A German Expat in The Philippines - Ein deutscher Auswanderer auf den Philippinen

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!

Thursday, December 10, 2020

HUMAN THINKS - GOD GUIDES!

[My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times]

I am happy! Yes, I am! I found joy, freedom, and peace of mind, when I discovered what I believe is the secret of a happy life - as an expatriate living in the Philippines for 22 years now.

I was brought up in a religious family and lived in a parish house up to my 10th birthday. Our Christian life was a fantastic style of religion. Though I was used to it, my attitudes have been really very ungodly. Many times, I was prone to anger and did all possible unpleasant things to others. I gave more attention to worldly things until such time I was deeply immersed in what we call "worldly trend". I did those things simply to enjoy life without caring for other people around me.

But then, suddenly, "someone" (let's call him GOD) interfered. He directed my way. I received plenty of different challenges and tasks - especially, when I decided to stay in the Philippines for good.

Sure, I have always been able to travel around the globe. But, believe me, not every trip or even a single day became a satisfied success or event.

Today I am no more surprised at the painful trials I suffered in the past. Instead of being surprised I tried to rejoice, because I learned that trials are meant to test your faith! Maybe even right now during the time of Corona Covid-19.

When I got the idea to write this piece, I rummaged in some very old books of my late "Lola" (born in 1899!) and found a faded and more or less crumbled-to-dust document. It has been a hand written piece of an unknown Dutch soldier, who must have written this in mortal agony during his last battle in World War II, dated November 1944. I like to share it with you, my dear reader, because it also reflected my past - and, maybe also yours:

"When I stopped my ungodly attitudes, I learned to pray. But when I prayed, I asked for power to become popular, and He made me weak and taught me how to be obedient. When I prayed, I asked for health to be able to do great things, and He gave me afflictions, to do better things. When I prayed, I asked for riches and abundance, and He gave me poverty to become wise instead. When I prayed, I asked for strength to receive people's glory and fame, and He gave me weakness to let me feel how much I need Him. When I prayed, I asked everything for a wonderful life without problems and trials, living like a king, and He gave me LIFE!"

I didn't receive anything about which I prayed since living in the Philippines as an expatriate. But, I received everything in time and I didn't expect it anymore. More or less against my own free will, all unspeakable and unpronounceable prayers have been answered. I am really very much blessed.

That's what I also feel right now in this moment. I am what I am right now, NOT BECAUSE I PRAYED FOR IT, but, because all unspeakable prayers have been answered.

Human thinks - God guides!

Thursday, December 3, 2020

AN ANNUAL REVIEW 2020

(My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao und The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times.)

Some of you, my dear readers, might think, may think that this is a little early. We are in the first week of December right now. A review of the year belongs to the end of the year, right?

Maybe you feel the same way. Somehow, we all want this year 2020 to end as soon as possible. Well, honestly, in my case, it really doesn't mean that everything was bad in my business- and family life in 2020. So really not. The personal and business success was really impressive. If it hadn't just been this virus... .

Well, the 2020 annual review can be very short and precise. And so this annual review will be more of an annual outlook for 2021. Or should I say a wish list for next year? At the turn of the year, I always liked to write a wish list "between the years". I wrote about peace. I wrote about (more) blessings. I wrote how we can get a better grip on climate change in the following years. Yes, and I wrote about health.

What is, of course, first on this year's wish list 2021? Well guess what? Health, of course, health for the whole world! A world with this virus! And everything else then comes automatically as if by itself!

Let's wish and hope, and most importantly pray for this! Even now, although the year 2020 is far from from over!

Friday, November 27, 2020

Best Boracay Travel Guide

Gem Muzones

Verified Expert

Escape to one of the best islands in the world, Boracay in the Philippines! Find out the best time to go, how to get there, the top things to do and see, where to eat, best hotels and resorts to stay in, and other travel tips with this ultimate travel guide.

Boracay Island, one of the top beaches in the Philippines, is blessed with a long stretch of powdery white sand beach (called White Beach), crystal clear and azure waters, a stunning sunset and more. The island doesn’t fall short on adventures and activities for people of all ages.

Book Boracay vacation packages for a hassle-free trip to this island paradise

Different water activities in Boracay

You'll never run out of exciting things to do in Boracay, from swimming, island-hopping, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, dining and parties. Because of these, Boracay has been cited multiple times as one of the best islands and beaches in the world according to reputable publications and travelers' choice lists.

See our popular Boracay Tours

See all tours

If you’re planning a getaway to Boracay, here’s everything you need to know to experience what this world-renowned paradise has to offer fully.

Boracay Tourist Requirements & Guidelines | COVID-19 New Normal

Starting October 1, 2020, tourists from all over the Philippines can once again explore Boracay's clear waters and gorgeous stretches of white sand. But with the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has released a set of guidelines and tourist requirements to follow and consider before you jump at the chance to book that ticket to Boracay.

1. Who are allowed to go to Boracay?

Residents from areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) with a negative RT-PCR test result taken not earlier than 72 hours prior to traveling. Travelers of any age are allowed to visit.

2. What are the entry points in Boracay?

Godofredo Ramos Airport also known as Caticlan Airport is the only port of entry for tourists traveling by land, air, or sea. The IATF has implemented a “one entrance, one exit” policy, making it easier to monitor the number of visitors currently on the island, especially now that there is a daily tourist cap in place.

Travelers arriving at Caticlan Jetty Port and Tabon Port Terminal should also expect strict monitoring as each port is mandated to have health declaration stations, body temperature checks, hand sanitation, staff in protective gear, and physical distancing.

3. What travel requirements do you need to prepare?

Here are the requirements that you need to prepare before going to Boracay:

Secure a negative RT-PCR test result

The IATF has enacted a test-before-travel requirement. Travelers from GCQ or MCGQ areas must secure a negative Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours before the trip, so plan accordingly. Check out the list of accredited laboratories here.

Observe strict quarantine

Travelers have to observe strict quarantine protocols until their travel date. This includes social distancing and proper, frequent handwashing.

Health declaration form

Visitors have to register online at http://aklan.gov.ph to answer a health declaration form. A QR Code will be sent right after, which will be presented upon arrival at the airport as well as when entering establishments for contact tracing.

Pre-book accredited Boracay hotels or resorts

Travelers should already have pre-booked hotels or resorts to stay in Boracay. Once booked, they should register through Aklan’s mobile app. Check out the list of DOT-accredited accommodations with a Certificate of Authority to Open here.

Travel authority from PNP and IATF is NOT required

Tourists no longer need to secure travel authority, a negative RT-PCR test result will suffice.

See our popular Boracay Vacation Packages

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4. How do you get the Tourist QR Code?

STEP 1: Access http://aklan.gov.ph or https://bit.ly/2QzbUkZ and click Online Health Declaration. Choose Boracay on the "Where To?" page.

STEP 2: Fill out the required fields and click submit.

STEP 3: Save a copy of the Health Declaration Card (HDC) on your smartphone or have it printed.

STEP 4: Email touristboracay@gmail.com with the subject format: OHDC - Family Name, First Name (example: OHDC - Santos, John) and attach a copy of the following:

1) HDC together with a copy of RT-PCR Negative Result
2) Confirmed booking flight and booking details
3) Valid ID

Multiple tourists and documents can be sent in one email.

STEP 5: Wait for the email response within the day. If approved, a copy of your HDC and Tourist QR Code will be sent back to you. Present these to authorities at the borders for scanning.

5. What are the guidelines and protocols to follow when you're in Boracay?

Once you're in Boracay, make sure you follow these safety protocols:

Tourist QR code

Visitors should always have a copy of their QR code on their person, whether through their smartphone or a printed physical copy. This will be used to enter establishments like hotels, restaurants and other facilities for contact tracing.

Minimum health standards: Mask and face shield

Tourists are required to wear proper safety gear and practice social distancing. Proper safety gear is defined as a mask and face shield, in addition to frequent and proper handwashing.

Transport protocols

Vehicles have a “no mask, no boarding” policy and can only allow a maximum of two (2) passengers on tricycles and a maximum of four passengers on e-trikes.

Passengers exhibiting flu-like symptoms will be immediately transported to the nearest health facility. Drivers are provided with proper safety gear and the needed sanitization tools to disinfect the vehicle after every ride.

Dining protocols

Customers dining in have to log down details for contact tracing. Restaurants should have temperature checks, practice social distancing, and other sanitizing products. Self-service stations are barred from operating.

6. What activities can you do in Boracay during quarantine?

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the tourist spots of Boracay, but make sure to take note of the following protocols:

Swimming - with registration

Tourists have to register before swimming. There are designated beach stations where you can get your temperature checked before you go into the water. Areas are marked with red and yellow flags and you’re allowed to swim from 6 am to 6 pm.

Water sports - reduced capacity

Water sports or White Beach activities such as parasailing, kitesurfing, and more are permitted but at a reduced capacity.

Dining - with protocols

Restaurants are open for dine-in and take-out. Contactless payment is encouraged to lessen possible transmission.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

I AM A RETIREE NOW

Yes, I am a German retiree in the Philippines. Well, actually I became a retiree in accordance with German law 2 years ago already. Being retired didn't mean for me to stop working or being active in daily life though I could already enjoy my German pensions. But that's not my lifestyle.

Of course, I stopped teaching after many years. And, my service as German Honorary Consul for the island of Mindanao will soon come to an end. Such are the laws.

Being retired has many meanings for me. Maybe, being free of any kind of constriction. Having time for all these things I have actually wanted to do for years. Don't get me wrong: I really enjoyed everything I was able to do in the Philippines: being a radio host, being a Rotary Club member, being a marketing director, being a professor teaching the German language, or being a Honorary Consul on service for Filipinos and German nationals.

At the age of almost 68, it's time to focus on all the other possibilities, life has still to offer me. And believe me, there are so many possibilities.

One thing for sure is: writing. My biography, which I started 15 years ago, should be brought to an end. I am still looking for a publisher and printing press. "With Beethoven under Palms" - yes, my life takes place under palm trees for several decades. And with me was and is Ludwig van Beethoven - my favorite German classical composer and hero. Of course not only him. Try to read my biography if it is published soon.

I am a retiree now. It doesn't mean that I don't have to do anything anymore. After all accomplishments in my past life, I am happy and satisfied. I thank our good Lord for everything he has given to me.

It's really the time now for me to focus on other things. And I know, our good Lord will guide me - as he always did during the last 68 years, while I was travelling around the world and being able to meet so many different people and being able to learn from so many cultures up to the moment I settled down in the Philippines 22 years ago.

Mabuhay Philippines!