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!
FRANKFURT, Germany — Flooding, high river levels and heavy rain led to the death of a firefighter and disrupted train travel in southern Germany on Sunday.
Sections of the city are flooded by water, in Reichertshofen, Germany, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)
The firefighter's body was recovered after an inflatable watercraft carrying four firefighters capsized as they navigated floodwaters to bring residents to safety in the town of Pfaffenhofen, on the Ilm River in the southern Bavaria region, the dpa news agency reported.
A long-distance train derailed after the ground under a section of track collapsed near the town of Schwaebisch Gmund some 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Stuttgart late Saturday. The 185 passengers were uninjured.
German rail operator Deutsche Bahn warned of extensive cancellations and delays and told customers who postponed trips that their tickets would be honored. Traffic was disrupted on routes including those from Munich to Berlin, Stuttgart and the Swiss city of Zurich.
There are many forms of volunteer work. There’s community service. There’s also environmental volunteering, as well as educational volunteering and social care.
SALUTE TO VOLUNTEERS If you're hoping to find a meaningful way to spend your vacation, consider lending a hand to volunteer organizations
By JACQUELYN LUCERO
Images from LOOB INC., SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGE PHILIPPINES, and the PHILIPPINE ARMY
Thinking of something better to do this summer vacation? Why not volunteer? Volunteerism is the act of giving your time and skills to help others without expecting any financial reward. It’s a powerful way to make a positive impact on your community and the world. Whether it’s helping at a local food bank, mentoring a student, or participating in a cleanup drive, volunteers play a crucial role in addressing social, environmental, and economic issues.
At its core, volunteerism is about selflessness and compassion. It fosters a sense of community and connectedness, bringing people together for a common cause. Volunteers often report feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment from their work. They gain new skills, make new friends, and feel more connected to their communities.
There are many forms of volunteer work. Community service might involve helping in local neighborhoods, organizing community events, assisting in libraries, or supporting local shelters. Environmental volunteering includes activities like tree planting, beach clean-ups, and wildlife conservation efforts. Educational volunteering can involve tutoring students, helping in schools, or leading workshops to share knowledge and skills. In health and social care, volunteers might work at hospitals, senior homes, or support health campaigns and social services. International volunteering offers the chance to join global organizations to work on projects abroad, such as disaster relief, development programs, or cultural exchange initiatives.
The spirit of volunteerism is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, often seen through the value of bayanihan, a tradition of communal unity and cooperation. Volunteerism in the Philippines has historical roots. During times of natural disasters, Filipinos have always come together to help those in need. This spirit of bayanihan is evident in how communities rally to support each other through various crises, from typhoons to volcanic eruptions.
Today, volunteerism in the Philippines is more structured, with numerous o r g a n i z a t i o n s dedicated to various causes. Disaster response is a significant area, given the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Many volunteers are trained in disaster preparedness and response, with organizations like the Philippine Red Cross playing a vital role. Education-focused programs, such as Teach for the Philippines, aim to improve the quality of education by placing volunteers in schools across the country. Environmental efforts by groups like the Haribon Foundation focus on conservation projects, encouraging volunteers to participate in activities like tree planting and wildlife protection. Community development organizations like Gawad Kalinga work on building homes and sustainable communities for the poor, relying heavily on volunteer labor and support.
While volunteerism is strong in the Philippines, challenges such as limited resources, a lack of awareness, and coordination issues can hinder efforts. The rise of social media and digital platforms, however, has created new opportunities for mobilizing volunteers, spreading awareness, and organizing efforts more efficiently.
For those interested in volunteering in the Philippines, it’s helpful to research causes that you are passionate about and look for organizations working in those areas. Reaching out to these organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities is a good next step. Some volunteer activities may require specific skills or training, so be prepared to undergo orientation or training sessions. Once involved, dedicating your time and energy, even if it’s just a few hours a week, can make a significant difference.
Check out some of these organizations and apply online.
• SOS Children's Village
• NGO Loob
• Volunteer Match
Check on these too:
• Local LGUs
• Senior homes in your area
• Orphanages
• Civil-Military Operations Batallion under the Philippine Army (check your local areas)
For teens on summer vacation, this is a perfect time to get involved in volunteer work. Instead of spending all your free time on leisure activities, consider dedicating some of it to helping others. Volunteering not only benefits your community but also helps you develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and make meaningful connections. It’s a chance to do something fulfilling and impactful, setting a positive example for your peers.
Before applying, ensure you meet these guidelines.
• Age Requirement: You must be 18 years old or older. If you are under 18, make sure you are supervised by an adult or your teacher.
• Guidance: Seek guidance from an able adult or a mentor before applying, especially if this is your first time volunteering. • Peer volunteerism: If it’s your first time volunteering, consider doing so with your peers. Ensure adult supervision if you and your peers are under 18.
• Local organizations: Choose organizations in your area to make volunteering more accessible.
• Clear intentions: Be clear about your availability. If you can only volunteer for a few days or weeks, communicate this to the organization without hesitation.
Following these steps will help you have a successful and fulfilling volunteer experience. For those who are older or have volunteer experience, check out this list.
• iVolunteer
• Volunteer World
• Volunteer HQ
These links provide volunteer opportunities around the Philippines and abroad. Note that some programs may have associated fees. Be sure to read the details carefully and choose wisely. Volunteerism, whether in the Philippines or anywhere else in the world, is a testament to the power of human kindness and community spirit. It not only benefits those in need but also enriches the lives of volunteers, creating a ripple effect of positive change. By giving our time and skills, we can all contribute to a better, more compassionate world.
It has been a never forgetting stay there. It was more than a vacation day. I am really speechless about such a wonderful place near Davao City. Allow me to mention especially Ms. Princess Anne Yucot for her unique service during lunch time.
The stay was amazing and unique. The staff friendly and well trained. I can only tell you: If you are in Davao book your overnight stay here even for several nights. Very recommended is the breakfast. You will start the day with energy and in very good mood.
Southeast Asian Games three-time gold medalist triathlete Kim Mangrabong is happy to see more people take interest in running.
Running is all about community.
Southeast Asian Games three-time gold medalist triathlete Kim Mangrobang is happy to see more people take interest in running.
Filipina triathlete Kim Mangrobang (kimmangrobang Instagram)
This, as the 32-year-old national team member ruled the women’s 10K category of the HOKA Trilogy Run Leg 2 in Manila on Sunday morning, June 2, at the MOA Complex.
Mangrobang covered the distance at 40 minutes and 44 seconds, almost two minutes clear of Mea Gey Ninura in second place followed by Jessah Mae Roba, who both crossed the finish line within a second of each other.
Last February, Mangrobang made a similar conquest in the 5150 Triathlon CamSur.
Unlike in the first leg of the progressive marathon concept in April organized by RUNRIO Inc. CEO and Founder Rio Dela Cruz, temperatures were a little cooler and a lot more bearable for the long-distance participants in the second installment.
“Nag-eenjoy ako pag nagra-race ako ng trilogy run. RUNRIO races are always organized. And I also meet a lot of runners around Metro Manila,” Mangrobang said.
“Ngayon summer kaya medyo humid. Kahit 4 a.m. grabe na ‘yung pawis. Of course with proper hydration nakakatulong ‘yun after intense running,” she added.
Last April, RUNRIO held three separate branded events which include the HOKA Leg 1 followed by the Samsung Galaxy Earth Day Run before capping off the busy running month with the country’s longest-running event in Milo Marathon in back-to-back weeks, all of which Mangrobang believes is the reason why it has become more accessible and easier to get into.
Despite the heat index rise in the past two months, runners all over the Metro have never ceased to show up — for themselves and their community.
“Nakakatuwa na ang dami na ulit community runners. Marami pa ‘yung nagsisimula. Nakaka-proud lang makita ngayon unlike before [kaunti lang]. Mas marami na talaga sila ngayon,” Mangrobang said.
“Ang dami ng mga group runs ngayon. Siyempre nakakatulong tong mga ganitong events for our health and [building community]. I think ‘yung mga ganitong events [fuel that]. Running is all about community.”
Though denied of her dream four-peat in the previous SEA Games edition in Cambodia in 2023, Mangrobang is not slowing down from any type of competition as she seeks to get back on track as the region’s best woman triathlete next year.
Dawn Macandili Catindig Alas Pilipinas AVC Challenge Cup
Dawn Macandili-Catindig during Alas Pilipinas’ bronze medal game against Australia in the AVC Challenge Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.neet
MANILA, Philippines — Dawn Macandili-Catindig offered Alas Pilipinas’ historic bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup to the past Philippine women’s volleyball team players, who have been part of the program’s ups and downs.
The veteran national team libero was one of the two remaining members of the 2018 Asian Games team with captain and setter Jia De Guzman ushering in the Alas era of the national team.
Catindig and De Guzman provided great leadership to the young Nationals and made history by winning bronze in the country’s successful Challenge Cup hosting — the program’s first AVC medal since 1961.
Although only two of them were the holdovers of the past national squads, Catindig still credited the current team’s success to the former players since she started representing the country in 2017.
“Para ito sa mga ate ko na nag simula ng Women’s Volleyball sa Pilipinas at sa mga nakasama ko sa NT, sa hirap at ginhawa. Salamat sa mga pangarap niyo dahil ito’y patuloy na umaagos sa puso ko at patuloy ko kayong ipaglalaban,” wrote Catindig, who teamed up with former national stars Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, Aby Maraño, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and Mylene Paat in the past.
“Salamat sa mga taong dumating sa buhay ko dahil patuloy akong natututo at nai-inspire dahil iisa lang ang ating pangarap. I love working with people who are as passionate and hardworking,” she added.
Catindig protected the country’s floor with Jen Nierva as Alas swept Pool A for a breakthrough semifinal appearance in the AVC but got swept by finalist Kazakhstan. On Wednesday, the Nationals completed their historic run with a bronze-clinching win over Australia.
Despite going through a lot of heartbreaks as a national team player with three straight fourth-place endings in the past Southeast Asian Games, the Cignal HD Spiker was fulfilled after a great run with her younger teammates like Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Eya Laure, and Sisi Rondina.
“Thank You [Lord] for giving me the strength to continue despite the heartbreaks. Every year, You give me renewed hope that it’s gonna be different. That I might make a difference,” said Catindig, who thanked all her teammates, coaches, their fans, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, and her mother team, Cignal.
“Thank you cap, (Jia) for steering the ship. You keep us grounded! I got yo.
Catindig is part of the PNVF’s long-term plan as president Tats Suzara expressed his intention to keep this bronze medal team and pool members Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Casiey Dongallo.
The national team mainstay believes the best is yet to come after showing a lot of promises despite the limited time to prepare.
“We started with no expectations, less than a week to train together, and a challenge in front of us. I’m so proud of all these people who embraced their roles and did it with all their heart FOR THE TEAM. That is why it was easy to play with a light heart because everyone was working hard and at the same time respecting each other’s space,” Catindig said.
