A German Expat in The Philippines - Ein deutscher Auswanderer auf den Philippinen: Apr 27, 2026

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!

Monday, April 27, 2026

Artificial goodbyes

We should always be driven by love

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THAT is the proper condition of our life. Everything we do should have love as its principle and end. We should not just be content with some worldly motives and goals which, by the way, are also important to be taken care of. But we should not get stuck on that level alone.

We have to do everything out of love for God, and because of that love, it should also be done out of love for everybody else. This way of doing and working would enable us to enter the dynamic of real love which is the very essence of God and the essence that is also meant for us.

We should not be content with doing things and working only for some temporal and worldly goals, no matter how legitimate they are. We should not be content with gaining technical achievement, for example. Nor should we be ok only with some economic gains, some political power and things of that sort.

These motives can only give our dedication a short life-span. They often work only under favorable circumstances. And most likely, they tend to corrupt us. Without love for God and everybody else as the motive for all our actions, we would just get involved in some pursuits that in the end are simply fleeting, meaningless, and ultimately empty, like chasing the wind.

It is doing things with love for God and neighbor that would keep us going irrespective of the varying circumstances. It is this love that would unite us with the very power of God himself. We would not be depending solely on our human powers, even if also need to make full use of them.

That is why it is important that we be clear about the intention we have in everything we do. Let’s remember that nothing is good, true and beautiful, nothing is fair and just, nothing is perfect if it is not done with God and for God. In short, we need to refer all our acts to God. We have to make this affirmation very clear in our mind and do everything to make that ideal a reality.

And so, a lot depends on our intention, because our intention is the very expression of who and where in the end we want to be. Do we choose God, or do we simply choose ourselves, or the world, in general? It’s actually a choice between good and evil.

We need to realize then that we have to take utmost care of our intention, making it as explicit as possible, and honing it to get engaged with its proper and ultimate object, who is God.

We should try our best to shun being simply casual or cavalier about this responsibility. We can easily play around with it, since intentions are almost invariably hidden from public knowledge. We are urged to be most sincere in directing our intentions properly.

We can easily fall into hypocrisy and deception, doing what can appear good externally but is not internally, since we could refuse giving glory to God, which is the proper intention to have, and instead feed and stir our vanity, pride, greed, lust, etc.

We need to actively purify our intentions, since we have to contend with many spoilers in this regard these days. In fact, we just have to look around and see how openly opposed many people are of directing their intentions to God.

To them, intentions are strictly personal and confidential matters that others do not have any right to meddle. While there is a certain truth to this claim, we have to remind ourselves that our intentions too are subject to a universal moral law.

A world without water?

Humans can generally only survive for three to five days without water. While individuals can survive weeks without food, water is essential for organ function, with severe dehydration causing rapid organ failure, low blood pressure, and, eventually, death. Survival time varies depending on environment, physical activity, and health.

Water is essential for all known forms of life, whether it's used directly, like in animals and plants, or indirectly, like in the creation of oxygen through photosynthesis in plants. Without water, plants and animals would die, leading to a barren, lifeless planet

As the world marked again the UN’s World Water Day last March 2016, global residents are still struggling to access fresh water. Water scarcity has long been a problem. But climate change, a growing global population and economic growth are putting the natural resource under even more stress. A world without water? Sounding impossible and crazy, while in some parts of the world, especially in Asia, the monsoon rain keeps large areas land-under.

One example of many: since the late 1950's, the Aral lake in Uzbekistan, once the world’s fourth largest, has been rapidly shrinking. Water that had flowed into the lake was diverted to provide irrigation for Uzbekistan’s ‘white gold’, cotton plantations spread across the arid region, while hydro power facilities and reservoirs across Central Asia have also taken their toll.

It is one of the major environmental disasters of the last half century with animal and plant life in the region dying out as a result. But it is not the only place where water has been disappearing. Bolivia’s second-largest lake, Poopó has all but vanished, with severe consequences for both wildlife and people.

Scarcity of water all over the world is becoming an increasing problem. And it’s only going to get worse, said Richard Connor, editor-in-chief of the United Nation’s World Water Development Report 2016 (WWDR), released last month.

“Water has already been relatively scarce,” he explained in German Television. “It’s just that populations are growing and economies are developing, so demand for water keeps increasing, but the quantity of water that is available does not.”

More than 70 percent of the freshwater that is taken from natural re-sources is used in agriculture, for food crops like wheat and rice, but also for plants like cotton. Energy production ac-counts for 15 percent of water usage and another 5 percent is for household usage.

But with the population expected to grow – the WWDR predicts that by 2050 there will be 9.3 billion people, 33 percent more than in 2011 – the world’s water resources are likely to come under increasing pressure. Regions like Central Asia, the Arab world, parts of China, India and the western United States, already suffer from a physical shortage of water. But storage and infra-structure enable countries to collect water and keep it ready in times of drought.

“The magnitude will be proportional to its vulnerability,” said Connor. “Developed countries are much less vulnerable because they have the storage capacity – dams and reservoirs.” But in the developing world, water scarcity is having the greatest impact. There are already more than 1.8 billion people, who only have access to water that is not safe for human consumption, according to the WWDR. And even in areas where there is an abundance of water, like in Sub-Saharan Africa, economic factors mean that people are not getting enough access to the natural resource.

“The water resource is there, but it doesn’t get to the fields, the factories and the cities because infrastructure and institutions are lacking there,” said Connor, adding that crops there are rain-fed because water cannot be used for irrigation. “When there is a drought, like in Ethiopia, they have serious problems that lead to food crises.”

Without improved efficiency measures, agriculture is expected to need 20 percent more water in the coming years to feed the growing population. And let’s face it again: climate is expected to exacerbate the problem, with some countries becoming drier and hotter, while others experience extreme weather in the form of storms and flooding.

A world with less water translates into hardship for unknown millions. Solution must be find. Or is it already too late?

It is only better water management that will help deal with increasing water scarcity, according to experts worldwide. .

Better irrigation techniques that don’t see water wasted through runoff from flooded fields are one way of saving the resource. But any changes in measures would have to be introduced by individual governments and in some cases individual farmers and other stakeholders.

+++

Email: doringklaus @gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or X -Twitter or visit www.germanex patinthephilippines.blogspot. com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.

PAGASA warns of dangerous heat index levels in 14 areas

FOURTEEN areas in the country will experience sweltering temperatures due to a danger-level heat index, the weather bureau said Saturday.

Heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity combines with air.

A peak heat index of 45°C is forecast in Dumangas, Iloilo and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The following areas will also see danger-level heat indices:

San Ildefonso, Bulacan - 43°C
�Sangley Point, Cavite - 42°C
�Aborlan, Palawan - 44°C�Roxas City, Capiz - 42°C�Mamburao, Capiz - 42°C�Iloilo City, Iloilo - 43°C�La Granja, La Carlota, 
Negros Occidental - 44°C�Catbalogan, Western Samar - 43°C
�VSU Baybay, Leyte - 42°C�Borongan, Eastern Samar - 44°C
�Guiuan, Eastern Samar - 42°C
�Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte - 43°C

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely under a danger-level heat index of 42°C to 51°C.

Meanwhile, the heat index may reach 41°C in Aparri, Cagayan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City and Cuyo in Palawan; Legazpi City, Albay; Catarman. Northern Samar; Tacloban City, Leyte; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; and Davao City, Davao del Sur.

A heat index of 40°C is forecast over Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; ISU Echague, Isabela; Baler and Casiguran in Aurora; CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; TAU Camiling, Tarlac; Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; Romblon, Romblon; Daet, Camarines Norte; Siquijor, Siquijor; Mactan, Cebu; Maasin, Southern, Leyte; Surigao City, Surigao del Norte; and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected over Batanes due to the frontal system.

The rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies and localized thunderstorms.

Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will prevail across the archipelago. (PNA)

All reactions:

Klaus Doring

Don't let the fear of wearing a swimsuit take away your summer fun

By John Legaspi

Fashion is something that goes beyond just covering the body. It is a tool for self-expression, enhancing one’s natural features, and giving someone a boost of confidence. In some cases, however, it becomes something many dread—and it is not just about the pieces, but also the pressure to conform to certain standards that not everyone can or wants to meet.

Iza Calzado (middle) headlines the unveiling of SM Woman Active's latest swimsuit line. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

If there is one piece that scares many the most, it would be the swimsuit. Unlike other pieces, the swimsuit is a call to shed layers, where the body becomes part of the overall look. For many, shedding layers means vulnerability—being seen as they are, without the usual protection of clothing that can hide insecurities.

That is something SM Woman Active aims to champion this season: the fun that comes with wearing a swimsuit. On April 20, 2026, at SM Makati Concourse, it unveiled its latest collection of swimsuits, all designed for comfort and confidence.

The new SM Woman Active swimwear collection features various styles that capture the essence of summer. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

The new swimwear collection of SM Woman Active features solid, sun‑washed hues, playful polka dots, and vibrant, summery prints. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

Choose your style adventure

For the season, SM Woman Active’s swimsuit line is imbued with a variety of colors and prints that are perfect for beach getaways, resort weekends, and spontaneous tropical adventures. The designs alone are an invitation to have fun—in both style and spirit.

The runway show featured pieces in solid, sun-washed hues, playful polka dots, and vibrant tropical prints. The collection also showcased cover-ups, from sarongs and palazzo pants to kimonos and skirts, elevating the swimsuit when the occasion calls for it.

With silhouettes that flatter different body types and thoughtfully designed details, each piece encourages confidence and ease. Whether lounging by the shore or diving into the waves, the collection proves that swimwear can be both stylish and empowering—celebrating individuality while embracing the carefree spirit of the season.

Wearing this beachy sundress is perfect for watching the sunset by the beach. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

An elegant and refined look designed to take you from the city to your next summer adventure. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

This understated taupe one-piece swimsuit exudes effortless elegance. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

Should you wear it or not?

There to celebrate the unveiling of the collection was actress Iza Calzado, who headlined the fashion presentation. When it comes to her relationship with her body, Iza confessed that the journey wasn’t easy. She faced pressure, intense expectations, and went through unhealthy extremes to fit the mold set by others. Over time, she also prioritized her mental health, recognizing that confidence isn’t just physical, but emotional and psychological as well. That kind of glow is what she brought to the SM Woman Active event.

“I have never envisioned that I’ll be part of an event centered on swimwear because of my insecurities and my story—my ‘truth’ back then,” the actress told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “But my story now fully embraces all of myself.”

What she loves about the swimwear collection is its range of silhouettes. Every woman can find a piece that matches her personality, style, and body. For Iza, scars and imperfections should not get in the way of anyone doing what they want and feeling free to explore.

“I used to be fearful about wearing a swimsuit as well. Sometimes, I still am, because I often think about what others might say about my body. I just want you to know that you are worthy,” Iza advised women who are finding their confidence. “If you are shy about your body and want to wear a swimsuit, just think this: 10 or 20 years from now, what would you regret more—not wearing that swimsuit or wearing it?”

PH women's relay team runs away with silver at Beach Games

SANYA, China — The Philippine Athletics team closed out strong on the sands, claiming a silver medal in the women's 4x60 meters relay in beach athletics in the 6th Asian Beach Games on the Phoenix Island on Sunday, April 26.

By Reynald I. Magallon

Published Apr 26, 2026 11:06 am

Olympian Kristina Knott, running for the first time on the beach, bolted out of the starting line and gave the Filipinas an early advantage against their competitors in the heat 2 final.

Shane Joy Ponce and Lianne Pama sustained the run in their turns before anchor Jessica Laurance came out strong to bag the PH Athletics’ third medal in as many games.

“It's so different. There's no baton. The exchange zone is 3 metres versus 30 metres. So I think that our only enemy in the race was the zone.” said Knott.

Laurance, on the other hand, is now the only multi-medalist for Team PH so far after adding the silver to the bronze she won in the women’s 60m race.

Confronting the expanding drought crisis in Luzon

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

The latest report from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration that drought conditions now grip 25 provinces across Luzon should sound a resounding alarm far beyond the agricultural sector. It is not merely a matter of failed rains or depleted reservoirs. It is a deepening crisis that cuts into the very fabric of Filipino life, threatening food security, livelihood, and the fragile resilience of communities already burdened by a national energy emergency.

For farmers, drought is an unforgiving adversary. Crops wither before harvest, irrigation systems run dry, and debts mount as yields diminish. In provinces dependent on rice and corn production, the lack of water translates directly into lost income and heightened food prices. The ripple effects are swift. Reduced water supply drives inflation, placing further strain on households already grappling with elevated electricity and transport costs.

Fisherfolk, too, are not spared. Prolonged dry spells alter water salinity and temperature in inland and coastal ecosystems, disrupting fish breeding cycles and reducing catch volumes. As fuel prices remain volatile due to global uncertainties, fewer fish in the nets mean deeper losses for small-scale operators who can ill afford another economic shock.

At the center of this unfolding hardship is the “common tao” — families who must stretch limited incomes to cover rising food and energy expenses. The convergence of drought and energy constraints forms a perfect storm, eroding purchasing power and amplifying vulnerabilities, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.

Government response must therefore be both immediate and strategic. Emergency measures should prioritize the delivery of water through mobile tankers and the rehabilitation of critical irrigation systems in affected provinces. The National Irrigation Administration must accelerate desilting operations and repair damaged canals to maximize whatever limited water supply remains.

Equally urgent is the expansion of targeted financial assistance. Rather than broad, unfocused subsidies, support must be calibrated. Crop insurance payouts should be expedited, and concessional credit must be extended to farmers and fisherfolk to enable replanting and recovery. The Department of Agriculture can lead in distributing drought-resistant seed varieties and promoting climate-resilient farming techniques such as drip irrigation and crop diversification.

Water management, however, cannot remain reactive. The present crisis underscores the need for a more integrated, forward-looking approach. Investments in rainwater harvesting, small farm reservoirs, and watershed rehabilitation must be scaled up. Local government units, working alongside national agencies, should institutionalize water conservation measures and community-based resource management systems.

At the household level, practical coping mechanisms can make a difference. Families can adopt water-saving practices, shift to less water-intensive food consumption where feasible, and participate in community efforts to safeguard local water sources. These small but collective actions help build resilience from the ground up.

Beyond immediate relief, this drought episode is a stark reminder of the accelerating impact of climate variability. It calls for stronger alignment between climate adaptation policies and economic planning. The integration of renewable energy solutions in rural areas, for instance, can ease dependence on strained power systems while supporting agricultural productivity.

Ultimately, the challenge demands a whole-of-society response. National government, local units, the private sector, and communities must act in concert, guided by both urgency and foresight. The cost of inaction — or delayed action — will not only be measured in economic losses but in the diminished well-being of millions of Filipinos.

The fields may be parched today, but with decisive and coordinated effort, the nation can still weather this dry spell and emerge more resilient in the face of future crises.

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