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!
We love to complain! Many times we don't have reasons at all to do so - but, we love to complain. Especially nowadays. Our world is full of mess - isn't it? Of course, somehow it is indeed if you look around.
We bring many more assertions to bear: first, in the past we have been thriftier and economical, more religious and devout, more patriotic, industrious, more hard-working, keen and obedient. And, second, above everything and all: in the past we had more idealists. Third, nowadays we have (mostly?) material things in mind - what a disgrace.
Materialists or idealists? Materialism or Idealism? Whom or what do you love? Love most?
I just quoted Vox Populi... .
A "materialist" has indeed become a swear word. I don't mean with "material" the accumulated data out of which a writer creates a work of literary, historical, or scientific value. A materialist is being easily described as someone with an attitude, who ignores spiritual values, compared with an idealist, who has the tendency to seek the highest spiritual perfection.
Idealism means the doctrine that appearance is purely the perception, the idea of subjects, and that the world is to be regarded as consisting of mind. The coquetry of higher philosophy makes it difficult to bear the ups and downs in our daily life.
Sure, we all know that "our last earthly dress has no pockets any more". Striving for earthly and terrestrial possession, property and estate might be the hit-man of idealism. That's how we have been taught. "Wine, women and song", having the unpleasant feeling of fullness, egoism and bragging as well as showing-off - are these the materialist's real attitudes?
Is the idealist, many times not being able to stand on earth with both feet, the only one who occupies himself with religion and virtuousness - so to speak, with celestial and heavenly things? Is that really so? Can we make such a distinction? Sure, it's easy to do so: it's manageable and comfortable. But well, why is the enjoyment of having a tasty meal BAD, and listening to a recital composed by Johann Sebastian Bach BETTER? Why should art be better than roasted pork and a bottle of wine? Value judgements and moral concepts... .
Owning a house and lot and a car - or even more then one - are earthly properties, as well as bank saving accounts, profitable insurances, and invest advantageously in stocks. Is a terrible underpaid nurse or a book author an idealist, because he or she doesn't work for the filthy lure but for higher values?
Has Jesus been an idealist, because He accepted renunciation and died without terrestrial possession? Has Jesus been a materialist, because He fed thousands of people on the breadline? Are we idealists, if we bequeath nothing to our families and might die without a single centavo, because earthly things are bad?
Anger. A day rarely goes by without us feeling angry. It is not necessary to cite examples. Sometimes, it's just a minor reason like we hate the fly at the wall. Sometimes anger has important reasons.
Anger seems to become the main part of our daily life. That's why it is really important to talk (again?) about this phenomenon. As I said, anger is one of the most basic emotions. Everyone can really get angry. If someone told you, he won't get angry, better don't believe him.
Anger is a terrible feeling of being against something or someone. It can be my neighbor, because he is still (!) burning poisonous plastic and rubber garbage. Many of us get angry observing some politicians during those days worldwide.
Anger is a hostile emotion that sets people against one and another, or even against themselves. By its nature, anger involves opposition, hostility, hatred and dislike. Anger, however, is simpler to define that to identify. Emotions of antagonism can take a wider variety of faces. Expressions of anger range from the overt, in-your-face brand of open hostility to the cold indifference of a silent individual.
Anger at the workplace is becoming very common nowadays.
One of my good friends works as a stewardess. Imagine yourself 35,000 feet up, pushing a trolley down a narrow aisle surrounded by restless passengers. A toddler is blocking your path, his parents not immediately visible. A passenger is irritated that he can no longer pay cash for an in-flight meal, another is demanding to be allowed past to use the toilet. And your job is to meet all of their needs with the same show of friendly willingness. For a cabin crew member, this is when emotional labor kicks in at work.
A term first coined by sociologist Arlie Hochschild, it’s the work we do to regulate our emotions to create “a publicly visible facial and bodily display within the workplace”.
At times, anger can be felt like an inner fire. It hits you in the gut. You see red and feel hot and maybe sweaty. Your stomach gives you problems, our blood pressure rises, and breathing rate increases. Not only neighbors or politicians are the reason for anger. The silent withdrawal and lack of understanding and innumerable shortcomings of a partner or in the family are often an indication that one is angrily punishing the other for not doing things his or her way.
Back to the workplace: unhelpful attitudes such as ‘I’m not good enough’ may lead to thinking patterns in the workplace such as ‘No-one else is working as hard as I seem to be’ or ‘I must do a perfect job’, and can initiate and maintain high levels of workplace anxiety.
When research into emotional labor first began, it focused on the service industry with the underlying presumption that the more client or customer interaction you had, the more emotional labor was needed.
However, more recently psychologists have expanded their focus to other professions and found burnout can relate more closely to how employees manage their emotions during interactions, rather than the volume of interactions themselves. Perhaps just today you turned to a colleague to convey interest in what they said, or had to work hard not to rise to criticism. It may have been that biting your lip rather than expressing feeling hurt was particularly demanding of your inner resource.
But in some cases maintaining the façade can become too much, and the toll is cumulative.
As I stated earlier: Minor things could become the start of anger. Over the years, handling the stress caused by suppressing one's emotions became much harder. Small things seemed huge, we easily dreaded going to work and anxiety escalated.
Across the globe, employees in many professions are expected to embrace a work culture that requires the outward display of particular emotions – these can include ambition, aggression and a hunger for success.
The way we handle emotional labor can be categorized in two ways – surface acting and deep acting.
“How we cope with high levels of emotional labour likely has its origins in childhood experience, which shapes the attitudes we develop about ourselves, others and the world,” says clinical and occupational psychologist Lucy Leonard.
“Unhelpful attitudes such as ‘I’m not good enough’ may lead to thinking patterns in the workplace such as ‘No-one else is working as hard as I seem to be’ or ‘I must do a perfect job”, and can initiate and maintain high levels of workplace anxiety,” says Leonard.
When things get tough, you might be very lucky talking to colleagues to unload. “It’s the saying it out loud that allows me to test and validate my own reaction. I can then go back to the person concerned,” one of my former officemates in Germany explained many years ago.
Those who report regularly having to display emotions at work that conflict with their own feelings are more likely to experience emotional exhaustion
Remaining true to your feelings appears to be key – numerous studies show those who report regularly having to display emotions at work that conflict with their own feelings are more likely to experience emotional exhaustion.
Of course, everybody needs to be professional at work and handling difficult clients and colleagues is often just part of the job. But what’s clear is that putting yourself in their shoes and trying to understand their position is ultimately of greater benefit to your own well-being than voicing sentiments that, deep down, you don’t believe.
Where it is possible, workers should be truly empathetic, be aware of the impact the interaction is having on them and try to communicate in an authentic way. Easy to say, yes, I know. But let's give it a try!
Based on the signed proclamations, the local holidays were declared to allow residents to meaningfully engage in the cultural and historical events significant to their communities.
Malacañang has declared multiple special nonworking days in May 2025 in various parts of the country through a series of proclamations signed to honor local festivals, anniversaries, and historic figures.
File photo
Based on the signed proclamations, the local holidays were declared to allow residents to meaningfully engage in the cultural and historical events significant to their communities.
Through Proclamation No. 849, Friday, May 2, was declared a special nonworking day in Bauan, Batangas, for the Sublian Festival, a traditional celebration known for its devotion to the Holy Cross and the performance of the Subli folk dance.
Under Proclamation No. 850, a special nonworking day was declared on Monday, May 5, in Santiago, Isabela, to celebrate its 31st cityhood anniversary.
Kapangan, Benguet, will also observe a holiday on May 5 under Proclamation No. 851 in remembrance of the birth anniversary of Governor Bado Dangwa. Dangwa, born in 1905, was a prominent World War II officer and served as Benguet governor from 1953 to 1963.
Proclamation No. 852 sets Thursday, May 8, a special nonworking day in President Roxas, Cotabato, to celebrate the municipality's 58th founding anniversary.
Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 853 declares Friday, May 9, a special nonworking holiday in San Jose, Negros Oriental, marking the town's charter day celebration.
Lastly, under Proclamation No. 854, Tuesday, May 20, was declared a special nonworking day in Uyugan, Batanes, to commemorate its foundation day.
Special nonworking days are typically declared to enable citizens to commemorate important local events, celebrate cultural traditions, or remember significant historical figures.
Every year, Holy Week in the Philippines ushers in not only a period of solemn reflection and religious observance but also one of the most significant mass movements of people from urban centers to the provinces. Millions of Filipinos embark on journeys to reunite with family, visit ancestral homes, or take vacations, leading to congested roads, packed transport terminals, and bustling ports. While this tradition fosters familial bonds and spiritual renewal, it also presents considerable challenges, particularly concerning road safety and traveler well-being.
The surge in vehicular traffic during Holy Week amplifies the potential for road-related incidents. Extended hours behind the wheel, coupled with the frustration of gridlocks, can test drivers’ patience, sometimes culminating in road rage—a perilous situation that endangers all road users.
The mix of vehicle types on the highways further complicates the scenario. Motorcycle riders, often maneuvering through tight spaces between larger vehicles, face heightened vulnerability. Additionally, the presence of slow-moving vehicles, such as heavily laden trucks or buses making frequent stops, can disrupt traffic flow and provoke risky overtaking maneuvers.
Government agencies have taken note of these challenges and have made considerable preparations to manage the Holy Week rush. The Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) all coordinate to ensure smoother traffic flow and increased visibility of law enforcement.
The PNP has significantly increased its presence, deploying some 40,000 officers nationwide to secure major thoroughfares, transport hubs, places of worship, and tourist destinations.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued special permits to over 1,000 public utility vehicles (PUVs) to accommodate the expected rise in demand for travel to provincial areas.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is preparing personnel and facilities to service the expected big number of passengers which could reach 157,000 a day, according to New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) report. Port authorities have prepared facilities and procedures in their operations to handle the influx.
Help desks, ambulance stations, and quick response teams, among them the Lakbay Alalay stations, are stationed along major thoroughfares, while random vehicle inspections and drug tests will be conducted by the Land Transportation personnel to ensure safety. Expressway operators will deploy additional personnel and offer real-time traffic updates to guide motorists.
Still, despite these efforts, the success of Holy Week travel ultimately lies in the behavior and mindset of travelers themselves. Patience and preparedness are key. Motorists should ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on a long drive. Overloading vehicles, whether private or public, should be avoided. Drivers must be well-rested and avoid alcohol or any substances that may impair judgment.
Travelers should also plan ahead. Leaving at off-peak hours, using navigation apps to avoid congested routes, and bringing food, water, and essentials can significantly reduce stress. Most importantly, everyone on the road must remember that safety is more important than speed. It is far better to arrive late than to not arrive at all.
On the road, motorists should avoid aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or abrupt lane changes, which can escalate into accidents or confrontations.
Holy Week is a time for spiritual reflection and familial connections. By exercising patience, preparedness, and mutual respect on the roads, we can ensure that our journeys are safe and that the essence of this sacred period is preserved.
Hannah Pangilinan is known for many things—her style, her family, and her social media influence. But what she’s truly passionate about is running. She discovered how running could bring her closer to her family and help her shed the weight she gained during the pandemic.
Hannah Pangilinan
Eventually, it became part of her routine—but with a whole new meaning. Running became a way for her to build a deeper relationship with herself and others.
“Once the family bonding was achieved and the weight slowly left, I was left with the habit of running, and the why completely changed,” Hannah says. “I realized it was something that inspired all the other habits in my life to become better. It gave me better headspace, the chance to bond with like-minded people, and sightsee through fun runs.”
Hannah in one of Just One Fun Run
This realization encouraged her to start her own running club. Dubbed Just One, the club aims to break down misconceptions and the sense of exclusivity that often surrounds running groups. A person can be part of the community simply by showing up. For Hannah, Just One rewards presence—no matter your pace or your reason why.
In a conversation with Style Weekend, Hannah shares more about her running journey, what makes Just One a club for everyone, and how running can be one of the best ways to connect with people.
First of all, what sparked your interest in running? Is it something you share with your family? Running has always been a means to an end. It was the sport I had to do to join my family in triathlons when I was nine, and the fastest way I imagined I could shed the pandemic weight when I was 20.
Once the family bonding was achieved and the weight slowly left, I was left with the habit of running—and the why completely changed. I realized it was something that inspired all the other habits in my life to become better. It gave me better headspace, the chance to bond with like-minded people, and the opportunity to sightsee through fun runs.
Can you tell us the story behind Just One? How long has it been operating, and who are the people behind it? Just One represents my belief in the big things in life starting with small beginnings. Sometimes, we only see people’s successes, which makes starting feel so far from who we want to become. But it all begins with just one dream, one goal, one idea, or one step that brings us closer to life’s many finish lines.
The verse Zechariah 4:10 is etched on the back of every medal from last year’s run: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
This is the core belief behind everything this movement was—and has become. It’s what inspired me to run my first marathon. It started with one workout, one decision to sign up, and one friend who encouraged me to run with her. I wanted to spread this message to help people overcome the fear of starting their fitness journeys and break down the intimidation that running clubs and fun runs often bring.
We started last year as a small running club of 15 people, and we've since grown into a community of 21,000 online. It seems others have embraced the message just as much as I have.
What sets Just One Fun Run apart from other running communities in the metro? Just One is a community for both seasoned and beginner runners. It highlights how running can break down the stigma and exclusivity often tied to fitness. With our running club, you're part of the community simply by being there—not because you earned it or qualified. We reward those who show up, no matter their pace or reason why.
Unlike other running clubs that meet weekly in a single location, Just One hosts pop-up runs once a month in different parts of the Philippines. This helps connect runners who share the same values and energy around running.
We’re also guided by elite running coach Ani de Leon, who ensures that participants in our Open Runs and Fun Runs receive proper guidance to run well and safely.
Finally, our Fun Run is now organized by the world-renowned The Bull Runner Dream Marathon—the first and only marathon dedicated to first- and second-time marathoners. With 14 years of experience, their mentorship has helped elevate both our community and the standards of Filipino running events.
In your opinion, what are the most common misconceptions that beginners have about running communities? Running communities are often seen as intimidating because they’re big groups of strangers. But I’ve found that everyone who shows up does so with the intention to connect. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to meet new people and stay accountable to your workout!
People think that you need to be athletic or a professional runner to join running communities, but with Just One, we have many pace groups to join. Lakwatsa, which is run walk; Sakto Lang, for the chill paces; Hataw, for the go-getters; and Banat, for the elites. Again, no matter what pace you run, you’ll find your place in the running club.
Aside from its health benefits, what do you love most about running? I love running because it’s the perfect metaphor for life. It’s taught me to put one foot in front of the other, to prepare, to persevere—and that community helps you go stronger and farther. There are countless life lessons I’ve picked up along the way.
Haruki Murakami says in his book, “I run, therefore I am.” That statement perfectly sums up how I feel. When I run, I’m reminded that I’m alive, that God gave me this capacity—and that I must use it for good, both for myself and others.
Beyond running, what else can participants look forward to at a Just One Fun Run event? Are there other activities they can join? The Just One Fun Run is happening on July 6, 2025, starting at 3 a.m. at Vermosa Sports Hub.
In the meantime, we invite runners to join our Open Runs, which are public runs held once a month in different locations. We announce the time and place of each pop-up on our Instagram (@runjustone) around two to three days before the event—so be sure to follow us for updates!
We also encourage everyone to engage with our socials for fun and informative running content.
What can we expect next from Just One Fun Run? You can expect a revamped version of last year’s experience—with more community engagement, the most fun and generous sponsors, and of course, me, Coach Ani, and the rest of the running club continuing to show up and support you in your running journey.
In simple terms, it is because the letters with the umlauts (“ä, ö, ü”) have a different pronunciation (i.e., with an “e” sound superimposed on the basic sound) than the same letter without the umlauts. The umlauts you see, which consist of two dots, originally were the tiny German script letter “e,” which was written as in the following illustration:
When a letter, such as “a,” “o,” or “u” was to be pronounced differently, an “e”:
was written over the letter. This letter “e” gradually, over time, was reduced to two vertical strokes,
and eventually to two dots. And that is the way the umlaut developed in German writing and printing.
Miss Universe Philippines 2025 announced the Top 8 finalists of the swimsuit showcase in Boracay
Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — The 65 remaining delegates at this year's Miss Universe Philippines competition were welcomed by fans and supporters in the paradisiacal island of Boracay over the weekend.
During the swimwear showcase, the candidates wore identical Pina Beauty capes over their monokinis and/or bikinis. They gamely danced to the beat and worked the short runway with their pasarela skills.
Eight delegates were named Aqua Boracay Angels, while 13 others were named Arrete Angels of Tagaytay.
Miss Universe Philippines 2025 announced the Top 8 finalists of the swimsuit showcase last Saturday night. The standouts were:
Yllana Marie Aduana (Siniloan, Laguna)
Ma. Ahtisa Manalo (Quezon Province)
Teresita Ssen "Wynwin" Marquez (Muntinlupa)
Gwendoline Meliz Soriano (Baguio)
Amanda Russo (Pasay)
Katrina Llegado (Taguig)
Valerie Claire West (Ifugao), and
Gabrielle Mai Carballo (Cebu City)
The Miss Universe Philippines 2025 coronation night will unfold on May 2, 6 p.m., in SM Mall of Asia Arena. The "Puksaan" is nearing its culmination. Stay tuned!
ON THE ROAD Filipinos often travel extensively during Holy Week (Photo from Unsplash)
Holy Week is observed by many Filipinos in many ways. Some become more religious; others use the season to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Restaurants offer no-meat menus. Movies with biblical themes are shown on TV.
For those traveling by land or by sea, one major item is the food they need to eat on the road, which could leave quite a dent in the budget, especially if traveling with a group. Wise and frugal travelers meet this challenge by packing food to consume on the road. The more adventurous depend on local specialties they find along the way.
The heat of summer could be deadly, not just because of heat stroke, but also in the way heat increases the danger of food poisoning.
Munchies and snacks Cookies, crackers and breads are perfect, healthy hunger-appeasers inside a moving vehicle. They require no spoons and forks. Individually packed, they leave hands and seats with no mess and satisfy hunger pangs between long stretches of highways.
Boiled roots and fruit Everyone loves boiled saba bananas. I buy almost ripe bananas the day before a trip and boil them, skin on, the night before, keeping them in the refrigerator until we’re ready to go. They keep for at least three days.
Another boiled snack our kids looked forward to was boiled kamote (sweet potato), which is always in season. The yellow and purple ones are sweeter and less mealy than the white variety. Like the bananas, they are boiled the night before and refrigerated before the trip. Boiled and unpeeled, they keep for at least two days.
Rare these days even in public markets is cassava, known locally as kamoteng kahoy. It has to be peeled and rinsed thoroughly before boiling. Serve plain, with fresh grated coconut, or in syrup.
Suman and puto Traveling north from Manila, one first encounters Putong Pulo, a specialty of what was Barrio Polo, now more popularly known as Valenzuela. This steamed cake made from ground rice comes in two variants: Putong Puti and Kuchinta.
We always plan on buying bags of puto to sustain us during long trips. Farther north, in Pangasinan province, we stock up on Putong Calasiao. The rice cakes are sold by many ambulant vendors at bus stations.
Historic empanada Swerving off the North Expressway, we took our kids to Malolos, a picturesque town in Bulacan where, in 1898, leaders of the Philippine revolution against Spain met, wrote the first Philippine Constitution in Barasoain Church, and proclaimed independence. Here, what was to be the country’s national anthem was first played.
Almost as famous as the Malolos Constitution is the Malolos Empanada, with the culinary nickname Empanada de Kaliskis. The small deep-fried pie is unique not because of its filling, but due to its flaky, crunchy crust—the result of several layers of different dough. The filling is traditionally chicken-based and lacks the grease one normally encounters in fried empanadas.
Longanisa country In the old days, one could write a cookbook on sausages by simply taking a bus from Manila to Ilocos Norte and eating at every stop the bus made. The new highways and expressways now get motorists faster between points, eliminating the need for meal stops.
For foodies, travel by car is a must in order to make the most of each trip. Hit the capital towns and cities, eat at public markets, ask tricycle and jeepney drivers.
In Baguio City, the meat stalls sell longanisa from many provinces. The multilevel public market in Laoag has meat vendors selling cooked Ilocano specialties based on innards.
Pasalubong It is very important to honor the Filipino tradition of pasalubong — a gift the returning traveler brings back for friends and relatives. The gift need not be expensive but must come from the town or city one visited: moron from Tacloban, coffee from Batangas, durian candy from Davao, dried danggit from Cebu, tsokolate from Bohol, bagnet from Laoag.
Survival tips Stay away from iced drinks; you never know how safe the water used for freezing was. Some retailers use the icebox for raw food and soft drinks, posing the danger of cross-contamination. Coconut milk and cream cause food to spoil fast in summer. Eateries with no comfort rooms are not safe. Do not drink the water.Drink straight from the bottle or can. Always keep a bottle of water handy.
For Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara, there’s no time to slow down now that the All-Filipino Conference crown is within reach once again. After all, they have been in this familiar territory three times.
For Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara, there’s no time to slow down now that the All-Filipino Conference crown is within reach once again. After all, they have been in this familiar territory three times.
Petro Gazz seeks its first All-Filipino Conference title against Creamline. (PVL Images)
But in those three All-Filipino finals appearances, the Angels fell short to clinch that trophy -- incidentally, against the same powerhouse rival in the Creamline Cool Smashers.
Tsuzurabara and the Angels wanted a different storyline this time.
“If we gave our 100 percent to be where we are now, we must give 200 percent in the finals,” said Tsuzurabara moments after he and his stalwarts swept their semifinal assignments -- the last, against Akari in straight sets -- for a place in the best-of-three championship series.
They knew the tough task that lay ahead in facing Creamline, having been in a similar situation in 2019, 2022 and 2023, only to lose in the end. But Petro Gazz is determined not to waste this new opportunity this time.
“Ang haba nitong conference na to at pinagtrabahuhan namin nang maayos para makarating dito. Nasa finals na kami, bibitawan pa ba namin ito?” said Myla Pablo, whose vintage plays were instrumental in the crucial phase of their campaign.
Fil-Am Brooke Van Sickle, who is in her first finals stint, echoed the sentiment and looked at the silver lining of the long, arduous five-month conference.
“It has been a long conference, but I think it allowed us to get to know more about each other and build that team chemistry. We have been pushing each other the whole time, non-stop. To be where we are right now is amazing,” Van Sickle said.
For Petro Gazz, it would take more than flaunting their team chemistry and determination to win. It would be like facing Goliath, with Creamline parading not only its depth and experience, but all its six All-Filipino Conference trophies. The Cool Smashers, in particular, boast of talents like Alyssa Valdez, Bernadeth Pons and Tots Carlos, to name a few.
“Everybody wants it. Everybody’s working hard for the championship. It’s just who would be working harder and performing better at crunch time,” Van Sickle said.
Game 1 is set on Tuesday, April 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the Angels seeking to draw the first blood. Game 2 is set Thursday, April 10, at the same venue, and Game 3, if necessary, is on Saturday, April 12.
