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!

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Showing posts with label Expats in The Philippines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Expats in The Philippines. Show all posts

Thursday, September 26, 2013

It's never too late!

Re-published from Mindanao Daily Mirror, Opinion Section, my column dated September 20, 2013 with friendly permission of my publisher Marietta F. Siongco.


I know a lot of pension expatriates living in the Philippines for good. Many of them get a big problem after staying here for only a couple of months: they get bored.

Having a vacation all day, all week, all month and all year long is really not an egg's yellow. I experienced the same in 1999 after moving to Davao City. At that time I justed turned 46.

I remember my last days in an international publishing house in Berlin (with branch offices in New York and Amsterdam. I packed up my things after signing my resignation letter. Of course, I hadn't reach my final pension age yet, but I got a lot of ideas on how to shape and organize my "new" life in the Philippines. I never forgot some office mates smiling at me: "We can't cross such bridges before we come to them!" Of course guys, you have been right!

Anyway, age doesn't matter - you can enjoy the second half of your life residing in the Philippines. As many of you know already: I stayed in many countries worldwide. I could have migrated to the U.S. I didn't. I choosed the Philippines.

Most important thing: Keep yourself busy... .

Sure, there is always a time, when we should rest and really enjoy life. Sure, we brought our savings and many of us enjoy the monthly pension in Euro or Dollar. Several weeks ago, I read a good idea in an U.S. business weekly: "Partner up with entrepreneurs who have long been in the business, or those who have just retired as well!" Worth to think about it!

Getting bored, means also for some to start grumbling and complaining about everything and everybody in the Philippines. I always keep my distance to such negative people. We are not here to change this country and its people. Why? What for? Filipinos are also not planning to change our home countries or us!

I really don't get more stressed than in my home country before. Critics reproach and accused me of living a life as expatriate while wearing pink tinted glasses. Sorry, but my conscience is very clear.

I keep myself busy, too busy sometimes: Teaching, translating, writing, in the radio, and many more things. It's never too late. It's your life! Take your chance and enjoy life in the Philippines. And stay away from grumblers and grousing people... .

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Season of Homesickness

(A repost of my column "IN MY OPINION" from MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR - December 16, 2011).

+++++

Much could be written or told about all the wonderful places worldwide. A lifetime would not be enough to discover the whole world. Millions of Filipinos migrants are still working and living in many countries all over the world. But those Filipinos are so occupied and tired with work, that in a half-day of not working, they don't even have the energy to go out anymore.

They prefer to rest instead. they work until dawn. There's even no more time for letters or send emails anymore. They get up early next day to do the same activities. Again and again... . They fail to appear on dates or appointments even schedules were already set. On the last minute going out on a free half-day, but suddenly guests arrive who need to be served for example. All these and more make it very diffcult for the OFWs to find time even for themselves.

Christmas time should let uns remember and remind us of our beloved ones somewhere out there. Being "there" is something like being in a garden of roses. Everybody is free to pick up flowers, but surely everybody will not find that easy because the roses are on top of the thorns. being abroad is even more complicated then that.

Indeed, much has been written and talked about homesickness of mind and heart - especially during Christmas season and the time between yesterday and tomorrow.

Many Filipinos stay in countries, where deep winter is reigning right now. Wearing three jackets a day, warm winter clothes and, from the start one must be always on top form, but not only lively but also egantly.

Homesickness usually attacks, when 'your people abroad" receive unpleasant notes from home, as I heard many saying before: "Problema at magpadala ka ng pera!"

The loved ones overseas even try to save  a little amount for airfares just in case they need to  come immediately to their families in the Philippines. many times they consider the difficulty and complication in sending money home. Many imes they even can't afford to visit the Philippines for a long time... .

Homesickness comes, when we hear that one of the boys at home doesn't want to go to school anymore. Homesickness comes when misunderstandings between husband and wife or closed friends arise... .


How about me? Sure, homesickness comes along also for me, especially during this time. Even living in the Philippines as an expatriate for good since 1999, I still do miss my home country Germany and many people there. Season of homesickness... .

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Let's Dream Harder... Let's Work Harder!



Dreams are foams? Maybe. Maybe not. Long time ago ago Confucius  



said: "The one who steals our dreams brings us death!"

Series of images or thoughts in the mind of a person asleep, the idle fancy, the vision, the aspiration, the yearnings - are dreams that have interested, puzzled and frightened people for thousands of years. All kinds of strange  explanations  have been written and published about dreams. Interpreters of dreams have published innumerable books about dreams. I even bought some of these books. I caught myself reading them and analyzing my dreams, in becoming unsure and sometimes really undecided about the many different explanations regarding the same dreams'  meaning.
Today  it is believed that the dreamer himself creates his dreams; and, because are something a personal creating, they may have a special meaning for the dreamer. Just, why should one have a dream when one may depend on many things. Your health may have an affection on your dreams. If a Person is hungry or feels cold, of he is very tired, the dreams may include these feelings.

Living as an expatriate in the Philippines and just arriving "home" after several journeys, I do still dream of many things. Blue-eyed, as I am and as I might remain, I keep on dreaming of a better world (in the Philippines!) without ignorance, and arrogance in our daily surroundings at home and / or our working/business places and stations. I keep on dreaming of honest (foreign?) expat/Filipino friends, who don't turn their back if we need them. 

I keep on dreaming that the "typical Pinoy" stop dreaming leaving this counry and working abroad may change into another "bad" (?) dream. 

Monday, February 28, 2011

I Decided to Be Happy as Expat in The Philippines!

Yes, I did so! You know, why? The world is full of bad news  and all of us are very easy to be influenced by "negative people" in our surroundings. Yes, also among us expatriates... .
Sometimes I really get tired, because even I can feel how these people fritter away my energy, strengths and good mood while chatting away my time.

Okay, let's swing ourselves into the saddle and let's explore the positive flanks and directions in our daily (expat-)life. A couple of days ago a good friend of mine from a Western country texted me: "Write with an open mind about what you see and hear, smell and touch. It could be an inspiration. Life is so beautiful for us to keep on going - also here in the Philippines!"

Honestly, this guy is true. There is no paradise on earth. Each nation in the world has its positive and negative sites. But, I decided to stay here in the Philippines with my family, and, I decided to be happy, to be glad, to be content, to be fortunate, to be fitting... . One thing, I learned here is this: "If we like to be happy,we must open our eyes and find people in our surroundings, which have the special talent for listening. We have to find people who will walk the first miles with us then steadfastly believe that we can walk alone after a while. I found such people here. Many, many!!! don't get me wrong: I Never forgot my home country. But now, I am living here in the Philippines.

Being happy means also to find the courage, that we can have it.  Ask yourself, what's your emotional dependence. When we are emotionally dependent, we look to others for happiness, our "self"-concept, and our emotional well-being. We give up what we want and need out of fear of rejection, abandonment or confrontation.

No, also in the Philippines isn't everything right and correct. I observe that our expectations can kill us emotionally because we suffer under the tyranny of them. We are losing our happiness. Culture Shock, here, there and every where!

But I decided to overcome the shock. I am glad, I was able to do so. I am happy now. A happy expatriate - living in the Philippines for good!



Thursday, February 17, 2011

What Foreigners Sometimes Ask About the Philippines... .

I am living in the Philippines for good since January 1999. Being involved in several businesses - as you can read in profile - I do get a lot of emails every day. Mostly from concerned foreigners, who plan to put up a business here in the Philippines, to get married to a Philippine national -or plan to settle down here. Not only inquiries because of this and that - no, but also a lot of questions. Sometimes it's indeed very difficult to formulate the correct (or best) replay and answer. 

Of course, foreigners, who are still planning to stay here for good, should plan very well and ask a lot of questions, because law and requirements change always. All updates regarding all concerns can't even be published here.

But here are also some (additional) questions, I get on a regular basis:

- A doctor from a Western country asked, if Filipinos are also wearing shoes, because he only (?) sam them wearing slippers.

- A business man asked, why most Filipinos try to avoid  to speak  the Spanish language. (I suggested the man to research in Philippine history...).

-  A German woman asked, if the Philippines (in general) are really poor, and if  we would experience hunger here. What would you answer her?

- Another doctor from an European country, who planned to open a clinic in "the capital of the Philippines - and really only there!", asked me, if I really would enjoy living and working - in "Jakarta" (!?).

Some questions are really more then unbelievable. Asking me, if Filipinos can survive without electricity, or, if we also have chickens and tomatoes - oh boy, I am sure, everybody understands that I left such questions unanswered.

As Philippine Star columnist Jessica Zafra voiced out last year: "The Philippines is an entire country also outside its national borders. All those Filipinos have have friends, foreign classmates, colleagues and family members living and working all over the globe!"

Those Filipinos are also helping to promote the right imagine of this wonderful country. Who else could help?

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Expats and Healthcare in The Philippines

I am lucky. Yes, I am! When I moved to the Philippines for good in 1999, i was still able to get some very good health insurance plans: critical illness, accident, death because of accident etcetera etcetera....

And, I also joined PHILHEALTH.

I informed several other expats and (Filipino) friends of mine about it. One of them became very lucky. He has been hospitalized and needed a blood transfusion several months ago. I informed him about the latest statement of Dr. Rey B. Aquino, President and CEO of PhilHealth: "In keeping with its trust objective of providing its members with responsive benefits, blood transfusions done even as an outpatient is now being paid  for by the state run Philippine Health Insurance cooperation (PhilHealth). This took effect already on al claims for outpatient blood transfusions starting one year ago.

Of course, it should be clarified that while purchase of blood is not included in the benefits , all medically-necessary drugs and medicines used during the transfusion shall be compensated in addition to the usual blood donor screening test.

What ever, however, being a PhilHealth member is a must - also and/or especially for expatriates living here in the Philippines.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Take Good Care!

I am an expatriate living in the Philippines for good since 12 years. I have never been back in Germany, my home country. I visited the Philippines since 1976 - since 1982 on a regular basis. I always remember the phrase: "Take good care of yourself!" Sure, I did! I always did good care of myself - also whiule staying in more then 60 other countries worldwide. 

Although one takes good care, anything can happen: an accident, an illness. Also YOU, just reading this, may be at risk.

Did you experience any chest pains or heaviness? Come on, stop smiling. Have you had a weakness or numbness on one side of your body which resolves completely at the end of the day? Come on, yes I DID BEFORE! I experienced it twice - mild strokes. Nearly 26 million people worldwide die (!) every year of diseases associated with "atherothrombosis". 

Now, hy am I so concerned about this topic? Sure, everybody can get sick or ill. Filipinos and expats living herein the Philippines. Fact is, the Philippine health infrastructure is deadly! I really hold my breath reading alot of news while researching for this post. No, no good news! Sorry, really bad news!

It happened several months ago, but it's still up to date: Philippine "STAR"-columnist Boo Chanco, whom I really admire, has been talking to a number of doctors and always got the same message: "If you should have a heart attack or stroke, pray that neither happens outside of Metro Manila nor Metro Cebu!" Boom-bang! How about all the other places in the Philippines? Mindanao, Davao City - has not breath a word. 

It means to say: Proper emergency care is not available outside Manila and Ceby. Which hospitals, I am referring to Mindanao, in my case especially Davao City - can provide proper emergency care and treatment for these two medical emergencies?

Let's mention again basic tourism programs, retirement programs or the development of luxury second homes away from the metro areas, as Boo Chanco stressed. I am pretty sure we can't wait for the government again to provide us. The private  sector developers indeed will have to include adequate mdeical facilities in their plans.

PhilHealth is not bankrupt. Even being an expat I am a member of. And, by the way, the "Generic Pharmacy" (Mabisa na - Matipid pa!!!) is still extending nationwide. 

Take good care of yourselves, guys! Stay safe and healthy in the Philippines.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The Jolliest Season in The Philippines

Many times I have been asked, if I am a preacher or pastor. I am not any of them. I was born and grew up in a parish house. While treading on different paths around the globe, through life, God has been more or less my permanent compadre. This might explain the "religious touch" in many write ups from time to time.

When the Christmas spirit sweeps through the Philippines, i learned how this spirit infects residents, tourists and a lot of expats alike with its gaiety.

The "official" Christmas season in the Philippines stretches from December 16 to January 6, but Christmas carols began already in October, and the season decorations stay up until the end of January. I remember my time as radio host in the Philippines: requests for Christmas tracks started already in September (!). They didn't surprise me while being on air for almost five years... .

Spanish missionaries introduced Christianity in the Philippines in the early 16th century. Many Christmas customs are derived from European roots. A creche is commonly found in church yards and on store facades, but often the carabao and the chicken have replaced the ox and ass. Humble farmers and fishermen bring offerings of fruits and fish to the babe in the manger. Real evergreen trees or the real Christmas tree, which can be found in Europe or other parts of the globe are rare in the Philippines. Filipinos have devised imaginative rattan representations, or "silver trees' fashioned with aluminium foil.

No dwelling or business address however, is too humble to display a "parol", the traditional star shaped Japanese paper and bamboo lantern that is a unique Christmas symbol in the Philippines. There are plenty of examples nationwide which show us how to celebrate the jolliest season of the year. 

Las Pinas (near Manila!) is very well known for its lantern makers. Have you seen already the marketplace overflowing with fanciful designed lanterns? San Fernando, Pampanga is famous for its spectacular lantern parade on Christmas Eve.

Yes, the Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season worldwide infecting every one with gaiety. Count me in...!

I feel very touched when the "Gloria in excelsis Deo' rings triumphantly. After midnight families gather together around a table of traditional fare: foods and gifts. Towns are filled with wonderful and biosterous parties, noisemakers, and fire workers (NOT in Davao City!).

For me as a foreigner, who experienced the jolliest season of the year many times already, it is always an unforgettable event. 

Merry Christmas and Maligayang Pasko!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

An Email from InterNations GmbH in Germany

I was very glad to receive the following email from Germany:


Dear Mr. Klaus Doring,

First of all let me congratulate you on your informative website. I liked the way you structured the information in order to give useful tips for your visitors about culture, lifestyle, your adventures and a lot more! I was personally happy to see your commitment and ability to write interesting posts about the daily life in the Philippines as an expatriate!

I am sure that our expatriate members would be happy to have a look at your blog! ... I will be more than happy to create an entry for you in our City Guide. This way we can draw our members' attention to your website and promote it among 200,000 members. 

... Here is some more information about InterNations: InterNations is the biggest global networking site for expats of various nationalities and their family members. At the moment InterNations unites more than 200,000 members in 235 cities worldwide. On our platform, expatriates and their partners can connect with compariots, ask for advice on everyday life in their host country, provide other members with useful tips, make new contacts and find information in our City Guides.

... The restrictions - membership is invitation-only - are necessary for our community in order to maintain a high level of quality, trust and confidence for our member base. The registration process is easy, safe, free of charge, and it will take you only a few minutes.

...Keep on updating your exciting Blog!

Sincerely 

PHILIPP VON PLATO

Founder & Managing Director InterNations GmbH, Muenchen/Germany.

Thank you very much Philipp von Plato. I joined already your community and for all those, you like to join also, here is the link:


http://www.internations.org/expats/home/philippines
http://www.internations.org


Or visit my "Important Links/Wichtige Links" and click "Expatriats"!



Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Depressant Alcohol

"Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complains/ Who has wounds without cases? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long for the wine, those who go in search of mixed wines? Do not look at the wine, when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse words. ... When I shall awake, that i may seek another drink!" (Proverbs 23:29-35)

When I recopy this part of the bible several years ago, I got already the idea to write about this topic. I joined, and I am still joining circles of many other fellows around me - Filipinos AND expatriats more or less (?) with regular social drinking and/or habitual drinking with meals (beer or wine!). Imagine, when I stayed in France, I couldn't believe that for many Frenchmen a breakfast consists of bread (French baguette), cheese, coffee - and read wine! 

For many among us (and I learned it from several expats living in the Philippines) social drinking also also occasional drinks to relieve stress and boredom. Doing nothing can become stress! And a lot of expats are getting bored even in this beautiful country Philippines, because they have nothing to do!

Suddenly the devil alcohol creates a feeling of freedom without worries and euphoria. Feelings are free flowing: stress and/or boredom have gone! Suddenly gulping drinks and daily secret drinking might relieve stress  but makes one loose also control. Yes guys, alcohol is soooo cheap in the Philippines!!!

Suddenly loss of interest stays at any corner, conflicts with the law, conflicts in the family, accidents, mental deterioration, even death...! Hold on guys, the sad consequences should let us  tremble with fair! That's not the reason staying in the Philippines!

Every time I enjoy a drink in acceptable measurements I try asking myself: Am I drinking too heavily? Do I sneak drinks? Do I drink because of frustrations or just because the world is so nice and pink tinted? Can I stop drinking right now?

Wait, yes, it's true! Since several years I avoid joining circles of heavy drinking people - no matter circles of Filipino or expat friends... .

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Do YOU pay YOUR taxes ON TIME?

As an expat living in the Philippines and doing several businesses and having certain incomes I do pay my taxes on time.

Other people don't care!

It was really interesting to learn, that the Philippine Bureau of internal Revenue's campaign against tax evaders and tax cheats is slowly (but surely) paying off after a popular Philippine television and movie personality paid 17 million Pesos in tax obligations after learning that she is the subject of the next tax evasion case to be filed supposedly by the BIR.

No names have been mentioned, but according to well-placed sources at the Bureau, a female television and movie personality of the Philippines, a daughter also of a well known actor and actress (separated for many years now!) has paid the 17 million last week. Good. Congrats! Why not?

Last October 21, the BIR has filed charges against controversial film and television director Carlo J. Caparas for his failure to pay the right amount of taxes. The case against him marks the Aquino's administration's first tax case against a high-profile television and movie personality. I hope, more cases are on the road.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Bureau of Immigration Adopts New Queue System

The Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines - again in the critics - started implementing a new queuing system, which is called the "snake-line"  or "s-line" for arriving and departing passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in bid to prevent connivance between human smuggling syndicates and unscrupulous BI personnel, as I could learn from officials during my stay in Cebu City some days ago.

BI officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma said by changing the line formation, they hope to stop the Filipinos 'tourist workers' from ending up as illegal workers in other countries. As one could also learn from several press releases: in the previous straight line scheme, the passengers are able to choose which immigration counter to queue. Human smugglers usually instruct victims to line up in front of the counter manned by corrupt BI personnel. But by adopting the s-line, the passengers would be distributed in the different counters. 

I agree strongly with this and hope and pray, that the initial results are really very encouraging and, that the Immigration officers really will be very cooperative in the implementation of the new system. Not only in Manila - but as well as at all arrival and departure counters of the Philippines at the soonest possible time.

For the sake of my second home, the Republic of the Philippines!