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!

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Miss Earth-Air Yllana Aduana grateful for Miss FIT Philippines journey

By: Armin P. Adina

INQUIRER.net / 10:44 AM July 10, 2024

Reigning Miss Earth-Air Yllana Marie Aduana with the 2024 Miss FIT Philippines behind her onstage

Reigning Miss Earth-Air Yllana Marie Aduana with the 2024 Miss FIT Philippines behind her onstage. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

Reigning Miss Earth-Air Yllana Marie Aduana has now become one of the most iconic Filipino beauty queens in recent memory, and she fondly looked back on her first national title that she said helped mold her into the woman that she has become.

Talking to INQUIRER.net at the sidelines of the 2024 Miss FIT (Face, Intelligence, Tone) Philippines pageant’s preliminary competition at the Music Museum in San Juan City on Monday, July 8, she said the contest is really special for her.

“[This] was the pageant that really paved the way, and really opened multiple doors of opportunity for me. And this is also the pageant that paved the way for me to meet my ProMedia family (her management company), who really treated me like family, too,” said Aduana, who hosted the event.

Filipino time

By Sean Michael S. Caguiwa

There are only three certainties in Filipino life: death, taxes, and being late.

For someone who’s always had his calendar full, it was one of my utmost joys to attend occasions, training, or whatever event necessitated a call time. But as I ticked another event off my calendar, it was as if time also ticked along with it and went to waste.

I’m not leading you to the conclusion that my friends could never give me that dopamine rush or even fit a place in my core memory; it was just that they were always late, and I bore the consequences of waiting hours before the party was even complete.

As time eventually went by in its ever-continuous continuum, I also grew accustomed to being late—and I was a true “Pinoy”—for I’ve become someone who perpetuates the never-ending cycle of “Filipino time.” Why should I bear the burden of tidying myself up in a hurry when I could gather my time so I could slay my outfit? Well, the sad thing is that everyone thinks this way, and in the end, we’ve lived long enough to see ourselves become the villains we hated.

But in the same way that Filipinos are so fond of being late, why not apply it to our inner life philosophy?

I don’t have a personal vendetta for time, but if being late to the call time we’ve agreed upon is socially acceptable, why isn’t it okay for us to not be on the same path of success compared to our peers who have found their way to it already? It’s as simple as this: “Buhay ay ‘di karera” and I’m sure most have heard this from the viral videos that featured learners dancing and singing “Karera,” BINI’s song, during their ceremonies.

And with these videos booming, it’s just another sign that it is time to bolster the fact that it’s okay to be late in life because God has ordained our own paths that will be attained in their perfect timing—for His glory and our good.

But with this fact, it’s only been recently instilled in my mind to heed the truth that I will not always be first, the smartest in the room, or the one people will be pleased with. As a consistently overachieving student, it was as if people and I had been institutionalized with the pretense that it was a sure win for my end, and on the occasion that I lost, I fell into a never-ending spiral of self-doubt. It only led me to the fear of disappointment, and even if I did my best, I always felt like an impostor.

The sad thing is that this lived experience isn’t only my story to attest to, for the conservative roots of our culture have ingrained the idea that being the first to do something always equates to success. While being first may mean that you won a race, the problem is that this isn’t the race to dictate our lives; life is more than just one finish line.

Now, even if I had faced disappointment, I found beauty in the struggle, in the failure, and in the mockery I made of myself when I lost because I knew that there was always beauty in embracing our individuality. And inevitably, if we choose to accept that we have our own story to tell our grandkids one day, it allows us to grow at our own pace and would transform the abhorrent tragedies we once scorned to forget into valuable lessons. It isn’t fitting to succumb to the pressure that culture puts on us to conform to societal timelines, which can stifle our potential in the long run. And every time we choose to slack off because we know that it’s socially acceptable to be late to gatherings nowadays, it’s much healthier to embrace that it’s okay to be late in our dreams because we give ourselves the freedom to explore, to take risks, and to find our unique path without the fear of judgment or failure—without bothering other people’s time or breaching the agreed upon call time.

Just take a look at the success stories that household names in the industry experienced in life, which we once thought were full of success, only to find out that their fruits of labor were the reason their accolades made their way to them. For example, J.K. Rowling didn’t have a magical tale when she wrote “Harry Potter,” as she was rejected by multiple publishers before the book became a global phenomenon. And Colonel Sanders didn’t establish KFC until he was in his 60s. Our stories may never end up as glamorous as theirs, but may these tales be a reminder that lateness doesn’t preclude success; it often accompanies resilience, perseverance, and an appreciation of our achievements.

This is neither a personal love letter to tardiness nor am I romanticizing that Filipinos often struggle with punctuality. Rather, I realized that time wasn’t moving too quickly—I was simply trying too hard to run toward accolades not understanding that life isn’t a race or that I was running with two left feet. I was chasing goals that weren’t meant for me.

Ironically, being late taught me to cherish small moments, even if I missed some because I took my time. “Filipino time” showed me that true destiny isn’t found by rushing.

The world didn’t end when I placed third in the Regional School Press Conference, while all my peers moved on to the National School Press Conference. It didn’t stop when I didn’t attain “with highest honors.” And God didn’t forsake me despite the unfair treatment I received in 10th grade.

I can say, better late than never, it’s okay to be late—I prefer taking my time, and I hope you do, too.

Gagate hoping to form 'winning chemistry' with Thunderbelles

AT A GLANCE

Thea Gagate is looking forward to forming a “winning chemistry” with ZUS Coffee after being selected as the top overall pick in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft Monday night, July 8.

PVL Draft- Thea Gagate-7271.jpg — *Thea Gagate is excited to help ZUS Coffee in the upcoming conference. (PVL Images)*

The 6-foot-2 middle blocker admitted the pressure to deliver is always there for any draft picks, but she is more than focused on jelling with her teammates as the Thunderbelles try to regain lost bearings from the previous conference.

“It’s going to be very exciting,” said Gagate moments after her selection held at the Novotel in Cubao. “I need to make a great relationship with my teammates, especially my coaches and the management, para okay yung environment and para mas maging okay yung laro namin in the upcoming PVL conference,” she added.

A De La Salle University standout and member for the Alas Pilipinas, Gagate is expected to join forces with former College of St. Benilde players that include Cloanne Mondoñedo, Gayle Pascual and Jade Gentapa.

“We’ve never been together with other NCAA team. Hopefully makabuo kami ng magandang synergy together,” Gagate said.

Formerly Strong Group Athletics, the team debuted in the All-Filipino Conference early this year but finished 12th and last with no win and 11 losses.

Under new coach Jerry Yee, the Thunderbelles, along with Gagate and fellow draft picks Sharya Ancheta (13th) and Nikka Yandoc (19th) hope to make an impact in the upcoming conference.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM 'Swift's Church': German city temporarily changing name for Taylor Swift

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

July 5, 2024 | 2:02pm

MANILA, Philippines — The German city of Gelsenkirchen will temporarily change its name to Swiftkirchen ahead of award-winning singer-songwriter Taylor Swift's upcoming stops in the city for her long-running "Eras Tour."

Gelsenkirchen mayor Karin Welge received a letter from local fan Aleshanee Westhoff about the possibility of changing the city's name for Taylor's performances from July 17 to 19, which the official obliged to.

"It's a great idea to temporarily rename Gelsenkirchen to 'Swiftkirchen,' which is why I'm particularly pleased that you can experience the short-term 'renaming' of Gelsenkirchen live and up close in Gelsenkirchen today," Karin replied to Aleshanee.

The fan and her sister Maylia helped install the first sign marking the entrance to "Swiftkirchen" — in English would mean "Swift's Church" — with more signs expected to pop up in the coming months.

A "Taylor Swift tram" is already going around the city and the Taylor will get a colorful stone on the city's official Walk of Fame.

Taylor is currently in the Netherlands leg of the Eras Tour and will stop by Switzerland and Italy before starting off her German legs in "Swiftkirchen" followed by Hamburg and the capital Munich.

Sinag Maynila film festival returns after 4-year hiatus

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza and Solar Entertainment Corporation President and CEO Wilson Tieng announced the return of the Sinag Maynila film festival after a four-year hiatus.

The return is made more significant as the film festival is partnering with the Department of Tourism, Culture & Arts Office of Manila (DTCAM) to support Filipino filmmakers and invigorate the local movie industry.

Sinag Maynila, running from September 4 to 8 in what will be its 6th edition, will feature full-length films, short films, and documentaries in select cinemas.

The festival's run coincidentally falls under the City of Manila's Tourism month which looks to enhance the cultural landscape and tourism of the Philippine capital.

"After taking a pause due to the pandemic, we are very grateful and thrilled to bring back Sinag Maynila," Tieng said in a press conference announcing the film festival's return.

"Our mission — summed up in our slogan — 'Sine Lokal, Pang-International', is given a boost with this historic, first-time partnership with Manila's Tourism Culture & Arts Office," he added, thanking Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan for her support.

Since its inception Sinag Maynila has been giving opportunities for Filipino cinema artists to showcase their talents and provide an alternative space outside the industry's mainstream.

Stars that found a home in the film festival include Alessandra de Rossi, Janine Gutierrez, Angel Aquino, Enchong Dee, Sylvia Sanchez, JC Santos, Aljur Abrenica, Joem Bascom, and Elizabeth Oropesa as well as directors like Zig Dulay, Adolf Alix Jr., Lawrence Fajardo, Jay Altarejos, Richard Somes, Paul Sta. Ana,and Ralston Jover.

"Sinag Maynila is here to give a voice to the Filipino filmmakers whose skill, creativity and ingenuity are definitely world-class," Mendoza said.

"We are heartened to present this opportunity anew. So much is going on and so much has changed in the last four years. We are certain our filmmakers have stories they are raring to share to the rest of the country and the world," he added.

Activities in this year's Sinag Maynila include a campus tour and a Gabi ng Parangal awards ceremony at the Metropolitan Theater. The deadline of entries for the film festival is on July 24.

Angeli Khang, Robb Guinto grateful to star in 1st Vivamax film in cinemas

Vivamax stars Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto feel pressured, but at the same time, grateful to be entrusted by Viva Films to help entice people to go back to the cinemas through their R-16 film ‘Unang Tikim.’

Photo from Viva Artists Agency’s Facebook page

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star

July 10, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Vivamax sexy actresses Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto feel pressured, but at the same time, grateful to be entrusted by Viva Films to help entice people to go back to cinemas through their R-16 film “Unang Tikim.”

“This is the first R-16 Viva film (to be screened) in cinemas and I was chosen (for the role.) I think the weight is on me. Haha! But (I’m) thankful and honored to be entrusted with the movie,” Angeli told The STAR in an exclusive interview.

Robb added that she is feeling jittery and having mixed emotions. “I’m glad that Viva put their trust in us. Like kami yung magiging way for people to go back to cinemas. Nakakakaba and (also) a good feeling because this is the first Vivamax film to be shown in theaters.”

“What Angeli said was right, there’s weight but of course, we will do everything (for this movie). All of us, as the characters, gave our best in (doing) whatever we needed to showcase in this film because we know that this will be shown in cinemas.”

“That’s why when there was a scene or an acting part where the director (Roman Perez Jr.) was not satisfied, it was OK for us to do that scene again, kahit ilang take yan.”

The upcoming erotic romance-drama tells the story of bisexual Yuna (Angeli) and lipstick lesbian Becca (Robb), who fall madly in love and share all their firsts with each other. Their love seems unbreakable until Becca is forced to migrate to the US to be with her family.

Then comes Nicco (Matt Francisco), Yuna’s boss, who has always been interested in her. They eventually get engaged.

Becca, now a professional photographer in the US, returns to the Philippines to complete her dream photo exhibit. She has a new lover named Trisha (Christy Imperial).

Yuna and Becca’s paths cross again and they’ve realized that they still have feelings for each other.

Angeli and Robb have been friends prior to filming “Unang Tikim” but it will be their first time to act in the movie as lead actors. The two didn’t have awkward moments while doing the intimate scenes since they are already comfortable with each other.

“Especially with the first few intimate scenes, we would just laugh around,” shared Robb. “For me, when I learned that I would be working with Angeli, there were really no adjustments for both of us because we are very comfortable working together aside from (the fact) that she is my friend.”

Angeli recalled, “I remember what we said when we were naked, facing each other (during the shoot), ‘Luckily, it’s the two of us working on this together.’”

“It was fun because it was like we were just playing while doing our parts,” continued Angeli.

The most challenging part for them was their steamy scene along the creek.

“It was raining (at that time). We were filming early morning. (The water) was ice cold. The challenge was while we were doing the sexy scene, tina-try kong hindi manginig yung bibig ko.”

“It was like an ice bucket challenge,” quipped Robb. “Of course, when we were doing the love scene, we had to look normal even if it was cold. After they said, ‘Cut!’ we were really shivering.”

When queried if there’s a difference in doing a kissing or steamy scene with a girl or a guy, Angeli said there’s none. “Because it’s (part of) work,” she replied.

Both agreed that they are more comfortable doing such scenes with a girl as co-actor.

Robb explained, “You know your limitations with each other. You know the things that are not allowed. Pakiramdaman, eh. If you feel that your female co-star is uncomfortable, when she’s struggling with the kissing scene, you have to adjust. Because you’ll feel that she’s not able to execute it.”

Asked about their reactions on bashers on social media, Angeli stressed with a laugh, “It’s not true na laspag kami. No penetration.”

The Queen of Vivamax noted that doing sexy roles is just work. “We are different in real life and we are only doing what we’re being told. Also, if you see that it’s a bad thing for you to watch and for your family to watch, next ka na lang.”

“They thought kasi na may mga ganun, eh (laughs),” chimed in Robb. “As long as we are happy doing our work, wala naman kaming gustong iparating sa iba sa ginagawa namin.”

Meanwhile, Angeli and Robb shared an encounter with a fan who has been “very generous and supportive” of them.

“Every day, he would go to the set and bring with him a box of McDo and Jollibee (food) for us. Tapos laging mag-me-message sa’yo,” disclosed Angeli.

“There was this one time nag-pa-paint siya ng picture naming dalawa (Robb) and he requested us to sign it. And every time he goes to the set, he would ask for a photo with us and then leave.”

“He even visited Angeli while filming ‘Black Rider,’” added Robb. “He would also visit me in my events in Cebu and Tarlac.”

(“Unang Tikim” will hit cinemas on Aug. 7).

Romancing the moon: A review of 'Fly Me to the Moon'

Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in 'Fly Me to the Moon'

In this climate of cinema 2024, original IP has been constantly challenged to find an audience, so I’m happy to come upon films that don’t rely on instant franchise recognition or long-established IP. This new rom-com from director Greg Berlanti (of Love, Simon fame) features Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in a cast that is set in the era of the American-Soviet space race of the 1960s.

Berlanti readily admits that the first plan for this film was to go direct to streaming on Apple. Still, test audiences reacted favorably to the screenings, and a theatrical distribution deal with Columbia/Sony was worked out. The film hits Philippine cinemas this July 10.

The film's premise is a fictitious retelling of the events leading up to the historic Apollo 11 moon mission, when Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins cemented how the US would come from behind, trump the space race, be the first to put someone on the moon and televise the historic moment.

Cole Davis (Channing Tatum) is the launch commander at NASA and plays it by the book to the letter. Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) is a marketing whiz with a shady past who was hired by Moe (Woody Harrelson), who claims he works directly for the White House. The Kelly assignment is to generate popular interest in the space race and help create continued funding for NASA. With Kelly, the end always justifies the means, so there’s the built-in conflict between Cole and Kelly - in other words, its opposites attract rom-com time!

Playing strong support are Henry (Ray Romano), who works with Cole in the launch operations, and Lance (Jim Rash), an advertising director with an over-inflated ego and is consistently hilarious - go-to of Kelly when she needs a director.

It’s the hush-hush Project Artemis (Artemis is explained as Apollo’s sister) that proverbially thickens the plot and heightens the stakes between Cole and Kelly. I’ll leave you to watch the film and discover what Artemis is about.

There’s witty repartee and gentle but effective humor carrying the first half of the film. The chemistry between Johansson and Tatum works, but not in a Stop the World magnitude. Just right, and that’s fortunate, as some might have questioned if these two are still that popular - or if the pairing made more sense five to seven years ago.

When the narrative shifts tone and goes serious, I wonder if the audience will still go along for the ride. It rights itself via suspense in the last twenty minutes, but by that time, some may be confused by the constant change of tonality.

It’s far easier to see why this was initially created to go straight to streaming, but insofar as the dearth of rom-coms today is concerned, this film fits the bill and offers some viewing pleasure.

A German Expat in The Philippines - Ein deutscher Auswanderer auf den Philippinen

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