

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!


ABS-CBN’s girl group BINI is set to take the global stage as it makes its highly anticipated debut at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival this Saturday morning, April 11, at 7:15 AM PHT (Philippine time), marking a major milestone for Filipino pop on the world stage.

Filipinos around the world can watch for free and support the group live on Coachella YouTube channel via the Mojave Stage livestream.
The nation’s girl group, composed of Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena, is ready to champion Philippine music at one of the world's biggest music festivals happening live in Indio, California. The group will return for a second performance on April 18 (PHT).
Their Coachella debut comes just days after the release of their new EP “Signals,” dropping Thursday (April 9) at 9 PM PHT. The six-track project features new songs “Blush,” “Tic Tac Toe,” “Sugar Rush,” and “Step Back,” alongside previously released singles “Unang Kilig” and “Honey Honey,” which have already accumulated over three million and two million Spotify streams, respectively.
After their Coachella performances, BINI is also set to appear at the GRAMMY Museum’s “Global Spin Live” on April 21.
The group recently graced an NBA game celebrating the Filipino Heritage Night hosted by the Los Angeles Clippers last March 31.
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN’s record label, Star Music, invites fans to share their reactions to BINI’s Coachella performance for a chance to be featured on its social media pages. Simply post your reaction videos using the hashtag #Coachella_BloomsReact and tag @StarMusicPH and @bini_ph.


The Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) Organization confirmed the removal of an official candidate from this year's competition lineup.
While the organization has yet to disclose the candidate's identity, pageant fans suspect that Miss Universe Philippines Kalibo, Aklan, Imelda Schweighart, was cut from this year's roster.

"Following concerns that were brought to our attention, the organization undertook a careful and thorough review of the matter," the MUP statement read.
It added, "The delegate was given both verbal and written guidance to help address the situation.
"Despite these efforts, certain behaviors continued in ways that were not aligned with the standards we aim to uphold.
"As such, it has been decided that the delegate will no longer be allowed to continue in the competition," the statement also said.

On social media, Imelda said that her pageant journey continues. Her full post:
"Ten years ago something massive shifted in my life. It was a collision of light and shadow, the good and the bad, but it whispered a truth I’ve carried every single day since: my journey was never meant to be a quiet moment, it was meant to be a legacy.
"I knew even then, in the heat of the fire a decade ago, that I would return. I didn’t know the how and I didn’t know the when, but I felt the pull of destiny. I’ve spent these years living, learning, and waiting for the perfect moment to step back into the light. Now, standing here feels like living in a movie, a vivid dream with the world as my witness.
"My vision was always different. I didn’t want the standard slender silhouette; I wanted the power and the presence of the Latinas I’ve always admired. It took three years of quiet dedication and six months of the most grueling, intensive conditioning to build this version of myself. I am proud of every muscle, every line, and every ounce of strength I’ve earned. I didn’t just wait for a comeback I built the body to sustain it.
"Whether you cheer or you bash, you are part of this story. The noise didn’t break me; it made me immortal in this game. It made me memorable. I am profoundly grateful because I know I am not walking this path alone. I have sustained this fire for ten years because God is the architect behind it all.
"Temporary noise is just a 24-hour cycle, but resiliency is a lifetime. I didn’t come this far just to be a headline. I am here to be remembered.
"The journey continues."
At 30, Imelda is no stranger to the pageant world. A Bb. Pilipinas alumna, she claimed the Miss Philippines Earth crown in 2016 and went on to represent the country at Miss Earth 2016 — a stage she knows all too well.
The Filipina-German beauty queen is also a single mother raising an eight-year-old son — a fact that makes her decade-long fight to reclaim the spotlight all the more compelling.


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OPM icon Louie Reyes, who was a member of the popular '70s vocal group The New Minstrels, has passed away.
Louie's demise was confirmed by her husband, Cesar dela Fuente, in one of the tribute posts for the Filipino jazz singer.
"Today I lost the love of my life," wrote Cesar on Oct. 26. The cause of Louie's death was not disclosed. No interment details for Louie have been announced.
Following her death, colleagues in the entertainment industry — Odette Quesada, Ivy Violan, and Leah Navarro — offered condolences and prayers.
Singer-songwriter Odette Quesada wrote on Facebook, "Bodjie and Iran into Louie Reyes at IKEA in Burbank, California, 24 years ago. She had heard that we had recently relocated to Los Angeles and welcomed us with open arms, telling us to call if we ever needed anything.
"Through the years, we saw Louie Reyes and her husband, Cesar, at every Filipino event in L.A. and grew a kinship most musicians have with each other, born of mutual respect and camaraderie.
"She was always so encouraging, always so gracious, always so kind. Louie Reyes,you will always be missed. My condolences to your family and friends," Odette said.