The DOT disclosed that the international visitor receipts for 2023 totaled an impressive P482.54 billion, a figure that not only surpassed the previous year but also reached pre-pandemic revenue levels of 2019.
With an eye on the future, the DOT is setting ambitious targets for 2024, aiming for a step closer to pre-pandemic arrival numbers with a goal of 7.7 million arrivals. Secretary Frasco assured, "What I can assure you is that we will push as hard as we can and fully activate our convergences with other government agencies in order to breach this target and bring us closer to pre-pandemic numbers even as we grapple with many forces beyond our control, globally, and locally."
Expressing gratitude, Frasco acknowledged the global appreciation for the Philippines in 2023, highlighting the country's recognition as the World's Leading Beach and Dive Destination, Asia's Best Cruise Destination, and one of the few countries worldwide honored as a Global Tourism Resilience awardee. The acknowledgment reflects the collective efforts and global appeal that continue to position the Philippines as a premier travel destination.
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
K-pop group ITZY’s new album sells more than 123,000 copies on first day of release
Jan 10, 2024
K-pop girl group ITZY’s new mini-album “Born To Be” sold more than 123,000 copies on the first day of release.
“Born To Be” was released on Jan. 8 under JYP Entertainment, Imperial and Republic Records, featuring 10 new tracks including solo songs from each member, the first time since their debut. Each ITZY member contributed to the composition of each solo track.
ITZY (JYP Entertainment)
According to Korea’s Hanteo Chart, “Born To Be” sold a total of 123,489 copies on the first day of release on Jan. 8. With this, ITZY topped Hanteo’s daily physical album chart.
ITZY also released a music video for the lead single “Untouchable,” which garnered 2.83 million views on YouTube as of this writing.
Meanwhile, ITZY will hold concerts at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul on Feb. 24 and 25, marking the start of their second world tour “ITZY 2nd World Tour: Born To Be.”
Their first world tour, “Checkmate,” included an eight-city US leg, as well as an Asian leg with performances in seven regions; Manila in the Philippines, Singapore, Jakarta in Indonesia, Chiba in Japan, Taipei in Taiwan..
“Born To Be” track list
Born To Be
Untouchable
Mr. Vampire
Dynamite
Crown on my Head (Yeji)
Blossom (Lia)
Run Away (Ryujin)
Mine (Chaeryeong)
Yet, But (Yuna)
Escalator
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Self-care is the way to go
How to thrive in mental wellness
Jan 9, 2024 10:11 AM
AT A GLANCE
Your mental health is everything— prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does.
— Mel Robbins
Often when things get so busy, we tend to neglect our own needs. This leads to a burnout of sorts or, worse, a melancholic feeling of not wanting to do anything. To ensure that our lives never get to that level, we need to focus on our mental wellness. Here are some self-care tips to make sure you treat yourself right.
Prioritize your needs
Self-care makes or breaks our mental wellness. Always make sure you find time to take a break from things to dedicate time to activities that spark joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Perhaps choose to sleep in on a free day or engage in a physical activity to keep the blood pumping. Finding a hobby will also help in reducing stress and enhancing your well-being.
Find time to socialize
Even introverts have a need to interact with their closest friends! Keeping to yourself for long periods can be damaging to your mental health as we are wired to be around others. Hit up a friend you haven’t talked to in a while and reconnect. As they say online, go outside to touch the grass and crack open a cold one with your pals!
Meditation is key
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for nurturing mental wellness. These practices encourage being present in the moment, calming the mind, and reducing stress. Exercises like yoga and Pilates are a great way of clearing your mind and keeping your body active.
Time for a digital detox
Keeping our eyes glued to the screen might be appealing to pass the time but it can also be harmful if done too long. Social media often has us viewing the best parts of other people’s lives. This might lead us to think we aren’t doing things right if others appear to be enjoying more than we are. When you start to feel like this, it’s best to take some time off social media. Engage in activities that do not involve screens, allowing your mind to rest and recharge.
Seek professional help
Therapy goes a long way. Sometimes there are problems within us that need professional help, and there’s no shame in that! Seeing a therapist or a counselor allows us to get a different view of our life. Often they’ll give us ways to cope, tools for managing stress, and most importantly a safe space to vent about our troubles.
Think positive
To be healthy in the mind, one must be free of problems. But to be free from problems, you need to look at the brighter side of life. Mucking about on the downside of things will only discourage you from being your best self. If life kicks you down, remember to kick back harder!
Typical Filipino (XXXV) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXXV): Two kitchens - Zwei Küchen
In einem westlichen Haus ist die Küche ein zentraler Ort, da in der Regel die Frau des Hauses selbst kocht. Viele westlichen Küchen sind mit einer Essecke, dem Esszimmer oder sogar ganz offen mit dem Wohnzimmer verbunden.
Da aber Filipinos mittlerer oder höherer Einkommensgruppen einen Koch oder eine Köchin im Haus beschäftigen, ist die Küche lediglich Arbeitsplatz eines Hausangestellten. Diese Küchen sind keine hellen mit karierten Vorhänge verzierte und mit Elektrogeräten ausgestatteten Räume , die vom persönlichen Geschmack der Dame des Hauses zeugen.
Wenn Sie selbst kochen wollen, dann begutachten Sie auch die Küche, ihre Lage im Haus, ihre Größe und die Einrichtung.
Viele philippinische Häuser leisten sich zwei Küchen: eine für die Dame des Hauses und einen unscheinbaren Raum in hinteren Teil des Hauses, wo der Koch an einem mit Gaskocher ausgestatteten Arbeitsplatz die täglichen Mahlzeiten zubereitet. Die Energieversorgung mittels Gasflaschen ist zudem überaus sinnvoll, da während der "Brownouts" Ihr hochmoderner elektrischer Superherd schlichtweg nutzlos wird.
Als zweckmäßige Anpassung verläßt sich die "schmutzige Küche" auf weniger ausgeklügelte Technik.
(Fortsetzung folgt!)
+++
In a Western home, the kitchen is a central place because the woman of the house usually does the cooking. Many western kitchens are connected to a dining area, the dining room or even the living room.
However, since Filipinos in middle or higher income groups employ a cook in the house, the kitchen is only the workplace of a domestic worker. These kitchens are not bright rooms decorated with checkered curtains and equipped with electrical appliances that reflect the personal taste of the lady of the house.
If you want to cook yourself, then also examine the kitchen, its location in the house, its size and the furnishings.
Many Filipino houses afford two kitchens: one for the lady of the house and an inconspicuous room in the back of the house where the cook prepares daily meals at a workstation equipped with a gas stove. Supplying energy using gas bottles is also extremely useful, as during the “brownouts” your ultra-modern electric super stove simply becomes useless.
As a convenient adaptation, the "dirty kitchen" relies on less sophisticated technology.
(To be continued!)
Monday, January 8, 2024
Typical Filipino (XXXIV) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXXIV): Der personalisierte Geschäftsstil - The personalized business style
I have learned this in almost 26 years of permanent residence in the Philippines.
In a highly people-oriented society, business matters are always best handled personally and in a pleasant atmosphere. Where the Western businessman thinks that time is money, the Filipino loves to sneak around like a cat and talk about mutual friends and family, exchanging pleasantries and jokes. Only when the appropriate climate has been established can negotiations be considered. Regardless of the outcome, discussions should always end on a friendly note. You may feel like you're wasting time chatting about other people and all sorts of unimportant things. For a Filipino, however, maintaining friendships, building valuable contacts and developing personal relationships are the crucial developments that keep business running.
+++
Das habe ich in fast 26 Jahren permanenten Aufenthalten auf den Philippinen gelernt.
In einer stark personen-orientierten Gesellschaft werden geschäftliche Angelegenheiten am besten immer persönlich und in einer angenehmen Atmosphäre geregelt. Wo der westliche Geschäftsmann denkt, dass Zeit Geld ist, liebt es der Filipino wie die Katze um den heißen Blei herumzuschleichen und um über gemeinsame Freunde und die Familie zu reden, Höflichkeiten und Scherze auszutauschen. Erst wenn das angemessene Klima hergestellt ist, können Verhandlungen ins Auge gefasst werden. Unabhängig vom Ergebnis sollten Diskussionen stets freundlich enden. Sie werden vielleicht das Gefühl haben, Zeit zu verschwenden, wenn Sie über andere Leute und allerlei Unwichtigkeiten plaudern. Für einen Filipino jedoch sind die Pflege von Freundschaften, der Aufbau wertvoller Kontakte und die Entwicklung persönlicher Beziehungen die entscheidenden Entwicklungen, die die Geschäfte am Laufen handeln.
Frasco says long weekends to fuel domestic tourism
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the long weekends and extended holiday breaks have the potential to significantly benefit the domestic tourism landscape.
In a statement released on Friday, Jan. 5, Frasco said the agency “sees these upcoming extended weekends as a timely opportunity, specifically advantageous in propelling our domestic tourism forward.”
The country’s post-pandemic recovery has resulted in 5.45 million international visitor arrivals in 2023, noted Frasco.
According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 102 million domestic trips were recorded from 2022 to mid-2023, with domestic tourism expenditure amounting to P1.5 trillion.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) also said it recorded P1.87 trillion in internal tourism expenditure, inclusive of spending by foreign visitors and Filipinos residing abroad.
Out of P1.87 trillion, P1.5 trillion was attributed to domestic tourism spending. This includes expenses by local visitors for domestic trips and international travel docked at the country’s borders.
“There's an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm among travelers eager to make up for lost time, engaging in what has come to be known as 'revenge travel,’” she said.
Frasco remarked that the long breaks can fuel its strategies to pursue and accomplish the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023 to 2028.
She underscored the DOT’s “optimism for a tourism resurgence underpinned by an unwavering belief in the Filipino spirit and the country's inexhaustible selection of enchanting destinations.”
“The invitation extended to all Filipinos is not merely to travel but to immerse themselves in the rich mosaic of experiences that the Philippines proudly offers. As the nation embraces these extended weekends with open arms, the hope remains high for a vibrant transformation of the tourism sector and a profound appreciation for the manifold wonders encapsulated within the Philippines' diverse landscape,” Frasco added.
This fashion designer spotlights the heritage of South Cotabato with his collection
Through his ‘The Hands of the Dreamweaver’ collection, Dante Mana weaves his love letter for his hometown and the women who continue to keep its indigenous crafts alive.
In the past years, we’ve seen the resurgence of Filipino textiles and fabrics in the local fashion scene. These handwoven materials aren’t just beautiful, they hold stories of the Philippines’ rich heritage and are testaments to Filipino indigenous tribes’ dedication to their work and sustainable practices. The return of these handwoven tapestries also helped put the spotlight on emerging fashion designers from different parts of the country. The latest addition to that list is Dante Mana, a recent graduate from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP).
For the graduation show, Dante chose to create a capsule collection titled “The Hands of the Dreamweaver,” celebrating the culture and heritage of South Cotabato’s T’boli tribe. The result was a vibrant fashion presentation—his love letter—that paid homage to his hometown and the women who continue to keep its indigenous crafts alive. Taking inspiration from the works of the indigenous group was a natural step for the young fashion designer.
“I was fortunate to be exposed to their captivating culture from an early age. My connection to the world of T’boli performing arts, fostered by my mother, allowed me to witness the profound beauty and artistic expression that are integral to our heritage,” Dante told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Additionally, the influence of my grandmother, a talented seamstress, revealed the enchanting process of transforming fabrics into remarkable creations.”
To make his vision come to life, Dante worked with various female artisans from the community. Among them were Ye Dina, who has been beading for more than 30 years, and Ye Mina, a master t’nalak weaver. On the runway, he presented pieces that explored many silhouettes, all providing the perfect canvas for the unique patterns of the T’boli community's works. His muse wore massive headwraps with gold accessories and baskets to complete their looks. His collection was so spectacular that he took home the FIP’s Designer of the Year award.
“This collection is a heartfelt homage to my origins in South Cotabato, a place that played a pivotal role in nurturing my passion for arts and fashion,” the designer said. “I poured my heart and soul into every design. It’s not just a job for me; it’s my passion. I’m devoted to making things that resonate with people, designs that will make them stop and think, ‘Wow, this is special.’”
Magno, netizens mourn death of Capalla
BY IVY TEJANO
DAVAO CITY – Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno said the death of Archbishop Fernando Capalla is heartbreaking for the people of Davao whom he served as prelate for most of his life.
Magno said he is one with the people of Davao in mourning the death of a selfless and most loved man of God. He added that everyone in public service hopes to emulate Capalla’s outstanding service to the people.
MASSES have been scheduled during the wake of Archbishop Fernando Capalla. (FB)
“Thank you, Archbishop ‘Nanding,’ for your love and dedication not just to the people of Davao but to all whose lives you touched throughout your life. Rest in peace. May you continue to be a shining beacon to all who choose to serve in the name of God and the republic,” Magno said.
Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo, the clergy, and faithful of the Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo also condoled with the family of Capalla who was ordained clergy of the Archdiocese of Jaro.
Lazo said Capalla was a native of Leon, Iloilo and received his education from the Colegio de San Agustin, now the University of San Agustin, and Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary.
Capalla was ordained priest at Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral on March 18, 1961. He became rector of the Saint Joseph Junior Seminary, now Saint Joseph Regional Seminary, and was a formator of numerous bishops and priests from the archdiocese.
He was ordained and appointed as auxiliary bishop of Davao on April 2, 1972, and became prelate of the Diocese of Iligan in 1977, apostolic administrator of the Prelature of Marawi in 1987, and appointed archbishop of Davao in 2012.
The former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines from 2003 to 2005 passed away at 89 on Saturday morning, January 6. Capalla is a prominent figure in Mindanao. He gained recognition as a significant religious leader.
Netizens also mourned the demise of Capalla.
“Rest well, Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla. An advocate of peace in Mindanao and CBCP president. A staunch supporter of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,” netizen Lyndon Origenes Macarayan said in his Facebook post.
“You have been God’s instrument for me so that I could participate in the priesthood of Jesus! I thank God for you, Abp. Nanding! Thank you very much for being my spiritual father since 2005! May you rest happily with all the angels and saints,” said Fr. Russell Bantiles, a former editor-in-chief of the Davao Catholic Herald, in a Facebook post.
“Your weekly presence always brought the youth together just to see you, and you always taught us how to stay close to Jesus through Mama Mary and Saint Ana. Pray for us in heaven, bishop. May you rest in the Father's loving arms,” netizen Francis Tupad said in his Facebook post.
Capalla will be laid to rest on Monday, January 15, during a funeral Mass at the San Pedro Cathedral. Interment follows at the Dormitium de San Pedro, the Archdiocese of Davao announced.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday visited the wake and mourned the passing away of Capalla.
Prominent Davao businessman Philip Dizon dies in road crash
BY IVY TEJANO
Jan 8, 2024 10:50 AM
DAVAO CITY – Prominent businessman Philip “Sonny” Dizon, owner of the Crocodile Park here and food producer Dizon Farms, passed away on Sunday morning, January 7, in a road crash on the Bansalan-Balutakay Road in Davao del Sur.
DIZON (Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang FB)
The Bansalan Police Station said the 64-year-old businessman was driving a black three-wheel Can-Am vehicle to Barangay Managa in Bansalan, Davao del Sur from Davao City when he lost control of the vehicle.
Dizon’s vehicle overturned and smashed into the concrete lane and sustained severe injuries in different parts of the body. His vehicle incurred an undetermined cost of damage.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) rushed the victim to Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital in Digos City but succumbed to severe trauma.
Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang here and the Philippine Zoos and Aquariums Association mourned the passing of the businessman in separate Facebook posts and condoled with the family of the victim.
“A sad Sunday over the loss of a well-loved businessman in Davao City, Philip ‘Sonny’ Dizon. Always a kind-hearted person and an advocate of good governance... I can always vouch for his unselfish ways,” Dayanghirang said.
“PhilZoos mourns the passing of our dear friend and Davao Crocodile Park and Zoo Founder and CEO, Philip ‘Sonny’ Dizon. Our hearts go out to the Dizon Family and our friends at Davao Crocodile Park & Zoo,” the Philippine Zoos and Aquariums Association said.
“Our good friend, fishing, and dive buddy Sonny Dizon of Crocodile Park passed away. We will miss your unexpected calls and invitations to adventure,” said the MindaVote, a socio-political group that fights for the common dream of the people of Mindanao to have peace.
Dizon also owns the Mount Apo Highland Resort in Barangay Kapatagan in Digos City and Dizon Farms. He was a president of the American Chamber of Commerce-Davao City Chapter.
Philippine-German Relations (IV) - Philippinisch-deutsche Beziehungen (IV)
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The Philippines and Germany have been faithful partners for progress. This chapter doesn't really pretend to be a detailed systematic treatise on the history of the Philippines and Germany. Here are just some little details, I learned from my mentor and former chaplain of the Philippine Community in Berlin, Monsignor Professor Dr. Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza.
This chapter merely confines itself to the general discussion of the country's name, the influences on the Philippines even before the coming of the Spaniards, Ferdinand Magellan's arrival on the islands in 1521, the commercial activity in Manila and other cities of the country after the opening of the city to world trade in 1836, Filipino nationalism at the beginning of the 20th century, religious and missionary activity and the political and economic conditions of the Philippine economy before and after the country became an independent nation.
Let's start with the general setting in the Philippines: On the German side, the books of Albert Kolb, 'Die Philippinen' and G.I. Levinson's "Die Philippinen: gestern und heute", 1966, Akademie Verlag Berlin, serve as really valuable references. I am glad to have both books in my library.
According to Hermogenes Bacareza, there is probably no other country in the world which had received so many names in the past NOT given by the natives themselves, but by foreigners than the present-day Philippines. Isla del Poniente, Islas Manila and sometimes Islas del Oriente...
(To be continued)
Die Philippinen und Deutschland waren treue Partner für den Fortschritt. Dieses Kapitel erhebt nicht wirklich den Anspruch, eine detaillierte systematische Abhandlung über die Geschichte der Philippinen und Deutschlands zu sein. Hier sind nur einige kleine Details, die ich von meinem Mentor und ehemaligen Kaplan der Philippinischen Gemeinschaft in Berlin, Monsignore Professor Dr. Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, erfahren habe.
Dieses Kapitel beschränkt sich lediglich auf die allgemeine Diskussion des Namens des Landes, der Einflüsse auf die Philippinen bereits vor der Ankunft der Spanier, der Ankunft von Ferdinand Magellan auf den Inseln im Jahr 1521 und der Handelstätigkeit in Manila und anderen Städten des Landes nach der Öffnung der Stadt auf den Welthandel im Jahr 1836, den philippinischen Nationalismus zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts, religiöse und missionarische Aktivitäten sowie die politischen und wirtschaftlichen Bedingungen der philippinischen Wirtschaft vor und nach der Unabhängigkeit des Landes.
Beginnen wir mit dem allgemeinen Setting auf den Philippinen: Auf deutscher Seite sind die Bücher von Albert Kolb, „Die Philippinen“ und G.I. Als wirklich wertvolle Referenz dienen Levinsons „Die Philippinen: gestern und heute“, 1966, Akademie Verlag Berlin. Ich bin froh, beide Bücher in meiner Bibliothek zu haben.
Laut Hermogenes Bacareza gibt es wahrscheinlich kein anderes Land auf der Welt, das in der Vergangenheit so viele Namen erhalten hat, die NICHT von den Einheimischen selbst, sondern von Ausländern stammen, als die heutigen Philippinen. Isla del Poniente, Islas Manila und manchmal Islas del Oriente...
(Fortsetzung folgt!)
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