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!
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering...
We pray for wisdom...
"Blessings" is a song by American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter Laura Story from her 2011 album Blessings. It was released on February 21, 2011, as the lead single. The song became Story's first Hot Christian Songs No. 1, staying there for four weeks. It lasted 34 weeks on the overall chart.
Laura Story married her partner Martin; two years later he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Story learned that despite his life-threatening illness, they saw how God never intended for people to provide for themselves and that instead of walking alone they would need to rely on Jesus's help. Blessings was written to describe how God will allow things that are not immediately understood to happen, but from a different perspective they are a means of spiritual growth. The song is also about how sometimes material possessions are not what God wants for believers, and it lends the idea about how character, along with what is in someone's heart, is ultimately more important.
The song inspired me to write this column. At my age I think about all my blessings. Blessings are really not only money... .
Blessings in the Bible suggest an intimate relationship between the blesser and the blessed. A blessing from God marks an intimate relationship between God and man, serving as proof that he finds himself in God's favor.
The phrase 'blessings be upon you' is correct and usable in written English. It is a traditional phrase often used in religious texts, and can also be used as a standard blessing phrase in casual conversations. For example, you might say, "May blessings be upon you and your family" when wishing a friend well.
Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.
The wonderful gift that Christ gave us is too wonderful to keep to ourselves. We can touch the lives of others this Thanksgiving by sharing the love of Jesus through a meal, a place at our table, and giving selflessly.
I am blessed because I am living in the Philippines together with my family. No doubts. No fears!
Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga strengthened ties with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with 18 other government leaders in the Philippines, as she once again took the oath of office as a member of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), a political party of the President.
No less than President Marcos Jr. administered the oath-taking ceremony at Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace, Manila, on Thursday, August 24.
“We have turned what was a minor Party in the political spectrum into the majority Party now in the country, and that is because not only for political convenience, not only to prepare for elections, but because there is, and I have always been of the belief that a Party must stand for an ideology", expressed President Marcos Jr. in his message.
The President also pointed out his firm belief in Federalism, saying that the core principle of the PFP involves decentralizing power to local governments, districts, and all entities functioning at the community level, making for a more sound political structure in the country.
He also underscored that by transforming the government, bureaucracy, and even the thinking of ordinary Filipino citizens and politicians, the countrymen can feel that the government genuinely exists to assist its people.
He ended his message by saying "Kailangan talaga lahat ay magkaisa. Kaya’t lagi ko pinapaalala sa tao, ang pagkakaisa na ating sinigaw 'nung kampanya, hindi po 'yan slogan. Katotohanan 'yun. 'Yun talaga ang magiging solusyon sa ating mga problema".
Meanwhile, Governor Gonzaga pledged her support to the President's agenda and the party as this is in line with her advocacy for good governance. This is espoused on her "Government Works" platform of governance, aiming for a more progressive, economic-driven, and better province.
It can be recalled that Governor Gonzaga already took her oath as a member of the PFP on July 24, 2023, right after the President's State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In October 2018, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) granted official accreditation to the PFP. During the 2022 national elections, President Marcos Jr. assumed the role of the Party's presidential candidate. (Jaynus Fernandez)
POV: You are in the King City of the South for the 38th Kadayawan sa Davao. After celebrating with the locals and joining the #VibrantKadayawan festivities, you are hungry and searching for a good place to eat.
Whether it’s your first time visiting the destination or you’ve been here multiple times, there are always new and #AweSM restaurants that are ready to serve you scrumptious dishes. Check them out below:
First stop: SM City Davao
Seafood Paradise Location: Ground Level, Annex Bldg., SM City Davao and SM Lanang
Talaba and Bilao Boodle
Seafood lovers, rejoice: This paradise is for you! Prepare for a big feast when you visit Seafood Paradise, a buffet resto that serves fresh-from-the-ocean catches like Tuna Panga in BBQ sauce, scallops, oysters, shrimps, squid, and mussels.
You can eat these as is or have them drenched in sauce. They also have palabok, pansit, and seafood paella if you want some carbs. For dessert, you can choose from their buko pandan, mixed fruits, and other sweet treats to cap off your meal. Have we mentioned that you avail of their unlimited servings for only P499? What a steal!
The Green Bounty Kitchen 2nd Level, Annex Bldg., SM City Davao
Chicken Wrap and Shrimp Veggie Quesadilla
Who can say no to delicious food that’s also healthy? At The Green Bounty Kitchen, you can eat sans the guilt since everything is made with locally-sourced and organic ingredients. They have straight-from-the-farm meals that you can expect to be fresh and flavorful, like their Grilled Chicken Salad, Chicken Wrap, Shrimp Veggie Quesadilla, and Mexican Beef Quesadilla.
There are vegan options, too, including the Vegan Lechon Kawali that tastes like the real thing! Our favorite part about The Green Bounty Kitchen aside from their wholesome spread? It’s a pet-friendly resto so you can channel your inner paw parent and bring your fur babies.
The Burp Co. 2nd Level, Main Mall, SM City Davao
Durian Pie, Knickerbocker, and Blueberry Cheesecake
The perfect way to end a hearty meal is with dessert…and a burp! You can only find The Burp Co. in Davao, so visiting this quaint café is important during your visit.
Choose from their bestsellers like Buko Pie, Durian Pie, Cheesecake Pie, and Choco Moist Cake which use premium ingredients and are baked fresh daily. Another must-try at The Burp Co. is their Knickerbocker—think of it as our local halo-halo but made better with fresh fruits instead of preserves!
Aside from their luscious pastries, you’ll love the owner’s humble beginnings that started in her garage at home: Catherine Maxey used to be an I.T. professional in Singapore before she decided to bake pies and sell them within their neighborhood. This passion project earned her a lot of loyal customers and soon enough, she set up a physical store that continues to grow.
Tagoro’s Abuhan 2nd Level, Annex Bldg., SM City Davao
Pork Pizza Empanada and Buko Mix
After an all-day road trip in the King City of the South, the next best thing to do is head over to an eatery that offers local eats and that’s at Tagoro’s Abuhan!
To start off your meal, order the Pork Pizza or the Rambolito ni Tagor—an appetizer that consists of seven onion rings, seven chicken fillets, and seven potato wedges which is good for sharing. Get the Pomelo Salad next to cleanse your palate, and then savor the flavors of their Manok ni Tagor, Tunasal, and Super Lolo as your main course.
For something sweet, request the Buko Mix that’s both sweet and refreshing plus it’s super “barato” for its generous serving!
BBQ Nation 2nd Level, Main Mall, SM City Davao
If you’re looking for a one-stop haven for anything grilled, BBQ Nation is definitely the best place to go to. Located at the 2nd level of SM City Davao’s Main Mall, this place offers the meatiest barbecues and the juiciest “blackened spare ribs.”
Craving for “Bagnet of the South”? It only takes one bite of their Bagnet and you’ll find yourself coming back for more! But wait there’s more, their Tuna Kinilaw is one of the freshest tuna dishes you’ll ever taste here in Davao mixed with cucumber, raddish, ginger and a lot of vinegar.
Anniepie 2nd Level, Annex Bldg., SM City Davao; 2nd Level, Main Mall, SM Lanang
Treat yourself to something sweet from Anniepie! Experience Kadayawan with these proudly Davao made cinnamon rolls, bar cookies, and cakes that will leave you dreaming for more of their cottony-soft bread and the sublime cinnamon flavor. Visit Anniepie at SM City Davao now!
Purple Yam Homemade Cakes and Pastries 2nd Level, Main Mall, SM City Davao
Purple Yam Homemade Cakes and Pastries serves freshly baked sweets. You won’t be able to find this in Metro Manila so make sure to stop by their takeout counter located at the 2nd level of SM City Davao’s Main Mall too.
This dessert brand is also known for its soft and creamy cakes made with real ube. The Round Ube cake costs only P430. For barkada celebrations, we would love for you to try their medium square-sized ube cake (P550). If you plan to stroll around the mall while enjoying their ube goodness in a cup, you may purchase the 12oz cup priced at P67 only.
VANDA Park Inn by Radisson Davao, in front of SM Lanang Premier
For those whose accommodation is at Park Inn by Radisson Davao, you’ll be glad to know that they have an all-day dining restaurant that is only a stone’s throw away from SM Lanang Premier. Although the grub may seem familiar to you, VANDA—which is derived from the orchid specie waling-waling—puts a twist on their local and international cuisines that are both a feast for your eyes and mouth.
And just in time for the festival of festivals, VANDA’s Kadayawan Boodle Fight is now back on its menu. Enjoy a slew of starters, main courses, sides, rice, drinks, and desserts for only P3,950 which is already good for five to six persons. Other Chef’s Recos are Grilled Tanigue Steak, VANDA Salad, and Malagos Ricotta Cheesecake.
Our next stop for more great tasting menus is SM Lanang
Bistro Selera 2nd Level, Main Mall, SM Lanang Premier
Suha Salad and Bistek Selera
One local restaurant that deserves your visit is Selera Bistro. Here, you can taste the unique flavors of Davao on your plate may it be indoors or outdoors. The chef puts a spin on the classic dishes to make sure you treat your taste buds to something delectable—like the Suha Salad, pomelo tossed in locally grown herbs with special fish sauce dressing.
Selera’s Bagaybay and Torch Eggplant
Another must-try is Selera’s Bagaybay, a tuna course wrapped in homemade bacon and drizzled with garlic oil, and Bistek Selera which is a grilled beef tenderloin marinated in herbs and spices and topped with battered onions, before being served with bone marrow gravy. There’s also Torch Eggplant, Seafood Durian Curry, and Chopsuey with Fried Noodles. There’s really food for every mood! Wash these all down with their freshly-squeezed juices and fruit shakes.
Tuna Express Kamayan Grills Location: 2nd Level, Skygarden, SM Lanang
Davao is known for its ocean-fresh catches, especially the city’s pride, tuna. At Tuna Express Kamayan Grills, you have to try the Grilled Tuna Belly and Grilled Tuna Panga which have a nice char and are best dipped in soy sauce with calamansi.
Other recos are Sizzling Tuna Sisig, Grilled Scallops, Calamares, Tuna Salpicao, and Tuna Kinilaw that you can eat with Guso or Lato on the side. Not a big fan of seafood? Opt for Tuna Express Kamayan Grills’ Bulalo with Bone marrow instead which is equally savory and filling.
The NYC Uptown Location: SM Lanang 1st Level, North Wing
Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you! Feel the vibes of the Big Apple at The NYC Uptown, an aesthetic restaurant located at the North Wing of SM Lanang Premier. The visually-pleasing interiors are nice to look at while you munch on their Unli Chicken Wings with 13 signature flavors, like Hickory BBQ, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Parmesan, Buffalo, and Salted Egg. These best-tasting eat-all-you-can wings in Davao come with cheese, garlic mayo, honey mustard, and ranch dips for only P399, and the promo also includes unlimited rice and unlimited drinks.
Yup, you’ve read that right! You also can’t miss out on their fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs. If you’re visiting The NYC Uptown for some light snacks, take your pick from their New York-style hotdogs and cheesecakes (we can’t stop thinking about their Chelsea Caramel slice!).
Out of nowhere kitchen SM Lanang 1st Level, North Wing , SM Lanang
Korean Fried Chicken, Beef Kebab, Chicken Inasal
Out of Nowhere Kitchen offers a wide array of food choices with generous serving and quality ingredients that’s truly worth your money. For starters, order the Korean fried chicken, a Crispy Fried Chicken with special Korean sweet soy sauce drizzled with cheese. From their grilled selections try their Beef Kebab, ground beef mixture of herbs and spiced Persian style with hummus and yogurt sauce. Each dish is infused with a variety of flavors to complete the unique dining experience. Every bite is definitely a feast!
Roadhouse Cafe Ground Level, Main Mall, SM City Davao
USDA Rib Eye, and Seafood Basket
From its first branch in Bukidnon, Roadhouse Cafe brings in their rustic style and fine dining cuisine to Davao. Take a feast on their premium USDA Rib Eye steaks grown from their local farm and a delectable Seafood Basket- a combination of shrimp, squid, fish fillet, and vegetable will surely please your taste buds when you try some.
Kare-Kare, and Sinigang Pork Kawali
For more meaty comfort food, we highly recommend the Kare-Kare, Sinigang Pork Kawali, Steamed Pompano with lime sauce and Musuan Peak Green Salad, to taste the best Davaoeño version of these Filipino foods.
TODAY, a new and exciting chapter in Philippine sports history opens as Manila hosts the 2023 FIBA World Cup, basketball's biggest spectacle. For the next 17 days, 32 teams, which survived a long and grueling elimination phase, will face each other in the final showdown to determine who will reign as champion for the next four years.
The Philippines fought tooth and nail for the chance to host this year's FIBA World Cup. We could not afford to let it slip by, since it may be decades before the next golden opportunity comes along.
We are co-hosting the World Cup with Okinawa and Jakarta, but the medal round will be played here. And that is a grand treat for the millions of Filipino basketball fans who are looking forward to the rare experience of watching their idols play.
To describe Filipinos as basketball-crazy is not an exaggeration. In almost every village, there is a basketball court. The ring may be skewed and rusty, nailed to a warped backboard, and the court nothing but a leveled-out patch of bare ground. But it is where barefoot boys learn the game. It is where the dream begins.
The roots of basketball in the Philippines are difficult to trace, because historical details are scarce. One account credits American teachers for bringing the game over toward the end of the 1800s, when America took the country under its wing. The game was just catching on in the US, having been developed by Canadian-American doctor James Naismith in 1861.
Dribbling a ball and shooting it towards a hoop (originally a peach basket with its bottom removed) quickly appealed to the local boys, and a national sport was born.
For a while, the Philippines was the unchallenged king of basketball in Asia, winning the crown during the 1913 Far Eastern Games.
The appeal has since grown into a national obsession. More than a century later, basketball has mesmerized an entire nation. We have professional and semi-pro leagues, and basketball is the glamor sport in the UAAP and the NCAA. For many barangay (villages), a fiesta celebration is not complete without a basketball tournament.
According to one report, the Philippines is Nike's third biggest basketball market after the US and China.
Multi-awarded PBA coach Tim Cone caught the essence of the Filipinos' romance with basketball during a recent interview. "We have three seasons: rainy season, [dry] season and basketball season, and we play basketball through it all. That's the passion," Cone said.
Not surprisingly, the holy grail for many young players is suiting up for the national team. To join the roster, which includes the all-time greats of Philippine basketball, is a distinct privilege and honor.
Among the legends who played for the flag and country was Carlos Loyzaga. The six-foot-one Loyzaga led the national team to a third-place finish in the 1954 World Basketball Championship in Rio de Janeiro.
It was the best finish for the Philippines in the tournament that was the forerunner of the FIBA World Cup.
Other court heroes have responded to the call to play for the Philippine team. Lauro Mumar was Loyzaga's teammate in the 1954 championship. Narciso Bernardo and Ed Ocampo were fixtures in several national teams. So were Alvin Patrimonio, Bogs Adornado, Manny Paner, Ramon Fernandez and Allan Caidic.
Robert Jaworski was the driving force behind many Philippine teams.
It is fitting that FIBA has chosen the World Cup in Manila as the venue to honor Loyzaga by formalizing his posthumous induction into its Hall of Fame.
The quest for basketball glory continues today. The Philippines' Gilas will be up against some of the world's best teams. It will be the underdog, but Gilas prides itself in having puso — a fierce fighting heart.
For that, Gilas deserves the admiration and wholehearted support from the country as it basks in national pride for being the center of the basketball universe for the next two weeks.
Church-run Radio Veritas is inviting the faithful to a Grand Marian Exhibit, a prelude to the celebration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sept. 8.
Grand Marian Exhibit (Photo courtesy of Radio Veritas)
“The Marian exhibit aims to help spread devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is part of our evangelization efforts, especially since the venue is inside the mall where mall goers can visit and learn more about our Blessed Mother,” said Veritas Religious department head Renee Jose over Radio Veritas.
The Grand Marian Exhibit will be held at the Fisher Mall’s activity center in Quezon City from Aug. 30 until the Solemnity of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sept. 8.
Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, Radio Veritas president and Caritas Manila executive director will lead the launching of the exhibit on Aug. 30.
To be featured are 70 reverend Marian images under different titles from around the country including Our Lady of Veritas.
Interested parties may get in touch with Ms. Jose at 0917-6314589 for love offerings and mass donations.
Fashion designers Neil Patrick Jimlani and Mark Joseph Sayad reimagine National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo’s inabel tapestries into modern Filipino wear
The culture of the Philippines’ northern region made its way to the south as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) unveiled the “Panaglaga Ti Ladga: Weave Transcending Time,” a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) fashion exhibition dedicated to celebrating the life and works of Ilocano master weaver Magdalena Gamayo.
GAMABA Magdalena Gamayo (Photo courtesy of the NCCA)
A collaboration between the NCCA, the City Government of Davao, and SM Lanang Premier, “Panaglaga Ti Ladga: Weave Transcending Time” aims to bridge the knowledge of indigenous weaving traditions and innovation as it significantly underscores the need to enhance the resilience of the ties that link traditions and modernity. It celebrates both Magdalena’s legacy as a cultural bearer and Davao City’s thriving fashion scene.
“Davao City, for so long, has been doing fashion infused with Mindanao textiles,” NCCA’s executive director Oscar Casaysay said. “We have to strengthen the ties between the South and the North. [With that,] we focused on bringing the Northern cultural communities to Davao in time for its celebration of the Kadayawan Festival.”
Mark Joseph Sayad, Nicole Cordoves, Oscar Casysay, and Neil Patrick Jimlani (Photo courtesy of the NCCA)
For the event, the NCCA tapped two of Davao City’s emerging designers, Neil Patrick Jimlani and Mark Joseph Sayad, who reimagined the inabel tapestries of National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo into wearable art, in accord with the respectful treatment of indigenous expressions. Their collections were showcased at the mall’s atrium on Aug. 20, with TV host and former beauty queen Nicole Cordoves closing their runway presentations. Both hailed from the Tausug tribes, Neil and Mark described the first time working with inabel fabric as challenging and fulfilling.
‘Molino Ti Angin’
Neil looked at Ilocos Norte’s Bangui Wind Farm as his inspiration for his collection. Dubbed ‘Molino Ti Angin,” presented modern Filipino wear and resort wear for men and women in shades of blue and red. The collection is his way of paying homage to the stunning windmills that adorn the Bangui shoreline.
‘Molino Ti Angin’ collection (Photo courtesy of the NCCA)
Present in his collection were the inabel textiles with binakol and impalagto techniques, which were utilized to bring out the intricate designs of the cat paw pattern, known as paddek pusa, and the beautiful inubon a sabong or the string of flowers that earned Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Gamayo the well-deserved award.
One of our favorite pieces from his collection was the maroon dress with an asymmetrical hemline that’s lined with fiery orange beading and tulle flounces. Another stand-out look was his take on the butterfly sleeve, which he incorporated into a jacket for men. Last was his finale look, worn by Nicole, a one-shoulder pale blue terno trumpet gown with delicate beading and kisiskos inabel.
‘San Pedro Cathedral’
Putting his Roman Catholic faith on the runway was Mark with his collection inspired by the San Pedro Cathedral. A known landmark in Davao City, the church has beautiful architecture, which heavily influenced the designer’s collection.
‘San Pedro Cathedral’ collection (Photo courtesy of the NCCA)
Mark used GAMABA Magdalena’s inabel to make modern formal wear, from elegant gowns to suit ensembles for men. The intricate pinalagtwan and kahonado, as well as the timeless binakol kusikos, were made into contemporary pieces with geometric embellishments.
The highlights of his collection were the gray oversized dress coat with binakol kusikos pattern, the bags made of inabel, and the deep blue halter gown with geometric weaving worn by Nicole.
The pieces from the two collections, as well as the art of other GAMABA awardees, are on display at the “Panaglaga Ti Lagda: Weave Transcending Time” exhibit at the mall’s atrium until Aug. 25.
Banner photos courtesy of SM Lanang Premier and NCCA.
Having performed at LUCFest, Very Festival, and Double Happiness Festival by 88rising, Numcha has also collaborated with Converse, Fender Japan, renowned artiste Kuo from ‘Sunset Rollercoaster’ and Korean indie-pop artiste, Adoy.
Numcha
Thai Indie-pop singer-songwriter Numcha is no stranger to Asia, especially in countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand!
Having performed at LUCFest, Very Festival, and Double Happiness Festival by 88rising, Numcha has also collaborated with Converse, Fender Japan, renowned artiste Kuo from ‘Sunset Rollercoaster’ and Korean indie-pop artiste, Adoy.
Now with 18 million streams on “Keep Cold'' and 300K monthly listeners, she just released her four-track EP “hewantscoffeebutiamtea”!
This EP is about various “rollercoaster” feelings that not only her, but others she saw, went through. Numcha quotes that she witnessed others who suffered and tried “to be fine through a thunderstorm,” having come out stronger and fresher.
She dedicates this EP to all that have been on an emotional rollercoaster, reminding people to find possibilities and when you can’t. She wants others to remember through this EP that sometimes, “at least you know yourself better and know a reason to breathe.” Numcha certainly is a comfort you know you need through tough times!
'I've always looked for what I truly needed.'
Tracklist:
Powder Blue
Afterglow
Floor
Cup of tea
Naming it “hewantscoffeebutiamtea”, Numcha related to this phrase the most whenever she was going through a hard time. She chooses to spend it reflecting on herself as “it’s the rarest item in life”.
Afterglow is the focus track of this dreamy and beautiful EP and it speaks about the aftermath of tougher phases. With dream-like melodies mixed in with beats, Afterglow is a song you can play when you’re getting ready with a cup of hot chocolate, or when you’re riding your bicycle with the wind in your hair. It is a song of comfort and tunes that’s like a companion along the beach. Ready to stay with you, Afterglow will glow up your day and keep you listening on repeat!
This EP on a whole is like a pocket of dream and hope. During down days, “you will find a friend who is truly beside you and bring you warm tea on a rainy day.” She wishes for all who listen to this EP to be comforted knowing that you’re not suffering alone and that through the emotions and introspection, you’d find a reason to carry on again.
“Hewantscoffeebutiamtea” is now available on all streaming platforms!
Numcha tours Asia again at the upcoming Pentaport Rock Festival in Korea last Aug. 6 and Singapore’s Music Mosaic Series on Aug. 26.
