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!
This photo shows Tourism secretary Christina Frasco with local officials during the launch of he Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Culture, Heritage and Arts Caravans at the tourism office of Cagayan de Oro City in Bukidnon.
Ian Laqui - Philstar.com
May 24, 2024 | 11:15am
BUKIDNON, Philippines — The Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Culture, Heritage and Arts Caravans has been officially launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Northern Mindanao.
The program, which was first launched in the Davao Region last year, will now conduct a three-day tour within Cagayan de Oro City and the province of Bukidnon.
The tour started on May 23 and will end on May 25.
The launch was led by Tourism secretary Christina Frasco together with other officials of the DOT.
“It’s high time that Mindanao fully opens up for tourism,” she said in an interview with reporters.
“Dito po sa Northern Mindanao ang daming mga emerging destinations na we feel that has massive potential that offers immersive, purposeful, and experiential travel,” she added.
(Here in Northern Mindanao, there are many emerging destinations that we feel have massive potential, offering immersive, purposeful and experiential travel.)
This has been the eighth leg of the program after its last event in Palawan in April.
PEP was launched in the Davao Region last year and has since expanded its reach to various areas, including Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga, Ilocos and now parts of Northern Mindanao.
The DOT said PEP aims to highlight the Filipino “brand and identity” in “all aspects of the travel and tourism experience.”
Through the program, the agency said that it will facilitate “cultural tourism circuit development” which will focus on heritage, culture and the arts.
The “experience” will include “thematic experience on food and gastronomy, pilgrimage and wellness, festivals, living Cultures and heritage and the arts.
Since its inception in 2020, the Miss Universe Philippines pageant has been on a mission to put Filipino culture on the international stage. Apart from its pageant activities, charity partnerships, and costume presentations, the local franchise of the Miss Universe contest has been using fashion as an extension of its storytelling. And every year, its stage becomes a sought-after platform for Filipino designers here and abroad.
Miss Univers Philippines 2024 candidates (Photo by Noel Pabalate)
For its 2024 edition, the pageant’s fashion game is at its peak, with candidates and personalities gracing its stage wearing stunning looks, crafted by Filipino designers and creatives. Below are some of our favorite style moments during Miss Universe Philippines’ coronation night.
Marina Summers (Photo by Noel Pabalate)
Marina Summers
Kicking off the coronation night on a festive note was “Drag Race Philippines” star Marina Summers. For her electrifying number, the drag artist donned a sculptural red piece by designer Neric Beltran and served a reveal with a silver performance look by designer Rian Fernandez.
Michelle Dee passing her crown to her successor, Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo (Photo by Noel Pabalate)
Michelle Dee
Throughout her reign as Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle has used fashion as a way to champion Filipino culture. During the coronation night, she wore the Apo Whang-Od-inspired gown she donned at Miss Universe 2023 and a white ballgown with weaving details as she passed her crown to her successor, Bulacan’s Chelsea Manalo. Mark Bumgarner designed both pieces.
Miss Universe 2022 R’bonney Gabriel was one of the hosts for the local pageant’s coronation night. During the event, she donned looks by Filipino designers that were not only beautiful but also paid homage to her own Miss Universe journey and the people who supported her the most. Her first look, designed by Larry Espinosa, was an ode to Texas. For her second look, she wore Ehrran Montoya’s Viva Magenta gown, which mirrored her Filipino father's challenges when he immigrated to the USA. Another Larry Espinosa piece was her last look, a gown with rhinestoned floral details embodying her mom’s “tough but delicate nature.”
Gabbi Garcia (Photos by Dookie Ducay)
Gabbi Garcia
Actress Gabbi Garcia also served stunning looks as one of the hosts of the evening. Her first look was all about elegance, a two-tone gown courtesy of designer Mark Bumgarner. Her second look was crafted by designer Bonita Penaranda, a blue halter gown with braiding details. For her third look, the actress tapped designer Mara Chua to create a gilded bodice. While her final look was a dramatic black and sheer piece by designer Anthony Ramirez.
The evening gown segment (Photo by Noel Pabalate)
Evening gown competition
For the evening gown segment of the pageant's coronation night, the Top 10 candidates graced the stage wearing the best gowns by Filipino designers. From white garbs to pieces inspired by the universe and indigenous communities, take a closer look at the evening gowns that graced the pageant’s stage here.
Music is a universal language, resonating deeply across cultures and movements. From John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance," an anthem for the anti-war movement, to Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" of the 1970s women's liberation movement, and Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," celebrating individuality and promoting LGBTQ+ rights, music has consistently fueled social change.
The power of music was on full display on April 21, 2024, as musicians from various generations united for Earth Day at the “Rock for Masungi” Solidarity event held at the GT-Asian Center of the University of the Philippines. The lineup featured icons of the Philippine music scene, including A.M.P. Band, Michael V., Bayang Barrios at ang Naliyagan, Cooky and Color it Red, Skarlet Brown, Joey Ayala at Ang Bagong Lumad, Noel Cabangon, and Rannie Raymundo.
The Rock for Masungi Solidarity event draws over 500 supporters of the Masungi Geopark Project. (Photos from MGFI)
The event opened with an Interfaith Prayer Rally, providing a profound perspective to the gathering. Strongly worded prayers for the threatened Masungi Geopark reforestation project and its defenders were delivered by notable religious leaders, including Father Christian Buenafe of the Order of the Carmelites, Father Arthur Nebrao from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Father Rene Cabag of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Datu Yasirarafat Bansawan from the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, Pastor Jon Dave Angeles from the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and Eduardo Mendoza, a dedicated leader in Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon and Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon.
Younger performers also graced the stage, with Paolo Sandejas, DJ Marco Molina, and Keiko Necesario, who performed her new single "Planeta" in time for Earth Day.
Live speeches from various personalities enriched the event, including environmental storyteller and advocate Celine Murillo, Congress members France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-List) and Raoul Manuel (KABATAAN Party-List), Nelia Dela Carzada from the Katutubong Dumagat-Remontado community, Mitzi Jonelle Tan from Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines and Fridays for Future, Masungi Park Rangers Irene Rayton and Ruben Delasada, and Pretty Queen Cañamales from Angat Taytay.
Hundreds of supporters light candles in solidarity of the Masungi Georeserve.
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, in his video message, called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and relevant government agencies to collaborate with the Masungi Georeserve Foundation in environmental protection. He urged citizens to stay informed, vigilant, and supportive of the foundation.
Other notable figures, including honorary ranger Nadine Lustre, SB19’s Justin de Dios, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, UN Women Ambassador Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Senator Nancy Binay, and Atty. Gerthie Mayo-Anda of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), also delivered messages of support through videos.
The program concluded with a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, signifying solidarity for the cause.
The event was a resounding success, providing a platform for advocates of Masungi to unite and prepare for the ongoing fight for its preservation. As one participant shared on Facebook, “I went to the Rock for Masungi event last night with my family to support the cause and ended up really enjoying the concert that lasted almost six hours! That was an unexpected treat for us. As one of the performers said, we preserve what we enjoy, and boy, did we enjoy ourselves.”
Cooky Chua sings with the crowd of environmental advocates.
He also praised the performers and production while expressing confusion over DENR's actions. “We really need to preserve this area if we want to have a livable future,” he added.
Organized by the Friends of Masungi, and led by Ateneo Alumni Association Treasurer Goody Hernandez, the event sent a strong message to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga and the DENR. Through a representative, Hernandez stated, “We're gathered here to show our unwavering support for Masungi Georeserve and send a clear message to the DENR: the incredible community that has witnessed the vital conservation work at Masungi will not stay silent in the face of its possible cancellation or nullification.”
Hernandez criticized Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga for refusing to visit Masungi or engage in meaningful dialogue with its stakeholders. “Even worse, the DENR has resorted to blatant disinformation. Just yesterday, they published a press release filled with false allegations against Masungi,” Hernandez added. One of the evening's most memorable moments was Noel Cabangon’s performance of Kanlungan: "Ang mga puno't halaman ay kabiyak ng ating gunita. Sa paglipas ng panahon, bakit kailangan ding lumisan? Pana-panahon ang pagkakataon, maibabalik ba ang kahapon? (The trees and plants are the other half of our memories. As time passes, why must they also leave? Opportunities are seasonal, but can yesterday ever return?)."
Michael V. and Skarlet Brown perform an energetic duet of Hahabol Habol. (Photo by Nickey Zacate)
Reflecting on these words in the context of environmental preservation, the event became a poignant reminder of nature as our "kanlungan," our cherished home and refuge. Masungi is a sanctuary not just for its vibrant flora and fauna but also for the countless souls it has touched, inspiring a renewed or deeper bond with the Earth. Now, more than ever, we must seize this moment to fight for Masungi, to protect this conservation project before it slips away from us forever.
Eleven awards will be given, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Special awards such as People's Choice and Jury's Choice will also be presented.
The eight student films and the four short films of the featured directors are set topremiere at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) and will have theirtheatrical run from June 5 to 11, 2024.
The top eight student filmmakers for the 2024 Manila Film Festival are presented at a recent media conference at the Manila City Hall. In the photo are (from left) Vhan Marco Molacruz, Cedrick Labadia, John Pistol Carmen, Ronnie Ramos, Dwein Baltazar, Ed Cabagnot, Kren Yap, Joyce Ramos, Miko Biong, Charlie Garcia Vitug, and Adrian Renz Espino.
The City of Manila and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila, in association with KreativDen Entertainment, launched The Manila Film Festival (TMFF) 2024 as it presented the top eight student filmmakers in the short form category.
The festival has recognized the outstanding work of eight individuals out of the nearly 100 entries received from student filmmakers across the nation.
These talented filmmakers have been awarded a P150,000 grant, a testament to their creativity and dedication to their craft.
"TMFF aims to rejuvenate its commitment to transforming the historically prestigious and iconic city of the Philippines into a vibrant creative hub for Filipino arts and culture, particularly in cinema," festival director and consultant Ed Cabagnot, one of the founding members of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Ed began working in Philippine film in the early 1980s as a Film Programmer at the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines. For more than two decades, he was head of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Media Arts Department, where he organized cinema festivals and film workshops and managed the Gawad CCP Para Sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video.
He was also one of the founding members of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and has served as a jury for several film festivals: QCinema International Film Festival (2016-2017), Pusan International Film Festival (2008), Berlinale’s Forum (2011), and Amsterdam’s IDFA International Documentary Festival (2013).
The TMFF celebrates the theme "Manila in Me," which highlights Manila as the City of Indefinite Possibilities and a Thousand Tales. It acknowledges that Manila resides in the sphere of dreams and aspirations in the minds of Filipinos everywhere - all around our islands and even in the hearts of overseas Filipinos.
The top eight entries are:
An Kuan, Joyce Ramos (director), Pamantasan Ng Lungsod
Bahay, Baboy, Bagyo, University of the Philippines Film Institute
Ballad of a Blind Man, Charlie Garcia Vitug, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
Ditas Pinamalas, Adrian Renz Espino, Adamson University
Happy (M)others Day, Ronnie Ramos, University of the Philippines Film Institute
Pinilakang Tabingi, John Pistol Carmen, Bicol University
Una't Huling Sakay, Vhan Marco Molacruz, Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Manila
threefor100: o ang tamang porma ng pag uukay at iba pang mga bagay-bagay, i think!, Cedrick Labadia,iACADEMY
Aside from the eight student filmmakers, TMFF has invited four respected young filmmakers to create short films alongside the student entries. They are:
Lumang Tugtugin, Lorenzo "Pepe" Diokno (director), Madonna Tarrayo (producer)
May at Niia, Sigrid Bernardo (director), Ava Yap (line producer)
ANIMA, an entertainment production studio that brings Filipino talent to the global stage, will produce these four feature films.
It has successfully released several highly acclaimed titles with global reach such as Hito, which won the Best Film for Live Action Short Film at the 2023 Vienna Shorts and Best Picture at the 2023 QCinema International Film Festival; Where Is The Lie (Marupok AF), which received Special Jury Recognition at the 2023 LA Asian Pacific Film Festival, ad Leonor Will Never Die, a surreal drama film that accepted the Special Jury at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, and is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
The eight student films and the four short films of the featured directors are set to premiere at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) and will have their theatrical run from June 5 to 11, 2024.
These movies will be screened at Robinson’s Movieworld – Manila and Robinson’s Movieworld – Magnolia (limited screening). A school tour of the films in key academic institutions all over the country has been planned.
The Manila Film Festival will culminate with the holding of its awards night at the MET on June 11.
Eleven awards will be given, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Special awards such as People's Choice and Jury's Choice will also be presented.
The members of this year's jury are Park Sungho, Asian Cinema programmer at the Busan International Film Festival; Bianca Balbuena, Head of Studios of Kroma Entertainment's ANIMA, Neil Daza, award-winning director, cinematographer, and photographer; Coreen "Monster Jimenez, producer of Leonor Will Never Die; and Eduardo "Dodo" Dayao, writer, screenwriter, and director.
The Manila Film Festival 2024 screening committee is a panel of judges consisting of established personalities in the arts, culture, and entertainment industry: Bianca Balbuena, Noah Tonga, Wanggo Gallaga, Mackie Galvez, Dido Camara, and DTCAM’s Charlie Dungo.
Cayetano revolutionizes digital landscape with Konektadong Pinoy Act
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano took a significant step in bolstering the country's digital infrastructure and enhancing connectivity for all Filipinos after the Konektadong Pinoy Act was formally filed in the Senate as a committee report on Wednesday.
Senate Bill Number 2699, submitted jointly with the Committees on Public Services and Finance, on May 22, 2024, seeks to overhaul the nation's outdated telecommunications regulatory framework and align it with the requirements of the digital age.
Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, believes that by modernizing the country’s telecommunications landscape, the bill will address the barriers in connectivity like the longstanding issues on affordability, speed, and accessibility.
"We can no longer afford to be in the dark ages when it comes to the Internet and its accessibility to each and every Filipino,” he said.
Cayetano is joined by co-authors Senators Marcos, Gatchalian, Poe, Revilla Jr., Zubiri, Villanueva, Tulfo, Lapid, Estrada, and Legarda, to establish a comprehensive connectivity framework in the country.
The bill proposes four key reforms to ensure more reliable and affordable internet connectivity for everyone.
It aims to simplify the process for telecom companies to get approval, removing the need for a legislative franchise. This change is intended to increase competition, reduce costs, and improve service quality.
Additionally, the bill focuses on managing the radio spectrum more efficiently to enhance service quality and expand coverage.
The legislation also requires telecom companies to share infrastructure, which will lower operational costs and make it easier for new companies to enter the market, especially in areas that currently have little or no service.
Lastly, the Konektadong Pinoy Act sets performance standards to ensure the bill's effective implementation and protect the interests of Filipino consumers.
Cayetano envisions that government services will become more accessible to every Filipino with improved internet access streamlining bureaucratic procedures and enabling easier access to public information.
“The use of present technology affords the government the opportunity to bring itself and its services closer to the people,” he said.
The Konektadong Pinoy Act is slated for deliberation in Senate sessions. With the backing of government economic development agencies such as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), this bill represents a significant stride toward a more connected and empowered Philippines through affordable and reliable internet access.
With the Senate committee report filed, Filipinos can anticipate internet services that are both reasonably priced and of exceptional quality, particularly in unserved and underserved areas.
“We therefore must modernize our digital infrastructure to ensure that all Filipinos have access to, and the use of, affordable, quality, and up-to-date information and communication technologies,” Cayetano said.###
Von: Max Schäfer Bei den Sparplänen des Bundes steht die Rente im Fokus. Aber sind Kürzungen dabei überhaupt möglich? In bestimmten Fällen schon.
Berlin – Die Ampel-Koalition streitet – wieder einmal – und die Leittragenden sind unter anderem die Rentner. Das eigentlich schon ausgehandelte und gemeinsam von Bundesarbeitsminister Hubertus Heil (SPD) und Finanzminister Christian Lindner (FDP) vorgestellte Rentenpaket II verzögerte sich zunächst. Zudem stellen die Liberalen die sogenannte Rente mit 63 in Frage.
Angesichts des Spardrucks und des großen Haushaltspostens von jährlich 127 Milliarden Euro für die Rente stellt sich nun für viele die Frage, ob und inwiefern die Politik an der Rente sparen kann – wenn es denn Mehrheiten dafür gäbe.
Politik debattiert über Einsparungen bei der Rente – wo ist ein Handeln realistisch?
Denn zwar sprechen sich prominente FDP-Politiker für Einsparungen aus. Die Rente mit 63 etwa „ist teuer und schadet dem Arbeitsmarkt“, erklärte der rentenpolitische Sprecher der FDP, Pascal Kober. Sie setze „Fehlanreize“, heißt es. Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz erteilte den Sparplänen der FDP bei der Rente jedoch eine Absage.
Rentner können grundsätzlich jedoch beruhigt sein. Der Staat kann am Anspruch auf Auszahlung der Rente nicht rütteln. Auch die Höhe der Rente kann laut Focus nicht gesenkt werden – dank der Rentengarantie. Wer bereits im Ruhestand ist, behält also damit seine bisherigen Ansprüche. Tatsächlich gibt es auch keine Partei, die das fordert.
Wirtschaftsweise will Rentenerhöhungen verlangsamen – über Kopplung an Inflation
Die Politik kann die Rentenerhöhung jedoch verlangsamen. Dafür spricht sich etwa die Vorsitzende der sogenannten Wirtschaftsweisen, Monika Schnitzer, im Rahmen ihrer Forderung nach einer Rentenreform aus. „Die Zuwächse sollten begrenzt werden“, erklärte die Ökonomin. „Zurzeit sind die Rentenerhöhungen gekoppelt an die Lohnentwicklung. Das machen nur ganz wenige Länder so.“
Schnitzer fordert deshalb eine Orientierung an der Inflation. „Man ist weniger stark an der Wirtschaftsentwicklung beteiligt“, räumte die Wirtschaftsweise ein. „Aber die Kaufkraft bleibt zumindest erhalten.“
Bund kann Zuschüsse zu Renten streichen, wenn Mehrheiten da sind
Im Gegensatz zur regulären Rentenzahlung kann der Bund jedoch bei durch Steuerzuschüsse finanzierten Renten sparen. Das derzeit prominenteste Beispiel ist die abschlagsfreie Rente nach 45 Versicherungsjahren. Sollte die Ampel-Koalition ihren Streit beenden und Einigkeit zwischen SPD, FDP und Grünen herstellen, kann der Staat die umgangssprachliche Rente mit 63 tatsächlich abschaffen.
Für die Betroffenen bedeutet das eine Kürzung. Wer nach 45 Beitragsjahren früher als mit dem regulären Renteneintrittsalter von 67 in Rente geht, hat dann denselben Status wie übliche Frührentner, berichtete der Focus. Das bedeutet, sie erhalten prozentuale Einbußen auf jeden Monat, den sie sich früher in den Ruhestand verabschieden. Rentenzuschüsse für Ausbildung, Mutterschutz und in neuen Bundesländern können eingespart werden
Neben der Rente mit 63 gibt es auch durch Steuern finanzierte Rentenzuschüsse für die Zeit der Ausbildung in Schule und Studium sowie für die Dauer des Mutterschutzes und der Erziehungszeit. In den ostdeutschen Bundesländern erhöht der Bund laut Focus die Bewertung der Rentenzeiten. Diese Zuschüsse finanziert der Bund über das Steuersystem. Damit ist auch an dieser Stelle das Sparpotenzial vorhanden. Allerdings gilt auch hier die Voraussetzung, dass es eine politische Mehrheit für die Entscheidung gibt. Bisher gibt es keine prominenten Politiker, die eine solche Maßnahme fordern.
Auch bei der FDP geht es zunächst nicht darum, die Rentenzahlungen zu kürzen. Stattdessen wollen sie das Renteneintrittsalter erhöhen. Bundestagsfraktionschef Christian Dürr kann sich dabei auch eine Rente mit 72 vorstellen. (ms)
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