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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Saturday, June 28, 2025

Is Low German closer to English than it’s to German?

 

 · 

Yes, it is.

Both Low German and English didn't suffer High German consonant shift, besides the two languages are from North sea Germanic branch, so somehow they're a bit related to. Low German is the modern descendant of Old Saxon the language spoken by ancient Germanic tribe, Saxons but those Saxons stayed on their original fatherland that it's nowadays northern Germany and northeast of the Netherlands instead of migrating to England with Angles, other Saxons, Jutes and Frisians, where there with all the mix of their dialects it formed Anglo- Saxon language, the earliest version of English spoken nowadays.

Certainly it's very possible that it existed a great degree of intelligibility between Old English and Old Saxon, but nowadays both languages are not intelligible, because English centuries back was very influenced by Old Norse and Norman French, and then English adopted foreign vocabulary from many different languages on later periods.

Low German on the contrary was strongly influenced by standard German on recent eras in terms of vocabulary, orthography and grammar structures, losing some of their original characteristics for this reason, nowadays Low German it's more considered a German dialect more than an independent language itself, although it is. Low German dialects spoken in The Netherlands have received more Dutch influence in terms of vocabulary, orthography and grammar structures, in The Netherlands Low German it's known as Low Saxon.

The pursuit for unity of life


 


By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com


IF we really know what the real and ultimate purpose of our life here on earth is, for sure we would do everything to organize our life in such a way that all the elements involved would work together to pursue that purpose.


This is what we may call as the duty to develop a sense of unity of life, where we integrate everything in our life, starting with our ordinary activities and work, our prayer and other responsibilities—social, family, apostolic, etc.—into a constant occasion to sanctify ourselves, i.e., to always do God’s will.


In this way, we would be affirming our true identity as children of God who wants us to be like him. That is why in the gospel, Christ always compares us with God our Father. “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy,” he said. “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt 5,48)


We have to learn to turn everything into an occasion, means and reason to know, love and serve God, and to do the same to everybody else, since our relation with God is always developed through our relation with others and with everything else in our life here on earth.


This would mean that we have to learn how to find God in our daily lives and in all the events and circumstances of our life. If we have the proper frame of mind that is guided by our Christian faith, we know that everything can and should be sanctified, and by so doing, we also sanctify ourselves and others.


We should never forget that our life is not only biological, it relies simply on our biological functions. Neither is it just purely physical or material that requires merely material nourishment.


Our life has many more important aspects and dimensions that need to be integrated into one whole consistent thing. There’s the manual and intellectual, the active and contemplative, personal and social, the material and spiritual, the temporal and eternal, etc.


And precisely because of our spiritual nature, we open ourselves to a supernatural level. That’s just how the cookie crumbles. Thus, we should also be aware of what is natural and supernatural in our life, the mundane and the sacred.


I must say that of the different pairs of distinctions among the aspects of our life, that of the natural and supernatural is the most tricky, and therefore the most ignored, the least appreciated and lived with consistency.


And yet, we also have this intriguing reality that a good portion of the people all over the world, usually the poor and simple, automatically realize that our life has both these natural and supernatural dimensions.


The challenge we have is how to integrate all these elements in such a way that we live this unity of life as much as possible with uninterrupted consistency and continuity. This would definitely require God’s grace, first of all, and our all-out effort. 


There will always be a need for daily struggle. It would be helpful that as soon as possible we realize and start to do something about it. We may never reach perfection in this regard, but at least we can try and try, making progress little by little.


To be sure, it will be a very demanding life that we should have, but also one that would give us a certain sense of inner joy and peace that the world cannot give. 



Friday, June 27, 2025

'Mission: Impossible' composer Lalo Schifrin dies aged 93


 

Agence France-Presse

June 27, 2025 | 8:13am


Argentinian composer Lalo Schifrin accepts an honorary Oscar at the 10th Annual Governors Awards gala hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the the Dolby Theater at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, California on November 18, 2018.


LOS ANGELES, United States — Famed composer Lalo Schifrin, who created themes for a host of hit Hollywood films and television shows  including the instantly recognizable "Mission: Impossible" score — died Thursday aged 93, US media reported.

Born in Argentina, Schifrin blended the influences of his classical and symphonic training with jazz and modern sounds in his diverse and vast oeuvre, which includes the scores for around 100 films, some of them the best-known of their generation.

His death was confirmed by his son, Ryan Schifrin, to several entertainment trade publications.

Schifrin's work for film includes "The Cincinnati Kid (1965) and "Bullitt" (1968), both with Steve McQueen, Paul Newman's "Cool Hand Luke" (1968), and Clint Eastwood's "Dirty Harry" (1971).

He also created the score to the 1960s "Mission: Impossible" television series, which inspired the theme of the massive film franchise starring Tom Cruise.

A pipe-smoker in his younger years and bespectacled with a mane of silver hair later, he was also a highly respected international orchestra conductor and jazz pianist.

Boris Claudio Schifrin was born in Buenos Aires on June 21, 1932 into a musical family, his father Luis Schifrin being the concert master of the city's Philharmonic Orchestra for 25 years.

He learned piano at a young age, developing an extensive knowledge of classical music.

His introduction in his teens to jazz and the American sound — through its greats such as Charlie Parker, George Gershwin, and Louis Armstrong — was like a conversion, he would say later, and set his life on a new course.

Related: 'Mission Impossible Final Reckoning' review: Tom Cruise cheats death, aging, AI with Oscar-worthy tricks

After training in Paris, Schifrin returned to Buenos Aires and set up his own big band, with a performance notably impressing jazz legend trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.

"So after we finished, Dizzy came to me and said, did you write all these charts? And I said, yes. Would you like to come to United States? I thought he was joking. He wasn't," Schifrin recounted to NPR in 2007.

"I wouldn't be here had it not been for that moment," he told the US radio.

Schifrin moved to the United States in 1958 and became a US citizen over a decade later.

In Hollywood, television producer Bruce Geller asked him to create scores for his television series "Mission: Impossible" (1966) and "Mannix" (1969).

Geller's brief was for "a theme that's exciting, promising, but not too heavy" and anticipates the action to follow, Schifrin told NPR in 2015.

Geller said that when "people go to the kitchen and get a Coca-Cola, I want them to hear the theme and say, Oh, this is 'Mission: Impossible'," he recounted.

The score he delivered earned Schifrin two Grammy music awards in 1967, adding to two for the albums "The Cat" (1964) and "Jazz Suite On The Mass Texts" (1965).

Shifrin received several Academy Award nominations for his film work including for "Cool Hand Luke." In 2018, he received an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement, presented by Eastwood.

Designing for the future: Why the Philippines needs more child-friendly spaces


 

By Anna Mae Lamentillo

Published Jun 27, 2025 12:04 am


Walk through any Philippine city, and you’ll quickly notice something missing: children. Or more precisely, spaces for children. Our streets are loud and dangerous, our sidewalks narrow or nonexistent, and our public parks—where they exist—are often neglected, overrun, or designed with more concrete than care. Yet children are everywhere, living in these environments, shaped by them daily.

If we truly believe that “ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” then we must design spaces that reflect that belief. Because the spaces we create say a lot about the priorities we hold—and right now, we are not prioritizing our children nearly enough.

Why child-friendly spaces matter

Child-friendly spaces are not just playgrounds or amusement parks. They are environments—public and private—where children can safely explore, play, learn, and grow. These spaces consider a child’s scale, mobility, safety, and developmental needs. They invite creativity, spark curiosity, and nurture relationships. Importantly, they are accessible to all children, regardless of income or ability.

Children need space—not just in the physical sense, but space to be loud, silly, curious, and free. These moments of unstructured play are not trivial. They are foundational to emotional regulation, cognitive development, social skills, and even resilience. When we deprive children of safe, engaging spaces to play and be themselves, we are quietly sabotaging their future.

The Philippine reality

In the Philippines, especially in urban areas like Metro Manila, our built environment often treats children as afterthoughts. Open spaces are shrinking, playgrounds are seen as luxuries, and streets are hostile to small bodies. Cars dominate public roads, sidewalks are obstructed or unsafe, and malls have become the default weekend destination—not because they’re ideal, but because they’re one of the few places where families can be indoors, semi-safe, and away from pollution.

In rural areas and informal settlements, the situation is even more dire. Children play in dangerous streets, near construction zones, or on riversides with little supervision and zero safety infrastructure. These are not child-friendly spaces. These are survival zones.


Yet Filipino children are incredibly resilient. They make toys out of scrap, invent games with stones and sticks, and turn alleys into basketball courts. But resilience should not be an excuse for neglect. We owe them more than the bare minimum.

Child-friendly spaces are

community-friendly spaces

Designing for children has benefits far beyond the children themselves. Child-friendly spaces often lead to more inclusive, walkable, and community-oriented environments. When streets are made safe for kids, they’re also safer for the elderly, people with disabilities, and caregivers. When parks are designed for playful exploration, they also become spaces for rest, conversation, and connection.

In short, child-friendly spaces lead to people-friendly cities.

What can be done

We need to start with policy, but also imagination. LGUs must be empowered and incentivized to allocate space for children—not as an afterthought in planning but as a central design principle. Public parks should be properly maintained, well-lit, and free. Streets near schools should have lower speed limits, wide sidewalks, and traffic-calming features. Urban planners must consult with educators, caregivers, and even children themselves to understand how a space will be used.

Schools can also open up their playgrounds after hours for community use. Barangay halls can designate “play streets” on weekends. Developers can be required to include accessible green spaces—not just for aesthetics, but for play and interaction.

Private sector involvement matters too. Malls can reimagine themselves not just as consumption hubs, but as safe places for creative play and learning. Restaurants can make space for child-friendly amenities beyond just a high chair. We already know how to build; we just need to build with children in mind.

Design is a reflection of values

To design for children is to design with empathy, foresight, and humility. It says we care about our future not in slogans, but in sidewalks. Not in speeches, but in swings, slides, and shaded benches. It says we understand that children are not just passive observers of adult life—they are active participants in society, deserving of spaces that welcome, protect, and nurture them.

In the end, a child-friendly Philippines is not just a better place for kids—it’s a better place for all of us. Let’s start building that future now.

Characters from movies, series that redefined Pride


 

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Jun 26, 2025 11:04 am


“Agatha All Along,” Episode 6, Familiar By Thy Side

Agatha isn’t just the most dangerous witch in town—she’s canonically queer, deeply complex, and fiercely self-assured. The line, delivered during an intense moment of reckoning, reflects her own journey. After centuries of loss and survival, she still stands tall—defiant, sharp, and absolutely magnetic. She doesn’t tiptoe around her power—she revels in it. Pride, for Agatha, is about reclaiming space, trusting your voice, and owning every part of who you are. With flair, fire, and zero apologies.


Elektra Abundance

“POSE,” Season 2, Episode 9

Elektra doesn’t just take up space, she claims it like a runway. This line, hurled like a dagger at the height of a ballroom showdown, is Elektra in her element: fierce, unfiltered, and immovable. In a world that tries to erase trans women like her, she turns the spotlight on herself and dares it to stay.

Her Pride is defiance in heels. A statement of survival, sisterhood, and power dressed in red and gold. Elektra doesn’t whisper her worth—she shouts it for the whole room to hear.


Charles Blow

“Late to the Party: Coming Out Later in Life”

Charles Blow’s journey isn’t about teenage rebellion—it’s a courageous reclamation in midlife, carving space for older LGBTQIA+ voices. Delivered at the culmination of the documentary, this line echoes resilience and self-love after decades of hiding. He reminds us that Pride doesn’t have an expiration date—it can be found at any time, and you’re exactly enough when you arrive.


Victor Salazar

“Love, Victor”

Victor isn’t just coming out—he’s coming into himself. In this pivotal moment, he finally lets go of everyone else’s expectations and chooses his own happiness. After seasons of navigating culture, family, and fear, this scene is his declaration. He doesn’t whisper it—he claims it.

Pride, for Victor, is the journey of saying “yes” to yourself, even when it’s terrifying. Especially when it’s terrifying.


Freddie Mercury


“Bohemian Rhapsody”

Before taking the stage at Live Aid, Freddie says this line—and it’s pure fire. It’s not about just performing; it’s about performing as himself. In a world that wanted him to tone it down, he turned the volume up. His Pride is in his presence. His voice. His glitter and grit. He was loud, queer, and unforgettable—and that’s what makes him legendary.


Santana Lopez



“Glee”

Coming out to her abuela in one of the show’s most emotional scenes, Santana’s voice shakes—but it never breaks. This moment crystallizes the terror and strength it takes to claim your truth in the face of rejection. She’s fierce. She’s vulnerable. She’s real. And that’s exactly what made her a queer icon for an entire generation. The right words, in the right moment, can spark something life-changing. These quotes—from queer characters and fierce allies—aren’t just catchphrases. They’re battle cries, love letters, and reminders that you’re not alone. So whether you’re out, questioning, healing, or holding space for someone else, may these stories remind you: your voice matters, your truth is valid, and your Pride is powerful.


Bites by the beach: Grab's Dine Out rolls into Boracay


 

With e-trikes, local flavors, and app-powered savings, Grab reimagines island dining for travelers and small businesses


By Feliciano Rodriguez III

Published Jun 25, 2025 07:28 am


On the sun-drenched shores of Boracay, a quiet shift is taking place. It begins not with sandcastles or surfboards, but with a green e-trike painted in Grab’s signature color pulling up to your hotel. This is how Grab welcomed media guests into a new kind of dining experience, introducing its Dine Out feature on the island as part of a larger effort to bring tech-powered tourism into more corners of the Philippines.

For Grab, the campaign is more than a soft launch. “This is the first step in a larger partnership with the Department of Tourism,” said CJ Lacsican, Grab Philippines’ vice president for cities. “We are enabling local and international travelers to connect with the Philippines in richer, more seamless ways.”

Dine Out is Grab’s newest in-app feature, now live in Boracay. The mechanics are simple. Diners already seated at partner restaurants can open the app, tap the Dine Out tab, select the venue, input the bill, and instantly enjoy up to 20 percent off. For those who prefer to plan ahead, discounted vouchers can be purchased in advance, with some featuring chef-curated must-try dishes.

The media preview kicked off with dinner at Nonie’s, where the plates focused on mindful, modern Filipino comfort food. The next day started with breakfast at The Black Attic on the quieter side of the island, in Bulabog Beach. From there, it was lunch at La-ud, which showcased deeply rooted Filipino flavors. Later, guests were treated to merienda at Muchos, followed by dessert at Kelana, a relaxed café with a sweet tooth and a view.

But Dine Out is not just about eating well. At its core, it supports local entrepreneurs. “We’re giving these businesses the ability to run smart, targeted promotions that deliver real results,” said CJ. “More tables filled. More revenue generated. More jobs supported.”

Grab Dine Out aims to make food discovery easier for travelers while giving small food businesses access to a wider market through the app. Currently available in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, the service is now expanding into tourism-driven destinations like Boracay. The list of partner restaurants includes Cathy’s Bistro, Jeepney Stop, Totally Bananas, Kasbar, The Black Attic, La-ud, and Muchos, with more being added each week.

Merz-Regierung baut Bürgergeld um – eine Änderung davon betrifft auch Rentner

Berlin – Mit Ausgaben von 190,3 Milliarden Euro beansprucht Arbeitsministerin Bärbel Bas (SPD) über ein Drittel des Gesamthaushalts von 503 Milliarden Euro. Allein über 117 Milliarden fließen als Zuschüsse an die Rentenversicherung. Zweitgrößter Ausgabenposten ist das Bürgergeld, für das die Regierung wegen der schlechten wirtschaftlichen Lage mit einer steigenden Zahl von Beziehenden rechnet: Dafür werden daher insgesamt 42,6 Milliarden Euro für den Regelsatz und die Kosten für die Unterkunft veranschlagt. Es kommen auch noch Eingliederungsleistungen und Verwaltungskosten hinzu. Das sind noch einmal 9,35 Milliarden Euro, sodass sich die Gesamtkosten auf rund 52 Milliarden Euro belaufen. Gleichzeitig steht fest: Das Bürgergeld soll reformiert werden/

Das Bürgergeld soll reformiert werden – Koalitionsausschuss soll Zeitplan festlegen

Union und SPD hatten im Koalitionsvertrag vereinbart, das Bürgergeld umzubauen. Dabei sollen Mitwirkungspflichten und Sanktionen verschärft werden. Bürgergeld-Bezieherinnen und -Bezieher, die Termine beim Jobcenter versäumen, sollen künftig mit „spürbaren Konsequenzen“ rechnen müssen. Auch eine neue Berechnungsmethode des Regelsatzes ist geplant. 

Die Regierung wolle die im Koalitionsvertrag anvisierte Bürgergeld-Reform „sehr schnell, aber nicht überstürzt angehen“, sagte die SPD-Politikerin laut dpa. Wie die Bild am Sonntag unter Berufung auf Koalitionskreise berichtete, soll der Koalitionsausschuss am 2. Juli tagen. Dabei soll unter anderem der weitere Zeitplan für die Reform des Bürgergelds besprochen werden. 

Koalitionsvertrag: Regelsätze der Grundsicherung reformieren

Aktuell lässt sich das Bürgergeld auf eine einfache Formel herunterbrechen: Es geht darum, arbeitslose Menschen, die aber gleichwohl erwerbsfähig sind, in Arbeit zu bringen und sie zu unterstützen, wenn sie keinen Arbeitsplatz finden können oder mit ihrer Erwerbstätigkeit ein nicht bedarfsdeckendes Einkommen erzielen. 

Das Bürgergeld kann auch als ergänzende Leistung zum Einkommen gewährt werden. Im vergangenen Jahr nahmen das rund 826.000 Erwerbstätigen in Anspruch, weil ihr Einkommen nicht zum Leben reichte. Die Kosten dafür lagen bei rund sieben Milliarden Euro. Das Bürgergeld soll Ausgaben für die Ernährung, Kleidung, Körperpflege, Hausrat sowie die Teilnahme am sozialen und kulturellen Leben in der Gemeinschaft abdecken. Der monatliche Pauschalbetrag lag zuletzt bei einer alleinstehenden Person bei 563 Euro.

Merz-Regierung ändert Berechnung der Bürgergeld-Höhe – und trifft auch Rentner

Ein weiterer Aspekt der geplanten Reform ist die Rückkehr zur alten Berechnungsformel für den Regelsatz. Damit wird die aktuell stärker inflationsorientierte Anpassung rückgängig gemacht. „Wir werden den Anpassungsmechanismus der Regelsätze in Bezug auf die Inflation auf den Rechtsstand vor der Corona-Pandemie zurückführen“, heißt es dazu im Koalitionsvertrag. Mit der Bürgergeld-Einführung war es geändert worden, um die Inflation stärker zu berücksichtigen. Die Erhöhungen der vergangenen Jahre, die unter anderem zu einem Plus von 25 Prozent geführt hatten, hatten jedoch für Kritik gesorgt. 

Die Grundsicherung im Alter und bei Erwerbsminderung: Bestehende Ansprüche prüfen lassen

Vom Bürgergeld zu unterscheiden ist hingegen die Grundsicherung im Alter und bei Erwerbsminderung. Bürgergeld und Grundsicherung sind zwar jeweils Leistungen der sozialen Sicherung in Deutschland, aber sie richten sich an unterschiedliche Personengruppen. Die Grundsicherung ist eine Leistung für Menschen, die nicht erwerbsfähig sind, also beispielsweise aufgrund von Alter oder Erwerbsunfähigkeit nicht arbeiten können.

Als einfache Faustregel gilt: Wenn das gesamte Einkommen unter 1062 Euro liegt, lohnt es sich, prüfen zu lassen, ob ein Anspruch auf Grundsicherung besteht. Mithilfe der Grundsicherung können dann der Lebensunterhalt, Miete und Heizung sowie Kranken- und Pflegeversicherungsbeiträge finanziert werden. Die Miete, einschließlich Nebenkosten und Heizkosten, gehört zu den Leistungen der Grundsicherung, wenn die Kosten angemessen sind. Das Sozialamt übernimmt diese Kosten zusätzlich zum Regelbedarf, sofern die Wohnung die entsprechenden Richtlinien erfüllt.  

Höhe der Grundsicherung für Rentner entspricht dem Bürgergeld – somit auch die Änderungen

Die Höhe der Grundsicherung wird individuell berechnet. Sie orientiert sich am Regelsatz des Bürgergelds, der für Alleinlebende bei 563 Euro liegt. Für den gesamten Haushalt richtet sich die Höhe zudem unter anderem nach dem Personenstand und danach, ob eigenes Vermögen oder Einkommen wie beispielsweise Zinserträge, Kindergeld oder ein Sparguthaben vorhanden ist. Die Zahlung erfolgt grundsätzlich für zwölf Monate. Danach muss ein neuer Antrag gestellt werden.

Inflation & Kriege: Welche wirtschaftlichen Folgen kommen auf Sie zu?
Der Wirtschaft-Newsletter immer dienstags und donnerstags in Ihrem Postfach. Eine kurze Registrierung genügt.

Auch die Methode, wie der Regelsatz ermittelt wird, entspricht dem Bürgergeld. Damit sind auch die Erwerbsgeminderten und Rentnerinnen und Rentner von der geplanten Änderung der Fortschreibung – und damit der Bürgergeld-Reform betroffen.

17 ARD-Sender stehen vor dem Aus

 Sparkurs für die Radio-Programme

:17 ARD-Sender stehen vor dem Aus

Der öffentlich-rechtliche Rundfunk soll sich reformieren und Kosten sparen. Dafür soll zunächst beim Hörfunk gekürzt werden

Der öffentlich-rechtliche Rundfunk soll sich reformieren und Kosten sparen. Dafür soll zunächst beim Hörfunk gekürzt werden

Foto: picture alliance / Panama Pictures 

Nach BILD-Informationen tagen die Intendanten der ARD-Sender am Mittwoch in Bremen. Ein wesentliches Thema soll der „Reformprozess“ sein. Dabei geht es vor allem um die Radiosender der neun Rundfunk-Anstalten.

▶︎ Aktuell gibt es 70 unterschiedliche Radiowellen, die über UKW oder rein digital empfangen werden können. Die Länder fordern die Reduzierung auf maximal 53 Sender. Dieser Forderung wollen die Intendanten nun offenbar nachkommen und ab 2027 bei 17 Kanälen einsparen. 

Ob sie anschließend komplett eingestellt werden oder einzelne Angebote noch über Streams oder Podcasts verfügbar sein sollen, ist eine entscheidende Frage.

▶︎ Tatsächlich gibt es bundesweit etliche Überschneidungen. BR, NDR und MDR unterhalten zurzeit jeweils einen eigenen Schlager-Sender, sie alle sollen auf dem Prüfstand stehen. Zudem leistet sich der MDR sowohl einen Sender für Klassik als auch einen für Kultur, außerdem ein Programm für Kinder („MDR Tweens“) und eins für Jugendliche („Sputnik“).

Florian Hager (49) vom Hessischen Rundfunk hat aktuell den Vorsitz der Intendanten-Konferenz

Florian Hager (49) vom Hessischen Rundfunk hat aktuell den Vorsitz der Intendanten-Konferenz

Foto: Focke Strangmann/dpa

▶︎ Programme für junge Hörer haben auch WDR („Die Maus“) und SWR („Das Ding“). Der BR gönnt sich einen eigenen Kanal für Volksmusik („BR Heimat“), der NDR für alternative Musik („Blue“).

Über die Beschlüsse wollen die Intendanten die Mitarbeiter nach BILD-Informationen am Donnerstagvormittag informieren.

Eine BILD-Anfrage beim „Hessischen Rundfunk“ (hat den Vorsitz der Intendanten-Konferenz) wollte ein Sprecher am Mittwoch nicht kommentieren.

Gewitter-Walze überrollt Deutschland

 Hitze und Unwetter von Südwesten bis Nordosten

:Gewitter-Walze überrollt Deutschland

Blitze bei Straubing in Bayern

Blitze zucken bei einem Gewitter in Bayern vom Himmel

Foto: Armin Weigel/dpa 

Neue Gewitterwarnung: Ab Donnerstagnachmittag erwarten Meteorologen heftige Unwetter in Teilen Deutschlands.

Bis zu 32 Grad sind heute möglich, heißt es in der Vorhersage des Deutschen Wetterdienstes (DWD). Gleichzeitig sollen Gewitter im Laufe des Tages vom Südwesten bis in den Nordosten ziehen.

Wetterdienste warnen vor schwerem Gewitter

Meteorologe Maximilian Bähr von WetterKontor zu BILD: „Am Donnerstag ist Bewegung in der Wetterküche: Im Tagesverlauf gibt es in weiten Landesteilen dichte Quellwolken mit kräftigen Schauern und Gewittern. Örtlich auch Unwettergefahr.“

Klimatologe Dr. Karsten Brandt von Donnerwetter.de zu BILD: „Es gibt wieder viele Gewitter, besonders im Osten und Süden, teilweise Schwergewitter mit Hagel, Böen und Starkregen. Besonders in Bayern und Berlin/Brandenburg drohen wieder Unwetter. Die Menschen sollten die Warnungen beachten.“

Die Wetterkarte für den frühen Abend: Starkregen und Gewitter sind vor allem in Bayern, im O möglich

Die Wetterkarte für den frühen Abend zeigt: Starkregen und Gewitter sind vor allem im Süden und im Osten Deutschlands möglich

Foto: OpenStreetMap/Deutscher Wetterdienst

In ganz Deutschland sind demnach auch Unwetter mit heftigem Starkregen, Hagel und Sturmböen nicht ausgeschlossen.

Selbst orkanartige Böen – wie sie am Montag in Berlin und Brandenburg für Schäden, Verkehrschaos und ein Todesopfer sorgten – sind laut DWD wieder möglich.

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Celeste Legaspi proud of her second production venture


‘Song of the Fireflies’ is produced by veteran singer Celeste Legaspi and talent manager Girlie Rodis. Their first film venture was ‘Ang Larawan,’ the award-winning entry shown in the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). For their latest film collab, they found the story of Ma’am Alma Taldo and the Loboc Children’s Choir, which was about inspiring people and excellence in the. 

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star    

Their first film was “Ang Larawan,” the award-winning entry shown in the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

“We wanted to do a second film that would be worth it, like ‘Ang Larawan,’” producer Celeste said. “We thought that ‘Ang Larawan’ was about inspiring people and excellence in the craft. That was what we found in the story of ‘Ma’am Alma Taldo and the Loboc Children’s Choir. They are completely dedicated to excellence and committed to being the very best the Filipino can be.”

Celeste is the film’s executive producer.

“Their story came from a small town. All they had was talent, hard work and commitment. We thought that was a great story to put in film that will inspire the Filipinos when they watch the film,” she added. 

Hence, “Song of the Fireflies” came about. Sarge Lacuesta wrote the screenplay, King Palisoc worked at the helm.

Morissette makes her acting debut as Alma Taldo, the founder of the Loboc Children’s Choir.

“Our main responsibility was to portray Ma’am Alma (Taldo) as honestly as we could,” said Celeste. “She’s a very special person. Morissette embraced that challenge. She’s used to performing in concerts and on television, but she had to find that part of her that’s just about honesty. She hardly wore makeup. The clothes were very plain and simple. I will not wear those clothes. But Morissette embraced everything.”

“We really sat her down and told her the challenge that she would portray Alma as honestly as she can. She knew after meeting Ma’am Alma and learning from her,” continued she. “Morissette was really an asset for the film from the very beginning. Aside from the fact that she is Bisaya. She knew that. And we had to shoot in Bohol, also in Manila.”

The film boasts “great music,” as Celeste beamed. Morissette’s singing and rendition were so heartfelt. 

“It’s not a musical, but it’s about music,” Celeste pointed out. “We were able to get music from our National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, with original songs from Louie Ocampo, Jazz Nicolas (of Itchyworms), Raymund Marasigan (of The Eraserheads) and Krina Cayabyab.”

All the folk songs performed by the Loboc Children’s Choir  — Pobreng Alindahaw, Bahay Kubo and Sitsiritsit Alibangbang — were beautiful.

“That’s why I said let’s make the story of the Loboc Children’s Choir into a film,” Celeste said. “We always lacked money because there was no big firm backing us up. Financial was always the challenge. It still is a challenge.”

“But Cignal and MQuest Ventures came in. That really helped. I’m very proud of ‘Song of the Fireflies.’ It took a lot of hard work for us and heartache, as well. But I think it’s really worth it. I think I’ve seen it 50 times. Every time I watch it, I cry,” she shared.

“We love doing films that really inspire and show excellence in the Philippines, especially our music. We are courageous and at the same time, foolish. We begin our projects without money. That’s art. You have to make a leap of faith and believe that at the end of the jump, there will be an audience to support us.”

“But we have shown our tenacity for excellence and dedication for what is good about the Filipino that many people come and support us. That has been very heartwarming ever since ‘Ang Larawan’ and our musicals in the past.”

The experience of working with first-time actors like Morissette and the Loboc Children’s Choir was “refreshing” for director King Palisoc.

“Our experience shooting the film was full of authenticity,” said the director. “Since they were first-timers, the emotions that they gave in every scene were really very natural.”

Direk King initially gave a two-day workshop to his actors — Rachel Alejandro, Morissette, the Choir, Krystal Brimmer and Noel Comia Jr. — for everybody to get to know each other.

“In fact, through that workshop, that was where we added the cast for support roles,” disclosed King. “My role during the workshop was to give the actors the opportunity to be honest and authentic to themselves.”

“I think that showed. The other members of the choir, even in the small scenes, although they were originally scripted, the way they delivered the scenes, they were honest. Part of them, as choir members, they really delivered honest portrayals,” added King.

The director admitted he was “genuinely affected” by the performance of Morissette. “I really felt her sincerity in portraying Ma’am Alma,” he said. “I think that was the reason we cast her. In a lot of ways, she was really like Ma’am Alma in terms of how kind and generous she is. I guess, similar to the choir, it was really Morissette showing the sincere part of her being. The experience of working with them was very affecting.”

Original music was provided by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Ocampo, Raimund Marasigan, Jazz Nicolas and Krina Cayabyab. Mr. C even penned a song, Alitaptap, which Morissette recorded for the film.

Morissette recorded another solo, Hanapin ang Sarili, written by Louie Ocampo and Sarge Lacuesta.

Mr. C’s Iduyan Mo, an original by Basil Valdez, was reimagined by the Loboc Children’s Choir, while Raimund Marasigan penned Kingang with Sarge Lacuesta and Raimund recorded it.

Raimund and Sarge also wrote an original, Lihim, recorded by Rachel Alejandto.

Rachel and Morissette did a duet of Umawit Ka, composed by Krina Cayabyab and Mr. C.

Krystal and Noel also recorded Ano Ba Tayo Talaga?, an emotionally resonant track written by Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta and Jazz Nicolas.

“Song of the Fireflies” is bankrolled by Culturtain Musicat Productions, with MQuest Ventures in cooperation with the Quezon City Film Development Commission, CMB Film Services and Hartman Communications.

“Song of the Fireflies” is now showing in theaters. It will also be shown in Toronto, Canada in July.

So far, “Song of the Fireflies” has been shown in Los Angeles, California and Houston, Texas. Morissette’s deeply moving performance earned her a Best Actress recognition at the Second Manila International Film Festival Audience Award.

In the same awards, Alejandro bagged Best Supporting Actress honors and “Song of the Fireflies” won Second Best Picture and Noel Comia Jr. was Best Supporting Actor.

At the 58th Worldfest Houston International Film Festival, the film bagged the Platinum Remi Award.