𝐂𝐃𝐑𝐑𝐌𝐎-𝐎𝐏𝐂𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘:
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!
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
𝐂𝐃𝐑𝐑𝐌𝐎-𝐎𝐏𝐂𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘:
Monday, February 17, 2025
The Last Warriors of Mindanao: A Legacy Lost to Time
Saturday, February 15, 2025
My German family Came back and Live a Simple Life in The Philippines.
Charie Vega: Manila-based visual and digital Artist finds her way internationally
Her unique style, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate details, quickly captured the attention of art enthusiasts and collectors in Europe, allowing her to carve out a niche for herself in the international market.
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Charie Vega, a talented visual and digital artist based in Manila, has successfully penetrated the international art scene, notably selling her digital paintings across Europe. The journey of her artistic career took a significant turn in 2020 when the world was gripped by the Covid-19 pandemic. As a talent manager and owner of Vega Entertainment Productions and Euro Talent Festival, Charie's professional life in the music industry was abruptly halted due to the widespread shutdowns caused by the virus.
Faced with the challenges of the pandemic, Charie turned her attention back to her art, a passion she had cherished for years. It was during this time of uncertainty that she rediscovered her creative voice and began to produce and sell her digital paintings. Her unique style, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate details, quickly captured the attention of art enthusiasts and collectors in Europe, allowing her to carve out a niche for herself in the international market.
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In addition to her digital paintings, Charie is also skilled in stippling, a meticulous drawing technique that involves creating images through the use of tiny dots. This impressive method has enabled her to produce stunning works that have also found their way into the hands of collectors abroad.
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Charie Vega's resilience and adaptability during a challenging time have not only allowed her to thrive as an artist but have also showcased her ability to bridge cultures through her work. As she continues to expand her reach and influence in the art world, Charie remains a shining example of how creativity can flourish even in the face of adversity.
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Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Sofia Zobel Elizalde on the future of Philippine dance
The Philippine Star
February 12, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Philanthropist and arts patron Sofia Zobel Elizalde will discuss the evolving landscape of Philippine dance in “HistophTV,” a virtual talk show exploring the country’s dance heritage and future. She will share insights on sustainability in the industry and the role of dance education in shaping performers’ lives.
As the founder and director of Steps Dance Studio, Elizalde will highlight her experiences in dance training and philanthropy. She will also discuss the Steps Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for young Filipino dancers from diverse backgrounds to pursue professional careers.
Produced and directed by students of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Bachelor of Performing Arts Major in Dance (BPAD) Program, the webinar aims to showcase dance as more than just an art form — it is a transformative discipline that can create meaningful impact.
The event is a collaborative effort among BPAD students, with Alyssi Lynnett Fandiño and Maria Adrianna Lim as production managers, and teams handling marketing, editing, and creatives. Students from the Bachelor of Arts in Creative Industries Management also contributed, with Margaux Yebes overseeing marketing and Wryanne Claryz Bungay and Froilan Marcus Isodoro handling creative aspects.
The interview was led by 2024 History of Philippine Dance (Histoph) students with “HistophTV” organized under the guidance of Benilde School of Arts, Culture and Performance Dance Program chairperson and Histoph professor Maria Lucina De Santos.
The hour-long web event will be streamed on the BenildeArts YouTube channel on Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Register via tinyurl.com/HISTOPHTVSofiaZobelElizalde
Monday, February 10, 2025
Top artists perform in 10-hour concert ‘Fusion’
Ben&Ben leads the line-up of 15 performers at ‘Fusion 2025: Musika Natin ‘To.’
Leah Salterio - The Philippine Star
February 9, 2025 | 12:00am
Fifteen artists will be featured in “Fusion 2025: Musika Natin ‘To,” a decade of celebrating Filipino music at its finest.
Prepare for an electrifying night of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) as “Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival” brings together some of the biggest names in the industry on March 15 at the CCP Open Grounds.
“Looking back at the very first ‘Fusion’ concert in 2015, our goal was simple: to unite artists from different genres and showcase the strength of OPM,” said “Fusion” event director Paul Basinillo, who previously worked at the helm of the concerts of Vice Ganda, Sarah Geronimo and JaDine (James Reid and Nadine Lustre).
Jay Habitan is in charge of partnerships while Pauline Linsangan is in charge of artists.
“The very first “Fusion” in 2015, was the first time JaDine was featured in an open-air event,” offered Jay Habitan, who is in charge of partnerships. “Boss Vic (del Rosario) urged us to include JaDine in the line-up.
“We didn’t know JaDine yet at that time. The line-up was already full, but we accommodated JaDine. When they started performing, the crowd really watched. They were very sweet as a couple at that time. ‘On the Wings of Love’ was aired after six months. That proved our advocacy to feature and support new artists.”
Today, 10 years later, “Fusion” is being taken to the next level — not just by gathering the best and biggest artists, but by redefining what it means to go to a concert.
“If we can create top-tier productions for international artists, why shouldn’t we do the same — if not more — for our own?” said direk Paul. “We want to bring back the thrill of live music — to make concert-going a must-
“Fusion 2025” is designed to be more than just a show. It’s an all-day, immersive festival that goes beyond the main stage.
“Fusion 2025” carries the powerful theme “Musika Natin ‘To!” — a call to embrace and uplift OPM with pride.
Gladys Basinillo, founder of ‘Fusion’ music festival.
Headlined by Ben&Ben, December Avenue and Zack Tabudlo, “Fusion” promises an unforgettable experience with powerhouse acts like The Itchyworms, Barbie Almalbis, Alamat, Kaia, Maki, Jan Francis and AllMost, alongside an exciting lineup of rising stars and dynamic DJs.
Founded in 2015 as the “first-ever Philippine Music Festival,” “Fusion” was created with a vision: to unite all forms of OPM across genres, generations and managements into one grand celebration.
From the start, it stood as a testament to OPM’s power, bringing the nation together while delivering top-tier production value to showcase and support Filipino talent.
More than just a festival, “Fusion” serves as a platform that elevates homegrown talent, uniting legacy icons, global Filipino musicians, and emerging artists in a one-of-a-kind OPM experience.
“Now is the time to put OPM in the spotlight,” said Gladys Basinillo, founder of “Fusion.” “While international acts continuously fill arenas and festivals across the country, our own artists and music deserve the same level of support. ‘Fusion’ is here to make that happen — to give Filipino music the recognition it deserves.”
Pauline Linsangan is in charge of the artists featured in “Fusion.” Jay Habitan is in charge of partnerships.
“Fusion” started in 2015, a decade ago when they began mounting the first-ever Philippine music festival. Since then, they’ve been mounting the concert annually until the pandemic happened.
They returned to the scene in 2023. In 2024, they staged “Fusion” is Cebu, the biggest concert, so far. Then last summer, they also went to La Union and staged a successful concert there. To date, “Fusion” has presented eight successful concerts.
The forthcoming concert on March 15 will bring “Fusion” back to Manila at the CCP Open Grounds. “It will be a 10-hour concert,” informed Jay. “We bring three Manila artists who perform with three regional artists. They usually have a back-to-back collaboration.
“Fusion 10: Musika Natin ‘To” is like the battlecry of all the bands. “Even if it’s a different genre or groups, with different fan base communities, we look at them as one, OPM (Original Pilipino Music),” said Jay. “Musika natin lahat ito. Panghawakan natin. Suportahan natin.”
There will be a pre-show featuring up and coming artists. Then games and the mini-show will be around 7 p.m. to midnight. At 12 p.m. onwards, there will be a block party, with DJs.
“Today’s market they love partying after the festival,” said Jay. “So, there will be a night market after the concert.”
There will be legs of performances after the Manila concert. “We will also do Iloilo, Cebu, La Union,” said Pauline. “Even if the artists cannot perform in ‘Fusion’ Manila, they can still participate in the provinces.”
The Manila artists can perform back-to-back with the local artists in the province. “Personally, it’s really seeing how all the bands and artists play as one,” Jay allowed. “I love music and OPM. Whenever we do an event like this, we see media partners, brands, organizations and institutions.”
Thursday, February 6, 2025
BINI emotionally renews contract with ABS-CBN, thanks Blooms for support
BINI is made up of members (clockwise) Aiah, Maloi, Stacey, Gwen, Colet, Jhoanna, Mikha and Sheena
The STAR / File
Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com
February 5, 2025 | 1:22pm
MANILA, Philippines — "Nation's Girl Group" BINI emotionally renewed their contract with ABS-CBN.
At the contract signing held in Dolphy Theater yesterday, Jhoanna, Stacey, Maloi, Aiah, Sheena, Gwen, Colet and Mikha thanked ABS-CBN for trusting them since the beginning.
“Kinakabahan, natutuwa and sobrang grateful lang kami for this day. This contract signing is not just a milestone, it’s a promise that palagi naming gagalingan," Jhoanna said.
“We will continue working hard and grow as artists. Thank you so much, ABS-CBN, dahil kasama namin sila sa mga susunod naming taon sa pagtupad nang mas marami pa naming pangarap,” she added.
“Thank you because you are the very first ones who believed in us when we were still in our teenage years. Mostly sa amin away from our family and friends and it was really hard for us," Aiah said.
“We trusted you po and thank you so much for trusting us as well. We are going to keep trusting you until we are on our 30s or how many years to come… Thank you so much because you allowed us to be us,” she added.
Mikha thanked Blooms around the world for supporting them in their journey.
“Kita niyo naman na-appreciate namin ‘yung ginagawa niyo ‘di ba? Sobrang nakakatuwa lang kasi never naming in-expect na may mga Blooms na makakapansin sa mga bagay na hindi namin in-expect na mapapansin nila na they really show genuine care sa amin," Mikha said.
“To have you guys in this journey of us, we would just like to say, thank you Blooms!” she added.
Stacey recalled their journey to become the hottest female P-pop group right now.
“Grabe din kasi ‘yung journey naming BINI, ‘yung talagang pinaghirapan namin kung nasaan kami ngayon.
“Grabe, kasi lahat kami ‘yung nakikita niyong walo rito, nag-audition talaga kami, pinilahan namin kung nasaan kami ngayon. Super thank you sa mga nagtiwala sa amin.
“'Yung mga pangarap namin na mina-manifest namin before unti-unti na siyang natutupad. Thank you so much for the blessing and — walo hanggang dulo,” she said.
Apart from Blooms, Maloi thanked her co-BINI members for the friendship.
“Hindi namin kayo kilala isa-isa, ‘di namin kayo nakakausap, nahahawakan, nayayakap pero 'yung pagmamahal na ibinibigay niyo sa kahit anong way, nararamdaman namin. Maraming, maraming salamat Blooms," she said.
“Gusto ko lang din magpasalamat sa BINI, thank you for this life, thank you for giving me life. Thank you for being part of my life. And let’s live this life happily kahit marami tayong pagdadaanan. Alam ko na itong buhay na ito, ito ang ikukuwento natin sa lahat. Thank you so much,” she added.
BINI is set to release their new single "Blink Twice" next week before performing in the Philippine Arena for the first stop of their world tour.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Jamie Rivera delivers message of hope in PH's 2025 jubilee song 'Ningas ng Pag-Asa'
To release entrance song for Jubilee celebration
AT A GLANCE
When asked what “Ningas ng Pag-asa” means to her, the Inspirational Diva highlighted its message of hope.
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After 25 years, Jamie Rivera returns as the voice of the 2025 Philippine Jubilee hymn “Ningas ng Pag-asa” featuring the group 92AD.
The OPM icon, together with 92 AD, also served as the voice behind the “Jubilee Song (The Great Jubilee)” composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo which served as the theme song of the 2000 Jubilee celebration.
“I’m very grateful that I’m still given trust by the Catholic Church and yung faith nila is not fading, and I’m also blessed that 92AD is still there to help and wiling to join me,” she said.
When asked what “Ningas ng Pag-asa” means to her, the Inspirational Diva highlighted its message of hope.
“This is a message of hope. Flame of hope. Tayo yun, we have to tell the people that there is hope in mankind,” she said. “Yun ang responsibility natin as Christians, as Catholics, as followers of Christ to send this message because it is our mission.”
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92AD also stressed the valuable message of the song. The group said, “The song is really a message of hope for everyone. Sa kabila ng lahat ng nangyayari sa mundo atin, hindi tayo dapat mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtiwala lang tayo sa Diyos. At yun ang mensahe na gusto nating iparating sa lahat.”
“Ningas ng Pag-asa” was adapted into Filipino by Jamie based on the official 2025 Jubilee theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Filipino version was released under ABS-CBN's Inspire Music label.
Incidentally, both Jamie and 92AD are also collaborating anew for the entrance song for the Jubilee celebration in the country titled “Welcome! Mabuhay! O Pilgrims of Hope" also composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo.
The year of Jubilee is traditionally celebrated by the Catholic Church every 25 years.
The official music video of “Ningas ng Pag-asa" is now available on Star Music YouTube channel. For more details, follow Star Music on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.