A German Expat in The Philippines - Ein deutscher Auswanderer auf den Philippinen
This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" is a 1988 song by Bobby McFerrin, released as the first single from his album Simple Pleasures (1988). It was the first a cappella song to reach number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a position it held for two weeks. Originally released in conjunction with the film Cocktail, the song peaked at number-one on September 24, 1988 displacing "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses.
Almost on the way to the airport , I get this in mind: we hardly count our blessings. We enjoy counting our crosses. Instead of gains, we count our losses. We don't have to do all that counting - computers do it for us. Information is easily had.
Just remember this: Opportunity doesn't just knock - it jiggles the doorknob, and "your friend" - the worrier, is with you day and night, at every corner, following your every step. Complaining and grumbling are good excuses, aren't they? We have time and opportunities to do almost anything. So why haven't we done it? We have the freedom of bondage or restraint, every one of us in his or her very special way - but, we're still our old inferior selves.
The whole world is an awful place filled with dreadful and terrible negativism. No wonder, if you check the daily news.Yes, I confess, I am also surrounded by many worriers who put their fears into me! Politicians, i.e., many times love to search for some grave alarm that will cause individuals to abandon their separate concerns and act in concert, so that politicians can wield the baton. Calls to fatal struggles and fights are forever being surrounded.
But at this moment, I am counting my blessings and thank our Almighty God for everything.
Well, when will we start counting our courage and not our fears, or enjoy instead our woes? Worrying itself is pointless. Of course, no society has achieved perfect rules of law, never-ending education or unique responsible governments. Let's seek out the worries but avoid the warriors, because they try to avoid liberty.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that seven areas may experience a heat index ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius (°C) on Friday, March 28.
A heat index between 42°C and 51°C is considered “dangerous,” as heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, and heatstroke may occur with prolonged exposure.
PAGASA identified the following areas that could reach dangerous heat index levels on Friday: Dagupan City, Pangasinan (46°C); General Santos City, South Cotabato (43°C); Aparri, Cagayan (42°C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (42°C); Cubi Pt. Subic Bay, Olongapo City, Zambales (42°C); Sangley Pt., Cavite City, Cavite (42°C); and Cuyo, Palawan (42°C).
The public is urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat looming on the horizon — it is a present reality demanding immediate, unified action. In 2024 alone, we have witnessed an unprecedented surge in ocean temperatures, illustrating just how rapidly and dramatically our planet is changing. Global temperatures have soared past the critical 1.5°C threshold, a milestone scientists have long cautioned we should avoid crossing to prevent catastrophic climate impacts.
We have also seen carbon dioxide (CO2) levels spike to their highest in 800,000 years, underscoring the deep human imprint on our environment. These statistics are more than mere numbers; they are warnings, telling us that the decisions we make today will shape the world for future generations.
One stark indicator of the urgency we face is how fast sea levels are rising. Satellite measurements reveal that the rate of sea level rise has doubled since such monitoring began, placing coastal communities at greater risk of flooding and land loss. Coupled with the largest three-year loss of glacier mass ever recorded—between 2022 and 2024—these trends paint an unsettling picture of what the future might hold if we continue along our current trajectory.
Ice sheets, glaciers, and polar regions act like the Earth’s cooling system, reflecting sunlight back into space. As ice mass diminishes, more heat is absorbed by our planet, further fueling the warming cycle. This vicious cycle intensifies other climate-related challenges, from droughts and extreme storms to surging ocean temperatures that threaten marine life.
The second-lowest extent of Antarctic sea ice on record, also documented recently, is another glaring example of our planet’s imbalance. The cryosphere, encompassing all frozen water on Earth, is profoundly sensitive to temperature changes. When these critical systems are disrupted, there can be ripple effects worldwide, such as altered ocean currents, shifting weather patterns, and diminishing freshwater supplies. These impacts are not confined to the poles. In a connected world, distress in one region eventually sends shockwaves across the globe, reinforcing the reality that climate change is not someone else’s problem; it belongs to us all.
Nowhere is this more evident than in nations like the Philippines, one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. An archipelago prone to typhoons, storm surges, and rising seas, the Philippines is on the front lines of climate-induced disasters. Storms like Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 offered a horrifying preview of what ever-intensifying tropical cyclones might look like in a warmer future.
Flooding, agricultural destruction, and infrastructural damage threaten the economy and displace countless families, ultimately perpetuating cycles of poverty. The Philippines’ geographical and socio-economic vulnerability should serve as a clarion call for the international community: no country is immune to the impacts of a warming world, and those with fewer resources are hit hardest.
The real question before us is not whether we can act but whether we will act swiftly and decisively. Transitioning to clean energy, preserving and expanding natural carbon sinks like forests and mangroves, and prioritizing resilience in infrastructure are essential steps. Large-scale systemic changes — shifting from fossil fuels to renewables, integrating sustainable agricultural practices, and implementing robust climate policies — need global cooperation to succeed.
Equally vital is local action: citizens making environmentally conscious lifestyle changes, communities uniting to protect natural habitats, and youth raising their voices in climate movements.
We must remember we are the guardians of this planet for the next generation. The future they inherit depends on the steps we take today. Each fraction of a degree of warming that we prevent will mean fewer storms with the destructive power of Haiyan, fewer communities flooded, and fewer families displaced. We are living through a pivotal moment in history.
By recognizing the Philippine experience as a microcosm of global climate vulnerability, we underscore our collective responsibility to address climate change — now, not only for our sakes, but for our children, grandchildren, and every generation that follows.
Working non-stop for over two decades and experiencing an unexpected slowdown during the 2020 lockdown, Cat Ilacad, founder and CEO of Posh Nails Inc., and Rachelle Stern, CEO of Alphabetsoup Inc., found themselves reflecting deeply and engaging in meaningful conversations.
"During a late-night call, as we washed away our anxieties, Rachelle and I found ourselves talking about what else we could do. I told her how, when I was starting Posh Nails, I wished I had a small group of people to talk to — a place to share suppliers, business ideas, and simply rant about the challenges that business owners face. I never managed to form that group. She also felt the same way,” shares Cat on how the community group Leading Ladies was founded in 2021.
"At a time when many women were feeling isolated, struggling to launch new ventures, or simply in need of a supportive ear during challenging times, we created this space. Leading Ladies is all about fostering an empowering community where women can connect, share experiences, and support each other’s growth—both personally and professionally,” adds Rachelle.
Manila Bulletin sat down with Cat and Rachelle as they shared their journey as co-founders of Leading Ladies and how their vision continues to empower women.
The ‘Ladies Who Launch’ event in October 2024 marked Leading Ladies’ first in-person gathering.
The collaborator Cat Ilacad founded Posh Nails, Inc., a nail salon, beauty, and wellness business, in 2002. Today, the company boasts 35 branches nationwide and offers franchise opportunities to loyal clients who have come to love the salon.
Over the years, Cat has worked closely with many women who face the same challenges of balancing work and personal life while striving to break free from societal expectations. “But I’ve also seen the power of resilience, collaboration, and mentorship. When women support each other, success comes faster and feels more meaningful,” she says.
This belief is at the heart of Leading Ladies. Cat emphasizes that one of their main goals is to provide a community where women can share their journeys, including resources, contacts, and lessons learned—without gatekeeping.
“Many of us had to figure things out the hard way, and we wanted to remove that barrier. We achieved this by building a culture of generosity and launching events where real conversations happen,” she points out.
The cheerleader Rachelle Stern, chief executive officer and president of the advertising and marketing agency Alphabetsoup, Inc., has faced her fair share of discrimination at work. “It often takes extra effort to be taken seriously and have our expertise recognized,” she shares—a frustration many women experience.
She attributes her resilience to her work environment, which celebrates women. “It’s inspiring to see my fellow female colleagues excel in their respective fields. It truly makes a difference when women support one another, rather than pulling each other down,” Rachelle says.
“My hope is that every member feels valued as a woman entrepreneur and leader. Through this network, they’ll discover fresh ideas, exciting collaborations, and new opportunities for growth,” she continues. “At the same time, I wanted this community to foster both personal and professional growth, helping women rediscover their passions and achieve holistic success.”
The second ‘Ladies Who Launch’ event, held in December 2024, welcomed a new wave of attendees.
The power of three In 2024, celebrity-turned-advocate for family, fitness, and faith, Rica Peralejo, joined Leading Ladies as its third co-founder. Since then, the trio has had a busy and productive last quarter of the year.
What began as online gatherings during the lockdown evolved into their first in-person events late last year. "Ladies Who Launch" made its debut in October 2024, followed by a second event in December—held by popular demand. Both events sold out in less than two weeks.
“It’s all about empowering women to turn their ideas into action. It’s a space where we dive into conversations about building meaningful connections, creating sustainable businesses, and learning directly from other women,” explains Cat.
Reflecting on the success of these two events, Rachelle knew they were making a difference, but she didn’t fully grasp the profound impact their efforts had on the community.
“I was blown away by the energy—women who hadn’t even met before came together, and it felt like we were all on the same page. That incredible experience fueled my desire to give even more to our community and push Leading Ladies to new heights,” she says.
Celebrate and empower
Now, three months after their back-to-back sold-out events, Leading Ladies is celebrating Women’s Month this March with their biggest gathering yet. Cat shares, “We knew we had to go bigger. We asked ourselves—how can we truly make an impact?”
Enter “She Shines”—a one-day summit offering attendees a range of activities based on their interests. These include inspirational keynotes, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, pampering sessions, and much more.
Hosting their biggest event this month holds a special significance for Rachelle. “Women’s Month is an opportunity to celebrate the many facets of womanhood. It’s about recognizing that we’re leading ladies—in our homes, workplaces, families, and beyond,” she explains.
Cat adds, “You are stronger, braver, and more capable than you realize. The dreams you hold in your heart are possible, but you don’t have to chase them alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, lift you higher, and remind you of your own power when you start to doubt it. Take bold steps, embrace challenges, and trust that every small move forward brings you closer to the life you envision. Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about lifting each other up and rising together.”
In a decisive move to overhaul the Philippines’ transportation sector, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has implemented a series of reforms aimed at enhancing mass transit systems and restoring public trust. His initiatives—including the affirmation of the EDSA Busway’s importance, the consideration of extended operating hours for Metro Rail Transit (MRT) lines, and the swift dismissal of personnel involved in the recent ‘tanim-bala’ incident—underscore a commitment to efficient, reliable, and safe public transportation.
The EDSA Busway has become an integral part of Metro Manila’s daily commute, serving millions of passengers annually. Despite discussions about its potential removal, Secretary Dizon has firmly defended its necessity. He emphasized that eliminating the bus way is not an option, especially given the current insufficiency in mass transit options. Instead, the focus is on improving and upgrading the existing infrastructure to ensure smoother travel for commuters.
Plans are underway to enhance the EDSA Busway by replicating successful models from stations like North EDSA and Ortigas, which feature dedicated concourses donated by the private sector. Construction is anticipated to begin in the latter half of the year, with operations expected to commence next year. These upgrades aim to provide a more efficient and comfortable commuting experience, reflecting the administration’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Recognizing the evolving needs of commuters, has directed that the MRT 3 extend the MRT 3’s operations by one hour and to deploy more trains during peak hours. This initiative addresses concerns from passengers, particularly those working late hours, who find the current 10 p.m. last trip limiting. In a move to uphold integrity and passenger safety, Secretary Dizon acted swiftly in response to a recent ‘tanim-bala’ (bullet-planting) incident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). A 69-year-old passenger reported that security personnel allegedly planted a bullet casing in her luggage, reminiscent of past scams that have tarnished the airport’s reputation. The DOTr responded by terminating three employees from the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) involved in the incident. This decisive action signals a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and malpractice, aiming to restore public confidence in airport security protocols.
Secretary Dizon’s proactive measures reflect a broader vision for the Philippines’ transportation infrastructure: one that prioritizes efficiency, accessibility, and public trust. By prioritizing essential services like the EDSA Busway, extending MRT 3 operating hours and increasing fleet deployment, and enforcing strict accountability among transportation personnel, the DOTr is exemplifying responsive and responsible governance.
Beyond making administrative adjustments, these forward-looking initiatives hold the promise of transforming daily commutes, reducing congestion, and promoting a culture of integrity within the transportation sector.
Secretary Dizon’s recent actions exemplify a commitment to addressing both the systemic challenges and immediate concerns within the Philippines’ transportation landscape. Through strategic infrastructure improvements and unwavering accountability measures, the DOTr is paving the way for a more efficient and trustworthy public transit system, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.
Mike Sandejas made his mark as a filmmaker through his films, "Tulad Ng Dati" (2006) and "Dinig Sana Kita" (2009), both of which won awards at Cinemalaya.
The cast of 'Sinagtala'
Sinagtala" may not pass off as the title of a commercial film, one that could easily draw in droves of people into a movie house. For one, whoever mentions that word again in conversations these days, when the young are more focused on creating, inventing their own lingua franca, so far detached from the rules of language as we know it?
Yet, movie production company Sinagtala has boldly adopted the ancient word as headliner of its first film offering. The film’s creative staff led by its director, Mike Sandejas, has smartly baptized a bunch of young musicians collectively as the Sinagtala band. For lack of a better interpretation, do I take it that the English translation of sinagtala could be moonbeam, although moon is hardly in reference here?
"Sinagtala" is not exactly a movie musical in the strict sense, although Sandejas says 30 per cent of the movie is made up of musical numbers. It tells the intertwined stories of five band members, played by Rhian Ramos, Glaiza de Castro, Arci Muñoz, Rayver Cruz and Matt Lozano, each one dealing with his own demons and picking up life lessons in the process.
The individual stories are tied together by intermittent band performances, creating a pastiche that is often tear-jerking or funny, nonetheless dramatic enough to move the viewer to reflect on his own journey.
To top it all, the character who dies, Glaiza de Castro, serves as the film’s conscience and unifier. Some may call her part as preachy, yet, what she’s sharing are actually words of wisdom straight out of Harold J. Sala. If only the script allowed the actor to break the routine and inject more humor into the lesson plan.
As a whole, the film is technically well done by Sandejas---crisp editing, clear and versatile cinematography. Sandejas has not made a film for about 10 years. His inactivity during all these years have probably made him a hungry artist, just like the characters in the film desperately trying to reunite as a band after having disbanded.
As for the performing parts, credit goes to the cast, who are not exactly known as singers per se, but who manage to pull off commendable performances. In fairness, all of them have a side to them that sings or composes or plays with bands or have a family history in music.
Mike Sandejas made his mark as a filmmaker through his films, "Tulad Ng Dati" (2006) and "Dinig Sana Kita" (2009), both of which won awards at Cinemalaya.
"Sinagtala," produced by Sinagtala Productions, opens in cinemas on April 2.
Philanthropy is a very interesting topic. Philanthropy comes from the Greek "philein" (to love) and "anthropos" (man) and means a desire to help mankind, especially as shown by gifts to charitable institutions.
Giving While Living is an entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy by which you actively devote your money, skills and time to make a difference sooner rather than later. You can learn and make adjustments to get the biggest bang–and impact–for your buck. Give smart. Give now.
One of the Bible's books of poetry, the Proverbs really offers advice on every imaginable area of life. The style of wise living described here leads to a fulfilled life. Proverbs 28:27 say:"He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses!"
In view of a feature in an old issue of the magazine "The Economist" I learned that Andrew Carnegie ("The King of Steel'', 1835-1919) would surely have approved of Lord David Sainsbury. The supermarket tycoon turned politician was one of Great Britain's richest men. It was reported that he not only intended to give away at least $ 1.83 billion during his lifetime, but to insist that this charitable foundation spent both its income and capital before he passed away.
Few rich donors have yet gone this far. But Lord Sainsbury's decision was part of a broad trend among a new generation of philanthropists to play an active role in seeing that their money is very well spent. Such efforts should be applauded. In his great 1889 essay on wealth, Carnegie, who gave away about $7 billion in today's money - argued that the rich had the duty to use most of their money to benefit the community, and should do so actively during their lifetime. Let's look around if we can still find such donors and patrons in our daily life.
The world’s productivity comes at the expense of the quality of our lives. Opportunities unimaginable in the past have now become a reality for many, thanks to technology. So many are now able to earn a living in the comfort of their pajamas. People can now afford better experiences—food, travel, fashion, and gadgets.
And yet, we are lonelier than ever. Are we aiming for the wrong target? Could we be missing the point?
In November 2023, the World Health Organization declared loneliness “a global public health concern.” Studies have linked loneliness to health risks including heart diseases, stroke, and dementia. In 2024, US surgeon general Vivek Murthy declared loneliness an epidemic in America. He described loneliness as “feeling invisible,” “that if I was gone tomorrow, no one would notice,” and “having no one to be vulnerable with.”
For many of us, loneliness may just feel like a void, or that “there’s something missing.”
Antidotes
Acknowledging it at the right time allows us to find solutions. Ignoring it comes at a steep price. Here are some ways we make our lives lonelier and the antidotes to each.
1. Lack of awareness with one’s inner world. Many of our perceived problems are symptoms of something small. So many of us do not even know how we feel. All we know is that there’s a feeling of discomfort. Our low tolerance for the slightest discomfort prevents us from even being curious. We misdiagnose it as boredom so we soothe it with distractions. Drinking, binge-watching, eating, shopping—all these could be attempts to silence what’s begging to be heard inside of us.
Antidote: Make it a habit to check in with yourself in silence. Inquire into what’s happening in your mind and body. What sensations do you feel? What thoughts are running in your head that are causing the sensations? What emotions are emerging? Awareness alone could already be healing.
2. Shallow connections. Our deepest desire is to be seen and heard. The busy-ness of our calendar doesn’t equate to depth of connection. What determines the quality of our connections is how much of ourselves we share, not the number of interactions. Our inability to go deep is what keeps things at surface level.
Antidote: Find your person. Find someone who can be there to be present with you in exploring what’s beneath the surface thoughts, anxieties, and worries. Give words to your feelings even if they defy logic. In these moments, the best company is someone who allows us to feel safe to dive into the scary internal world we’ve created for ourselves.
Sense of safety
3. Vulnerability. So many of us can’t have meaningful connections because we wear masks. We pretend to be okay even when we’re not. We mostly gaslight ourselves first, talk logic into validating our own emotions. Once we’re convinced, we convince other people of our lies, too.
Antidote: Find a way to feel a sense of safety within yourself. An image or sound in our mind that calms us is a great choice. Sometimes, it needs to be in the presence of someone you trust. Once you find this safe space, understand the torments that are happening inside. Are there fears, regrets, and hurts that are bubbling up? Just acknowledging their presence allows us to know ourselves better.
It’s a great start to have the space for vulnerability.
4. Being hyper dependent. We pride ourselves in being self-sufficient. Not needing anyone has become a goal. The ease with which we can achieve so many things has increased social isolation. This hyperpower has also given rise to the illusion that we are happy on our own. This illusion branches into thinking we are wasting other people’s time, and vice versa.
Antidote: Be part of a community. If this is something new, it may not feel good all the time, especially at the start. Familiarize yourself with giving and getting small favors. This is how networks begin. Having our presence acknowledged and our absence noticed are messages that our ewxistence matters. This is the best antidote for isolation.
5. Care for something. Somewhere along the way, we somehow got the idea that not caring is cool. Apathy and numbness are trending. With all the bad news going around, it makes sense to want to shield ourselves from the everyday trauma of reality. Taking the indifference to an extreme is bound to impact our own life experience.
Antidote: Choose an advocacy that resonates with you. Become an active or silent contributor of a positive vision. Allow yourself to feel pain for something you feel strongly about. This opens the passion to make a difference the opposite cause.
Loneliness and connections are two ways to go about life. The choice is ours, and ours alone. That choice determines the quality of our lives. Choose wisely.
