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!
MANILA, Philippines — The Opulence Ball released a star-studded teaser trailer ahead of its return this Halloween at Taguig's Marquis Events Place.
Anne Curtis, Piolo Pascual, Ruffa Gutierez, Pia Wurtzbach, Julia Barretto, James Reid, Solenn Heussaff, Sarah Lahbati, Celeste Cortesi, Chie Filomeno and Kylie Versoza were just a few of the celebrities seen in the teaser.
Each individual wore creations by fashion designers Anthony Ramirez, Rajo Laurel, Bonita Penaranda, Martin Bautista, Jerome Lorico, Patty Ang and Job Dacion that were modern renditions of various folklores and mythologies like Greek and Roman.
Versoza, for example, is adorned with seashells making her appear like "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli. Reid looks like Apollo or Mercury. Heussaff's shimmering outfit is akin to Athena or a Valkyrie, while Curtis wore two outfits — one white, one black with feathers — that presented her as a "Dyosa of Lightness & Darkness."
"Our teaser video is a glimpse into the celestial wonders of an unforgettable night that we’ve curated," said the brains behind the ball, popular events host Mond Gutierrez. "It will be a night where fantasy and reality seamlessly intertwine."
Opulence's co-producer Ash Rye said that the teaser features "a constellation of stars, a promise of a night of enchanting fashion and alluring Filipino creativity" and added that what sets the ball apart is their "passion for crafting fantastical experiences that transcend expectations."
Gutierrez and Rye first staged the Opulence Ball in 2019 with the theme "Let Them Eat Cake," the famous phrase said to have been uttered by Marie Antoinette, queen of France in the 18th century.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Saturday, Oct. 14, strongly encouraged its members to utilize the PhilHealth Member Portal as a secure means of accessing their membership and contribution records, in response to a recent data breach that disrupted its operations.
Photo from PhilHealth Facebook page
In a statement, PhilHealth Chief Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr., reminded the public to be cautious of phishing attacks that may result from the data leak.
He also strongly advised members to update their passwords with new and robust ones and refrain from sharing them with others.
"Mag ingat din po tayo sa mga nag-aalok online na sila na ang mag-aasikaso o kukuha ng inyong PhilHealth ID at MDR for a fee. Una, wala pong bayad ang ID at MDR. Ikalawa, wala tayong in-authorize na mag-ahente. Delikado po ito dahil makokompromiso ang inyong personal details (Let's also be cautious of those offering online services claiming to take care of or obtain your PhilHealth ID and MDR for a fee. First, there is no charge for the ID and MDR. Second, we have not authorized anyone to act as an agent. This is risky because your personal details could be compromised)," Ledesma said.
He also cautioned the public against falling for the numerous offers that circulate on social media, echoing the advice of experts not to entertain or click on strange links.
"It is best to ignore suspicious calls and to delete text or emails from unknown and suspicious senders to avoid being victimized by scammers," Ledesma said.
Moreover, PhilHealth said that the Member Portal not only provides access to vital information but also allows members to conveniently pay their contributions (applicable to self-paying members) and register with accredited Konsulta providers of their choice to receive primary care services covered by the state health insurer.
PhilHealth pointed out that the members seeking copies of their Member Data Record (MDR) can readily download and print them from the Portal via this link: https://memberinquiry.philhealth.gov.ph/member/.
To ensure the safety of their information, PhilHealth advised the members to be “vigilant” and access only the official website https://www.philhealth.gov.ph, taking note of the ".gov.ph" domain rather than ".com" or ".net."
The health insurer highlighted that the website connection should begin with "https" (hypertext transfer protocol secure) and display a padlock icon on the left side for a secure connection.
It also stressed that first-time users looking to utilize the Member Portal must create an account using their PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) and a robust password.
Confirmation will be sent to their registered email address, and once verified by PhilHealth, members can begin using the portal's services, it added.
It is best to ignore suspicious calls and to delete text or emails from unknown and suspicious senders to avoid being victimized by scammers," he emphasized.
Moreover, PhilHealth said that the Member Portal not only provides access to vital information but also allows members to conveniently pay their contributions (applicable to self-paying members) and register with accredited Konsulta providers of their choice to receive primary care services covered by the state health insurer.
It pointed out that the members seeking copies of their Member Data Record (MDR) can readily download and print them from the Portal via this link: https://memberinquiry.philhealth.gov.ph/member/.
To ensure the safety of their information, PhilHealth advised the members to be “vigilant” and access only the official website https://www.philhealth.gov.ph, taking note of the ".gov.ph" domain rather than ".com" or ".net."
The health insurer highlighted that the website connection should begin with "https" (hypertext transfer protocol secure) and display a padlock icon on the left side for a secure connection.
It also stressed that first-time users looking to utilize the Member Portal must create an account using their PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) and a robust password.
Confirmation will be sent to their registered email address, and once verified by PhilHealth, members can begin using the portal's services, PhilHealth added. (Zekinah Elize Espina)
Hailing from Turin, Italy, a historic city renowned for its architecture and cuisine, Chef Andrea Spagoni embarked on his culinary odyssey in the most authentic of settings: his grandmother's traditional Piedmontese kitchen. Piedmont, the birthplace of Italy's slow food movement, instilled in him a deep appreciation for soul-nourishing food. Alongside his family's time-honored culinary traditions, he nurtured a profound love for genuine Italian cuisine from a tender age.
Chef Andrea Spagoni
Today, as the visionary chef at Finestra, Chef Spagoni infuses each dish with an unwavering commitment to authentic Italian flavors. Emulating his grandmother's dedication to the craft, he meticulously tends to every detail in the kitchen, from perfecting sauces to hand-selecting each ingredient. This devotion not only defines his culinary style at Finestra but also resonates with the restaurant's patrons, bringing forth the true essence of Italian cuisine.
Despite the challenge of sourcing authentic Italian ingredients from abroad, Chef Spagoni demonstrates pure culinary creativity by devising ingenious solutions in the kitchen. In true slow food movement fashion, he passionately seeks out local, high-quality ingredients that capture the bold flavors of his Italian creations. This approach allows Chef Spagoni to reimagine and adapt traditional Italian dishes for a global audience.
A testament to his innovation, Chef Spagoni strikes a harmonious balance between authenticity and localization, delighting all who taste his dishes. His menu at Finestra showcases robust Italian flavors ingeniously tailored to suit his local clientele. This commitment to his craft shines through, as he continually pushes the boundaries of culinary expertise and strives for innovation to deliver the finest Italian cuisine.
Oysters on Ice, Branzino, Signature Gelato
Notable dishes from Chef Spagoni’s menu include the Tonno Crudo (bluefin tuna belly tartare), Zuppa D’Aragosta (Australian rock lobster bisque), and Branzino (Mediterranean sea bass). Calamarata, Grilled Tiger Prawns, Oysters on Ice, and Signature Gelato are also must-try offerings.
Chef Spagoni's culinary journey has taken him around the world, leading him through the vibrant kitchens of London, Florence, Turin, Hong Kong, and New York. Each of these cities has profoundly influenced his cooking style, and his encounters with diverse food cultures have played a pivotal role in shaping his distinctive culinary philosophy. His remarkable skills have earned him esteemed Michelin stars, acknowledging his unparalleled contributions to the culinary world.
These influences come together to offer patrons of Finestra a culinary spectacle with every bite, transcending borders and cultures. Chef Spagoni doesn't just cook; he narrates a story through his food, weaving various inspirations into a tapestry of authenticity and a deep love for the flavors that have shaped his life.
Whether you're a local diner or a traveler in search of a taste of Italy, a gastronomic feast at Finestra is more than just a dining experience—it's a celebration of Chef Spagoni's culinary journey. It's a journey that brings the world to your plate while remaining true to its Italian roots.
Trixie Ortiguerra pulled off the biggest upset yet so far to overshadow the dominating performances by some of most experienced junior internationalists as action continued in the Philippine Aquatics-organized National Tryouts NCR leg on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Malate, Manila.
Trixie Ortiguerra pulled off the biggest upset yet so far to overshadow the dominating performances by some of most experienced junior internationalists as action continued in the Philippine Aquatics-organized National Tryouts NCR leg on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Malate, Manila.
Trixie Ortiguerra
The 16-year-old Grade 10 student from Sto. Cristo Integrated School in Tarlac City beat Vietnam-based and two-time World Junior campaigner Heather White in what could be the most intense duel in the girls 15-17 50-meter backstroke in the three-day tournament serving as the final selection process for the 44-man Philippine Team set to participate in the 11th Asian Age Group Swimming Championship slated on Dec. 3 to 6 at the New Clark Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.
Ortiguerra clocked 31.20 seconds ahead of White, who finished second with 32.27sec.
“Masayang-masaya po ako, first time ko pong nakalaban sa backstroke si Heather (White), kaya nagulat ako kasi ang bilis niya kahit hindi talaga siya backstroker. Pasalamat lang ako at nakuha ko yung panalo and very hopeful ako na mapasama sa Philippine Team after three years,” said Ortiguerra, who was 13-years old when she was included in the National team in the 2019 SEA Age Group edition.
White, a national junior record holder in freestyle, earlier won the girls 15-17 400m freestyle with a time of 4:35.57.
As expected, veteran Jamesrey Ajido dominated the boys 12-14 class with another victory in the 200m Individual Medley (2:16.01). On the opening day, the 14-year-old multi junior-record holder claimed the 200m freestyle (2:02.68) and the 50m back (28.90).
Other notable junior tankers who claimed ‘provisionary’ status for the National Team are Arabella Taguinota in the girls 15-17 100m breaststroke (1:13.40), Chantelle Coleman in the girls 12-14 100m breast (1:19.82) and 50m breast (35.24), Kyla Louise Bulaga in the girls 12-14 200m Im (2:35.10), Joshua Ramos in the Boys 18 & Over 50m back (27.79); Peter Cyrus Dean in the boys 15-17 50m (27.74), Kacie Gabrielle Tionko in the girls 15-17 800m freestyle (10:03.51); Philip Santos in the boys 18-pover 400m Im (4:52.68); Mishka Sy in the girls 18-over 400 IM (5:18.59); Patricia Santor in the girls 400m IM (5:19.23); Aishel Evangelista boys 12-14 400m Im (4:26.06), Thanya Dela Cruz girls 18-over 50m breast (31.83) and Ashton Clyde Jose in the boys 12-14 50m breast (32.57).
Tournament Director Chito Rivera said top two swimmers in their respective age group class or those who earned points nearest to World Aquatics 700 points will be considered in the Philippine team.
