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?
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!
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Foreign envoys condemn China’s latest aggression in WPS
Philstar.com
May 1, 2024 | 11:01am
This frame grab from handout video footage taken and released on April 30, 2024 by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Bagacay being hit by water cannon from Chinese coast guard vessels near the chinese-controlled Scarborough shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea.
MANILA, Philippines — Foreign envoy denounced China’s “dangerous” maneuvers and use of water cannons against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Philippines’ task force on WPS issues said on Tuesday that China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia vessels “harassed, blocked, water cannoned and rammed” vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) headed to Bajo de Masinloc to assist Filipino fishers in the area.
Both the PCG and BFAR vessels sustained damage. China also reinstalled a 380-meter barrier across the shoal’s entrance, blocking access to the traditional fishing ground.
“The [People’s Republic of China] used dangerous maneuvers and water cannons to disrupt a lawful Philippine mission providing food and fuel to fisherfolk within the [Philippine] exclusive economic zone,” United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said on X.
European Union Ambassador Luc Véron said that any aggressive behaviors pose “threat to safety of life at sea, the freedom of navigation, and the prohibition of the use of force or coercion.”
“In short, this is against international law,” he added.
The Embassy of France in Manila also expressed opposition to any threat or use of force contrary to international law and stressed the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue.
British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils reiterated the United Kingdom’s calls for respect for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award, which ruled that China’s claims to almost the entire South China Sea has no legal basis.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Canadian Ambassador David Hartman also expressed concerns about China’s latest aggression.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry told the Philippines to stop “provocative actions in its waters.”
“China advises the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing and provocative actions and not to challenge China's firm determination to safeguard its sovereignty,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo: A love-hate relationship?
AT A GLANCE
Like any good marriage, Marco and Heaven agree that they're both in a "love-hate relationship," which keeps them from going into the full-blown romance path many expect them to tread.
Filipino-Italian actor Marco Gallo describes his team-up with award-winning actress Heaven Peralejo as "a marriage without a ring."
By now, the two have worked together on several major projects: "The Rain In España," "The Ship Show," and "Safe Skies, Archer." Their latest movie from Viva, "Men Are from QC, Women Are from Alabang," will be shown in cinemas starting May 1.
Like any good marriage, Marco and Heaven agree that they're both in a "love-hate relationship," which keeps them from going into the full-blown romance path many expect them to tread.
"Sometimes you feel like you're falling in love, and sometimes you feel like you're hating this person...just because we're so comfortable with each other. Because you don't wanna ruin it, you just try to be friends, but then sometimes you can't help it. I feel like we're just trying to enjoy every project we have. And taking it slow," Marco remarked.
The two agree they're "halfway there" when developing a romantic connection. Heaven pointed out: "Meron kaming love-hate relationship, and I think it's good. It gives color. We learn to be a better person afterwards. Natututo kaming maging humble, or mawala yung pride. Things like that actually build the future."
Marco and Heaven are once again glad to collaborate with director Gino Santos for "Men Are From QC...," after working with him in "Safe Skies, Archer." In return, the director only has good things to say about MarVen, praising them for having "a partnership of actors."
"Mag-away sila because the scene needs them to be angry at each other. You see that they help each other. Heaven knows what makes Marco cry. Marco knows how Heaven gets pissed off. They use that to improve their characters para magawan ng paraan ang eksena at para ma-motivate sila. Ito yung partnership of actors talaga, which I appreciate," Director Gino stated.
"Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang' is the most mature love story I've ever done. Expect a different Marco and Heaven here because grabe talaga yung binigay nila sa film na ito. I'm proud of them for accepting it," the director added.
Adapted from the book of Filipino-Chinese author Stanley Chi, the film's protagonists are Tino (Marco) and Aica (Heaven) who meet at work and fall in love. The plot deals with the complexities of a romantic love that is not only challenged by the distance between cities but also by the demands of work and the need for emotional satisfaction.
Inasmuch as the film tackles the differences between a man and a woman, Heaven and Marco were able to reflect on the specific qualities they like and dislike about each other.
"I think Heaven is the first girl that I have ever dealt with where the importance of being a man and the importance of being a woman is so important. You know, for her, a man needs to give his girl the princess treatment," Marco pointed out. "In return, a woman needs to make her man happy by, you know, cheering him up and supporting him with everything he wants. Honestly, I have never dealt with a woman like her before."
On the other hand, Heaven had this to say about her screen partner. " Sobrang maalaga ni Marco. One time, I was wearing slippers on the set, and he wiped my feet because it got dirty. That's him. His love language is to serve. That's one thing I love about him."
What can audiences learn from movies like "Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang?" Director Gino pondered on its lessons.
"Every relationship is different. Communication is key. You have to find out your goal at the right moment in life, whether it's for love or a career. Some people can have both, but, you know, not everyone can have the privilege of getting love and a career at the same time. So you have to choose wisely, especially in this day and age. Mahal lang magmahal," he stressed.
"Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang" is a Viva Films Production presented by Sari Sari Network Inc. in cooperation with MediaQuest Ventures and Studio Viva.
Flying Titans turn back Cool Smashers, gain big semis head-start
AT A GLANCE
Choco Mucho crawled back from two sets down to outhustle sister team Creamline, 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16, at the start of the single-round robin semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday night, April 30.
Choco Mucho crawled back from two sets down to outhustle sister team Creamline, 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16, at the start of the single-round robin semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday night, April 30.
High-flying Sisi Rondina carried the cudgels for the Flying Titans in the pivotal moments, unleashing 23 points built on 21 kills as they finally prevailed over the Cool Smashers for the first time since 2019.
The win, likewise, ended Choco Mucho’s 12-game losing spell against Creamline and boosted its bid for a return trip to the finals.
“We simply worked tirelessly, with heart and unwavering determination being the key to this win,” said Rondina in Filipino, who also posted 14 excellent receptions.
Yet, the triumph was a collective effort from Choco Mucho, which persevered despite the continued absence of Kat Tolentino, Des Cheng and Aduke Ogunsanya.
Royse Tubino also spelled the difference for the Flying Titans with 20 points built on 18 attacks, even as Isa Molde contributed 12 points.
Choco Mucho, which finished No. 2 in the prelims, now stands on the brink of a finals berth, offering the Flying Titans an opportunity for redemption after falling short in the previous AFC championship against the Cool Smashers last December. "It’s difficult to explain because it’s our first time beating Creamline,” said Choco Mucho mentor Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino.
“I’m extremely thankful for our performance. The situation were were in was really tough, but our coaches really pushed us to do what needed to be done and make the necessary adjustments," he added.
Creamline, which entered the Final Four as the fourth-seeded team, banked on its hard-hitting attacks spearheaded by Jema Galanza and Alyssa Valdez, but stumbled in the crunch.
The Cool Smashers actually exploded with 71 kills compared to the Flying Titans’ 53, only for their efforts to go futile.
Galanza finished with 23 points, while Valdez added 21 in a losing effort for Creamline.
TANZ IN DEN MAI
May 1st in Germany is a day to celebrate the advent of spring – and to protest for workers' rights.
In Berlin trade unions and far-left protesters traditionally take to the streets to mark International Workers' Day. This has regularly led to severe rioting in the districts of Neukölln and Kreuzberg and police are preparing for this year's demonstrations to also be attended by protesters against Israel's war in Gaza.
The night before May 1st is also known as Walpurgisnacht (Walpurgis Night), named after the 8th-century abbess who battled witchcraft, and is celebrated with dance, witch costumes and bonfires.
And the Tanz in den Mai (dance into May) tradition is widespread across the country. Especially in the Catholic regions in the west and south of the country, iconic maypoles are set up in a central square, decorated with garlands or ribbons, for people to dance around.