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!
Showing posts with label Carissa Alcantara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carissa Alcantara. Show all posts
Bianca Umali couldn't help but smile as she recalled one of the many memorable moments she shared with the one and only Superstar Nora Aunor on the set of ''Mananambal."
During a media conference held at Viva Cafe last Feb. 6, Bianca related how "magical" it was filming their final scene together.
"I was very nervous to do that scene and it was one of those days na kaming dalawa [Nora] lang po yung magkasama nun on set. It was not a comfortable situation to be in pero being there with her and seeing her acting as if she was as young as she used to be, it was magical," Bianca said.
She added, "Ayun yung sinasabi ko na masterclass because I dream of being like that."
Apparently, Bianca wants to be an inspiration to others very much like Nora.
"No matter how cruel this world is you hold on to what you love doing and you do it to inspire people and to be kinder to the people around you," Biance said.
Bianca also shared how she learned to trust her co-actors through Nora.
"The level of kung paano po siya magtiwala sa mga katrabaho niya, regardless kung ano po ang posisyon. Isa po kasi yun sa mga learnings ko as one of the new generation of actors dito po sa industriya, kung gaano po kahalaga ang healthy and collaborative working environment and isa po yun sa nakita ko kay Ate Guy," Bianca mentioned.
"Mananambal" follows a group of ambitious content creators in search of Lucia (Aunor), the “mananambal” whose extraordinary healing powers have recently gone viral.
Their pursuit leads them to Alma (Umali), Lucia’s strong-willed daughter, who refuses to follow her mother’s path and is eager to live life on her own terms.
The group’s persistence to use Alma as their way to Lucia crosses dangerous lines, leaving Alma broken and betrayed.
Upon returning to Manila, the content creators find themselves engulfed in a nightmare of inexplicable and horrifying events, with death relentlessly chasing them.
Directed by Adolfo Alix Jr, the riveting new horror masterpiece also stars Kelvin Miranda, Edgar Allan Guzman, Jeric Gonzales, and Martin Escudero.
Despite the changing sound of music in this generation, Nina stated that every day is a learning process for her, not only in music but also in personal growth.
Soul siren Nina (Facebook)
With the romantic season fast approaching, Asia's beloved Diamond Soul Siren, Nina, is gearing up for an enchanting evening of heartfelt melodies at her highly anticipated concert titled "Love Matters."
Set to take place at New Frontier Theater in Araneta City on Feb. 7, the show promises to celebrate love through various timeless and contemporary love songs.
Fans can look forward to an exciting atmosphere where Nina will sing with a soulful voice. She will share stories about love and passion, encouraging everyone to feel the emotions that come with love.
During a recent Zoom interview, Nina radiated enthusiasm as she spoke about the upcoming event where she would perform several of her beloved classic hits.
She explained the careful preparations she was doing, like listening to the original recordings again to capture the essence of each song.
Nina was excited about the performance and shared her plans to connect with fans. She wanted to make the event a special experience for everyone involved.
"I always look forward to my concerts because of the audience's enthusiasm for the classic songs I will be performing. At the same time, I’ll be introducing some new songs from emerging artists, which adds an exciting element to the experience." Nina said.
The singer also mentioned her experience working with John Prats for the third time.
"Direk John is so easy to work with kasi he works around the creativity of the artist. Kumbaga hindi siya 'Ako lang, my own, my own.' Tatanungin ka niya, 'Gusto mo ba ito? Mayroon akong isu-suggest sa 'yo pero if you're not comfortable with it, let me know. (Director John is so easy to work with because he works around the creativity of the artist. He's not 'Just me, my own, my own.' He will ask you, 'Do you like this? I have something to suggest to you, but if you're not comfortable with it, let me know)," Nina added.
Nina also ensured that the audience would still feel the intimate vibes of her songs while performing in a big venue.
"Trying to talk to the audience, first of all. And siguro, the songs I chose for my concert, are so personal to me. And I think they are also personal to the audience. And I'm just singing songs I know I like and songs I know the audience will like. That, for me, is something," Nina shared.
"Love really matters because it brings kindness and selflessness. Love is everywhere," Nina said about why love is important to her. "Love is always important; hate doesn't matter. Happiness and positivity are present when there is love."
Love for fans and music
Having been in the music scene for a long time, Nina shared that there was a period when she felt she had lost her opportunity. However, with the support of her fans and the magic of singing, she took a leap of faith.
"It's always for the audience and the fans. I always say this. There's so much magic when I sing on stage, and I see the faces of the people in the audience and the reactions and, even after the show, your comments. I want to share the music and, you know, make them happy with my music," she said.
Despite the changing sound of music in this generation, Nina stated that every day is a learning process for her, not only in music but also in personal growth.
"I try to stay true to myself. I put a modern touch on my music. I won't stop learning new songs, music techniques, and whatnot," said Nina.
Every January, hundreds of thousands of people from various backgrounds gather to see the ebony statue of Jesus Nazareno.
Among the devotees are several well-known personalities from the entertainment industry. As the image of Jesus Nazareno celebrates its 419th year, these celebrities, each with their unique stories of devotion, provide insight into how the Nazareno has influenced their lives.
Former vice president and veteran news anchor Noli De Castro.
Noli De Castro
Former vice president and veteran news anchor Noli de Castro, 75, believes that the Jesus Nazareno intentionally guided him in his journey of faith. Since his college days, Mr. De Castro had a habit of making a quick trip to Quiapo Church and saying his prayers.
For many years, during the Traslacion, he actively participated in the procession, carrying the image of the Nazareno and offering prayers for his intentions.
Although he has not joined the procession in recent years, Noli shows his devotion through his reporting of the live happenings of the parade at the Quiapo Church.
Kapamilya actress-singer Angeline Quinto.
Angeline Quinto
Spending her childhood in the bustling streets of Sampaloc, Manila, Kapamilya actress-singer Angeline Quinto, 35, grew up with the tradition of participating by carrying an image of Jesus Nazareno during the procession to Quiapo Church together with her adoptive mother, Sylvia Quinto, whom she lovingly calls Mama Bob.
“Nag-start siya kasi lumaki po ako sa Sampaloc. Ang Mama Bob ko at yung buong street namin sa Marzan, may imahe po kami na every year dinadala sa Quiapo Church (It started because I grew up in Sampaloc. My Mama Bob and our entire street in Marzan, have an image that is brought to Quiapo Church every year),” Angeline recalled in an interview.
Angeline won in 2011 on ABS-CBN’s “Star Power: Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar,” marking the beginnings of her beautiful journey through singing.
“Every Friday and Sunday, andoon po ako sa Quiapo nagdadasal. Bago ako sumali sa Star Power, dasal ko talaga magkaroon ng regular na trabaho sa pagkanta. Nag-try lang ako, hindi ko in-expect na magtutuloy-tuloy. Alam ko po na galing sa Kanya (Every Friday and Sunday, I would be in Quiapo praying. Before I joined Star Power, I really wished to have a regular singing job. I just tried, I didn’t expect it to continue. I know it’s from Him),” she said.
'Batang Quiapo' Actor-Director Coco Martin.
Coco Martin
Coco Martin, 43, also known as “Batang Quiapo” is another example of a Jesus Nazareno devotee. Since 2007, Coco has participated in the procession of Jesus Nazareno, asking for guidance and blessings.
As a testament to his deep devotion, Coco received blessings and recognition when he started to make a name in the entertainment industry. It can be recalled that during the last Jesus Nazareno celebration, Coco did an actual scene at the parade filming for his series “FPJ’s Ang Batang Quiapo.”
“Walang hanggang pasasalamat sa Poong Jesus Nazareno sa lubos na biyaya, pagmamahal, at paggabay sa akin at sa aking pamilya. Higit pa sa hiniling ko ang binigay Niyo sa akin (Eternal gratitude to the Lord Jesus Nazareno for the grace, love, and guidance for me and my family. You gave me more than I asked for),” Coco wrote in an Instagram post.
Sam Versoza
Sam Versoza
Growing up on the streets of Sampaloc, Sam Versoza is affectionately referred to as “Batang Sampaloc” in his hometown. Since the Feast of the Jesus Nazarene is widely observed annually throughout the City of Manila, it is not new to him.
It was in 2009 when he first participated in the procession of the Jesus Nazareno. Since then, Sam worked hard to give his family the life they deserve. Sam is known as one of the co-founders of a successful marketing company in the Philippines, he also gives back to his community through various outreach programs.
As part of the devotion, Sam walks the streets of Manila barefoot along with the other devotees during Traslacion. One of the biggest influences for his unwavering faith in the Lord was his late father, Samuel Verzosa Sr.
Actor Mccoy De Leon
McCoy De Leon
Actor Mccoy De Leon, 29, is another devotee of the Jesus Nazareno who actively participates with his family. His devotion has been credited for his being blessed with a good career in showbiz, and building a family with Elise Joson.
McCoy introduced the tradition to his daughter Felize with the chant, “Viva Nazareno!”
On Instagram, De Leon shared his gratitude:
“Nasaan na siya (Poong Nazareno)?
“Yan ang linya lagi para makita mo siya at nung oras na nakita ko siya’t mahawakan ulit matapos ng maraming taon, wala ako masabi kundi ‘Salamat Poong Nazareno.’ Tanging nasa isip ko lang nung kaharap ko siya ang mga mahal ko sa buhay at ang pamilya ko (That’s the line you say to see Him and when I saw Him and held Him again after many years, I couldn’t say anything but ‘Thank you Jesus Nazareno.’ My only thoughts while I was facing him were my loved ones and my family).”
“Sa mga kapatid ko na deboto saludo ako sa tindi ng pananampalataya niyo, walang nagbabago. Viva Poong Nazareno (To my devoted brothers and sisters, I salute the intensity of your faith, nothing has changed. Viva Lord Nazarene)!”
Fashion Designer Renee Salud
Renee Salud
Renee Salud, 77, a well-known fashion designer, attributes his perseverance and ultimate success in life to his faith in the Jesus Nazareno.
“Parang may feeling ka na nandiyan Siya palagi at ibibigay Niya sa’yo,” Salud said, recalling how he would visit Quiapo Church every Friday to give thanks (You have this feeling that He is always there and He will give you what you ask).”
Rene also recalled how he used to go to Quiapo Church on his knees as a gesture of faith and devotion.
Comedienne-host Giselle Sanchez
Giselle Sanchez
Comedienne-host Giselle Sanchez, 49, has been a devotee of Jesus Nazareno for more than 15 years. In an interview with TV5, Giselle said that she was an accidental devotee at first.
“Parang pumasok ang Holy Spirit sa akin. Nakaramdam ako ng kagalingan (It was like the Holy Spirit came to me. I felt well),” Giselle said.
In a 2016 interview, Sanchez said she recovered from an illness after praying to Jesus Nazareno in 2009.
Thea Casuncad Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2024 (center right) with the official candidates of Miss Supermodel Worldwide Philippines 2025
A new batch of young, smart, and beautiful women is ready to compete for the Miss Supermodel Worldwide crown.
They kicked off their pageant journey with the official sashing ceremony held at the Velvet Studio last December 23.
For its 2025 edition, Miss Supermodel Worldwide is celebrating the theme "Faces of Bloom," emphasizing the transformative journey of these young women as they evolve into confident and edgy supermodels.
Ronn Litao, Sales & Marketing Director of Miss Supermodel Worldwide Philippines is excited about their upcoming activities, which include The Miss Supermodel Worldwide Philippines 2025 Runway Show and the High Fashion photo shoot both scheduled from January 16 to 18.
Note that Miss Supermodel Worldwide Philippines has joined forces with Shaped Women Organization, a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting women who are victims of social injustices by providing them access to free private legal services.
"As you all know, our company is technically a newbie in terms of pageantry, but we acknowledge the importance of our partnership in building our network and allowing us to send our message across the country," Ron said.
Also present during the sashing ceremony is Thea Casuncad, reigning Miss Supermodel Worldwide, who gave aspirants sound advice.
“Masasabi ko lang po sa kanila is maging tapat sa sarili nila. Huwag panghihinaan ng loob at magtiwala lang talaga kasi ayon yung magdadala sa kanila sa international stage, yung tiwala mo sa sarili mo, yung lakas ng loob mo,” Thea said.
Thea Casuncad Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2024
Ron also mentioned that during the coronation night, two crowns will be presented: One for the new Miss Supermodel Worldwide titleholder and another for the Miss Teen Supermodel Worldwide winner.
The Coronation Night is scheduled on January 25 in Manila.
The competition promises to be a celebration of beauty, culture, and empowerment, redefining modern pageantry.
Here are the 11 official candidates who were present during the official sashing and media presentation. They will be joined by 10 other candidates in the coming weeks.
Kimberly Flores - Caloocan Dyna Ruth Alguin - Cavite Lhorie Lyn Tiongco - Laguna Nina Flores - Las Pinas Mher Narciso - Makati Pia Carillo - Mandaluyong Doreen Ahija - Pasay Maria Ordeviza - Rizal Province Alliza Juare - San Jose Del Monte Bulacan Abegyl Balbuena - Sultan Kudarat Maria Magsipoc - Taguig
Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (Facebook)
After a year of brawling, the Court of Appeals has finally put an end relating the rightful ownership of the iconic "Eat Bulaga" trademark.
The appellate court's ninth division upheld the ruling of the Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 273 favoring Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon's claim of the "Eat Bulaga" name.
The CA maintained that the original decision pertaining to the ownership of the well-liked noontime variety show's title was error-free.
The CA also confirmed that Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) is liable for unfair competition and copyright infringement.
It also ordered TAPE and GMA to refrain from using "Eat Bulaga" and "EB."
It also ordered the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines to cancel TAPE’s trademark registrations for "Eat Bulaga," "EB," and any corresponding logos.
The ruling asserted that "the exclusive right of scientists, inventors, as well as artists and gifted citizens over their intellectual property and creations, must be protected and secured" and that covers Tito, Vic and Joey, and one of EB's creatives Jenny Ferre.
"Awareness of, and compliance with, intellectual property laws is certainly the obligation of all persons, natural or juridical," the CA added.
"To attain the advantages provided by society's scientists, inventors, artists, and other gifted citizens, there must be respect for and enforcement of their rights and one way to carry this through is to guard against unauthorized trespass."
Despite being aware that Joey was responsible for the show's name, the CA claimed that TAPE "resorted to bad faith and fraud" when it asserted ownership of the "Eat Bulaga" trademark in 2011.
CA Associate Justice Zenaida T. Galapate-Laguilles wrote the ruling on December 13, 2023.
Associate Justices Carlito B. Calpatura and Selma Palacio Alaras concurred.
Andrea Brillantes has topped TC Candler's list of the 100 most beautiful faces of 2024.
She leads seven other Filipinas on the list, including Liza Soberano (former no. 1) and BINI Aiah.
Andrea Brillantes
Among other beauties from all over the world that Andrea bested include Jisoo, Rose, Lisa and Jenny of Blackpink, American actress Sydney Sweeney, Korean-American K-pop idol Nancy McDonie, and even Chris Evans’ wife, Portuguese actress Alba Baptista.
Meanwhile, Janine Gutierrez made her fourth appearance on the list, coming in at number 28. She is the second highest ranking Filipina on the list after Andrea.
Liza, who was elected to the lists' Hall of Fame in 2017, was ranked 31st.
She has made the list for the tenth consecutive year now.
Other Pinays on the list include actresses Belle Mariano and Ivana Alawi, who came in at number 52 and 69, respectively.
A newcomer on the list is Gehlee, the Filipina member of the K-pop group UNIS, landing at the 82nd spot.
Meanwhile, BINI Aiah made her debut on the list earning the 88th spot.
TC Candler has been issuing the list since 1990.
The annual list ranks beauties from more than 40 nations worldwide.
Aside from Coco Martin's action-packed series "FPJ's Batang Quiapo", Filipinos binged on numerous showbiz-related "kalat" in the form of break-ups, cheating issues, award show snubs, libel cases, among many other "dramas" in 2024.
Here are some of the more notable ones:
Carlos Yulo family drama
Chloe San Jose and Carlos Yulo (Facebook)
Nothing beats a good family drama.
The biggest this year is the clash involving Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo, his mom Angelica Yulo, and his girlfriend Chloe San Jose.
The issue started when some netizens noticed that Angelica seemed not to care about Carlo's accomplishments during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It escalated after Angelica revealed that she does not approve of Carlos's relationship with Chloe.
There have been rumors prior that Angelica used Carlo's earnings to purchase a house, among others, but she denied having issues relating the same with her son.
Carlos stood by Chloe amid his mother's online outbursts, stressing his independence and making it clear that their relationship was not meant to keep his family apart.
Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings issue
Anthony Jennings and Maris Racal (Facebook)
Any entertainment issue wouldn't be complete without the classic cheating controversy, and this year, the biggest one involves Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, and Jam Villanueva.
This was one of the most revealing issues of 2024 with Jam exposing Maris and Anthony's private conversation on her IG Story.
The damage it caused is now considered a major setback for both actor's career.
Meanwhile, Jam remained calm even after some people insisted that what she did is tantamount to jail time.
Shaira & Lenka's music mishap
Shaira Moro
The removal of Filipino singer Shaira Moro's hit song "Selos" from various streaming services also piqued the interest of many.
Australian artist Lenka objected to "Selos" supposedly incorporating a huge chunk of her 2008 hit "Trouble Is a Friend."
In response, Shaira's management voluntarily took "Selos" down from all streaming services and started the process of obtaining the required cover license.
Mariel Padilla's gluta drip session
Mariel Padilla
Actress-television host Mariel Padilla faced huge backlash after posting a photo of herself getting an intravenous (IV) drip while she was at her husband Robin Padilla's office in the Senate.
The now-deleted photo drew the attention of many including several government officials who blaster her action, deeming it inappropriate.
This resulted in the couple issuing a public apology even as they maintained that the IV drip contained vitamin C, not glutathione, and that it was administered under professional medical supervision.
Eva Darren's FAMAS snub
Eva Darren
Another notable issue happened during the 2024 Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards.
It involves veteran actress Eva Darren who was invited to the ceremony as presenter but was replaced by another artist at the last minute.
Eva's son Fernando de la Pena took to social media to criticize the event's organizers, calling their action "rude, disrespectful, unethical, and unprofessional."
FAMAS ultimately issued a public apology to the actress and her family.
Bea Alonzo and Ogie Diaz's cyber libel case
Bea Alonzo (Facebook)
Capping off this year's showbiz roundup is Bea Alonzo who made headlines announcing her separation from fiancé Dominic Roque.
She continued to grab attention objecting to Boy Abunda's announcement of the split supposedly without her permission.
It didn't end there.
Bea also ignited ruckus filing cyber-libel complaints against a number of people, including Ogie Diaz and Cristy Fermin.
A month later, Ogie filed a counter complaint against the actress, claiming damages and perjury.
