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?
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!
The local stock market breezed past the 7,000 resistance level as foreign funds bought Philippine shares on expectations of milder US rate hikes.
The main index rose 93.94 points or 1.35 percent to close at 7,045.48, after breaching 7,100 intraday, as Banks led the rally while the Services and Mining sectors yielded to profit taking. Volume was higher at 1.11 billion shares worth P10.23 billion as gainers beat losers 138 to 65 with 46 unchanged.
“Philippine shares touched the 7,000 level after so many months as foreign funds continued to make bets into our economy, as conviction remained high that the country would be one of the best performers in 2023,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said “The local bourse surged amid expectation that the Federal Reserve will be less aggressive in its rate hikes following the cooled inflation in the US.”
She added that, “The strengthening of the peso against the US Dollar lifted the market as well. Moreover, foreigners helped lift the index, registering a net inflow of P1.08 billion.“
Filipinos are known for their hospitality and warmth.
This is because of the strong sense of community that exists in Filipino culture.
Filipinos believe in taking care of each other, so they go out of their way to make sure visitors feel welcome and comfortable.
They also have a deep respect for elders, which leads them to be very generous with guests who may not even be related to them.
Additionally, many Filipinos practice the concept of “utang na loob” or debt-of-gratitude which encourages people to repay kindnesses done by others with more kindnesses down the line - making it easy for strangers to become friends quickly!
One of the new shows to watch this 2023 is the upcoming controversial coming-of-age series "Underage" starring Sparkle stars Lexi Gonzales, Elijah Alejo and Hailey Mendes.
The three actresses will play the roles of the Serrano sisters Celine, Chynna and Carrie, respectively, who are forced to face adulthood too soon by going through various emotional mishaps with their family, after a malicious video involving them went viral online.
According to the stars, the show is timely and relevant especially with the advent of social media where online bullying and fake news are rampant.
Sharing her own experience, Alejo said, "Actually naging victim din po ako ng social media bullying because of a fake news na ginawa ng isang taong nagalit sa character ko na si Brianna sa 'Prima Donnas.' Hayaan niyo sila kasi they don't know you. They will judge you because of a certain photo or video. Just pray to God and makipagusap ka sa friends mo if hindi mo na kaya at huwag kang matakot umiyak."
Gonzales, meanwhile, added that everyone should not let it overtake their lives but use it social media to their advantage, "Ang mga artista ang daming bashers niyan, kahit sino pa marami ding haters. Kahit anong i-post natin sa social media, ang mga tao may masasabi. Kaya I just want to say dapat hindi natin intindihin ang mga comments na insignificant naman. There are times na may makikita tayong posts na magarbo, mafe-feel bad tayo sa buhay at sarili natin. But no, kasi hindi lahat ng nakikita natin sa social media ay totoo. We must focus our minds on what is more important," mentioned.
Much like their personal encounters, their characters will also be involved in the dark side of the internet. But despite the challenge of their respective roles, the girls were still able to build up great chemistry on and off camera.
Mendes said of their sisterhood, "Kapag wala kaming taping parang pamilya na din kami, madalas din kami mag food trip. Kapag dating naman sa mga eksena, ganoon din kaya natural lang ang binibigay namin. Masaya lang sa set kasi hindi naman sila matataray o masusungit. Akala ko nga po nung una mahihirapan ako makipagusap pero parang matagal ko na silang kilala noong unang usap ko sa kanila kaya masaya ako sa mga katrabaho ko."
Joining the stellar cast of Underage are Sunshine Cruz, Snooky Serna, Jean Saburit, Yayo Aguila, Christian Vasquez, Jome Silayan, Gil Cuerva, Vince Crisostomo, Nikki Co, with special participation of Smokey Manaloto.
Under the helm of Director Rechie Del Carmen and Associate Director Paul Sta. Ana, catch the world premiere of "Underage" today on GMA Afternoon Prime.
MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) have been ordered to impose price controls at tourist destinations following complaints of overpricing in Bohol last year.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. reminded local chief executives of their duty to control the prices of basic commodities in areas frequented by foreign and local tourists.
Abalos said that under Memorandum Circular 2023-002 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the local price coordinating councils (LPCCs) in LGUs are mandated to exercise their functions and protect visitors.
He said governors and mayors should mobilize their LPCCs to ensure that commodities sold in their jurisdictions carry the average prevailing prices.
Abalos said the LGUs should also monitor abnormal price increases in their respective localities.
The order came following reports from the Department of Tourism that food prices on Virgin Island in Panglao, Bohol were excessive.
Filipino-American R’Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe 2022 during a worldwide broadcast from New Orleans, Louisiana on Jan. 14 (Jan. 15 in Manila).
Gabriel, 28, is the ninth Miss Universe from the USA since the pageant started in 1952. She is also the first Fil-Am beauty queen to win Miss Universe.
First runner-up honors went to Miss Venezuela while second runner-up, Miss Dominican Republic.
The three winners are expected to fly to Thailand where they will spend their reign aside from New York City.
In the final round of the competition, the top three candidates were asked by the host the same question: “If you win Miss Universe, how would you work to demonstrate this as an empowering and progressive organization?”
Gabriel answered: ”Well, I would use it to be a transformational leader. As a very passionate designer, been sewing for 13 years, I use fashion as a force for good. In my industry, I am cutting down on pollution through recycled materials when I make my clothing. I teach sewing classes to women that have survived human trafficking and domestic violence. I say that because it is so important to invest, and others invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference. We all have something special and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change.”
A screenshot of newly crowned Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel of USA (Miss Universe Twitter)
Filipino-Italian Celeste Cortesi of the Philippines failed to enter the top 16 of the competition.
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Other candidates who finished in the the top 16 of the 71st Miss Universe Competition were delegates from Puerto Rico, Haiti, Australia, Laos, South Africa, Portugal, Canada, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, India, Spain, and Colombia.
Eighty-three lovely women competed for the title of Miss Universe 2022.
As announced during the show, the 72nd Miss Universe Competition will be held in El Salvador in December.
Gabriel, who hails from Texas, is an eco-friendly fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor with an excitement for life. She attributes her opportunistic outlook to her upbringing immersed in the arts, sports, and travel. As a high-school volleyball player who pivoted to fashion, she quickly fell in love with constructing designs with fabrics and textiles at the young age of 15.
At the University of North Texas, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design with a Minor in Fibers in 2018. She is currently CEO of her own sustainable clothing line, R’Bonney Nola.
The beauty queen is also the lead sewing instructor at Magpies & Peacocks, a Houston based non-profit design house that is dedicated to using “Fashion As A Force For Good” through sustainability and community impact.
As a “Gucci Changemakers” recipient, they were honored for their work of diverting unwanted textiles and fabrics from landfills and turning them into fashion collections. Within the “MAKR” program, she teaches sewing classes to women that have survived human trafficking and domestic violence.
As the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA, she shares the importance of embracing your culture. As a voice for Asian-Americans, she opens the door for more diversity and representation in society and was honored to be published in Vogue Philippines. R’Bonney’s mission is for women and young girls to see themselves in her, and feel inspired to conquer their goals by owning who they are.
Gabriel has been to the Philippines on several occasions.
“Luckily, my mom adopted some recipes. I grew up on chicken adobo, ensaymadas, sinigang. Luckily I was able to visit the Philippines growing up numerous times. I spent a lot of time in Manila. I’ve been to El Nido. I want to explore more. It’s so beautiful,” said Gabriel, during an interview with CNN Philippines last October.
As a fashion designer, Gabriel showcased her Filipino roots through her outfit during the interview portion of the Miss USA 2022 pageant.
“My mom is from Texas. My dad is from Manila, Philippines. They actually got married in the Philippines. And those flower designs were the same flower designs that were on my mother’s wedding dress and I have the Maria Clara color just to champion not only my love for my Filipino roots and how proud to be a Texan and I just want to show my best self as a designer at the Miss USA stage,” the 25-year-old beauty queen said.
Gabriel also gave advice to aspiring beauty pageant contestants.
“My advice is to tap into what makes you special, and what makes you unique, and fully embrace that. As the first Filipina-American Miss USA, I embrace that wholeheartedly, and I think it’s what makes me strong.
“So I encourage girls to look into what makes them unique and special and not compare themselves to anybody, else.
“I was first runner-up three times in a row before I finally won Miss Texas USA and then went on to win Miss USA. So never, never, never let rejection make you give up.
“I think rejection just offers you ways to analyze in ways that you can get better. So never give up, keep going, and embrace what makes you special,” she added.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. departed for Davos, Switzerland on Sunday morning for the World Economic Forum (WEF) where he aims to seal more investments for the country.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (RTVM Screenshot)
Marcos said he was looking forward to his participation in the summit which will give him the opportunity to present to the world the Philippines’ economic development efforts, as well as the steps it is taking to address various pressing concerns.
“The World Economic Forum is hosting a Country Strategy Dialogue for us where we are given the opportunity to promote the Philippines as leader and driver of growth and a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region – one that is open for business – ever ready to complement regional and global expansion plans of both foreign and Philippine-based enterprises anchored on the competent and well-educated Filipino workers, managers, and professionals,” Marcos said in his departure speech on Jan. 15.
The President will attend the first in-person meeting of the WEF since 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world.
“As such, our theme of ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’ is quite apropos. We will highlight the steps the Philippines is taking to mend the fissures of such fragmentation, especially in our country but certainly in partnership with our friends, allies, and partners around the world,” he said.
He further said that he will also take the opportunity to exchange views with other business and world leaders on the challenges posed by rising food prices, the impact of conflict in other parts of the world, and the continuing existential threat posed by climate change.
He noted that the country is also being given a “unique opportunity” to highlight the significant economic gains achieved in the last part of the year as attested to by upward growth projections of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
“I will draw attention to our efforts at building resilient infrastructure that bolsters our efforts to reinforce robust and resilient supply chains, ensure food security including its critical interlinkages with health and nutrition, while furthering climate-friendly, clean and green energy to power the Philippine economy,” Marcos said.
He will also share the country’s experience “as a model for managing” the disruptive and transformative impact of Covid-19 to global partners.
“I intend to share our efforts in saving both lives and livelihoods, as well as the people-centered next steps that we are taking to ensure that we are ready to meet the lingering effects of the pandemic and address the occurrence of the next one,” he said.
“I look forward to meeting with various government and business leaders at the WEF and strengthen our partnerships in the years to come,” he added.
The chief executive was invited by Professor Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the WEF, when they met at the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related summits in Cambodia last year.
WHAT is Pharisaical legalism? At bottom, it’s the understanding of law that is based only on our human ways, ignoring the ultimate basis of law who is God as revealed fully in Christ. As such, it tends to be rigid, to be quick to judge and to claim it has the last word in any issue or question.
We are reminded of this danger in that episode where Christ was confronted by some Pharisees because his disciples were picking heads of grain while passing through a field on a sabbath. (cfr. Mk 2,23-28) Christ had to correct them about how the sabbath law should be taken.
We certainly should always be guided by laws. We should just see to it that our human laws are properly based and oriented. And given our limitations, not to mention our errors and sins, our human laws should also give due allowance for this unavoidable fact of life.
Truth is our laws should reflect the law and order as designed by God the Creator for the whole world and for man, specifically. They should respect and in fact reinforce what God has given as the law of nature and the moral law that governs our human acts.
But, alas, we wonder whether these things about natural law and moral law are given due consideration these days. What we can notice is a steady drift toward what is called as legal positivism.
Legal positivism is when our legal and juridical systems are simply based on perceptual experiences and people’s consensus while systematically shutting out any input from faith and divine revelation that tells us that God is in fact the very foundation, inspiration and perfection of our human laws.
In other words, without any reference to God’s law, our human law cannot help but be out on a limb. For all the brilliance, wisdom and success a Godless human law can have and accomplish, it can only go so far. It cannot go the distance required by our human dignity. Sooner or later, it will fail and fall into forms of injustice, many of them so subtle that injustice can be committed under cover of our human law.
A clear example of this latter case is the law on abortion. It is a lot worse than the so-called extrajudicial killing. Abortion is clear murder of the most defenceless members of our human society—the infant while inside the mother’s womb.
Of course, rationalizations can come aplenty. It’s not yet a baby, they say. It’s just a bundle of tissues. It does not have life on its own. But no one can contest the fact that that so-called clump of tissues has the DNA of the parents, and that it cannot but be a living baby if it is allowed to develop to its full course and no problems and complications come along the way.
The Bible has many passages that the unborn is already a child, a person, chosen by God, etc. The Book of Jeremiah, for example, says: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you. I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (1,5)
And to be more blunt about it, precisely Christ before he was born was already the Son of God who became man to redeem us! Could Mary and Joseph have thought of aborting the unborn Christ because they thought he was just a bunch of tissues while still in the womb?
* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City
BERLIN, Germany – Germany will end the requirement to wear face masks on long-distance trains and buses from February 2 as the coronavirus pandemic loosened its grip on the country, authorities announced Friday.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach made the announcement after consultations with ministers from Germany’s 16 federal states, saying “the infection situation has stabilised.”
Lauterbach, however, encouraged people to continue wearing masks voluntarily “on the basis of personal responsibility, “adding “the virus should not be trivialised” and warning of potential longer-term impacts.
Several factors contributed to the policy change, Lauterbach said, including a higher level of immunity in the public and a reduced chance of new mutations, which meant a winter resurgence of the virus was unlikely.
The situation is “tense but manageable” in hospitals, Lauterbach added.
The requirement, which has been in place since the early stages of the pandemic, had been scheduled to expire on April 7 but will now end sooner.
A number of German states had already relaxed mask rules in regional public transport, but rules on the country’s long-distance train and bus network remain the central government’s responsibility.
Germany was one of the few remaining countries in Europe to keep a mask requirement, with many having scrapped rules or downgraded them to recommendations in 2022.
Alongside Germany, Spain is the only other large European country to maintain mask rules on long-distance trains and public transport, with the Spanish government announcing in October that these will remain in place until at least March 2023.
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