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!
The Philippines has been re-elected as Vice President of the United Nations (UN) Tourism General Assembly and Chair of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific for the 2025 to 2027 term, the Department of Tourism (DOT) disclosed on Wednesday, April 16.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the country’s renewed mandate during the 56th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP ) in Indonesia, where the Philippines received unanimous support from member states.
“We are deeply honored by this renewed trust, which reflects the Philippines’ growing influence in advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism across the region,” Frasco said.
She emphasized the country’s commitment to a tourism agenda that prioritizes stakeholder welfare, employment generation, and cultural heritage preservation.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commended the Philippines for its continued leadership and strong partnership in shaping global tourism strategies focused on sustainability and community empowerment.
The DOT noted that the Philippines' leadership in both global and regional platforms would further strengthen tourism recovery, foster innovation, and build partnerships that directly benefit Filipino workers and communities.
Frasco’s participation also highlights the Philippines' increasing visibility in international tourism discussions, aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s efforts to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth and global collaboration.
As vice president and regional chair, the Philippines is poised to advocate for climate-resilient and inclusive tourism strategies under the National Tourism Development Plan, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN Tourism General Assembly and the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific serve as key platforms to ensure the priorities of island and developing nations are effectively represented in global tourism policymaking.
The 17-year-old German became the first player born in 2008 to win a match on the ATP Tour and celebrated the feat with a unique celebration.
MUNICH (AP) — Diego Dedura-Palomero made his mark on tennis in more than one way Tuesday, April 15.
Germany's Dedura-Palomero plays Canada's Denis Shapovalov during the first round of the Munich tennis tournament, in Munich, Germany, Tuesday, April, 15. (Tom Weller/dpa via AP)
The 17-year-old German became the first player born in 2008 to win a match on the ATP Tour and celebrated the feat with a unique celebration.
After his opponent Denis Shapovalov retired when trailing 7-6 (2), 3-0 in their first-round match at the BMW Open in Munich, Dedura-Palomero used his feet to scrape out a cross on the Munich clay before lying down on top of it.
Dedura-Palomero said he was “quite religious” and the celebration was “a gesture of gratitude,” in comments reported by German news agency dpa.
Only four players younger than Dedura-Palomero — including a 16-year-old Boris Becker in 1984 — have ever won at the storied Munich tournament, the ATP said. The most recent was Romanian Dinu Pescariu, who had just turned 17 when he upset John McEnroe in 1991.
Dedura-Palomero wasn’t even meant to be playing Tuesday. The teenager from Berlin had lost in qualifying to Alexander Bublik but got a place in the main draw when Gael Monfils withdrew. After his win against the eighth-seeded Shapovalov, Dedura-Palomero goes on to play Zizou Bergs in the second round.
Also Tuesday in Munich, Mariano Navone upset third-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3), fourth-seeded Ugo Humbert beat Nicolas Jarry 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, and fifth-seeded Francisco Cerundolo won 6-0, 6-2 against Jan-Lennard Struff. There was another upset as German wild card Yannick Hanfmann ousted sixth-seeded Jakub Mensik 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-3.
Today, Maundy Thursday, we remember the image that represents this day: Jesus gathered with His disciples, took a towel and basin, and knelt to wash their feet. It was a gesture of humility and also of deep and selfless love. And then came His new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).
It is a beautiful command, easy to admire, but harder to live.
Often when we hear “love your neighbor,” we imagine a distant someone — the poor, the marginalized, or even a stranger in need. That love for a distant someone is necessary and good, and it has inspired many to donate to organizations that work to help the poor.
But Jesus’ commandment begins in a room with His closest companions—those who shared bread with Him, including the one who would betray Him. Love, it seems, must begin close to home. It does not begin with faceless strangers.
Showing love at home is not easy. What if the home is where the wounds are? That’s when the “love one another” commandment becomes more difficult to practice.
There are many reasons why this is difficult. There are families where siblings have not spoken in years, some due to inheritance issues, others to misguided comments. There are homes where a parent and child have grown distant, not out of geography but because of old arguments or misunderstood silences. There’s the holiday meal where unspoken tension tempers behavior and comments. And there are couples who have drifted apart and are now living separate lives.
It's sad that in some cases, the people we avoid most carefully are those we once shared a room with as children. How often do we hear friends say they have not spoken to a sibling for many years?
For some, it seems easier to give to charity or volunteer at church than to call a brother they’ve not spoken to in a decade. It is easier to love the idea of humanity than to love a mother who disappointed us, a father who failed us, or a cousin who betrayed our trust.
Maundy Thursday stands with a quiet and powerful invitation: to stoop, to serve, and to love even those who are hardest to love — especially when they are in our own family.
The commandment Jesus gave wasn’t abstract. It was rooted in His actions. He washed the feet of His disciples — including Peter, who would deny Him, and Judas, who would betray Him. He loved them anyway. He fed them. He spoke peace to them.
Outside the home but nearer to us, where else can we live this commandment?
In the workplace, where grudges simmer just beneath polite exchanges. In our neighborhoods, where we may have stopped talking to someone over a long-forgotten offense. In churches, where theological differences sometimes cut deeper than they should. In marriages grown distant. In friendships grown cold. But especially — in families fractured by time, ego, or hurt.
This Maundy Thursday, we are not merely invited to remember a ritual. We are called to a way of life. To a love that reaches first not to the farthest, but to the nearest. A love that may cost us our pride, that requires us to kneel and wash feet — even if the feet belong to someone we don’t particularly want to touch.
Perhaps the most sacred thing we can do this Holy Week is to send a message. Make a call. Offer an apology. Begin again. I know these are difficult things to do. I’ve been there.
The table Jesus sets is always wide enough for reconciliation.
Before we serve the world, perhaps we are called to bend low and serve those in our own homes — those we’ve perhaps stopped seeing, or worse, stopped forgiving. Today is a good day to let love begin not just at the altar or the soup kitchen, but at our own dinner table.
Holy Week marks a crucial time for Filipinos to reconnect with their spirituality. During this time, one practice is the Bisita Iglesia, wherein folks visit seven different places of worship to pray. Others take a pilgrimage to far-off places throughout the country. This year, consider visiting Montemaria Shrine in Batangas.
Montemaria Shrine in Batangas is home to the Mother of All Asia - Tower of Peace. It is the tallest statue in the country and is considered the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in the world. In comparison, it stands taller than the US' Statue of Liberty and Brazil's Christ the Redeemer. Visitors at the shrine can go up to the hands and crown of the statue to see and take pictures of the Batangas Bay. The shrine also features the Sto. Niño Chapel, a place where the faithful can attend daily masses and receive the sacraments.
Sto. Niño Chapel
Last year, over 100,000 visitors went to Montemaria Shrine to pay their respects. This year, the shrine has added new features, including an expanded restaurant and food complex, a modernized Stations of the Cross, and an expanded road network to accommodate the projected increase of visitors going to the shrine.
“As we head toward the Holy Week, we invite the faithful to spend this solemn experience at the Montemaria Shrine — whether you are sightseeing with your loved ones or visiting to practice your Catholic faith,” shares Guoan Wu, President of Fluvion.
In partnership with theManila Bulletin,Himig Panalangininvites viewers to rediscover the role of sacred music in everyday life—from the quiet corners of parish choirs to the grand harmonies of Filipino liturgical history.
This Holy Week, let the power of sacred music lead you into deeper reflection and renewal.
Jesuit Communications (JesCom) proudly presents Himig Panalangin, its 19th Holy Week television special, airing this Black Saturday, April 19, at 7:30 a.m. on GMA-7. A moving documentary on how Catholic music shapes and strengthens faith, Himig Panalangin is a soul-stirring tribute to the songs, stories, and spiritual journeys that define Filipino worship.
In partnership with the Manila Bulletin, Himig Panalangin invites viewers to rediscover the role of sacred music in everyday life—from the quiet corners of parish choirs to the grand harmonies of Filipino liturgical history.
Music in the midst of struggle
At its heart, Himig Panalangin tells the powerful stories of three individuals whose lives were transformed through music and faith.
The documentary features:
A convict-turned-composer who found redemption in the prison music ministry,
A devoted choir member battling chronic illness while continuing to serve the Church,
And a Filipina OFW in Hong Kong, leading her parish choir while drawing spiritual strength far from home.
Through these deeply human narratives, Himig Panalangin reflects on how music becomes a prayer, a refuge, and a calling—especially in times of difficulty.
Honoring musical pillars of faith
For the first time in Philippine media, Himig Panalangin also honors two prominent figures in Filipino liturgical music: Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ, widely regarded as the Father of Filipino Liturgical Music, and National Artist Lucio San Pedro.
Fr. Hontiveros, an esteemed Jesuit priest from Molo, Iloilo, composed over 400 hymns—Papuri sa Diyos, Pananagutan, and Luwalhati, among many others—despite having no formal musical education. His legacy is illuminated through reflections from his notable mentees: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, and Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ.
Likewise, Himig Panalangin retraces the spiritual influence of Lucio San Pedro, whose compositions continue to enrich church celebrations in his hometown of Angono, Rizal, and beyond.
A symphony of worship
Musical performances by some of the country’s finest ensembles, including the Bukas Palad Music Ministry, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Banda Uno, and the Pansol Choir, bring these stories to life. Their renditions serve as both tribute and testimony to the enduring beauty of Filipino liturgical music.
A tradition of faith-driven storytelling
Following the success of Visita Iglesia, JesCom’s 2023 Lenten special and a finalist at the 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards, Himig Panalangin continues the humble mission of the official media arm of the Society of Jesus’ Philippine Province of evangelizing through compelling and creative programming.
With multiple CMMA wins for “Best TV Special” over the years, JesCom’s Holy Week programs have become a cherished tradition for Filipino viewers seeking spiritual nourishment.
This Black Saturday, let Himig Panalangin accompany your journey of reflection and faith.
Tune in to Himig Panalangin, April 19 at 7:30 AM on GMA-7.
Nora was last seen in the horror movie "Mananambal," produced by Viva Films. However, she was unable to promote the film.
Nora Aunor
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, beloved singer and actress, has passed away. She was 71.
Nora's son actor Kristoffer Ian De Leon confirmed this sad news in a post on Facebook on April 16. Ate Guy is the mother of actors Lotlot De Leon and Matet De Leon.
"We love you Mom..God knows how much we love you.. Rest now, Ma... You are just here in our hearts and minds," Ian initially wrote on Facebook.
Then Ian made a formal announcement of his mother's death.
"With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor 'Nora Aunor' who left us on today April 16, 2025 at the age of 71.
"She was the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever.
"Details to be announced tomorrow."
One of the stars who mourned Nora's death was her showbiz rival Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto. On social media, Ate Vi wrote: "Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, mare. Ms Nora Aunor! Our Superstar and National Artist ... Maraming salamat!"
Her passing sent shockwaves through the Philippine movie industry, which is still mourning the death of Asia's Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales, last April 12.
Nora was last seen in the horror movie "Mananambal," produced by Viva Films. However, she was unable to promote the film. Only the younger cast members—Bianca Umali, Kelvin Miranda, Jeric Gonzales, EA Guzman, and Martin Escudero — handled the film's promotion. Prior to this, Nora also starred in the drama "Piyeta," directed by Adolf Alix Jr.
She was taking another shot at politics when she decided to run as nominee of the People's Champ Guardians Party-list for the mid-term elections. But she backed out.
'Namatay na ako eh'
In an interview in August 2023, Nora stated she was healthy, although she admitted to regretting her past smoking habit. "Okay naman ako."
"Naabuso ko noon ang sarili ko. Kaya kayo huwag kayong maninigarilyo," said Nora, adding that she became more health conscious now. (I used to abuse myself. So don't smoke.)
The one and only superstar added: "Hindi na talaga ako naninigarilyo. Namatay na ako eh. Ang laki ng pasasalamat ko andito pa ako. Palagay ko may misyon pa ako sa buhay. Marami pa tayong pasasayahin na tao. (I don't smoke anymore. I was dead. I'm so thankful I'm still here. I still have a mission in life. We'll make a lot of people happy.)"
In the past, doctors advised Nora to quit smoking after she was hospitalized due to difficulty in breathing.
Born in Iriga, Camarines Sur on May 21, 1953, Nora whose real name is Nora Villamayor rose to fame when she won the grand finals of Tawag Ng Tanghalan in 1967.
Aside from being a recording artist, Nora also became one of the most awarded actresses in Philippine cinema, having appeared in critically acclaimed movies such as "Himala," "Bona," "The Flor Contemplacion Story," "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos," "And God Smiled At Me," "Bulaklak Sa City Jail," "Thy Womb," and more.
Following years of being nominated, Nora was finally declared one of the new National Artists for 2022.
Nora is the recipient of the prestigious honor for film and broadcast arts, along with screenwriter-novelist Ricardo "Ricky" Lee, and the late movie director Marilou Diaz Abaya.
She conquered the stage, performing in two major productions of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).
In 1992, Nora was elevated to the FAMAS Hall of Fame. She was given the FAP Lifetime Achievement Award the following year. And in 1999, she was one of the recipients of the Centennial Honors for the Arts, given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines to 100 Filipinos who have made significant contributions to culture and the arts in the 20th century.
In November 2012, she won the coveted Best Actress Award from 6th Asia Pacific Screen Award, and consequently became the first Filipino actor to be inducted as a member of Asia Pacific Screen Academy. She also won Best Actress at the 7th Asian Film Awards.
Während Forscher für die Streichung eines Feiertages plädieren, kritisieren Gewerkschaften den Vorschlag. Ablehnung kommt auch von Unternehmern.
Köln – In nächster Zeit stehen viele Feiertage an, die auf normale Arbeitstage fallen: Ostern, Tag der Arbeit, Christi Himmelfahrt und Pfingsten. Innerhalb von zehn Wochen sind das fünf freie Tage – in acht Bundesländern mit Fronleichnam sogar sechs Feiertage unter der Woche. Die vielen freien Tage kritisieren Wirtschaftsexperten, die sich für die Streichung eines Feiertages aussprechen. Das Ziel: Das Bruttoinlandsprodukt (BIP) steigern. Dem stellen sich Arbeitgeber und Arbeitnehmer entgegen.
Wirtschaft ankurbeln: Wirtschaftsforscher wollen einen Feiertag streichen
Welche Auswirkungen hätte die Streichung eines Feiertags auf die Wirtschaft? Laut einer Berechnung des Instituts der deutschen Wirtschaft (IW) könnte das BIP dadurch um fünf bis 8,6 Milliarden Euro steigen – abhängig von der gewählten Berechnungsmethode.
„Das ist absolut gesehen durchaus eine Hausnummer und würde auch eine gewisse Entlastung für den Staatshaushalt bedeuten“, so Christoph Schröder, Arbeitsexperte am IW Köln gegenüber der Tagesschau. Ein zusätzlicher Arbeitstag habe in vielen Branchen einen spürbaren Effekt: in der Industrie und auch in manchen Dienstleistungsbereichen. „Am größten ist der Effekt in der Bauwirtschaft“, so Schröder.
Feiertag streichen? Arbeitgeber wehren sich – und befürchten mehr Krankheitstage
Trotz der Zahlen spricht sich Mittelständler Thomas Reimann gegen die Streichung eines Feiertages aus. Er leitet in fünfter Generation das Bauunternehmen ALEA AG, das 88 Beschäftigte im Hoch- und Tiefbau zählt. „Es ist sicherlich richtig, dass die Produktivität steigt, wenn man einen Feiertag streicht. Aber es ist doch fraglich, ob sich das tatsächlich positiv auswirkt oder ob ich nicht die Produktivität der Arbeitnehmer dadurch demotiviere“, erklärt der Unternehmer dem Sender. Er befürchtet sogar, dass eine solche Maßnahme dazu führen könnte, dass Beschäftigte vermehrt auf Krankheitstage zurückgreifen, um sich freie Zeit zu verschaffen.
„Man braucht auch Erholung“: Unternehmer spricht sich gegen Streichung von Feiertagen aus
Eine ähnliche Position vertritt Unternehmer Lutz Weiler, berichtet die Tagesschau. Mit seiner Firma Klimasphalt ist er hauptsächlich im Straßenbau tätig. Zwar sind die Auftragsbücher voll, ein gestrichener Feiertag könne dem Unternehmen letztendlich schaden: „Wir kalkulieren immer mit 220 Arbeitstagen. Zuletzt ist das um fünf Tage gefallen auf 215, weil die Krankentage um fünf Tage zugenommen haben.“
Käme ein zusätzlicher Arbeitstag dazu, könne sich die Situation sogar verschlechtern, so Weiler. „Das ist ein anstrengender Job, und da braucht man auch Erholung.“ Er betont: „Die Gewerkschaften werden sich diesen Tag zurückholen, ob es monetär ist oder in Arbeitszeit. Ich glaube nicht, dass das was bringen wird.“
Kritik an Streichung von Feiertag: Gewerkschaft will weiteren Feiertag einführen
Der Deutsche Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) lehnt die Abschaffung eines Feiertags entschieden ab. „Ein gestrichener Feiertag für die Beschäftigten wird die Wirtschaft nicht entfesseln“, erklärte DGB-Vorstandsmitglied Anja Piel auf der Plattform X (ehemals Twitter). Sie betonte, dass Feiertage „kein Luxus, sondern ein essenzieller Bestandteil unserer Arbeitskultur“ seien.
Tatsächlich geht die Haltung des DGB in die entgegengesetzte Richtung des IW. „Es ist kein Geheimnis, dass wir uns gut vorstellen könnten, einen zusätzlichen Feiertag einzuführen“, sagt Michael Rudolph vom DGB Hessen-Thüringen gegenüber der Tagesschau. Arbeitnehmer bräuchten mehr, statt weniger Erholung. Laut Rudolph könne man sich etwa einen Feiertag für den Frauentag oder den Tag von der Befreiung des Faschismus vorstellen.
Umfrage zeigt: Mehrheit der Deutschen ist gegen die Abschaffung eines Feiertages
Die Mehrheit der Deutschen lehnt die Abschaffung eines Feiertags zur Steigerung der Wirtschaftsleistung ab. Laut einer Forsa-Umfrage im Auftrag des Stern sind 65 Prozent der Befragten gegen einen solchen Schritt, während 32 Prozent ihn unterstützen. Ob jemand den Vorschlag befürwortet oder ablehnt, hängt stark von Alter und beruflichem Status ab. So sprechen sich 70 Prozent der Berufstätigen gegen eine Kürzung der Feiertage aus, ebenso 51 Prozent der Selbstständigen. Bei den Rentnern hingegen befürworten 52 Prozent die Maßnahme.
Eine Umfrage der Bild am Sonntag zeigt außerdem, dass viele Menschen eher mehr Feiertage befürworten als deren Abschaffung. Fast die Hälfte der Befragten spricht sich für eine Vereinheitlichung der Feiertagsregelung in ganz Deutschland aus – mit dem Wunsch, dass Bundesländer mit bislang weniger arbeitsfreien Tagen zusätzliche Feiertage erhalten. (hk)
