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?
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!
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Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Overcharging, Cheaper Flights, Visa-Free News (June 2025 Philippines Updates
PAL cancels, Cebu Pacific flies on Dubai route amid Mideast conflict
By Manila Bulletin and The Associated Press
Published Jun 24, 2025 01:26 pm
Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced on Tuesday, June 24, that all its flights to and from Dubai will continue to operate as scheduled, assuring passengers that its flight routes do not traverse conflict-affected areas in the Middle East.
Despite continuing operations, the Gokongwei-led airline stated that Cebu Pacific is actively monitoring the situation.
“We understand that some travelers may still have concerns,” Cebu Pacific said in an advisory. “We continue to actively monitor the situation and will share further updates as necessary.”
To address potential passenger concerns, Cebu Pacific is offering flexible options for those booked on Dubai flights scheduled for June 24, 2025.
These options include free rebooking and conversion of tickets to a travel fund. Passengers can avail of these flexible options online up to two hours before their scheduled departure time.
The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety, stating that the current routes for Dubai flights are clear of any conflict zones in the Middle East, allowing for safe operations.
Passengers are encouraged to regularly check their flight status on the official Cebu Pacific website, and to update their contact details via the Manage Booking portal to ensure they receive timely flight notifications regarding any changes or advisories.
Meanwhile, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the cancellation of several flights to and from key Middle Eastern destinations on Tuesday, June 24, and Wednesday, June 25, 2025, due to the developing situation in the Middle East.
The cancelled flights for June 24, 2025, include PR 684 Manila-Doha, PR 658/659 Manila-Dubai-Manila, and PR 654/655 Manila-Riyadh-Manila. Additionally, PR 685 Doha-Manila, originally scheduled for June 25, 2025, has also been cancelled.
Lucio Tan-led PAL advised affected passengers not to proceed to the airport, instead urging them to utilize the provided rebooking and refund options.
PAL said passengers have three main choices: rebook to another flight with available space within 60 days from the original flight date, convert their ticket to travel credits equivalent to the unused base fare with a one-year validity from issuance, or request a refund without penalties (excluding ticketing service charge).
The United States’ (US) entry into Israel’s war with Iran has caused travel disruptions to pile up globally.
As deadly attacks escalated between Israel and Iran, sections of airspace and airports throughout the region have temporarily closed. And airlines canceled more flights in recent days, with some halting select routes through the middle of the week—particularly in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), just across the Persian Gulf from Iran.
The Middle East carriers were severely affected with cancellations and delays.
Such disruptions have snarled travel, particularly as central hubs in the Middle East often connect flights worldwide—but experts stress that these kinds of airspace closures and flight diversions are critical to ensuring safety, especially if future escalation emerges suddenly.
“It is the responsibility of states, countries to ensure that their airspace is safe for passage of aircraft,” Hassan Shahidi, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Flight Safety Foundation.
Ivana Alawi breaks silence via polygraph test: 'I respect families'
The actress offered a pointed denial—via a lie detector test, no less.
By Neil Ramos
Published Jun 24, 2025 06:22 pm
Ivana Alawi has yet to directly address rumors of a supposed affair with producer-politician and Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez but in her latest YouTube vlog posted Monday, June 23, the actress offered a pointed denial—via a lie detector test.
Hooked up to a real polygraph machine and questioned by her sister Mona, Ivana was asked, “Ikaw ba ay nanira ng pamilya?” Without missing a beat, she answered, “No.”
The machine operator gave a thumbs-up, signaling a truthful response.
“Hindi ako pinalaking manira ng pamilya,” Ivana said, doubling down. “I respect families kasi kami nga broken family. Ano ’to, tapos maninira ako ng family? Sira ulo ka pala e.”
Throughout the vlog, the actress emphasized that she’s a “private person” and chooses not to share everything with the public.
Ivana’s name was dragged into controversy back in May, when screenshots of a complaint reportedly filed by Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez—then wife of Albee Benitez—circulated on social media.
The complaint cited violations of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262), with Dominique claiming she suffered mental and emotional distress over Albee’s alleged infidelity.
Though she admitted she had no concrete proof, Dominique reportedly named Ivana as the “other woman.”
Albee, through his legal counsel, has denied the allegations.
Ivana, for her part, has stayed relatively mum, though she had already denied any romantic involvement with Albee as early as 2024.
For now, the actress appears to be letting the lie detector—and her vlog—do the talking.
The Philippines now has the fastest-growing number of HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific
The Philippines now has the fastest-growing number of HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific, with at least 57 new diagnoses every day.






