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!
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" is a 1988 song by Bobby McFerrin, released as the first single from his album Simple Pleasures (1988). It was the first a cappella song to reach number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a position it held for two weeks. Originally released in conjunction with the film Cocktail, the song peaked at number-one on September 24, 1988 displacing "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses.
Almost on the way to the airport , I get this in mind: we hardly count our blessings. We enjoy counting our crosses. Instead of gains, we count our losses. We don't have to do all that counting - computers do it for us. Information is easily had.
Just remember this: Opportunity doesn't just knock - it jiggles the doorknob, and "your friend" - the worrier, is with you day and night, at every corner, following your every step. Complaining and grumbling are good excuses, aren't they? We have time and opportunities to do almost anything. So why haven't we done it? We have the freedom of bondage or restraint, every one of us in his or her very special way - but, we're still our old inferior selves.
The whole world is an awful place filled with dreadful and terrible negativism. No wonder, if you check the daily news.Yes, I confess, I am also surrounded by many worriers who put their fears into me! Politicians, i.e., many times love to search for some grave alarm that will cause individuals to abandon their separate concerns and act in concert, so that politicians can wield the baton. Calls to fatal struggles and fights are forever being surrounded.
But at this moment, I am counting my blessings and thank our Almighty God for everything.
Well, when will we start counting our courage and not our fears, or enjoy instead our woes? Worrying itself is pointless. Of course, no society has achieved perfect rules of law, never-ending education or unique responsible governments. Let's seek out the worries but avoid the warriors, because they try to avoid liberty.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that seven areas may experience a heat index ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius (°C) on Friday, March 28.
A heat index between 42°C and 51°C is considered “dangerous,” as heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, and heatstroke may occur with prolonged exposure.
PAGASA identified the following areas that could reach dangerous heat index levels on Friday: Dagupan City, Pangasinan (46°C); General Santos City, South Cotabato (43°C); Aparri, Cagayan (42°C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (42°C); Cubi Pt. Subic Bay, Olongapo City, Zambales (42°C); Sangley Pt., Cavite City, Cavite (42°C); and Cuyo, Palawan (42°C).
The public is urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat looming on the horizon — it is a present reality demanding immediate, unified action. In 2024 alone, we have witnessed an unprecedented surge in ocean temperatures, illustrating just how rapidly and dramatically our planet is changing. Global temperatures have soared past the critical 1.5°C threshold, a milestone scientists have long cautioned we should avoid crossing to prevent catastrophic climate impacts.
We have also seen carbon dioxide (CO2) levels spike to their highest in 800,000 years, underscoring the deep human imprint on our environment. These statistics are more than mere numbers; they are warnings, telling us that the decisions we make today will shape the world for future generations.
One stark indicator of the urgency we face is how fast sea levels are rising. Satellite measurements reveal that the rate of sea level rise has doubled since such monitoring began, placing coastal communities at greater risk of flooding and land loss. Coupled with the largest three-year loss of glacier mass ever recorded—between 2022 and 2024—these trends paint an unsettling picture of what the future might hold if we continue along our current trajectory.
Ice sheets, glaciers, and polar regions act like the Earth’s cooling system, reflecting sunlight back into space. As ice mass diminishes, more heat is absorbed by our planet, further fueling the warming cycle. This vicious cycle intensifies other climate-related challenges, from droughts and extreme storms to surging ocean temperatures that threaten marine life.
The second-lowest extent of Antarctic sea ice on record, also documented recently, is another glaring example of our planet’s imbalance. The cryosphere, encompassing all frozen water on Earth, is profoundly sensitive to temperature changes. When these critical systems are disrupted, there can be ripple effects worldwide, such as altered ocean currents, shifting weather patterns, and diminishing freshwater supplies. These impacts are not confined to the poles. In a connected world, distress in one region eventually sends shockwaves across the globe, reinforcing the reality that climate change is not someone else’s problem; it belongs to us all.
Nowhere is this more evident than in nations like the Philippines, one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. An archipelago prone to typhoons, storm surges, and rising seas, the Philippines is on the front lines of climate-induced disasters. Storms like Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 offered a horrifying preview of what ever-intensifying tropical cyclones might look like in a warmer future.
Flooding, agricultural destruction, and infrastructural damage threaten the economy and displace countless families, ultimately perpetuating cycles of poverty. The Philippines’ geographical and socio-economic vulnerability should serve as a clarion call for the international community: no country is immune to the impacts of a warming world, and those with fewer resources are hit hardest.
The real question before us is not whether we can act but whether we will act swiftly and decisively. Transitioning to clean energy, preserving and expanding natural carbon sinks like forests and mangroves, and prioritizing resilience in infrastructure are essential steps. Large-scale systemic changes — shifting from fossil fuels to renewables, integrating sustainable agricultural practices, and implementing robust climate policies — need global cooperation to succeed.
Equally vital is local action: citizens making environmentally conscious lifestyle changes, communities uniting to protect natural habitats, and youth raising their voices in climate movements.
We must remember we are the guardians of this planet for the next generation. The future they inherit depends on the steps we take today. Each fraction of a degree of warming that we prevent will mean fewer storms with the destructive power of Haiyan, fewer communities flooded, and fewer families displaced. We are living through a pivotal moment in history.
By recognizing the Philippine experience as a microcosm of global climate vulnerability, we underscore our collective responsibility to address climate change — now, not only for our sakes, but for our children, grandchildren, and every generation that follows.
Working non-stop for over two decades and experiencing an unexpected slowdown during the 2020 lockdown, Cat Ilacad, founder and CEO of Posh Nails Inc., and Rachelle Stern, CEO of Alphabetsoup Inc., found themselves reflecting deeply and engaging in meaningful conversations.
"During a late-night call, as we washed away our anxieties, Rachelle and I found ourselves talking about what else we could do. I told her how, when I was starting Posh Nails, I wished I had a small group of people to talk to — a place to share suppliers, business ideas, and simply rant about the challenges that business owners face. I never managed to form that group. She also felt the same way,” shares Cat on how the community group Leading Ladies was founded in 2021.
"At a time when many women were feeling isolated, struggling to launch new ventures, or simply in need of a supportive ear during challenging times, we created this space. Leading Ladies is all about fostering an empowering community where women can connect, share experiences, and support each other’s growth—both personally and professionally,” adds Rachelle.
Manila Bulletin sat down with Cat and Rachelle as they shared their journey as co-founders of Leading Ladies and how their vision continues to empower women.
The ‘Ladies Who Launch’ event in October 2024 marked Leading Ladies’ first in-person gathering.
The collaborator Cat Ilacad founded Posh Nails, Inc., a nail salon, beauty, and wellness business, in 2002. Today, the company boasts 35 branches nationwide and offers franchise opportunities to loyal clients who have come to love the salon.
Over the years, Cat has worked closely with many women who face the same challenges of balancing work and personal life while striving to break free from societal expectations. “But I’ve also seen the power of resilience, collaboration, and mentorship. When women support each other, success comes faster and feels more meaningful,” she says.
This belief is at the heart of Leading Ladies. Cat emphasizes that one of their main goals is to provide a community where women can share their journeys, including resources, contacts, and lessons learned—without gatekeeping.
“Many of us had to figure things out the hard way, and we wanted to remove that barrier. We achieved this by building a culture of generosity and launching events where real conversations happen,” she points out.
The cheerleader Rachelle Stern, chief executive officer and president of the advertising and marketing agency Alphabetsoup, Inc., has faced her fair share of discrimination at work. “It often takes extra effort to be taken seriously and have our expertise recognized,” she shares—a frustration many women experience.
She attributes her resilience to her work environment, which celebrates women. “It’s inspiring to see my fellow female colleagues excel in their respective fields. It truly makes a difference when women support one another, rather than pulling each other down,” Rachelle says.
“My hope is that every member feels valued as a woman entrepreneur and leader. Through this network, they’ll discover fresh ideas, exciting collaborations, and new opportunities for growth,” she continues. “At the same time, I wanted this community to foster both personal and professional growth, helping women rediscover their passions and achieve holistic success.”
The second ‘Ladies Who Launch’ event, held in December 2024, welcomed a new wave of attendees.
The power of three In 2024, celebrity-turned-advocate for family, fitness, and faith, Rica Peralejo, joined Leading Ladies as its third co-founder. Since then, the trio has had a busy and productive last quarter of the year.
What began as online gatherings during the lockdown evolved into their first in-person events late last year. "Ladies Who Launch" made its debut in October 2024, followed by a second event in December—held by popular demand. Both events sold out in less than two weeks.
“It’s all about empowering women to turn their ideas into action. It’s a space where we dive into conversations about building meaningful connections, creating sustainable businesses, and learning directly from other women,” explains Cat.
Reflecting on the success of these two events, Rachelle knew they were making a difference, but she didn’t fully grasp the profound impact their efforts had on the community.
“I was blown away by the energy—women who hadn’t even met before came together, and it felt like we were all on the same page. That incredible experience fueled my desire to give even more to our community and push Leading Ladies to new heights,” she says.
Celebrate and empower
Now, three months after their back-to-back sold-out events, Leading Ladies is celebrating Women’s Month this March with their biggest gathering yet. Cat shares, “We knew we had to go bigger. We asked ourselves—how can we truly make an impact?”
Enter “She Shines”—a one-day summit offering attendees a range of activities based on their interests. These include inspirational keynotes, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, pampering sessions, and much more.
Hosting their biggest event this month holds a special significance for Rachelle. “Women’s Month is an opportunity to celebrate the many facets of womanhood. It’s about recognizing that we’re leading ladies—in our homes, workplaces, families, and beyond,” she explains.
Cat adds, “You are stronger, braver, and more capable than you realize. The dreams you hold in your heart are possible, but you don’t have to chase them alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, lift you higher, and remind you of your own power when you start to doubt it. Take bold steps, embrace challenges, and trust that every small move forward brings you closer to the life you envision. Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about lifting each other up and rising together.”
