Rodrigo R Duterte’s administration proudly announced an ambitious infrastructure development program, ‘Build, Build, Build’.

The administration promised that the program would lead to a ‘Golden Age of Infrastructure’.

The main focus of ‘Build, Build, Build’ was to improve connectivity and mass transport to propel economic growth, create jobs, and lift millions of Filipinos out of poverty.

HUGE INVESTMENT The government has set itself a target of allocating 7 percent of its GDP to ‘Build, Build, Build’ by the end of its administration in 2022.

The rise represents a significant increase from the allocation of previous governments, which was at 2.6 percent until 2015. By 2017, it had reached 5 percent, so the government would appear to be on course.

FAST PROGRESS In total there are 100 projects and around 20,000 sub-projects. While the public purse is funding the bulk of the work, 24 of the projects are being

backed by public-private partnerships and two by private investment.

The government expects at least half of the 100 projects are expected to be completed by the end of its administration in 2022 – and then a further 16 by 2023, 10 by 2034, 18 by 2028.

“With luck, Duterte’s successor will see the benefit in inheriting dozens of partially constructed projects and a host of shovel-ready ones,” confirms Ernesto Pernia, the DirectorGeneral of the National Economic and Development Authority.

ENHANCED MOBILITY The road projects in the capital will ease traffick gridllock in EDSA, a major transport corridor in Metro Manila.

Diverson road projects and more bridges, when completed in 2022, are expected to cut the daily car volume in EDSA from 400,000 to 200,000.

Newly-built highway networks linking Tarlac to Pangasinan, two provinces north of Metro Manila, have cut the travel time from 150 to 45 minutes. The aviation and shipping sectors are also benefiting from the capacity expansion and efficiency improvement projects under BBB.

LEONARDO ‘JOJO’ AUTOR

FILIPINOS IN DENMARK

Engineer at Danfoss A resident in Denmark for 12 years, Jojo Autor is the Head of Supplier Quality and System of Danfoss. Flexible and quick to adapt to Danish culture, he finds that a combination of Asian and European management strategies, as well as Filipino politeness and occasionally risque humour, can pay dividends as the head of a group of multicultural managers and engineers. He highly respects Danish punctuality – in both business and social situations. After all: “Time is gold!”

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PHILIPPINE ECONOMY

POWERFUL PRESENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES Denmark alreadys boasts quite a line-up, including Maersk, Vestas and the undisputed king (and supplier of glasses to royalty) Lindberg

By Dominie McIntosh (2015) confirm that the Philippines has a literacy rate of 98.2 percent. The Philippines consequently hold an advantageous position over other Asian countries as a result.

Here is a list of Danish companies already enjoying such benefits.

LINDBERG

Photo: Pixabay

Eyewear design house Lindberg was launched by optician Poul-Jørn Lindberg and architect Hans Dissing in 1984. Since then, their designs have become favourites among actresses, businesspeople, sports stars and royalty around the world. Notably, Princess Mary of Denmark and American football player Morten Andersen have been spotted sporting its designs.

Ever since the Philippines and Denmark established bilateral relations 74 years ago, the two nations have profited from a rewarding business relationship.

Encouraged by the Philippines’ impressive economic growth, the Danish Embassy reopened in 2015. In return, the Philippines opened its first Embassy in Copenhagen in early 2019.

STRONG TRADE PLATFORM Former Danish Ambassador to the Philippines, Jan Top Christensen, has been particularly impressed by the country’s status and pleased with the renewed relations, citing the 102 percent rise in Danish exports to the Philippines between 2013 and 2018.

Christensen is confident that the country will remain a fruitful and reliable investment location, describing the Philippines as “the bright shining star of Asia” It is an enthusiasm shared by his Filipino counterpart, Leo Herrera-Lim, the Philippine Ambassador to Denmark.

“Coconut, bananas, tuna and seaweeds are some of the best products from the Philippines. In addition, our top exports to the world are semiconductors, computer parts and auto parts,” he enthused.

“We import pharmaceutical products and agricultural produce from Denmark. We can have

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complementary relationships in the services sector, such as banking and insurance, maritime, hospitality and the medical field.”

“The Philippines is one of the fastest moving economies in Asia,” he contended.

“The government of the day is working to lay the foundation for inclusive growth, a hightrust and resilient society, and globally competitive knowledge economy.”

STRONG BRIDGES IN PLACE There are many factors that contribute to the positive and growing business relationship between the nations.

The EU scheme GSP+, for example – granted to the Philippines in December 2014 – encourages trade, enabling Philippine producers to sell tariff-free goods to European markets.

The Denmark Trade Council Philippines (DTCP) acts as a bridge for creating reliable business relationships between Danish and Filipino companies. It ensures that manageable infrastructure, appealing investment incentives and productive business policies continue to encourage Danish financial interest in the Philippines.

Much can also be said for the quality of the Philippine workforce in attracting Danish companies. English is taught in every school, and UNESCO’s most recent figures

Although based in Aarhus and rooting their products “in the Danish design tradition of discreet, classic elegance and carefully considered simplicity” (lindberg.com), their success would not be possible without the help of the Philippines. The glasses are put together and polished in Linberg’s factory there.

According to CEO Henrik Lindberg, the company decided to base part of its operations there because it believed in the country’s skilled workforce and natural proficiency in customer care.

Lindberg’s eyewear is sold by at least four retailers in Manila, but the company’s relationship with the Philippines extends beyond business. Henrik Lindberg holds the position of Honorary Consul to the Philippines in Aarhus. He is highly praised on the Embassy’s website for being “a great asset in assisting Filipino nationals in distress, supporting the Filipino community and deepening Philippines-Denmark bilateral relations”.

PHILIPPINE ECONOMY

ARLA FOODS A household name in Denmark, the cooperative Arla is the largest producer of dairy produce in Scandinavia. The company was formed in 2000, when Swedish co-operative Arla joined forces with the Danish dairy company MD Foods.

VESTAS

Now a globally successful wind turbine provider, Vestas (so-called since 1945) rose from humble beginnings. It was founded by Hand Smith Hansen and started out as a forge in Lem in central Jutland in 1898. The company grew gradually, developing and experimenting with a number of products and technologies over the years.

It wasn’t until 1978, however, as Vestas joined forces with blacksmiths Karl Erik Jørgensen and Henrik Stiesdal, when their journey as a sustainable energy provider truly began.

Together they produced, sold and fitted their first fully functioning turbine in 1979. Now based in Aarhus and headed by Henrik Andersen, Vestas boasts of having “installed more wind power than anyone else”, with turbines in 81 countries worldwide.

In 2005, the Philippines became one of the ground-breakers for wind power when it welcomed Vestas’ first ever profit-making windfarm in Southeast Asia. The farm is situated in Bangui Bay in Ilocos Norte Province. Since its completion in 2008, Vestas calculates it has produced power for over 100,000 local households. Its novelty and seaside location have also helped boost tourism.

Commending the Philippines for its “quality of education, professional experience, cultural adaptability and good communication skills”, Vestas expanded its presence there in 2010, opening an IT hub in Makati City, the largest outside Denmark. In 2013, a further windfarm was commissioned for a site in Burgos, which is approximately 15 km away from the Bangui Bay farm. Following its completion in 2015, the site became the largest windfarm in the Philippines.

Now based in Viby, headed by Danish CEO Peder Tuborgh and owned by 13,000 farmers across Europe, it may come as a surprise to some that Arla is also a popular brand in the Philippines. Arla Foods Corporation Philippines was established in 2015. It is based in Makati City and is currently managed by Jens Christian Krog Nielsen.

When Arla opened, a number of notable guests attended: Brian Mikkelsen, the Danish Minister for Business and Financial Affairs; Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christiansen; Vice President for Southeast Asia, Mark Boot; and Jens Christian Krog Nielsen.

SONION A specialist at helping those with hearing impairments, Sonion manufactures the micro-acoustic and micro-mechanical mechanisms required in hearing aids and earphones. Founded in 1974 by Jørgen Weber Jensen and Jens-Jørn Stockholm in Roskilde, Sonion has grown hugely, both in terms of its employees and geographical reach. The company opened an 11,000 sqm factory in Tanauan City (55 km south of Manila) in 2013. This is just one of its many international sites, which Sonion estimates help over 40 million people each year.

GREEN JAKOBSEN Bjarke Jakobsen and Erik Green launched maritime consultancy firm Green Jakobsen in 2001 with a focus on “safety” and “people performance”. Green Jakobsen has helped clients in more than 20 countries, and contributing to its global influence is its presence in the Philippines. Green Jakobsen

1902 SOFTWARE IT company 1902 Software was founded

by Danish-born Peter Skouhus in 1998 and is based in the Filinvest business district of Alabang. The firm works with online retailers to create and improve websites, apps and software. Like many of the companies mentioned here, 1902 Software is incredibly proud of its Filipino workforce, marketing itself online as employing “some of the best talents in the Philippines”. Among the well-known brands brought to Danish screens from the Philippines by 1902 Software are CL Seifert – a provider of traditional graduation hats since 1865 – and holiday provider Camping.dk.

opened its first office in the Philippines in Manila’s Makati City in 2010. Keen to extend its impact beyond the maritime realm, the company also contributes to the greater community. It works with the Laura Vicuña Foundation, which provides homeless children in Manila with support, care, and (for some) a place to stay.

Photo: Freepik

MÆRSK Shipping company Mærsk was founded in 1904 and is currently headed by CEO Søren Skou. Although headquartered in Copenhagen, its business extends to 130 countries, with roughly 76,000 employees worldwide. Mærsk currently has offices in five of the Philippines’ cities and proudly boasts long-standing relations with the country since 1931 built on “local expertise”. Today, Maersk employs more than 3,500 Filipinos, most of which are seafarers aboard cargo vessels shipping goods all over the world.

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PHILIPPINE BUSINESS

WHERE BUSINESSES COME TO BLOOM

Photo: Freepik

1.

Notarise articles of incorporation and treasurer’s affidavit at the notary.

Apply for company incorporation and pre-registration for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Company (PhilHealth) and Home Development Mutual Fund.

3.

4.

Obtain a clearance and pay the annual community tax at the local Barangay (Village) office

Obtain a clearance and pay the annual community tax at the local Barangay (village) office.

5.

Apply for Certificate of Registration (COR), TIN and approval to print receipts and invoices at the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

6.

Submit the Printer’s Certificate of Delivery of Receipts and Invoices (PCD) and a sworn statement to the BIR.

Photo: Freepik

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2.

PHILIPPINE BUSINESS

WHERE RETIREES COME TO SOIREE Photo: Freepik

Photo: Copenhagen Media Center / Daniel Jensen

EDEN FOR THE ELDERLY

FAREWELL TO GREY DAYS The appeal of living in the Philippines is obvious to retiring Danes tired of waking up to grey, sunless days in the winter and rainy, windy ones in the summer. Its breathtakingly beautiful islands are abundant in flora and fauna, while culturally it will quickly prove that there’s life in the old dog yet.

The cost of living in the Philippines is no doubt a lot cheaper than many places in the world - particularly when you compare it to other Englishspeaking countries. This is a godsend for retiring Danes new in town who will be wary about not understanding the smallprint. World-class healthcare facilities enable the retirees to live a comfortable lifestyle, and the country is heavily geared towards ensuring they enjoy its many cultural, food and travel opportunities. Integration is considered easy, providing you speak English and are open to the warm, friendly people taking you in.

FILIPINOS IN DENMARK

The Special Resident Retiree's Visa permits holders to indefinitely stay, and leave and re-enter as they choose, without giving up their citizenship. The Philippine Retirement Authority, a government agency dedicated to the retirement agenda of the country, has designed the retirement visa based on varying retiree lifestyles and needs, so it is easy to obtain. Other benefits include: multiple-entry privileges, exemption privileges, access to greet and assist programs, discount privileges from services offered by PRA Merchant Partners, and assistance in obtaining documents from other government agencies – among others.

Photo: Freepik

Photo: Freepik

FILIPINO VISION: FLEXIBLE VISAS

DREAMS COME TRUE It’s no wonder the Philippines is known as one of the world’s leading retirement destinations.

LEE MAGPILI

CRISTAL TOLOSA WARBURG

Senior Model Designer at LEGO Education

Assistant Head Nurse at Herlev Hospital

A passionate Lego builder since childhood, the Baguio native has carved out a career specialising in robotics at the Danish toy manufacturer. His work can be found all over the world - most notably in the EGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Core set and FIRST LEGO League City Shapers Challenge set (2019-2020). Based in Billund, he really respects Denmark’s good work-life balance, and he even finds time to teach Filipino dance in clubs in Esbjerg.

Cristal, who moved to Denmark 12 years ago, is the assistant head nurse of the Infection Department in Herlev Hospital. She enjoys many aspects of her work, including the Danish inclination for directness, openness and not dwelling on problems once they have been discussed. As an ardent supporter of the Filipino community, she is the chair of the Danish chapter of the Filipino Nurses Association Nordic. And any passion she has left over she pours into her cooking.

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PHILIPPINE TOURISM

Full immersion in the Philippine Seas

By Valmira Gjoni

Most visitors to the Philippines are blown away by its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and unspoiled islands with authentic culture. But is that the whole picture? No!

Now it’s time to immerse yourself even further by diving into the abundant crystalclear waters to discover the mysterious and colourful life beneath the waves.

AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST The Philippines, with over 40,000 square kilometres of coral reef, is one of the top diving spots in the world.

Photo: Pixabay

This invariable means there are thousands of places to go, so here’s our guide to the very best locations – remember that it’s always advisable to do so in the company of reputed professionals.

Let’s dive into its pristine splendour!

LET’S DIVE INTO ITS PRISTINE SPLENDOUR! Birthplace of scuba diving Just a two-hour drive from Manila, the barangay (village) of Anilao located in the municipality of Mabini in Batangas has been offering scuba diving since the 1960s – no wonder it’s often referred to as the Filipino birthplace of the activity. With approximately 50 dive sites and an abundance of sea critters, it’s a great starting point to discover the wonderful underwater world the islands have to offer. It’s safe to say that Anilao, which is easily accessible from Manila through public transport, has it all: from fish and coral to wrecks and caves.

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PHILIPPINE TOURISM

Packed in with the sardines

In tandem with the turtles

Back in time beneath the waves

Exploration meets conservation Combine your exploration with conservation efforts as you assist Danjugan Island’s team of caretakers on their quest to preserve this aquatic paradise. Beautifully-coloured sea anemones present an unforgettable view in the waters near west Cebu in the Cauayan municipality. A

Born of fire, submerged in water Born from earth’s wrath, Camiguin Island is located in the Bohol Sea off the northern tip of Mindanao. Boasting natural scenic beauty, both underwater and from the air, it offers visitors an extraordinary experience as if they are entering a legendary, enchanted settlement swallowed by the sea. Explore the sunken cemetery caused by the eruption of a volcano in the 1870s. A giant cross rises up from the sea to mark the resting place. And make sure you dive in the deep blue waters of the Kabila Giant Clam Sanctuary, the home of 2,600 types of clams, including nine giant species. From Manila fly to Cebu City, and then sail by ferry from Cebu to Balbagon Port in Camiguin.

Coral with a chocolate topping Bohol Island, the home of the stunning Chocolate Hills and the endangered tarsier (a small primate), is one of the most attractive and diverse destinations in the Philippines.

Surrounded by 75 other smaller offshore islands and islets, it offers diver paradises complete with amazingly bright coral gardens populated with marine life, steep cliff faces, caves and strong currents. Hop on a boat and go snorkelling, but don’t forget to look out for the playful pods of dolphins cutting through the waves past Panglao. There are daily 75-minute flights from Manila to Tagbilaran, Bohol’s capital, from where it is just a short boat ride.

Photo: Unsplash

Donsol in Sorsogon is one of the few places in the world that offers you a chance to go back in time to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

First documented by humans in 1828, the whale shark family (or as they’re known locally: butanding) have been around for around 250 million years. Today’s whale sharks sound scary but they’re not as they are friendly and easily approachable since they swim quite close to the sea surface. The direct route to the ‘Whale Shark Capital of the World’ from Manila takes just under 90 minutes.

National Geographic magazine recently included the diving areas of Busuanga and Coron on its Top 10 Scuba Sites in the World list – and for good reason! A number of sunken World War II warships has made the area popular with divers who enjoy visiting wrecks, while the nearby island of Palawan offers spectacular scenery including limestone cliffs, hot springs and turquoise waters. All you need is a map and to start exploring! Direct 80-minute flights are available from Manila to Busuanga.

Photo: Unsplash

Dive into the watery wonderland of Apo Island and meet the island’s most famous resident, the Pawikan sea turtle. Keep swimming and encounter a plethora of sea creatures, colourful fish and even small sharks. The Apo Reef Natural Park, which includes onshore lush forests, is a mecca for both divers and environment enthusiasts. It can be easily reached via daily 90-minute flights from Manila to Dumaguete City. Once in Dumaguete, hop on to one of the daily ferries and cross to Apo island.

The last paradise on earth

Photo: Unsplash

This is the perfect place to experience a vibrant sardine run. At the Panagsama reef, massive schools of sardines, around 7 million in total, swirl in mesmerising patterns as snorkelers dive to swim through them. Along with the big schools of fish, beautiful walls, canyons and caves can be found, whilst onshore Moalboal is close to the picturesque Kawasan Falls in the mountains of Barangay Matutinao in Badian. After a few minutes’ walk uphill along jungle trails and past turquoise natural swimming pools and lagoons, the falls descend down three different levels.

It takes three to four hours to reach the resort from Cebu City, which is a 60-minute flight or 210-minute drive from Manila.

Photo: Pixabay

Located within the Coral Triangle, a Philippines national treasure can be found in the Sulu sea.

Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1993, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park comprises two coral atolls with reef featuring hundreds of species of fish, coral, sharks and dolphins – along with the endangered hawksbill turtle. The endless reef and unfathomable blue sea can only be reached by boat from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, which is approximately a one-hour flight from the capital.

protected sanctuary by the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Foundation, its ecology is bursting beyond the surface with marine life found in both shallow or deep waters. Discover the paradise via a direct one-hour flight from Manila to Bacolod. From there a 30-minute boat ride will take you to Danjugan.

ANJELLI REQUINTINA

FILIPINOS IN DENMARK

National treasure awaits

Owner of Café OHA Anjelli has integrated quickly into Danish society since moving here as an au pair ten years ago, and today she is the proud owner of the Café OHA at Finsensvej 29 in Frederiksberg. Originally, Anjelli only intended to stay a year, but a master’s, and finally a permanent visa, followed – both “paid with sweat and blood!” She respects her new home’s healthy lifestyle, but sometimes regrets their tendency to not crowd in, as there’s nothing better than cramming 20-30 friends into a small flat to share dinner, good conversation and hygge.

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PHILIPPINE TOURISM

Catching the rays

It’s no secret: the Philippines has wonderful beaches. But which ones are worth boarding a plane for?

By Valmira Gjoni Batanes. Located in the northernmost part of the Philippines, only three of them are permanently inhabited. Landscapes feature majestic lofty cliffs, rolling hills, boulder-lined shores and deep canyons. This distinctive scenery can be reached by catching a two-hour daily flight from the capital.

Butterflies and magic potions

Photo: PXhere

Siquijor is the third smallest island in the country, placed in the central Visayas, southeast from Cebu and Negros and southwest from Bohol.

As the home of some of the biggest butterflies in Asia and several magic potions, this idyllic island is pure magic, boasting a 102 km coastline brimming with white sand beaches.

Emerald green beaches With 36,289 km of shore comprising the world’s sixth longest coastline, the Philippines were always going to have some stunning beaches.

the seven-hour journey from the capital (two by flight, five by road) is worth it to sample the pink sands of Parola Beach in Cape San Agustin.

But few countries can claim to have such a majestic variety, as the fine sand comes in a wide range of different shades.

Re-enacting ‘The Blue Lagoon’?

Tricky to choose

For holiday-goers in the Philippines the beaches offer so much more than just a tan, as they are bristling with food, music and romance.

Not as many as the white ones, however, the scenery of pinkish hue sand shores and cyan waters, is definitely rewarding.

Candy-coloured beaches

White sand beaches, tranquil lakes, deep caves and coves teaming with rich marine life marked out the Caramoan islands as a paradise long before it hosted the internationally-known reality TV series ‘Survivor’. The cluster of islands located in Camarines Sur, at the tip of the Caramoan Peninsula in the Bicol region of the Philippine archipelago, possesses an array of natural wonders like no other. Enjoy the serenity of nature found on these uninhabited islands, which lie next to one another, easily accessible via boat, filled with wildlife, fine powder beaches and wild fruits.

Where the ocean meets the sea Between the Bashi and Balintang channels, at the point where the Pacific Ocean converges with the China Sea, lies a cluster of ten islands called

Photo: Pexels

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How long can you survive for?

Photo: Pexels

Particles of crushed deep red coral washed ashore during the monsoon season mixed with white sand create spectacular shades of pink on many of the country’s beaches. The well-known Santa Cruz, covered in pink sand and green clear water, was recently included among the 21 best beaches in the world by National Geographic. To preserve the area, it’s day-trips only from nearby Zamboanga. Pretty Sila Island, complete with pink beaches and ide forested areas, can be found along the coast of Northern Samar. Visit Subic Laki (Subic Big Beach) and Subic Liit (Subic Small Beach) in Matnog, Sorsogon, along with nearby Tikling Island (105-minute flight from Manila). And

Photo: Freepik

Selecting the best beaches the country has to offer can be tricky, particularly as travellers are continuing to discover quiet islands without the hype of, say, Boracay.

Located in the northern part of Palawan island, El Nido is known for powdery white sand beaches such as Nacpan and Calitang. It’s the perfect spot for island-hopping to emerald-like tiny islands such as Miniloc island, which is famed for its diamond blue lagoons. If you want to enjoy fine beaches and awesome sunsets away from the crowds, book a direct 80-minute flight from the country’s capital to El Nido.

If you are charmed by the worldwide famous Boracay, Sipalay is Boracay 30 years ago.

Located in the province of Negros Oriental, Silapay enchants its visitors with emerald green beaches. The unspoilt area can be reached by an 85-minute flight from Manila to Dumaguete and then a four-hour bus ride to Sipalay.

PHILIPPINE TOURISM

Riding the waves

By Valmira Gjoni

Facing the Pacific Ocean with strong offshore winds, the Philippines has emerged as a top destination for surfers.

After all, it consists of 7,641 islands, and many are packed with white sand beaches and crisp turquoise waters facing strong winds that create ideal swells for beginners and advanced surfers.

Best of the crests

Where Francis lost his board

“Charlie don’t surf” is one of the memorable lines from Francis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’ filmed in Baler. Once they had finished filming the scene, the crew left the surfboards behind and they were picked by the locals and used on the renowned strong waves of Baler. No-one imagined at that time that this movie scene would spark the surf culture of the Philippines. But today this is the place where two of the country’s top surfing spots are located: Sabang Beach and Cemento Beach. If you are a tiny wave surfer, then the first one is perfect because its soft sand will make your spills and wipeouts easier.

Nevertheless, the waves often reach a height of 2.7 metres. The small town of Baler is a six-hour drive from Manila and guarantees fantastic waves from October to April.

Permanently on Cloud 9

The perfect wave was found here in the late 1980s.

Named ‘Cloud 9’ after a local chocolate bar by a passing US photographer, the reef wave is globally recognised for its thick, hollow tubes reaching a height of 20 feet – especially during August and September. On its way to becoming the country’s top spot, Siargao regularly hosted international surfing competitions, such as the Cloud 9 Surfing Cup. In addition to Cloud 9, there are also many other breaks north of the town, including Tuason Point, Ventura, Tuesday Rock, and Pilar Point. There are two flights per day directly from Manila to Siargao, meaning its world-class waves are just 150 minutes away from Manila.

No skimming on the surf

Break the waves at Dahican Beach in Mati City.

Situated in the south of the Philippines, it is often referred to as a skimboarding and surfing capital in respect of its 7 km stretch of open beaches, fine sand and powerful waves. Mati can be reached

Photo: Pixabay

Want to catch some of the most impressive waves on the planet?

Surf’s up, dude! Here is the surfers’ guide to the Philippines. from Manila and Cebu by taking any of the daily scheduled airline flights to Davao City. From Davao City, Mati is accessible via a three-hour road trip.

Where the peace pipe is mandatory

Known as the surfing capital of the north, La Union is a peaceful town where locals surf San Juan’s beach break, the Bowl and Mona Liza Point.

Together with Bacnotan, they are a short ride from San Juan Beach. This is also the spot where many beginners take to the waves for the first time. La Union has some of the most affordable surf schools in the country and it welcomes both beginners (from October to March) and advanced surfers (in December and January). Easily accessible from Manila via a four-hour drive.

FILIPINOS IN DENMARK

Short-boarder dreams are made of these

Lanuza Bay in Cantilan is a coastal town in Mindanao located in the province of Surigao del Sur. Known as a surfing destination with great beach break waves of the likes of Doot Poktoy, Punta, and Sitio Badiang are ideal for long-boarders. The reef breaks are known to produce the kind of barrels that most short-boarders can only dream of. The surfing season tends to take place between November and March. It’s only a one-hour flight from Manila to Surigao del Sur

Where sun-stroked surfers get stoked

Surfers expect to get stoked here! Facing the West Philippine Sea, Zambales has a number of surf spots along its coast, and the town of San Narciso is home to a good variety of them. Centro, Forestry, Crystal, Lahar, and P-5 are all found next to one another. The sandy bottoms make them relatively open to all levels, depending on the height of the waves and the wind conditions. An easy getaway, Zambales is only a three-hour drive from Manila.

ALFIE ESCABARTE Owner/Head Chef at Thrilla in Manila Since launching Thrilla in Manila in 2018 with his wife Carmelita, the Leyte native and hygge-lover delights in spreading the word of the homeland he left as a seven-year-old in the early 1990s. The experimental chef (a former Danish international at rugby union!) absorbs Japanese and Nordic influences into a menu that have earned him European Street Food Awards. Thrilla in Manila, meanwhile, has quickly graduated from street food to open as a restaurant at Tingvej 12 in Amager.

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PHILIPPINE CUISINE

A TASTE OF THE

Philippines in Denmark

By Dominie McIntosh

Filipino food may not be as well integrated or celebrated within Western culture as other Asian cuisines, such as Thai or Vietnamese, but with its vibrant colours, flavours and exciting cultural hybridity, it is absolutely worth a try!

The Philippines’ long history of foreign rule, combined with their indigenous cultures and 7,000-plus islands has resulted in diverse fusions across the country. Bringing together Chinese, American and Spanish influences with regional techniques and tastes may make this cuisine hard to put a finger on but also make exploring it for yourself even more rewarding.

WHERE TO GO THRILLA IN MANILA

SUCCULENT SIZZLERS

Popular ingredients in Filipino cuisine include pork, rice, and tropical fruits (such as calamansi and mango) and vegetables and legumes (such as sweet potatoes and winged beans). Some of the most popular dishes include ‘adobo’, a marinated chicken or pork dish originating from Mexico, and ‘lumpia’, spring rolls inspired by Chinese cuisine.

Sound good to you? Don’t just take our word for it. Instead pay a visit to one of Copenhagen’s well-respected Filipino restaurants or street food stalls, where you can find great flavours and a taste of Filipino culture without the 15-hour long flight..

JABBY’S FILIPINO CUISINE If you’re looking for somewhere more central, then drop

by Jabby’s. Founded in October 2019 and located at Studiestræde 39, it too is open every day except Monday.

Admiring the restaurant’s “delicious food and good drinks”, one happy patron recommends the ‘humba and Sisig”.

Photo: Facebook

Offering more than just food and drinks, Jabby’s hosts music nights. Providing a taste of the Philippines’ love for singing, Danish-Swedish-Filipino group ‘Da-Noize’ (former ‘X Factor’ contestants) performed at the restaurant’s Valentine’s evening.

Why not try yourself?

Chef Alfie Escabarte and his wife Carmelita, who has a background in IT, launched Thrilla in Manila together, opening their first stand at Reffen in May 2018. Both are originally from the Philippines, but Alfie grew up in Copenhagen and Carmelita in Malmö. Joining forces professionally, they offer a Scandinavian perspective on the cultural melting pot of Filipino food, providing “Filipino cuisine with a twist into the European market.”

Thrilla in Manila has been wonderfully received, going down a treat in Copenhagen and further afield. Named as one of the Top 5 stalls at Reffen, in 2019 they won the People’s Choice prize in the final of the European Street Food Annual Award in Malmö. Also a favourite amongst Copenhagen’s Filipino community, being asked to cook for the Embassy sits proudly on Thrilla in Manila’s list of accomplishments.

Following their great success, and catering to the hungry masses who cannot wait until Reffen reopens in the spring, Thrilla in Manila opened its first restaurant at Tingvej 12 (Cph S) in January this year. Happy patrons reviewing the new spot have praised them for their “original recipes”, “cosy atmosphere” and the “amazing people”.

Tempted yet? Open every day except Monday, take their advice and “have a try, don’t be shy!”.

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Visit one of Copenhagen’s Filipino supermarkets and try making your own.

CHIN DAHAN Located at Lyngbyvej 81 (Cph Ø), Chin Dahan is an Asian supermarket that “concentrates on Philippine food products”. It first opened its doors in September 2015 and continues to do so everyday bar Sunday.

Not ready to take cooking into your own hands ... don’t worry as you can still experience the “excellent customer service and excellent products” described by one happy customer at their mini take away restaurant at the same location.

Offering sweet and savoury treats, you are sure to find something that leaves a smile on your face.

JULIA’S RESTAURANT AND TAKE-AWAY If you’re looking for a Filipino restaurant offering food and drink with real flavours of the Philippines outside Copenhagen, come to Julia’s Restaurant (Storegade 116, Esbjerg). For a culinary experience with an authentic taste of Asia, Janice Vasko, the owner of the restaurant, wants you to discover and savour delicious meals prepared from fresh ingredients and let the food transport you to the Philippines. At Julia’s, you can dine in and enjoy the nice ambience, or quickly order takeaway online and pick up from the restaurant.

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15 things

YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT

By Ben Hamilton

1.

New scientific evidence – the discovery of a skeleton of a rhinoceros butchered using stone tools – suggests that humans have lived in the Philippines for 700,000 years.

2. Magellan died in battle in the Philippines.

The Portuguese explorer Ferdinand

After landing on Homonhon Island in 1521, claiming it and its surrounding islands for Spain, he was killed a year later in battle by Lapu-Lapu, the ruler of Mactan, when he tried to claim his island.

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3. In the 1890s that Andres Bonifacio Spanish rule began in the 1560s,

founded the Katipunan, a secret society set up to overthrow the conquistadors, in 1892.

However, despite the Philippine Revolution (1896-98), the Spanish yielded the islands to the US following their defeat in the SpanishAmerican War.

4. 1902) ended in defeat, but by 1934 the

The Philippine-American War (1899-

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US had agreed to back a 10-year transition period to full independence. Ironically, before that period was up, it had liberated the islands from the Japanese during World War II.

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THE PHILIPPINES

5. Republics have been declared.

Since independence, five Philippine

6. 2,000 are inhabited, the Philippines With 7,641 islands, of which around

archipelago has the tenth highest number of islands in the world (funnily enough, six of the top ten are in the Nordics). Up until 2013, the official figure was given as 7,107, but then the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority added 500 previously unknown islands to the list. However, some of them, people complained, weren’t much bigger than large rocks.

7. Philippines is the 13th most populated

With a population of 108.9 million, the

country in the world, the seventh biggest in Asia and third largest Catholic. A further 12 million ‘Overseas Filipino Workers’ live and work overseas. On average, the population tends to rise by 1.5 percent annually. Around 80 percent of the nation is Catholic, with Islam the second most popular religion. Every Good Friday, somebody is actually nailed to a cross during a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ. Like in some other Catholic countries, divorces are not permitted, but annulments are.

Photo: Freepik

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Photo: Freepik

Photo: Freepik

13 8. a future English consort. Spanish

The Philippines are named after

explorer Ruy López de Villalobos came up with the name during his expedition in 1542, honouring the future King Philip II of Spain, who at that time was the heir to the throne, as well as the duke of Milan. He was married to Mary I, the queen of England, from 1554 to 1558. Out of interest, the British briefly occupied Manila for 18 months from 1762 to 1764.

9. dry and wet. The dry season lasts

The Philippines has two seasons:

from late November to May, and the wet season continues from June until October.

10.

Filipinos refer to themselves as Pinoys, although this should not be pronounced Pee-noys, rather P-noys with a short ‘P’.

11. official The

Philippines has two languages: English and Filipino, a standardised version of Tagalog. Overall, around 180 languages and dialects are spoken on the islands.

12. population The

capital Manila has a of just under 2 million, but it is part of a conurbation called Metro Manila, which includes 15 other cities and has a population of more than 12.9 million people.

13.

The most popular form of transportation – both private and public – is the jeepney. Inspired by the US military jeeps left behind after World War II, they come in lots of

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flamboyant colours, and there is never one far away should you need to get somewhere. Fortunately, they stop everywhere. Other popular forms of transport include sidecar motorbikes (known as tricycles) and pedicabs, a form of rickshaw.

14. sang

When the pop band Wizard “I wish it could be Christmas every day”, they probably didn’t realise that this is true every third day in the Philippines, as the island nation celebrates the world’s longest festive period. The countdown starts on September 1 and does not officially end until the second Sunday of the year.

15. produced The

Philippines has a number of internationally famous people, of whom the boxer Manny Pacquiao, a world champion in a remarkable eight different divisions, is probably the most famous (basketball is the most popular sport, though!). Recently, he has used this fame to become a senator. There are also a number of famous stars of television and music who have at least one Filipino parent, including singers Bruno Mars and apl.de.ap (of The Black Eyed Peas), actor Darren Criss (Glee, The Assassination of Gianni Versace), and actresses Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical) and Hailee Steinfeld (the central character in True Grit).

Furthermore, the Philippines won Miss Universe four times (Gloria Romero, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray). The most recent winner was Catriona Gray.

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It’s more fun in the