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!
I have learned this in almost 26 years of permanent residence in the Philippines.
In a highly people-oriented society, business matters are always best handled personally and in a pleasant atmosphere. Where the Western businessman thinks that time is money, the Filipino loves to sneak around like a cat and talk about mutual friends and family, exchanging pleasantries and jokes. Only when the appropriate climate has been established can negotiations be considered. Regardless of the outcome, discussions should always end on a friendly note. You may feel like you're wasting time chatting about other people and all sorts of unimportant things. For a Filipino, however, maintaining friendships, building valuable contacts and developing personal relationships are the crucial developments that keep business running.
+++
Das habe ich in fast 26 Jahren permanenten Aufenthalten auf den Philippinen gelernt.
In einer stark personen-orientierten Gesellschaft werden geschäftliche Angelegenheiten am besten immer persönlich und in einer angenehmen Atmosphäre geregelt. Wo der westliche Geschäftsmann denkt, dass Zeit Geld ist, liebt es der Filipino wie die Katze um den heißen Blei herumzuschleichen und um über gemeinsame Freunde und die Familie zu reden, Höflichkeiten und Scherze auszutauschen. Erst wenn das angemessene Klima hergestellt ist, können Verhandlungen ins Auge gefasst werden. Unabhängig vom Ergebnis sollten Diskussionen stets freundlich enden. Sie werden vielleicht das Gefühl haben, Zeit zu verschwenden, wenn Sie über andere Leute und allerlei Unwichtigkeiten plaudern. Für einen Filipino jedoch sind die Pflege von Freundschaften, der Aufbau wertvoller Kontakte und die Entwicklung persönlicher Beziehungen die entscheidenden Entwicklungen, die die Geschäfte am Laufen handeln.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the long weekends and extended holiday breaks have the potential to significantly benefit the domestic tourism landscape.
In a statement released on Friday, Jan. 5, Frasco said the agency “sees these upcoming extended weekends as a timely opportunity, specifically advantageous in propelling our domestic tourism forward.”
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco
The country’s post-pandemic recovery has resulted in 5.45 million international visitor arrivals in 2023, noted Frasco.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 102 million domestic trips were recorded from 2022 to mid-2023, with domestic tourism expenditure amounting to P1.5 trillion.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) also said it recorded P1.87 trillion in internal tourism expenditure, inclusive of spending by foreign visitors and Filipinos residing abroad.
Out of P1.87 trillion, P1.5 trillion was attributed to domestic tourism spending. This includes expenses by local visitors for domestic trips and international travel docked at the country’s borders.
“There's an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm among travelers eager to make up for lost time, engaging in what has come to be known as 'revenge travel,’” she said.
Frasco remarked that the long breaks can fuel its strategies to pursue and accomplish the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023 to 2028.
She underscored the DOT’s “optimism for a tourism resurgence underpinned by an unwavering belief in the Filipino spirit and the country's inexhaustible selection of enchanting destinations.”
“The invitation extended to all Filipinos is not merely to travel but to immerse themselves in the rich mosaic of experiences that the Philippines proudly offers. As the nation embraces these extended weekends with open arms, the hope remains high for a vibrant transformation of the tourism sector and a profound appreciation for the manifold wonders encapsulated within the Philippines' diverse landscape,” Frasco added.
Through his ‘The Hands of the Dreamweaver’ collection, Dante Mana weaves his love letter for his hometown and the women who continue to keep its indigenous crafts alive.
In the past years, we’ve seen the resurgence of Filipino textiles and fabrics in the local fashion scene. These handwoven materials aren’t just beautiful, they hold stories of the Philippines’ rich heritage and are testaments to Filipino indigenous tribes’ dedication to their work and sustainable practices. The return of these handwoven tapestries also helped put the spotlight on emerging fashion designers from different parts of the country. The latest addition to that list is Dante Mana, a recent graduate from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP).
For the graduation show, Dante chose to create a capsule collection titled “The Hands of the Dreamweaver,” celebrating the culture and heritage of South Cotabato’s T’boli tribe. The result was a vibrant fashion presentation—his love letter—that paid homage to his hometown and the women who continue to keep its indigenous crafts alive. Taking inspiration from the works of the indigenous group was a natural step for the young fashion designer.
“I was fortunate to be exposed to their captivating culture from an early age. My connection to the world of T’boli performing arts, fostered by my mother, allowed me to witness the profound beauty and artistic expression that are integral to our heritage,” Dante told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Additionally, the influence of my grandmother, a talented seamstress, revealed the enchanting process of transforming fabrics into remarkable creations.”
To make his vision come to life, Dante worked with various female artisans from the community. Among them were Ye Dina, who has been beading for more than 30 years, and Ye Mina, a master t’nalak weaver. On the runway, he presented pieces that explored many silhouettes, all providing the perfect canvas for the unique patterns of the T’boli community's works. His muse wore massive headwraps with gold accessories and baskets to complete their looks. His collection was so spectacular that he took home the FIP’s Designer of the Year award.
“This collection is a heartfelt homage to my origins in South Cotabato, a place that played a pivotal role in nurturing my passion for arts and fashion,” the designer said. “I poured my heart and soul into every design. It’s not just a job for me; it’s my passion. I’m devoted to making things that resonate with people, designs that will make them stop and think, ‘Wow, this is special.’”
DAVAO CITY – Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno said the death of Archbishop Fernando Capalla is heartbreaking for the people of Davao whom he served as prelate for most of his life.
Magno said he is one with the people of Davao in mourning the death of a selfless and most loved man of God. He added that everyone in public service hopes to emulate Capalla’s outstanding service to the people.
MASSES have been scheduled during the wake of Archbishop Fernando Capalla. (FB)
“Thank you, Archbishop ‘Nanding,’ for your love and dedication not just to the people of Davao but to all whose lives you touched throughout your life. Rest in peace. May you continue to be a shining beacon to all who choose to serve in the name of God and the republic,” Magno said.
Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo, the clergy, and faithful of the Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo also condoled with the family of Capalla who was ordained clergy of the Archdiocese of Jaro.
Lazo said Capalla was a native of Leon, Iloilo and received his education from the Colegio de San Agustin, now the University of San Agustin, and Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary.
Capalla was ordained priest at Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral on March 18, 1961. He became rector of the Saint Joseph Junior Seminary, now Saint Joseph Regional Seminary, and was a formator of numerous bishops and priests from the archdiocese.
He was ordained and appointed as auxiliary bishop of Davao on April 2, 1972, and became prelate of the Diocese of Iligan in 1977, apostolic administrator of the Prelature of Marawi in 1987, and appointed archbishop of Davao in 2012.
The former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines from 2003 to 2005 passed away at 89 on Saturday morning, January 6. Capalla is a prominent figure in Mindanao. He gained recognition as a significant religious leader.
Netizens also mourned the demise of Capalla.
“Rest well, Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla. An advocate of peace in Mindanao and CBCP president. A staunch supporter of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,” netizen Lyndon Origenes Macarayan said in his Facebook post.
“You have been God’s instrument for me so that I could participate in the priesthood of Jesus! I thank God for you, Abp. Nanding! Thank you very much for being my spiritual father since 2005! May you rest happily with all the angels and saints,” said Fr. Russell Bantiles, a former editor-in-chief of the Davao Catholic Herald, in a Facebook post.
“Your weekly presence always brought the youth together just to see you, and you always taught us how to stay close to Jesus through Mama Mary and Saint Ana. Pray for us in heaven, bishop. May you rest in the Father's loving arms,” netizen Francis Tupad said in his Facebook post.
Capalla will be laid to rest on Monday, January 15, during a funeral Mass at the San Pedro Cathedral. Interment follows at the Dormitium de San Pedro, the Archdiocese of Davao announced.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday visited the wake and mourned the passing away of Capalla.
DAVAO CITY – Prominent businessman Philip “Sonny” Dizon, owner of the Crocodile Park here and food producer Dizon Farms, passed away on Sunday morning, January 7, in a road crash on the Bansalan-Balutakay Road in Davao del Sur.
DIZON (Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang FB)
The Bansalan Police Station said the 64-year-old businessman was driving a black three-wheel Can-Am vehicle to Barangay Managa in Bansalan, Davao del Sur from Davao City when he lost control of the vehicle.
Dizon’s vehicle overturned and smashed into the concrete lane and sustained severe injuries in different parts of the body. His vehicle incurred an undetermined cost of damage.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) rushed the victim to Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital in Digos City but succumbed to severe trauma.
Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang here and the Philippine Zoos and Aquariums Association mourned the passing of the businessman in separate Facebook posts and condoled with the family of the victim.
“A sad Sunday over the loss of a well-loved businessman in Davao City, Philip ‘Sonny’ Dizon. Always a kind-hearted person and an advocate of good governance... I can always vouch for his unselfish ways,” Dayanghirang said.
“PhilZoos mourns the passing of our dear friend and Davao Crocodile Park and Zoo Founder and CEO, Philip ‘Sonny’ Dizon. Our hearts go out to the Dizon Family and our friends at Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo,” the Philippine Zoos and Aquariums Association said.
“Our good friend, fishing, and dive buddy Sonny Dizon of Crocodile Park passed away. We will miss your unexpected calls and invitations to adventure,” said the MindaVote, a socio-political group that fights for the common dream of the people of Mindanao to have peace.
Dizon also owns the Mount Apo Highland Resort in Barangay Kapatagan in Digos City and Dizon Farms. He was a president of the American Chamber of Commerce-Davao City Chapter.
The Philippines and Germany have been faithful partners for progress. This chapter doesn't really pretend to be a detailed systematic treatise on the history of the Philippines and Germany. Here are just some little details, I learned from my mentor and former chaplain of the Philippine Community in Berlin, Monsignor Professor Dr. Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza.
This chapter merely confines itself to the general discussion of the country's name, the influences on the Philippines even before the coming of the Spaniards, Ferdinand Magellan's arrival on the islands in 1521, the commercial activity in Manila and other cities of the country after the opening of the city to world trade in 1836, Filipino nationalism at the beginning of the 20th century, religious and missionary activity and the political and economic conditions of the Philippine economy before and after the country became an independent nation.
Let's start with the general setting in the Philippines: On the German side, the books of Albert Kolb, 'Die Philippinen' and G.I. Levinson's "Die Philippinen: gestern und heute", 1966, Akademie Verlag Berlin, serve as really valuable references. I am glad to have both books in my library.
According to Hermogenes Bacareza, there is probably no other country in the world which had received so many names in the past NOT given by the natives themselves, but by foreigners than the present-day Philippines. Isla del Poniente, Islas Manila and sometimes Islas del Oriente...
(To be continued)
Die Philippinen und Deutschland waren treue Partner für den Fortschritt. Dieses Kapitel erhebt nicht wirklich den Anspruch, eine detaillierte systematische Abhandlung über die Geschichte der Philippinen und Deutschlands zu sein. Hier sind nur einige kleine Details, die ich von meinem Mentor und ehemaligen Kaplan der Philippinischen Gemeinschaft in Berlin, Monsignore Professor Dr. Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, erfahren habe.
Dieses Kapitel beschränkt sich lediglich auf die allgemeine Diskussion des Namens des Landes, der Einflüsse auf die Philippinen bereits vor der Ankunft der Spanier, der Ankunft von Ferdinand Magellan auf den Inseln im Jahr 1521 und der Handelstätigkeit in Manila und anderen Städten des Landes nach der Öffnung der Stadt auf den Welthandel im Jahr 1836, den philippinischen Nationalismus zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts, religiöse und missionarische Aktivitäten sowie die politischen und wirtschaftlichen Bedingungen der philippinischen Wirtschaft vor und nach der Unabhängigkeit des Landes.
Beginnen wir mit dem allgemeinen Setting auf den Philippinen: Auf deutscher Seite sind die Bücher von Albert Kolb, „Die Philippinen“ und G.I. Als wirklich wertvolle Referenz dienen Levinsons „Die Philippinen: gestern und heute“, 1966, Akademie Verlag Berlin. Ich bin froh, beide Bücher in meiner Bibliothek zu haben.
Laut Hermogenes Bacareza gibt es wahrscheinlich kein anderes Land auf der Welt, das in der Vergangenheit so viele Namen erhalten hat, die NICHT von den Einheimischen selbst, sondern von Ausländern stammen, als die heutigen Philippinen. Isla del Poniente, Islas Manila und manchmal Islas del Oriente...
Long ago, before the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines, there was a very wealthy couple who lived in a city presently known as San Pablo in Laguna. They have a farm with cows, and fruit-bearing and flower-bearing trees. In the middle of those trees is the tamarind tree.
The fruits of that tamarind tree is rumored to be very tasty and sweet, so many people buy their tamarinds and that is where the couple found their wealth.
They were known for their wealth and greed, of course! No one can ask them for anything without cash in return.
Many neighbors didn't like this couple, but the couple just ignore them thinking that they did no harm to anyone, and their dislike of them was just pure envy.
They lived like this all the time. As their neighbors avoid them more, they just shrugged their shoulders because they're too proud of their wealth. One day, there was an old man who stopped by the fence of their beautiful garden. That time, the couple was busy picking up tamarind fruits to sell. After greeting the couple, the old man who was wearing dirty clothes, a very long beard and hair, begged for food.
"Have pity on me, a beggar," said the old man, "kindly give me a little food, I haven't eaten for two days."
As the couple saw the elderly, they were disgusted by him. The wife angrily replied, "Forgive us, we have a big house, but the truth is we are poor and short of food."
The old man who was shaking with hunger, looked up and begged again.
"You are known for being fortunate", he said sadly. "Have mercy on me for I will die of hunger. Give me a piece of tamarind. It has come to our town that your tamarinds are very sweet and delicious."
"Don't you believe us?" annoyed, the wife replied. "Get out of here for you are bothering us!" she shouted.
"It is also known in our town that you are the greediest that's why your neighbors avoid you. Since you are so wicked, fate will cruelly punish you so others will not imitate your deeds." added the old man. The couple blushed from what they heard. They were left speechless and dumbfounded as the face of the old man shines in front of them. They wanted to shout but they can't.
"Now, all of your fortunes will vanish, together with your lives!" As he uttered those words, he hit the tamarind tree with his cane.
Shortly, the tamarind was surrounded with water, and slowly shrunk underneath. The entire farm, together with their house slowly vanished as the couple drowned. That town became a lake and is now called the Tamarind Lake.
+++
Vor langer Zeit, bevor die Spanier auf den Philippinen ankamen, lebte ein sehr wohlhabendes Paar in einer Stadt, die heute als San Pablo in Laguna bekannt ist. Sie haben einen Bauernhof mit Kühen und Obst- und Blumenbäumen. In der Mitte dieser Bäume steht der Tamarindenbaum.
Die Früchte dieses Tamarindenbaums sollen angeblich sehr lecker und süß sein, daher kaufen viele Menschen ihre Tamarinden, und dort fand das Paar seinen Reichtum.
Sie waren natürlich für ihren Reichtum und ihre Gier bekannt! Niemand kann von ihnen etwas verlangen, ohne dafür eine Gegenleistung zu erhalten.
Viele Nachbarn mochten dieses Paar nicht, aber das Paar ignorierte sie einfach, weil sie dachten, sie hätten niemandem Schaden zugefügt, und ihre Abneigung gegen sie sei nur purer Neid.
Sie lebten die ganze Zeit so. Da ihre Nachbarn sie mehr meiden, zucken sie nur mit den Schultern, weil sie zu stolz auf ihren Reichtum sind. Eines Tages kam ein alter Mann am Zaun ihres wunderschönen Gartens vorbei. Damals war das Paar damit beschäftigt, Tamarindenfrüchte einzusammeln, um sie zu verkaufen. Nachdem er das Paar begrüßt hatte, bettelte der alte Mann, der schmutzige Kleidung trug und einen sehr langen Bart und Haare hatte, um Essen.
„Habe Mitleid mit mir, Bettler“, sagte der alte Mann, „gib mir bitte etwas zu essen, ich habe seit zwei Tagen nichts gegessen.“
Als das Paar die älteren Menschen sah, waren sie von ihm angewidert. Die Frau antwortete wütend: „Verzeihen Sie uns, wir haben ein großes Haus, aber die Wahrheit ist, dass wir arm sind und es uns an Nahrung mangelt.“
Der alte Mann, der vor Hunger zitterte, blickte auf und bettelte erneut.
„Sie sind dafür bekannt, dass Sie Glück haben“, sagte er traurig. „Habe Erbarmen mit mir, denn ich werde vor Hunger sterben. Gib mir ein Stück Tamarinde. In unserer Stadt ist es angekommen, dass deine Tamarinden sehr süß und köstlich sind.“
„Glauben Sie uns nicht?“ genervt, antwortete die Frau. „Verschwinden Sie von hier, denn Sie belästigen uns!“ Sie rief.
„In unserer Stadt ist es auch bekannt, dass du der Gierigste bist, deshalb meiden dich deine Nachbarn. Da du so böse bist, wird dich das Schicksal grausam bestrafen, damit andere deine Taten nicht nachahmen.“ fügte der alte Mann hinzu. Das Paar errötete von dem, was sie hörten. Sie waren sprachlos und verblüfft, als das Gesicht des alten Mannes vor ihnen leuchtete. Sie wollten schreien, aber sie können nicht.
„Jetzt wird all Ihr Vermögen verschwinden, zusammen mit Ihrem Leben!“ Als er diese Worte aussprach, schlug er mit seinem Stock auf den Tamarindenbaum.
Kurz darauf war die Tamarinde von Wasser umgeben und schrumpfte langsam darunter. Die gesamte Farm und ihr Haus verschwanden langsam, als das Paar ertrank. Diese Stadt wurde zu einem See und heißt heute Tamarind Lake.
.jpg)
