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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Monday, January 9, 2023

Reasons to be optimistic about our economic outlook this year

Published January 9, 2023, 12:05 AM

The year 2023 has been acknowledged by the International Monetary Fund as a year of global economic recession that would hit one-third of the world’s economy.

The economic difficulties have been brought about by Russia’s war in Ukraine, causing oil prices to rise to historic levels, disrupting global supply chains, causing currency fluctuations and the ensuing wild inflation in all economies. The world is in disarray.

Latest data, however, seemed to smoothen the soothsayers’ dim predictions. If we are to believe our own economic data indicators, we are in for a relatively smooth ride this year. 

Consider some of the recently released data. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the inflation rate in December rose by 8.1 percent on annual basis from 8.0 percent the previous month.

Although it is the highest in 14 years, it is lower than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) target band that inflation in December could peak at 7.8 to 8.6 percent. The 8.1 percent inflation in December also brought the actual full-year average at 5.8 percent, which is also on point with BSP’s previously announced 2022 average forecast of 5.8 percent.

The BSP, whose policy is anchored on inflation targeting, said that the latest 8.1 percent inflation is consistent with its assessment of elevated inflation that will hit its high in December before slowing down in 2023. This means the pace of growth in prices of goods is decelerating. For 2023, the BSP forecasts inflation at 4.5 percent, still above the 2-4 percent target. By 2024, the forecast is 2.8 percent.

Another positive economic indicator is what the PSA reported on Friday, Jan. 6, that the level of unemployment in the country dropped to 4.2 percent last November from 6.5 percent in the same month a year ago. It is also down from 4.5 percent in October. 

The latest jobless rate was also the lowest since April 2005. Accordingly, the employment rate increased to 95.8 percent, or an additional 4.2 million persons getting jobs. This brings the total employment to 49.7 million.

On the foreign exchange side, the central bank is doing a good job in stabilizing the wild swings that we’ve seen in the peso sometime in September last year. So far, the peso is holding up. The local currency remains in the P55-level against the greenback, a wide distance from the P68-level projection of a not-so responsible economist.

Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno has declared the “worst is over” and there are many reasons to be optimistic this year. The pandemic, though still a threat, is actually now behind us with readily available vaccines.

Despite the country’s mounting debt burden, the world’s major credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch have maintained the Philippines’ investment grade credit ratings.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) forecasts that the domestic economy will grow by 6-7 percent this year. This is still one of the highest, if not the highest, growth rates among peers in the region.

The budget for 2023 was approved in time, meaning there will be no disruptions in the release of funds for major infrastructure projects and government services. 

All these are silver linings in our recovery efforts.

Sunday, January 8, 2023

136 volcanic quakes recorded in Taal Volcano in past 24 hours

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, MB

Taal Volcano (PIXABAY)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Sunday, Jan. 8, that it recorded 136 volcanic earthquakes in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours.

In the volcano bulletin released this Sunday, Phivolcs said the earthquakes lasted two to four minutes. 

It also noted the occurrence of a 600-meter “weak” emission of steam-laden plume.

Moreover, Phivolcs observed an “upwelling” of hot volcanic fluids in the Taal main crater lake.

It said that Taal Volcano averaged 8,575 tons per day of sulfur dioxide (SO2) when it was last measured on Jan. 5.

It pointed out that the active volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which means it is still in an abnormal condition.

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At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island, Phivolcs said.

It “strongly” recommended that entry into TVI—Taal’s permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, should be strictly prohibited.

Magnitude 5.0 quake hits Davao Oriental — Phivolcs

Published January 8, 2023, 8:12 AM

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

(PHIVOLCS)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a 5.0-magnitude earthquake in Davao Oriental on Sunday morning, Jan. 8.

Phivolcs said the earthquake struck 12 kilometers southwest of Baganga, Davao Oriental at 7 a.m. 

Its instruments recorded the tremor at Intensity II in Nabunturanm Davao de Oro and Intensity I in Malapatan and Alabel, Sarangani; Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; and General Santos City.

The earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.

Phivolcs advised the public to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur.

Faith and devotion on the Feast of the Black Nazarene

Published January 8, 2023, 12:05 AM

Every year, there are many feasts and festivals that show religious fervor in the Philippines, and it starts with the most celebrated one – the feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9.

It is a feast that attracts such a large number of devotees that its activities stop traffic and work in many areas in Manila. In fact, the President has declared Jan. 9 a non-working holiday in the city of Manila, through Proclamation No. 120.

The extraordinary show of devotion to the Black Nazarene, represented by a life-size statue of Christ carrying the cross which devotees believe to be miraculous, has become an event that shows the heart of faith. Hundreds of photographs and videos have captured the many emotions that overflow during the Traslacion, or transfer of the Black Nazarene statue from the Quirino Grandstand to its home at the Quiapo Church, or the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.  

The Traslacion reenacts the “solemn transfer” of the Black Nazarene statue from a church in Intramuros to Quiapo Church in 1767, according to the Quiapo Church website. The wooden statue was brought to the Philippines from Mexico in 1606.

Of all the activities related to the feast, the Traslacion has become the iconic image of the devotion to the Black Nazarene where thousands of devotees escort the image through a distance of only about seven to 10 kilometers but the procession takes many hours, up to 22 hours in 2012 and 2018, news reports said.

Before the pandemic, the Traslacion was a sea of bodies where vignettes of faith and humanity have been the moving images that inspired many to strengthen their faith, and others, many of them tourists, to make time to watch the procession. The number of devotees increase every year because there are those who come in thanksgiving for an answered prayer, and those who come to pray for a request. They join the thick procession clad in maroon shirts, most of them barefoot, and mostly men. Only a few are allowed on the carriage carrying the statue – the Hijos del Nazareno (Sons of the Nazarene), a group tasked to be marshals to keep the statue safe.

During the procession, many acts of kindness are exchanged between strangers. The men nearest to the statue catch towels, wipe the statue, and then throw them back toward the direction it came from. The men farthest from the statue allow a few devotees to “crawl” on their shoulders to reach the image.

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Devotees believe that touching the image – even with cloth – will have an effect on their prayer petition.
Because of the pandemic, the Traslacion will not be held for the third time this year. Instead, there will be a Walk of Faith that will start after the midnight mass on Jan. 8, at the Quirino Grandstand, where devotees will be allowed to carry their statues of the Black Nazarene. It is estimated to last about two hours.

On Jan. 9, which used to be the day when the Traslacion was held before the pandemic, masses will be held at the Quiapo church to celebrate the devotion to the Black Nazarene.

There are many activities that are held to celebrate the feast, among them the nine-day novena, and the blessing of the privately-owned replica statues of the Black Nazarene which are paraded around the streets of barangays.

But even if the pandemic changed the ways of tradition, it could not stop the devotees to find ways to celebrate their faith. Every Friday, many devotees hear mass at the Quiapo Church to visit the Black Nazarene, a “visit” many of them continued throughout the pandemic, by standing outside the doors of the church.

Olivia Culpo addresses ‘lack of energy’ comment as host of Miss Universe: ‘People are so ruthless’

Published January 8, 2023, 10:44 AM

by Robert Requintina

Olivia Culpo (Instagram)

Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo said that she’s excited and ready to host the 71st Miss Universe Competition in New Orleans, Louisiana on Jan. 14 (Jan. 15 in Manila).

“Been practicing screaming all week and not squinting when I read !!!!!! See you next week @missuniverse I can’t wait,” said Olivia on Instagram on Sunday, Jan. 8.

Olivia and Jeannie Mai Jenkins have been tapped as replacements for Steve Harvey as the newest hosts of the Miss Universe Competition. 

But pageant fans were cold after it was announced that Olivia will host pageant, citing the lack of the energy in doing the hosting chores.

In addressing the issue, Olivia wrote in the video: “On my way to get Red Bull before hosting Miss Universe because user26263747482 said I need more energy this year.”

Red Bull is a popular energy drink.

Then she wrote on Instagram Stories: “People are so ruthless.” 

In 2021, Olivia hosted the 69th Miss Universe Competition in Hollywood, Florida.

Eighty-four contestants are vying for the title of Miss Universe 2022.

3 weather systems to continue bringing rains in most parts of PH – PAGASA

by Charie Mae F. Abarca

The state weather bureau is monitoring three weather systems – a low pressure area, the shear line, and the northeast monsoon – that may continue to bring rains in most parts of the country in the next 24-hour period.

This newly-formed LPA was last spotted 1,000 kilometers (km) east of southeastern Mindanao. Based on the latest forecast issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), this weather disturbance is less likely to develop into a tropical cyclone.

Due to the combined effects of the LPA and the shear line – a weather system that forms when cold and warm air masses meet – Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao may expect cloudy skies with scattered rain showers on Saturday, Jan. 7. 

The northeast monsoon, locally known as “amihan,” will continue to blow cold winds and cause cloudy skies with rains in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, the rest of MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Aurora, and Quezon.

“Yung mga pagulan natin ay pinakamatindi dito sa Quezon at bahagi ng Bicol Region, bagamat mas kaunti na kumpara nitong mga nagdaang araw. Gayunpaman, pinag iingat natin ang mga [residente ng nasabing lugar] sa posibleng pagbaha at landslides (The rains are most severe here in Quezon and parts of the Bicol Region, it will be lesser as compared to what was experienced in the past few days. However, we are still reminding the residents of the said areas to be alert against possible flooding and landslides),” said PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja in a public weather forecast on Saturday morning.

Lesser rains, according to Estareja, are expected in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon

Saturday, January 7, 2023

Mt. Apo via Sta. Cruz Circuit Trail 2022

Sinulog Festival in Cebu City kicks off

by Calvin Cordova 

A CONTINGENT performs during a parade that kicked off the week-long celebration of Sinulog Festival on Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City on Friday, Jan 6. (Calvin D. Cordova)

CEBU CITY – The Sinulog Festival is officially back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Top officials of Cebu led by Mayor Michael Rama here and Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, on Friday, Jan. 6, led the launching of this year’s Sinulog Festival and the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu.

This is the first time in two years that a series of physical activities will be held as part of the week-long celebration of the Sinulog.

Last Thursday, Jan. 5, the Augustinian Friars of the Basilica del Santo Niño also launched the 458th Fiesta Señor that kicked off a series of religious activities.

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Activities for Fiesta Señor include novena Masses and fluvial and and foot processions next weekend.

During the launching, Rama and Garcia attended a novena Mass at the Basilica where thousands of devotees also gathered.

Rama and Garcia described this year’s celebration as “One Cebu Island Sinulog” to highlight the unity among local government units in Cebu.

Covid-19 protocols have eased with most of the churchgoers no longer wearing face masks. With thousands of devotees packing the church, physical distancing protocol was also impossible to enforce.

The launching was highlighted by a parade on Osmeña Boulevard participated in by different universities and colleges in the Metro Cebu area.

Contingents donning colorful costumes showcased different festivals in the country and danced to the Sinulog beat. 

The parade ended at the Cebu City Sports Center where students had presentations. The kick-off ceremony ended with a fireworks display.

Another major pre-Sinulog event, the”Sinulog sa Kabataan,” will be held on Jan. 8, participated by different barangays, towns, and cities in Cebu.

The Sinulog Grand Parade will be held on Jan. 15 at the South Road Properties, the first time that it will be held outside the city proper.

ARE YOU THE NEXT BINIBINI? Search on for Binibining Pilipinas 2023

Published January 7, 2023, 8:51 AM

by Robert Requintina

Do you have what it takes to be the next Binibining Pilipinas?

The search is on for the next batch of Binibining Pilipinas queens!

The full announcement on the official Facebook account of Binibining Pilipinas: 

“Binibining Pilipinas is looking for a new batch of empowered women.

“Be part of the 𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘 👑

“Download the application form here: https://www.bbpilipinas.com

“Deadline of submission is on January 31, 2023. Stay tuned for we will announce more details real soon.

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The reigning queens are: Nicole Borromeo, Bb. Pilipinas International; Roberta Angela Tamondong, Bb. PIlipinas Grand International; Gabrielle Basiano, Bb. PIlipinas Intercontinental; Chelsea Fernandez, Bb. PIlipinas Globe; Nicole Budol, 1st runner-up; and Stacey Daniella Gabriel, 2nd runner-up. 

Marcos declares Jan. 9 special non-working day in Manila for Feast of the Black Nazarene

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos

Despite the absence of the traditional “Traslacion,” President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared Jan. 9 a special non-working day in Manila to mark the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

(QUIAPO CHURCH FACEBOOK)

In a Facebook post on Friday afternoon, the Manila Public Information Office uploaded a copy of Proclamation No. 120, declaring the said holiday on Monday, Jan. 9. 

The document, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Jan. 6, was confirmed by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) later.

“It is but fitting and proper that the City of Manila be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” the proclamation read.

The Quiapo Church is set to conduct two main activities starting Saturday, Jan. 7, leading to the actual feast on Monday, Jan. 9. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the traditional “Traslacion” and “Pahalik” will still not be present during this year’s celebration. These will be replaced by the “Pagpupugay” event and the “Walk of Faith” procession.

Images of the Black Nazarene will be displayed for the “Pagpupugay” at the Quirino Grandstand from Saturday until Monday. The event will have separate lanes for persons with disability, senior citizens, and male and female individuals.

Meanwhile, the “Walk of Faith” procession will be held after the midnight mass on Jan. 8. The procession is set to start at 1:30 a.m. from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.

Quiapo Church adviser Alex Irasga said all “elements” of devotion will still be present as church members will join the event and pray the rosary.

He, however, encouraged the participating faithful to strictly observe minimum public health standards during the two new activities.