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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Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Vacation - Ferien
„Hitzeintermezzo“ deutet sich in Bayern an: Ab diesem Tag sind 30 Grad drin
Stand:
Von: Tanja Kipke
Regnerisch starteten die Pfingstferien in Bayern vielerorts. Die Temperaturen wurden dem Juni am ersten Wochenende nicht gerecht. Jetzt steht die Wetterwende kurz bevor.
München – Die Pfingstferien in Bayern starteten nass und alles andere als sommerlich. Mit Höchstwerten von nur bis zu 20 Grad präsentierte sich das Wetter in Bayern deutlich kühler als im langjährigen Mittel, wie der Deutsche Wetterdienst mitteilte. Immer wieder zogen Regenwolken über den Freistaat, die regional sogar Gewitter mit sich brachten.
Wetterwende in Bayern steht kurz bevor: Sommerliche 30 Grad kommen
Das soll allerdings nicht die ganzen Ferien so bleiben. Sommerfans können sich auf eine Wetterwende freuen. Am Sonntag traf die Wüstenluft bereits Spanien und sorgte dort im Süden des Landes für Temperaturen über 40 Grad. Mit im Gepäck: Saharastaub. Die Staubwolke breitet sich im Laufe der Woche weiter aus, wie Meteorologe Jan Schenk von The Weather Channel in seiner neuesten Prognose erklärt. „Richtig starke, richtig heiße Sahara-Luft kommt zu uns“, ist sich Schenk sicher. Diese sorge für Hitzewellen bereits ab Donnerstag.

Auch der DWD sagt ab Donnerstag Temperaturen zwischen 25 und 30 Grad für Bayern voraus. Das „sommerliche Niveau“ scheint sich endlich durchzusetzen. „Nur an den östlichen Mittelgebirgen bleibt es noch etwas kühler“, so die Experten.
Hitzewelle trifft Bayern am Wochenende
Reicht es für eine Hitzewelle? „Zum Wochenende verlagert sich der Hochdruckschwerpunkt voraussichtlich etwas weiter nach Osten. Damit nimmt auch allmählich die Gewittergefahr wieder zu“, so DWD-Meteorologe Nico Bauer. „Vor allem am Freitag und Samstag häufig schweißtreibende Höchstwerte von über 30 Grad zu erwarten.“ Im Südwesten sogar bis 36 Grad.
Danach würden erneut Unwetter über Süddeutschland ziehen. Dadurch gehen die Temperaturen zum Montag wieder zurück, das „Hitzeintermezzo“ scheint laut Bauer demnach nur von kurzer Dauer zu sein.
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Muslims celebrate Eid'l Adha in Zamboanga City
MUSLIMS gather at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City for their congregational prayers in celebration of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice on June 6. (City Hall PIO)
By Liza Jocson
Published Jun 6, 2025 03:04 pm
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Thousands of Muslim residents celebrated Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice by participating in community prayers and visiting family and relatives here on Friday, June 6.
A big group trooped to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in the morning to participate in congregational prayers.
Similar gatherings were held in hundreds of mosques all over the city.
In his message, Mayor John Dalipe asked all Muslims to also honor the diverse traditions being celebrated in Zamboanga City as they mark this significant occasion in the Muslim religious calendar.
“May this occasion bring peace, prosperity, and unity to our beloved city,” Dalipe said.
Republic Act 9849 declares the 10th day of Zhul Hijja, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, a national holiday for the observance of Eid’l Adha.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
This year’s Binibinis are competing for more than just a crown
Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star
May 28, 2025 | 12:00am
The stunning 36 Binibinis, in their swimsuit and evening gowns, are introduced during the Bb. Pilipinas 2025 press presentation held recently at the Novotel Manila Araneta City. The lovely ladies are vying for the Bb. Pilipinas International and Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025 crowns. The grand coronation night is set to take place on June 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Swimsuit and Evening Gown competition winners and the Face of Binibini will also be announced during the finals night.
The 36 candidates of the 61st Binibining Pilipinas confidently walked the runway in their swimwear and evening gowns during the press presentation and preliminary competition held recently at the Novotel Manila Araneta City.
The stunning ladies are vying for the Bb. Pilipinas International and Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025 crowns. The grand coronation night is set to take place on June 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Swimsuit and Evening Gown competition winners and the Face of Binibini will also be announced during the finals night.
This year’s bets include: Jeannette Reyes; Liiya Patricia Santiago; Jercy Raine Cruz; Mia Betina Golosino; Lois Vivien Garce; Nichole Nash Andrea Vergara; Annabelle Mae McDonnell; Andrea Clavel Sumadsad; Jenesse Viktoria Mejia; Kimberly Naz; Alyssa Mildred Villariña; and Francesca Beatriz Abalajon.
They are joined by Stella Zacarias; Devine May Torres; Bianca Mae Hernandez; Alyssa Rae Zabala; Vivian Hernandez; Kathleen Enid Espenido; Ma. Andrea Endicio; Farah Jane Rebustillo; Pretty Shane Arnejo; Anna Carres de Mesa; Joanna Francez Batalang; and Radha Marie Cabug.
Completing the list of contenders are Katrina Anne Johnson; Cyril Reign Nulud; Jemille Rustia Zosa; Ma. Alexandra Mata; Glycelle Achurra Navares; Blessie Villablanca; Nica Dacanay; Joanne Marie Thornley; Jerimi Nuqui; Patricia Layug; Alyssa Marie Geronimo, and Dalia Varde Khattab.
Actor and event host Wize Estabillo was joined by Bb. Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra and Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2024 Jasmin Bungay on stage during the press presentation. P-pop girl group KAIA also rendered an energetic performance during the show.
The panel of judges during the preliminary competition include Bb. Pilipinas executive committee member Veana Fores; Bb. Pilipinas junior deputy executive committee member Pia Ojeda; Bb. Pilipinas executive committee member and Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1971 Vida Doria; Bb. Pilipinas trustee and Uniprom Inc. office-in-charge Irene Jose; Araneta City vice president for marketing Marjorie Go; Araneta Hotels, Inc. Cluster general manager Maria Garcia; public relations manager Badette Cunanan; Executive Training Institute of the Philippines, sole franchisee of Dale Carnegie Training in the Philippines president and chief executive officer (CEO) Doodz Policarpio.
Also serving as judges were My Daily Collagen president Anna Perez; Pizza Hut brand manager Michelle Binoya; Wellness Whispers by Dani Barretto founder and CEO Dani Barretto; Victory Liner marketing manager Raul Ecaldre; Playmate Leisure Solutions Inc. PR director for Playtime Krizia Cortez; Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos marketing and entertainment head Michael Angelol; and Nhue Creative Studios president Jonna Cenica Cabuyao.
During the event, some of the returning candidates informed The STAR why they chose Bb. Pilipinas as the pageant to compete in again.
McDonnell, who’s representing Iligan City, an MQuest talent, Miss Charm 2023 first runner-up, and Miss Universe Philippines 2022 first runner-up, told this paper that she doesn’t want to put her pageant career on hold.
“I think I still have something to give. And Bb. Pilipinas has always been a childhood dream of mine. I don’t wanna end my pageant journey without representing my hometown. It’s been seven years since I finally got to represent my hometown and I’m making the most out of it.”
She initially planned to join next year but with the encouragement from her beauty camp Aces & Queens, her family and her boyfriend, she decided to enter the pageant this year.
On the other hand, De Mesa from the province of Batangas earlier competed in Bb. Pilipinas 2022 edition. “This is my second try and from that moment, I was sure that I’m going to join again Bb. Pilipinas and no other because Binibini is my dream. And now I feel like I’m living the dream and I’m very happy and I hope that people are, too. I’m so grateful.”
Johnson from the province of Davao who placed first runner-up in Bb. Pilipinas 2023 felt like she “had unfinished business.”
“And there was part of me that I was so eternally grateful that I was able to place for the first time around. So there was a part of me that was like, ‘Do I wanna put myself back out there and kind of put myself in a position being vulnerable and being judged again, right?’”
She deeply pondered whether she wanted to give the pageant another try — and eventually, she did. “I didn’t wanna live my life with what ifs,” she mused. “I knew that this would be my last year to join if I did want to so I wanna take advantage of it. So it’s really just me taking a leap of faith giving it everything I have.”
“He’s Into Her” actress and Las Piñas representative, Khattab, is eyeing the Bb. Pilipinas International title. It’s her first time to take part in the beauty contest.
“That is the crown that is aligned with my values the most. Because a lot of me, a lot of Dalia is rooted in Japan. And that is where Miss International is based,” she expressed.
The Kapamilya actress established a business in Japan and is fond of Japanese culture. “I even speak a little bit of Japanese since I’ve already started studying over a year ago. And that was way before I decided I was gonna be a Binibini.
“Everything that I’ve been doing, starting my business there, really living life in Japan as a tourist and falling in love with the country, I realized that maybe I wanna strengthen my bond with the country even more by hopefully winning the Bb. Pilipinas international crown and then one day getting to compete and represent the Philippines in Japan as Miss International.”
On how her showbiz career will aid her bid for the crown, she said, “It’s such a blessing to be an actress first before I joined pageantry… Everything that I learned, the long taping days, yung mga scripts, everything I had to memorize, all of that helps me today, until now, to really perform and always be at my best on stage. I really believe that it’s my chance now to really shine as an artist here and in pageantry.”
The Bb. Pilipinas will mount their 2025 Bb. Pilipinas Lagoon Fashion Show at the Lagoon in Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City on May 28 and the Grand Parade of Beauties on June 7.
Monday, May 26, 2025
Pope Leo XIV is back on social media, with a message of peace
The Vatican launched the @Pontifex handle in 2012 during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. It now comes in a variety of nine languages -- English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Polish, Arabic, and Latin -- and counts a combined 52 million followers.
Pope Leo XIV leaves the Augustinian General House in Rome after a visit, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has taken over the Vatican's official social media handles, with a first Instagram post on Tuesday repeating the first words he said to the world as pope: "Peace be with you all!"
The @Pontifex – Pope Leo XIV post featured some of the photos that have documented the first days of history's first American pope.
The Vatican said it was archiving the posts from Pope Francis ' 12-year papacy. On X, the new account didn't appear to be active Tuesday.
Past popes didn't actually send the posts, which were curated by the Vatican.
The former Cardinal Robert Prevost occasionally posted on X in an account started in 2011. It had been dormant since July 2023 but came back to life earlier this year to share criticism of Trump administration migration policies and comments by Vice President JD Vance.
Pope Leo XIV leaves the Augustinian General House in Rome after a visit, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Guardians of democracy: A salute to our teachers
Guardians of democracy: A salute to our teachers

As the nation reflects on the results of the recent midterm elections which offer hope for real change, we pause to honor the public school teachers who served as members of Electoral Board. They are the unsung heroes who played a pivotal role in upholding our democratic process.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara praised them as “not just public servants” but “frontliners of democracy.” “Mula simula hanggang matapos, and’yan kayo—hindi bumitaw (From start to finish, you were there—you never let go),” he said in a statement issued the day after the elections.
Over 660,000 public school teachers and DepEd personnel were among the 758, 549 poll workers who were mobilized to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections on May 12, 2025. Their responsibilities extended beyond mere facilitation; they were the custodians of electoral integrity, managing polling precincts, assisting voters, and safeguarding the sanctity of the ballot.
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“Saludo po kami. Dahil sa inyo, naging maayos at safe ang proseso. Kayo ang tunay na ka-team sa Bagong Pilipinas—laging handa, laging para sa bayan (We salute you. Because of you, the process was orderly and safe. You are the true teammates of Bagong Pilipinas—always ready, always for the nation),” Angara said.
The commitment of these educators was evident in the extensive hours they dedicated. With early voting commencing at 5 a.m. for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women, many teachers reported to their precincts as early as 2 a.m. Even when regular voting concluded at 7 p.m., they remained on duty until the early hours of the following day. That’s over 24 hours of continuous work, mostly under hot conditions, without adequate rest, to ensure every vote was counted accurately.
Beyond the physical toll, teachers faced various challenges, including technical issues with voting machines, logistical delays, and, in some regions, security threats.
In recognition of their invaluable service, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved a ₱2,000 increase in honoraria for poll workers. An additional ₱1,000 across-the-board honoraria for teachers and poll workers was announced a week after election day. Comelec said that full election compensation, including the newly approved increases, will be received by workers within 10 days after election day.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the sufficiency of these measures. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) emphasized the need for overtime pay, citing the extended hours teachers worked beyond their regular duties. They also advocated for the tax exemption of honoraria, citing that deductions significantly reduce the net compensation teachers receive for their election service.
As we commend their efforts, it is crucial for relevant agencies to address the concerns raised by these educators. Ensuring timely and fair compensation, providing adequate support, and recognizing the challenges they faced are essential steps in valuing their contributions.
The dedication exhibited by our teachers during the elections underscores their unwavering commitment to public service. Their role transcends the classroom, as they become pillars of our democratic system during electoral exercises.
Our public school teachers exemplify the spirit of service and dedication. Their involvement in the electoral process is a testament to their commitment to the nation. As we move forward, let us ensure that their sacrifices are met with the respect, support, and recognition they rightfully deserve.
6 Easy Indoor Plants That Purify Air and Brighten Your Space
6 Easy Indoor Plants That Purify Air and Brighten Your Space






Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Remembering Josephine Hermano

Josephine “Opat” Hermano, a significant figure in Philippine interior design publishing, has passed away at 87 due to pneumonia complications. She led Design and Architecture magazine, establishing a benchmark for subsequent publications in the field.
Her daughter, Alessandra “Mara” Hermano, the vice president for Institutional Research & Planning at Boston College, recalled, “She had expectations of us and everyone else, setting high standards. Even when living and dining alone, she insisted on a perfectly set table. She never lowered her standards for her everyday surroundings. It was challenging to meet them.”
Angela Francesca H. Crenshaw, her granddaughter, who called her “Mucci” instead of “lola,” said, “She wanted us to achieve our best.” This inspired Angela to pursue her doctorate.
Mara described her mother as “a force of nature, a pioneer, an icon, and a trendsetter in publishing, interiors, and fashion. She was remarkably forward-thinking. With her sharp eye, we grew up surrounded by and appreciating beautiful items, each with its own story. She excelled at creating surprising combinations.”

Even before the widespread adoption of eclectic décor—mixing different styles, textures, colors, and periods—Hermano exemplified this in her home, though she considered the term “eclectic” trite.
“She combined Gabby Barredo’s found-object sculptures with Oriental blue-and-white vases and china, along with Buddha heads and seated Buddhas. She mixed contemporary pieces with European and Asian antiques and furniture. There wasn’t a single theme. Instead, all the objects, textures, and fabrics communicated with each other. Nothing was static. Mom constantly rearranged her space, moving pieces to emphasize different furniture or artworks,” Mara explained.
Hermano’s Ayala Alabang home, designed by architect Richeto Alcordo, often appeared in magazines. It established a standard for tasteful homes. Her décor boldly combined Gus Albor’s industrial metal sculpture with a large, Baroque gilded mirror. This mirror reflected the sheen of Albor’s welded steel and the minimalist painting of Lao Lianben. A gilded framed nude by Federico Alcuaz leaned casually against the mirror. The density of Pablo Mahinay’s glass block on a pedestal played against the lightness of Impy Pilapil’s glass waves featuring faceted bubbles.
Casual decorating style
After becoming an empty nester in the 2010s, she moved to a condo and embraced a more casual decorating style. Chosen for comfort, two affordable brown leatherette chairs accented an antique Chinese chest and an abstract piece by Dutch artist Brita Berthelsen. The new space achieved harmony through similar neutral tones and simple lines.

“As the publisher of Design & Architecture magazine, an interior designer, and a friend to numerous artists, Opat significantly shaped various aspects of art and design in the Philippines. She conducted herself with elegance and grace in all her pursuits,” noted Paul Crenshaw, her son-in-law and an associate professor of Art History at Providence College, Rhode Island.
Hermano wore Japanese designers long before Filipinos included Issey Miyake in their wardrobes.
Crenshaw added, “In decorating her home, she appreciated a variety of surface materials and the placement of contrasting textures side by side. She didn’t view a single artwork in isolation but always in connection with other objects in the house. She would pair two-dimensional sculptures with three-dimensional ones, as well as plants and flowers. She favored art that possessed a sense of elegance, fashion, and texture.”
Turning point
Hermano’s refined taste emerged early, by constantly moving furniture around in a traditionally styled home featuring rich wood details. Born to Concepcion Magsaysay (sister of President Ramon Magsaysay) and Supreme Court Associate Justice Alejo Labrador, Hermano married
lawyer Francis Hermano, who later became a leading executive at the Asian Development Bank.
She pursued her interest in design at the Philippine Institute of Interior Design. Although she found drawing and drafting difficult, her talent for styling shone through in her graduation exhibit, drawing the attention of clients. Her design reputation grew as friends sought her advice in decorating their homes.

A pivotal moment occurred in 1989 when publisher Jacqueline Vega, no longer able to oversee Design and Architecture (DA), entrusted it to Hermano as the executive publisher.
Rommel Earl Digo, a former DA staff writer, aptly called Hermano “the Paige Rense of the Philippines.” This comparison underscores Hermano’s impact on elevating the profile of interior design in the Philippines, mirroring Rense’s influence on Architectural Digest in the United States. Rense transformed Architectural Digest Into a glamorous magazine that spotlighted interior designers and architects. Likewise, Hermano reshaped DA, emphasizing the impact of visual narratives and Filipino ingenuity, thereby establishing a high benchmark for the industry.
Working with editor-in-chief Sylvia Roces-Montilla, Hermano maintained creative control, establishing DA as a guide for refined taste. The quarterly magazine featured striking photography that emphasized spatial depth. Hermano engaged stylists for photoshoots, meticulously arranging and editing elements to achieve uncluttered and artfully composed images. The magazine showcased the stylish homes of creative individuals, commercial spaces by leading designers, heritage homes, and Filipino art and artifacts, creating a model for later shelter publications.
Digo observed that Hermano balanced “high art with high design,” encouraging homeowners to feature significant artwork and table settings that reflected their personalities. Designers and socialites sought to be featured in DA, yet Hermano’s sophisticated taste sometimes led her to decline overly flamboyant projects, further strengthening her reputation for discerning judgment.

Similar to Architectural Digest’s AD100 list, DA presented the Guhit Awards, which recognized excellence in architecture, interior design, decorative arts, and cultural preservation. Hermano also produced two coffee table books based on DA content: “La Mesa,” focusing on table settings, and “At Home with Filipino Art and Artists,” featuring artist studios, written by her daughter Mara.
The Asian Crisis of the late 1990s affected the real estate industry and the magazine, resulting in DA’s final issue in 2001. Although many shelter magazines have since emerged, Hermano’s influence remains. She was crucial in shaping how expressive Filipino interiors are presented and valued.
Hermano is survived by her children, Mara and her son-in-law Crenshaw; Jose Francisco “Jiggs” L. Hermano and her daughter-in-law Venisse Laurel; and her grandchildren Angela Francesca and Lucas Crenshaw, and Danielle Juliana, Alissandra Georgina and Gabrianna Marie Hermano.