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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Thursday, July 6, 2023

The future of mango cultivation: Advancements and innovations

BY JAMES TABABA



Efficient mango farming is essential for maximizing yields and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Enrico Batungbacal, owner of Batungbacal farm and one of the mango producers in Zambales, has made substantial investments in revolutionizing traditional mango farming methods. Through innovative approaches and cutting-edge technologies, Enrico has transformed his orchard through irrigation systems, chemical product application, and tree pruning techniques. These investments hold the promise of increased productivity, reduced labor requirements, and improved sustainability within the mango farming industry.

READ: Fruitful heritage: Family-owned farm in Zambales still produces mangoes after 35 years

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The orchard sprayer is attached to the back of the tractor. (Batungbacal Farm)

Revolutionizing irrigation systems

Enrico invested a significant amount of resources to acquire the knowledge of proper mango farming techniques, aiming to optimize their production systems. In 2018, substantial investments were made, the first being a transition to a new irrigation system. They opted for a pressurized drip irrigation system with fertigation, which not only provided irrigation for the mango trees but also allowed for fertilization through the same system. This shift represented a considerable improvement compared to the previous manual method, which involved drilling holes beneath the tree canopy, placing the fertilizer, and covering it up. 

With the new system, they had a single mixing tank where the fertilizer was diluted, and a venturi system that facilitated the delivery of the fertilizer through the irrigation system. The liquid form of the fertilizer offered advantages by enhancing nutrient uptake in the trees. Additionally, instead of applying fertilizer all at once, it could now be administered gradually every two weeks, tailored to the tree's requirements. This newfound flexibility allowed for fertilizer application even during the flowering and fruiting stages, precisely when the trees needed it most.

Streamlining chemical product application

Enricos’ second improvement centered around the application of chemical products. In the Philippines, the prevalent approach involved using a power sprayer, hose, and spray gun. However, due to their orchard-type system, they were able to procure an orchard sprayer from Italy. This sprayer, which was attached to a tractor, traversed the rows of trees, efficiently distributing the required products. The use of this sprayer provided both safety and efficiency advantages. Operators remained secure inside the tractor, while the trailer carrying the orchard sprayer was situated far from the operator at the rear. The efficiency gains were significant, reducing the number of people required for the spraying program from 24 to just one person for every 6,000 mango trees. 

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Using an orchard sprayer is an efficient way to apply flower inducer, foliar fertilizers, and pesticides in large mango farms. (Batungbacal Farm)

Spraying was typically conducted in the early morning around 5 a.m. or during the late afternoon when the sun was rising or setting, respectively. These time periods were selected as the stomata of the leaves remained open, and wind conditions were minimal. Occasionally, spraying was performed in the afternoon to effectively target specific insects that emerged at dusk. The entire process was swift, taking only two hours. For instance, if they initiated spraying at 5 PM, they would typically conclude by 7.

Advancing tree pruning techniques

Another equipment that had been acquired was an orchard pruner, designed specifically for tree pruning. By maintaining their trees at a smaller size, they found it much easier to manage them compared to maintaining century-old, towering trees. The smaller tree sizes facilitated improved sunlight and chemical penetration, with nutrients having a shorter travel distance for uptake. Harvesting became a simpler task, and overall tree management was more convenient.

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The orchard pruner for maintaining the mango trees small. (Batungbacal Farm)

Interestingly, in other countries, Enrico shared that orchard trees were progressively becoming smaller. Globally, orchards were shifting towards high-density planting, where trees were positioned closely to one another but were intentionally kept small, typically between 2 to 3 meters in height. Apart from the enhanced production system, this approach resulted in a doubled yield. While the global average for mango yield per hectare stood at around 12 tons, in the Philippines, it was a mere 4 tons per hectare, and in Zambales, an even lower 2 tons per hectare. However, with high-density farming, farms were able to achieve remarkable yields of 30-50 tons per hectare, although with an approximate density of 600 trees per hectare. Considering their farm had 6,000 trees spanning 120 hectares, implementing high-density farming on just 10 hectares could effectively double their yield.

Motivated by these prospects, he planned to start with one hectare, learning and assessing the compatibility of this system with Carabao mangoes. The high-density farming technique demonstrated great potential not only for mangoes but also for other orchard fruits such as avocados, oranges, and more. The question that often crossed his mind was why this technology was not more widely practiced or explored, given its existence for several years.

Challenges in manpower acquisition and the shift to mechanization

The acquisition of manpower has become increasingly challenging as the standard of living in the province has improved. “The younger generation has shown less interest in pursuing careers in farming,” Enrico said.

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3 years old mango producing flowers for high density mango planting. (Batungbacal Farm)

 In light of these circumstances, the decision to transition to mechanized operations has proven to be timely. Operating the machinery and irrigation systems requires specific skills, and as a result, Enrico now offers higher compensation to attract and retain qualified personnel. This issue of labor scarcity is not unique to the mango industry but is prevalent across the entire agricultural sector. The ongoing urbanization of towns has led to an abundance of alternative job opportunities outside the realm of farming.

Enrico expressed his firm determination to embrace these changes because “We need our farm to catch up with technology to keep efficiency,” he said. The farm was actively preparing to adopt these innovative techniques, setting the stage for a future of improved productivity and sustainability.

In the next article, Enrico will share his insights for building a successful farming business.

Photo courtesy of Batungbacal Farm

Ara Mina fulfills dream project after 30 years

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA


AT A GLANCE

  • It's my dream project after 30 years. I've been watching Oprah since I was a teenager. I said I wish I had a show like that. I was still young and then I was busy with movies. This is special to me because I want to share many things with people.

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Ara Mina (Net25)

Actress-businesswoman Ara Mina is also on cloud nine these days after she finally fulfilled one of her showbiz dream projects after 30 years.

For the first time, Ara will debut as a magazine talk show in the weekly program "Magandang Araw" on Net25 which will premiere on Saturday, July 15, at 3 p.m.

"It's a travel magazine show. May pagka-reality rin. I can tackle anything like yung mga side ng artista na hindi alam ng tao like mga talent nila. Meron din health, beauty, wellness, fitness, and motherhood. May D.I.Y. din. It's a co-production," she said.

Ara, 44, revealed that Oprah Winfrey was her peg in fulfilling her talk show project.

"It's my dream project after 30 years. I've been watching Oprah since I was a teenager. Sabi ko sana magkaroon ako ng ganung show. Bata pa ako nun at saka puro movies ako nun. This is special to me kasi marami akong gustong i-share sa tao," she said.

(It's my dream project after 30 years. I've been watching Oprah since I was a teenager. I said I wish I had a show like that. I was still young and then I was busy with movies. This is special to me because I want to share many things with people.)

"Sobrang happy ako noong lumabas yung permit ng MTRCB. Iba yung feeling! Hands-on kasi ako pagdating sa editing, contents, scriptwriting. Halos lahat ng inputs meron ako," Ara added.

(I was very happy when the MTRCB permit came out. It was a different feeling! Because I am hands-on when it comes to editing, content, and scriptwriting. I have almost all the inputs.)

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Ara said that she's happy her husband Philippine International Trading Corporation President and CEO Dave Almarinez has adjusted to her busy schedule in showbiz.

"Ako na ang nagrequest kay Dave na next year na kami magka-baby. Plinano namin na next year na kasi parang next year na talaga nakatadhana na magkaroon kami ng baby.

(I am the one who requested from Dave that we have a baby next year. We plan on having a baby next year because it seems like next year is really destined to have a baby.)

"Sabi naman niya, 'bigyan mo na ako ng date para magbakasyon naman tayo ng apat na araw bago tayo umariba muli sa trabaho. Itong July we will have a date.

(He said, 'give me a date so we can take a vacation for four days before we go back to work. This July we will have a date.)

"Hindi ko pa alam kung saan kami kasi mag-bi-birthday na rin siya. Sabi ko puwede bang two-in-one na lang. Alam mo na kapag may asawa ka na, anak, at business, nagtitipid na rin naman," Ara said.

(I don't know where we're going because it's his birthday. I said it was possible to just have a two-in-one (celebration). You know that when you have a wife, a child, and a business, you're saving too.)

Ara also revealed her other dream projects in showbiz.

"I want to have a Cinemalaya project. Hindi ko pa yun nagagawa. I think hindi ko pa talaga nagagawa in my entire career is rom-com. Parang Julia Roberts type. Pero bawal na ako sa kissing scene. Siguro dayain na lang. Gusto ko rin ng theater. It's part of your learning. You never stop learning kapag matagal ka na sa industriya," she said.

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Ara Mina with husband Philippine International Trading Corporation President and CEO Dave Almarinez and daughter Amanda (Facebook)

(I want to have a Cinemalaya project. I haven't done that yet. I think I haven't really done a rom-com in my entire career. It's like a Julia Roberts type. But I'm not allowed to do kissing scenes. I also want to do theater. It's part of your learning. You never stop learning when you've been in the industry for a long time.)

Ara also said that she's willing to accept an international project even if the talent fee is not big.

"We can work it out naman kasi kung maganda naman yung role. Naging producer din ako so alam ko yung feeling nila. Lalo na ang local movie industry hindi pa bumabalik as before," she added. (We can work it out especially if the role is good. I was also a producer so I know how they feel.)

Ara also reiterated that her sexy roles in the movies are over. "Tapos na tayo sa mga sexy scenes. Baka sabihin ng iba si Ara walang pinagkatandaan. Ibigay na natin yun sa iba. Ibang chapter na tayo ngayon. We need to breakaway from roles. Pero depende kung pang-award ang role. Kung pang Oscars yun why not? Ngayong married na ako, lahat ng gagawin ko I consult with my husband. Supportive siya sa akin."

"I'm done with sexy scenes. Others might say I haven't matured as an actress. Let's give that to others. We are in a different chapter now. We need to break away from roles. But it depends if the role will give me an award like the Oscars. Then why not? Now that I'm married, everything I do I consult with my husband. He's supportive of me."

Ara also considers her husband Dave her lucky charm. "After ko mag-asawa ang dami kong blessing. Ang daming projects na dumarating. Usually pag nag-aasawa ka, lie low ka muna."

(After I got married, I got a lot of blessings. A lot of projects came. Usually, when you get married, you're not active in showbiz.) 

On finances, Ara said: "Tulungan kami. Nagbibigay siya ng money sa akin pero hindi naman ako nagbibigay sa kanya. One thing na maganda sa kanya is may kusa siya. Hindi ako humihingi ng allowance sa asawa ko. Kung ano ang ibinigay niya, I just accept it. That's why he loves me. He's very generous. I can say I'm happy and content with my life now."

(We help each other. He gives me money but I don't give him money. One thing that is good about him is that he is willing to give. I don't ask for an allowance from my husband. But if he gives, I just accept it.)

Eine Tote und Hunderte Einsätze wegen Orkanböen – Entwarnung am Abend

Quelle: WELT/ Nele Würzbach, Carsten Hädler


In Deutschland wird das Sturmtief „Poly“ erwartet. In einigen Regionen muss mit Orkanböen gerechnet werden. Marco Ostwald berichtet aus Büsum.


Sturm- und Orkanböen fegten am Mittwoch über Niedersachsen und Bremen. Die Küste war besonders betroffen. Im Emsland begrub ein Baum eine Fußgängerin unter sich. Die Frau starb. Am Abend gab der Deutsche Wetterdienst Entwarnung. 

Mit bis zu 130 Stundenkilometern sind am Mittwoch Sturm- und Orkanböen über Niedersachsen und Bremen gezogen und haben einem Menschen das Leben gekostet. Ein entwurzelter Baum begrub eine Fußgängerin in Rhede an der Ems (Emsland) unter sich, wie die Polizei mitteilte. Die Frau wurde eingeklemmt und starb noch an der Unfallstelle. Die 64-Jährige war mit ihrem Hund spazieren, der unverletzt an die Angehörigen übergeben werden konnte. Zuletzt hatte es irrtümlich geheißen, dass die Tote ein Mann sei, die Angabe wurde dann von der Nachrichtenagentur dpa korrigiert.


Am Abend gab der Deutsche Wetterdienst Entwarnung und hob die Gefahrenmeldung vor Orkanböen fürs nördliche Emsland und Ostfriesland auf.


Die Einsatzkräfte mussten im Laufe des Mittwochs zu Hunderten Einsätzen ausrücken, besonders betroffen war die Küstenregion. Allein im Landkreis Wittmund wurde die Feuerwehr bis zum Nachmittag mehr als 260 Mal gerufen, die Polizeidirektion Osnabrück verzeichnete knapp über 150 Einsätze. In Bremerhaven und den Landkreisen Cuxhaven und Osterholz wurde mehr als 200 Mal der Notruf gewählt. Landesweit wurden Dächer beschädigt, Äste brachen ab und fielen auf parkende Autos, entwurzelte Bäume blockierten Straßen und Gleise.


„Das ist für einen Sommersturm schon wirklich extrem“, sagte ein DWD-Meterologe zu den heftigen Orkanböen. „Schwere Sturmböen im Sommer verursachen vor allem an der Vegetation deutlich größere Schäden, weil die Bäume belaubt sind“, sagte der Meteorologe weiter. Der Widerstand sei größer und die Bäume könnten das nicht so abfedern wie im Winter. „Die Gefahr ist deshalb deutlich größer, dass die bei solchen Böen umkippen oder Äste abbrechen.“


Mehrere Bäume fielen nach Bahnangaben am Mittwochnachmittag etwa auf die Gleise zwischen Emden und Leer. Im Regionalverkehr komme es deshalb zu Verspätungen und Zugausfällen. Betroffen waren aber auch Intercity-Züge zu den touristischen Gebieten in Ostfriesland. Und auch zwischen Bremen und Bremerhaven-Lehe fielen nach Bahnangaben ebenfalls einzelne Regionalzüge wegen des Unwetters aus.


Viele Fähren – unter anderem bei Baltrum, Langeoog, Wangerooge und zwischen Cuxhaven und Helgoland – fuhren nach Angaben der Betreiber ab Mittwochmittag nur eingeschränkt oder blieben gleich im Hafen.


Sicherheitshalber endete der Unterricht an den 49 allgemein- und berufsbildenden Schulen in Oldenburg und an den 25 Schulen in Delmenhorst schon um 10 Uhr. Die Schüler erhielten ihre Zeugnisse dort noch vor Schulende und konnten gleich in die Sommerferien.


In Oldenburg wurde ein städtischer Mitarbeiter bei Räumungsarbeiten von einem herabstürzenden Ast verletzt. Er wurde mit Verdacht auf schwere Verletzungen in ein Krankenhaus gebracht. Ein weiterer Mitarbeiter wurde leicht verletzt. Ebenfalls in Oldenburg stürzten mehrere Bäume um und fielen nach Polizeiangaben auf sechs Autos, die stark beschädigt wurden. Die Schadenshöhe stand zunächst nicht fest. Eine erste Meldung, dass eine Frau in ihrem Auto verletzt worden sei, bestätigte sich nicht. Sie sei nur durch Buschwerk eingeklemmt gewesen und konnte schnell von der Feuerwehr befreit werden. Auf der Zugstrecke Oldenburg-Leer brannte am Mittag ein Baum, der in die Oberleitung gefallen war, berichtete die Polizei.


Landesweit sollten Menschen möglichst nicht vor die Tür gehen, Parkanlagen und Wälder meiden. In Hannover blieben am Mittwoch der Tiergarten, die Waldstation Eilenriede, der Stadtpark sowie der Berggarten in Herrenhausen geschlossen. In Bremen sollte der Bürgerpark nicht betreten werden, auch die Stadt Wilhelmshaven warnte vor einem Besuch der Parkanlagen.


Wegen der Sturmwarnung sagte die Friedhofsverwaltung in Hamburg geplante Trauerfeiern ab. Die Friedhöfe Ohlsdorf, Öjendorf, Volksdorf und Wohldorf würden ab 12 Uhr geschlossen. Auch der Tierpark Hagenbeck blieb am Mittwoch geschlossen. Zentrale Vorgaben zu Schulschließungen wird es in der Hansestadt nicht geben, da die Orkanböen erst ab 14 Uhr erwartet würden. „Dann haben die meisten Grundschulen ihren Unterrichtsbetrieb beendet“, sagte ein Sprecher der Schulbehörde.


DRAMATISCHE KLIMADATEN

Der rätselhafte Sprung der Meerestemperatur

Das Sturmtief „Poly“ soll nach Einschätzungen des Deutschen Wetterdienstes (DWD) noch bis zum Abend über die Region fegen. Betroffen seien insbesondere das nördliche Emsland, Ostfriesland bis zum Jadebusen vor Sturm- und Orkanböen. Lokal seien auch Gewitter mit Starkregen innerhalb kurzer Zeit möglich. „Das ist unangenehm beim Autofahren“, warnte ein Sprecher des DWD. Fahrer sollten sich auf Windböen und von der Seite peitschenden Regen einstellen.


„Je küstennäher man ist, desto gefährlicher ist es“, sagte der Wetterexperte. Aber auch im Landesinneren fege der Wind bis zum Einbruch der Dunkelheit mit mehr als 100 Stundenkilometern über Bremen und Niedersachsen.


Erst in der Nacht auf Donnerstag lassen die Böen langsam nach, sagte ein Sprecher des DWD. „Am Donnerstag werden wir von dem Sturm nichts mehr spüren.“ An dem Tag wechselt sich laut Vorhersage starke Bewölkung mit einzelnen Schauern oder kurzen Gewittern ab, dazwischen gibt es sonnige Abschnitte. Die Temperaturen klettern dann auf bis zu 24 Grad.


Flugausfälle und eine Tote in den Niederlanden

In den Niederlanden beeinträchtigte das Wetter schon am Morgen den Flug- und Bahnverkehr stark. Am Flughafen Schiphol in Amsterdam, einem der wichtigsten Drehkreuze in Europa, wurden rund 400 Flüge gestrichen, berichtete die Nachrichtenagentur ANP. Der Bahnbetreiber NS stellte den gesamten Zugverkehr im Norden der Niederlande ein. Von der Einstellung waren auch Hochgeschwindigkeitszüge nach Köln und Hamburg sowie der Eurostar nach London betroffen.


Eine Frau in Haarlem starb, als ein Ast auf ihr Auto krachte. Der Wetterdienst hatte für große Teile des Landes die höchste Warnstufe ausgegeben. Die Bürgerinnen und Bürger wurden aufgerufen, in ihren Häusern zu bleiben. In der Nähe der Stadt Alkmaar blockierte ein umgestürzter Lastwagen eine Autobahn, entwurzelte Bäume und herabfallende Äste blockierten noch viele andere Straßen.

Mehr Rente ab Juli – Wann das Geld auf dem Konto landet

Erstellt: 

Von: Robert Wallenhauer 

Ab Juli gibt es für Millionen Ruheständler eine Rentenerhöhung. Aber wann wird das Geld genau ausgezahlt? Ein Überblick.

München – Die rund 21 Millionen Rentnerinnen und Rentner bekommen ab jetzt mehr Geld. Die jährliche Rentenanpassung ist mit dem Monatsbeginn in Kraft getreten. Die Altersbezüge steigen im Westen um 4,39 Prozent und im Osten um 5,86 Prozent. Außerdem kommt es mehr als 30 Jahre nach der Wiedervereinigung zur Angleichung des Rentenwerts Ost an den im Westen. Er beträgt nun einheitlich 37,60 Euro. 

Wie hoch fällt die Rentenerhöhung im Juli aus?

Ein Rentner im Westen mit 1500 Euro Rente bekommt durch die aktuelle Erhöhung etwa 66 Euro mehr im Monat, im Osten etwa 88 Euro mehr. Es handelt sich um Brutto-Beträge – das heißt, vor dem Abzug der Beiträge für die Kranken- und Pflegeversicherung. 

Ein geringer Teil der Rentenerhöhung geht in diesem Jahr dadurch verloren, dass zum 1. Juli die Beiträge zur Pflegeversicherung steigen: für Kinderlose von 3,4 auf 4,0 Prozent, für Eltern von 3,05 auf 3,4 Prozent. Das wären bei der genannten Beispielrente von 1500 Euro im Fall eines kinderlosen Rentners 9 Euro mehr Abzug vom Brutto, bei einem Rentner mit Kindern etwa 5 Euro.

Senioren auf der Parkbank: Ab diesem Juli gibt es mehr Rente.
Senioren auf der Parkbank: Ab diesem Juli gibt es mehr Rente. © Stephan Scheuer/dpa

Die jährliche Erhöhung gilt nach Angaben der Rentenversicherung sowohl für Altersrentner als auch für diejenigen, die wegen Arbeitsunfähigkeit bereits früher in Rente sind (Erwerbsminderungsrente). Die Erhöhung kommt mit dem Juli automatisch. Empfänger müssen nichts dafür tun. 

Nach Angaben des Bundessozialministeriums bleibt die aktuelle Erhöhung zwar hinter der Inflation zurück. Das sei aber eine Momentaufnahme. Im Jahresschnitt sei der Rentenwert seit 2012 im Westen insgesamt um 26 Prozent und im Osten um 40 Prozent gestiegen, die Preise im gleichen Zeitraum nur um 20 Prozent, hieß es.

Wann ist die höhere Rente auf dem Konto?

Aber wann landet die erhöhte Rente auf dem Konto? Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung klärt auf: „Ihre Rente wird am letzten Bankarbeitstag des Monats ausgezahlt, für den die Rente bestimmt ist.“ Die erhöhte Rente für Juli wird also am Ende des Monats überwiesen. Der letzte Bankarbeitstag im Juli 2023 ist Montag, der 31. Dann sollten also alle Rentnerinnen und Rentner ihr Geld erhalten. 

Soviel Rente gibt es ab Juli 2023

Diese Tabelle zeigt die neuen Bruttorenten ab Juli 2023:

Steuerpflichtig nach Rentenerhöhung?

109.000 Rentner müssen wegen der Erhöhung Steuern zahlen. Sie kommen mit den erhöhten Einkünften über den sogenannten Grundfreibetrag von derzeit 10.908 Euro für Alleinstehende oder 21.816 Euro für zusammenveranlagte Ehepaare. Welche Jahresrenten gerade noch steuerfrei sind, hat der Bund der Steuerzahler für IPPEN.MEDIA hier errechnet.

Ampel kürzt Renten-Zuschuss - Deutsche Rentenversicherung sauer: „Haushaltspolitisch motiviert“

 Erstellt: 

Von: Lisa Mayerhofer 

Hubertus Heil
Arbeitsminister Heil muss offenbar den Bundeszuschuss für die Rentenversicherung kürzen. © Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Die Bundesregierung will den zusätzlichen Bundeszuschuss an die Rentenversicherung offenbar um 600 Millionen Euro pro Jahr kürzen. Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung zeigt sich empört. München – Finanzminister Christian Lindner (FDP) hat einen strikten Sparkurs vorgegeben – für alle Ministerien. Auch das Arbeitsministerium von Hubertus Heil (SPD) ist laut einem Bericht betroffen und kürzt beim Bundeszuschuss an die Rentenversicherung, um Lindners Sparvorgaben zu erfüllen.

Regierung will Bundeszuschuss an Rentenversicherung im 600 Millionen Euro kürzen

Der Stuttgarter Zeitung zufolge ist der konkrete Plan der Bundesregierung, den zusätzlichen Bundeszuschuss an die Rentenversicherung ab 2024 bis 2027 um 600 Millionen Euro im Jahr zu kürzen. Der zusätzliche Bundeszuschuss ist eigentlich für die Abgeltung nicht beitragsgedeckter Leistungen gedacht, wie beispielsweise die Mütterrente oder den Grundrentenzuschlag. 

Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) teilte auf ihrer Website mit, sie sei „entschieden gegen diese erneute kurzfristige haushaltspolitisch motivierte Kürzung“. „Dass mit der Verlässlichkeit der Finanzierung das Vertrauen in die gesetzliche Rentenversicherung und den Sozialstaat als Ganzes steht und fällt, gilt umso mehr für die Belastbarkeit von Zusagen des Bundes“, so die DRV. Bereits im vergangenen Jahr habe die Bundesregierung vier Sonderzahlungen an die Rentenversicherung nachträglich abgeschafft.

Rentenversicherung: Beitragssatz könnte ab 2026 schneller steigen

Immerhin solle aber der derzeitige Beitragssatz in der Rentenversicherung von 18,6 Prozent weiter bis 2026 stabil bleiben. Auch die Zuschusskürzung werde daran nichts ändern, so die Stuttgarter Zeitung. Nach 2026 könnte der Beitragssatz dann aber „bei gleichbleibenden Bedingungen“ schneller steigen, warnt die Deutsche Rentenversicherung.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Ara Mina recalls reaching out to homeless veteran star Deborah Sun: 'Hangga't kaya ko, andito lang ako'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA


AT A GLANCE

  • Asked about her message to Deborah, Ara said: "May God bless you always. Hangga't kayo ko andito lang ako and I really hope na marami kang magawang project. You'll never know baka sa mas malaking (bahay) ka na tumira. Basta ipagpatuloy mo lang ang iyong pagiging renewed person at mabuting tao. Kahit hindi ako madalas sumasagot sa mga words of wisdom mo, binabasa ko po yun. She knows na andito lang ako."


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Ara Mina (Nice Print Photography)

Actress-businesswoman Ara Mina recalled the time she reached out to veteran star Deborah Sun who at that time was having a difficult time.

At the sidelines of the press conference for her upcoming movie "Litrato" under 3:16 Media Network in Quezon City last July 4, Ara said that she really feels uncomfortable discussing her assistance with other people. But since Deborah already mentioned it in the interview, it's okay for her to talk about it. The actress said it started when Deborah sent her inspiring text messages on a daily basis.

"Everyday she sends me words of wisdom, Bible verses. Kahit hindi ako nakakareply everyday niya ako pinapadalhan. Sumasagot lang ako mg emoticon or amen dahil busy rin naman ako."

"Nawala na sa isip ko na seven years na pala yun. One time tinawagan ko siya kasi I've never visited her. Pumunta ako doon one time pero hindi ako pumasok. Pero sobrang tagal na pala nun," she added.

It was Deborah who revealed to the media that Ara was really all-out in helping during an interview for the YouTube show of actress Snooky Serna recently.

"Sabi ko kumusta na kayo dyan, video-han mo tita para makita ko kung maayos ba dyan or may kulang pa kayo. So ayun, umiyak lang siya. Sabi niya aayusin ko muna anak. Sabi ko huwag ka ng umiyak. Sabi niya pina-paalis mo na ba ako? Sabi ko hindi," Ara said.

"That was my first investment. Siguro una ko siyang na purchase. Mga 1997 or 1998 the time when I left That's Entertainment.

"Masarap tulungan si Tita Deb. She's appreciative. Lagi niyang sinasabi papatayuan na kita ng monumento," Ara laughed.

Ara said that she also endorsed her other friends in showbiz who have no work. She's happy that Debrah is slowly going back to showbiz.

"Yung mga kaibigan kong artista na walang work ine-endorse ko rin. Hindi lang si Tita Deborah. Pero I'm happy may nagma-manage na sa kanya. Si Tyron Escalante. So puwede na po ninyong kunin sa work si Tita Deborah," she also said.

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Ara Mina with daughter Amanda Gabrielle Meneses and husband businessman Dave Almarinez (Instagram)

Ara believes that Deborah has changed for the better and prays for her showbiz comeback.

"Matagal na buo ang tiwala ko na hindi na siya babalik sa old ways. The fact na pinatira ko siya doon sa condo, may tiwala ako.

"Dati plano ko ibenta yung condo. Nahihiya talaga ako sa kanya na maliit yung condo ko. Pero na-appreciate niya ng sobra. Meron kasing bang tinulugan mo hindi mo ramdam yung appreciation. Pero si Tita Debs ramdam mo na hiyang-hiya Talaga siya," she added.

"Very honest siya. Minsan sinasabi niya wala talaga silang pangkain ngayon. Ang birthday niya is Dec. 31. Busy lahat ng tao. Lagi na siyang kasama sa hinahanda ko na food para sa birthday niya sa salubong sa bagong taon na kahit papaano may pagkain sila," Ara said.

Asked about her message to Deborah, Ara said: "May God bless you always. Hangga't kayo ko andito lang ako and I really hope na marami kang magawang project. You'll never know baka sa mas malaking (bahay) ka na tumira. Basta ipagpatuloy mo lang ang iyong pagiging renewed person at mabuting tao. Kahit hindi ako madalas sumasagot sa mga words of wisdom mo, binabasa ko po yun. She knows na andito lang ako."

On cloud nine

Ara, 44, is also on cloud nine these days after she finally fulfilled one of her dreams after 30 years.

For the first time, Ara will host her magazine talk show entitled "Magandang Araw" on Net25.

"It's a travel magazine show. May pagka-reality rin. Anything I can tackle like yung mga side ng artista na hindi alam ng tao like mga talent nila. Meron din health, beauty, wellness, fitness, and motherhood. May D.I.Y. din. It's a co-production," she said.

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Ara and Dave (Instagram)

Ara revealed that Oprah Winfrey was her peg in fulfilling her dream project.

"It's my dream project after 30 years. I've been watching Oprah since I was a teenager. Sabi ko sana magkaroon ako ng ganung show. Bata pa ako nun at saka puro movies ako nun. This is special to me kasi marami akong gustong i-share sa tao," she said.

"Sobrang happy ako noong lumabas yung permit ng MTRCB. Iba yung feeling! Hands-on kasi ako pagdating sa editing, contents, scriptwriting. Halos lahat ng inputs meron ako," Ara added.

Ara said that she's happy her husband Philippine International Trading Corporation President and CEO Dave Almarinez has adjusted to her busy schedule in showbiz.

"Ako na ang nagrequest kay Dave na next year na kami magka-baby. Plinano namin na next year na kasi parang next year na talaga nakatadhana na magkaroon kami ng baby.

"Sabi naman niya, 'bigyan mo na ako ng date para magbakasyon naman tayo ng apat na araw bago tayo umariba muli sa trabaho. Itong July we will have a date.

"Hindi ko pa alam kung saan kami kasi mag-bi-birthday na rin siya. Sabi ko puwede bang two-in-one na lang. Alam mo na kapag may asawa ka na, anak, at business, nagtitipid na rin naman," Ara said.

Ara also revealed her other dream projects in showbiz.

"I want to have a Cinemalaya project. Hindi ko pa yun nagagawa. I think hindi ko pa talaga nagagawa in my entire career is rom-com. Parang Julia Roberts type. Pero bawal na ako sa kissing scene. Siguro dayain na lang. Gusto ko rin ng theater. It's part of your learning. You never stop learning kapag matagal ka na sa industriya," she said.

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A scene from the movie 'Litrato' under 3:16 Media Network

Ara also said that she's willing to accept an international project even if the talent fee is not big.

"We can work it out naman kasi kung maganda naman yung role. Naging producer din ako so alam ko yung feeling nila. Lalo na ang local movie industry hindi pa bumabalik as before," she added.

Ara also reiterated that her sexy roles in the movies are over. "Tapos na tayo sa mga sexy scenes. Baka sabihin ng iba si Ara walang pinagkatandaan. Ibigay na natin yun sa iba. Ibang chapter na tayo ngayon. We need to breakaway from roles. Pero depende kung pang-award ang role. Kung pang Oscars yun why not? Ngayong married na ako, lahat ng gagawin ko I consult with my husband. Supportive siya sa akin."

Ara also considers her husband Dave her lucky charm. "After ko mag-asawa ang dami kong blessing. Ang daming projects na dumarating. Usually pag nag-aasawa ka, lie low ka muna."

On finances, Ara said: "Tulungan kami. Nagbibigay siya ng money sa akin pero hindi naman ako nagbibigay sa kanya. One thing na maganda sa kanya is may kusa siya. Hindi ako humihingi ng allowance sa asawa ko. Kung ano ang ibinigay niya, I just accept it. That's why he loves me. He's very generous. I can say I'm happy and content with my life now."

The storms in our life



By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com


THAT gospel episode where the apostles found themselves in a storm in the middle of the lake (cfr. Mt 8,23-27) teaches us a great lesson about absolute trust in God’s providence amid the twists and turns, the ups and downs in our life here on earth.


We cannot avoid storms and other forms of negative happenings in our life. But before this fact of life, what we have to do is to try our best to remain calm and just go to God to ask for help. He’s always around. He may appear asleep and oblivious of our predicaments, but he actually knows everything that happens in our life and is there to help us.


To be sure, the storms and the negative things in our life were not part of the original plan of God for us. They only came out as a consequence of sin, that of our first parents as well as those of ours which are still a continuing affair for us. God allows these things to happen to respect our freedom which we often misuse and abuse. But he also knows what to do with them.


On our part, whatever storms we encounter in life, whether material, temporal, or spiritual and moral, our attitude and reaction should be that we can precisely use these storms to approach our Lord, begging for help. It would be wrong and would make things worse if we choose to run away from him. God is all there to help.


No matter how guilty we may be with respect to the predicaments that befall us, God is not scandalized by any wrongdoing we do. He may be angry for a while, but his mercy will always prevail. And his anger and the punishment that may go with it are always meant for our own good.


And when problems and difficulties beyond our control take place, we should just trust God’s providence and be ready for wherever divine providence would take us. We have to be open to it all the time, developing a faith-guided adventurous outlook. 


Even as we make our plans and pursue them truly as our own, we should not forget that nothing in our life is actually outside the providence of God who can adapt himself to us, even in our worst situations and predicaments, and can still lead us to himself.


The only thing to remember is that God is always around and is actually intervening and directing our life to him. That is part of his omnipotence which he exercises both from all eternity and in time since our creation and all the way to the end of time.


There will be things in our life that will be beyond our human notice, and much less, our human control. We have to trust God’s providence even if things look terrible, impossible, or inhuman when judged simply by human standards.


Let’s again remember that episode of the apostles in a boat that was about to sink because of the big waves. (cfr. Mt 8,23-27) Christ reproached them for their lack of faith. And in that parable of the wheat and the weeds, (cfr. Mt 13,24-30) Christ was clearly telling them and us that we should just go on doing a lot of good even if we are disturbed by many evils, because in the end Christ would make the proper judgment.


He assures us that with him we will never work in vain and everything would just work out for the good. (cfr. Is 65,23; Rom 8,28)