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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Friday, March 1, 2024

THE STANDS: An Inquirer Sports Newsletter

 

 

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March 1, 2024

 

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Heart is the biggest size of all for the UST Tigresses. 
(UAAP MEDIA)

 

Hey there sports fan,


There's so much content to devour when it comes to UAAP Season 86's volleyball tournament. But for lean-back stories that capture the essence of sports, the best read around is the stories on University of Santo Tomas' upset  of defending champion La Salle.


That win meant the Tigresses have now beaten the last two champions of the tournament and the two teams that battled it out for the trophy last year. UST opened the season with a stunning victory over National U


There's so much to  unpack with that shock start of the Tigresses. First, they are doing all that after losing a powerful chunk of their first six from last season: Eya Laure, Imee Hernadez and Milena Alessandrini. They're also winning despite being one of the smallest teams in the league. And they're the only unbeaten team in the tournament.


The Tigresses are getting the job done with almost everybody contributing. Leadership is not a problem, either, what with a fiesty standout serving as team captain. (Trivia question: Do you know who the Tigresses skipper is? Answer at the end of this email).


Everybody thought La Salle and NU would cruise straight to another title showdown. Nobody ever thought to stop counting UST out.


There are other good reads if you want, including the playfully headlined Ateneo victory over UP and former coach Oliver Almadro. Also, have you heard about this rising star named Casiey DongalloStill looking for her first victory.

 

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Justin Brownlee is soaring high for the PH.  (CONTRIBUTED)

 

Meanwhile...


The other team that did good the past week was Gilas Pilipinas. After rapping Hong Kong and demolishing Chinese Taipei, Gilas Pilipinas can now focus on other stuff as it plans for its next phase of competition.


You, on the other hand, can focus on some of the best stories that came out of the qualifying windows. Simply follow the instructions below to read about: June Mar Fajardo's "jealousy," CJ Perez's ups and downs, Jamie Malonzo's newfound level,  or even Scottie Thompson's family life.


And there's also Justin Brownlee, who talks about growing old. Even our OFWs make a cameo.


Subscribe now!    


What we're up to next:


We will release the nominees for the Inquirer Sports Awards over the weekend! Then on Monday, we will host a testimonial dinner for one of our awardees. Keep tabs on that. We will also continue our in-depth volleyball coverages in the UAAP and the Premier Volleyball League. The PBA Philippine Cup has already started so we're on the ground for that, too.


Number of the Week: 3-0


UST's current record in the UAAP, where it is a surprise leader.

 

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK


“We really want to prove this season that it's not all about height to win volleyall games.”


—Bernadett Pepito, on UST finding ways to win despite its size handicap. 

 

The answer to our trivia question? Bernadett Pepito. If you think you can ace our weekly Friday sports quiz, and if you want more sports updates, join our Viber community


Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read.


See you next Friday!


Francis



Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).

Sharon Cuneta reminds fans: Money amounts to nothing if we’re unhealthy


By: Anne Pasajol

INQUIRER.net / 11:13 AM March 01, 2024


Sharon Cuneta recalled how she shifted to a healthier lifestyle when she turned 50, saying this decision “changed” her life and improved her well-being.

The Megastar, who has been vocal about her health ordeals, underscored the importance of prioritizing one’s health, through a vlog on her YouTube channel on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

“I lost weight when I decided I really wanted to change my life and my outlook on health, and improve the way I live every day,” she said.

The veteran actress-singer then spoke about how the COVID-19 pandemic served as a “wake-up call” not just for her but for the public as well.

“It showed us the reality of the old saying na gamit na gamit na pero totoo, ‘yung ‘health is wealth,” she stated. “Because kahit nga naman ano ang pag-aari mo, kahit gaano ka kayaman o kaligaya sa buhay mo, kung hindi okay ang health mo or you don’t make it a priority, it amounts to nothing—everything na meron tayo—if we’re unhealthy.”

(It showed us the reality of the old and very common saying: “Health is wealth.” Because whatever you own, however rich or happy you are with your life, if you don’t have good health or if you don’t make it a priority, it amounts to nothing—everything that we own—if we’re unhealthy.)

Opening up more on her realizations during the pandemic, she continued, “Sabi nila, most health conditions are caused by stress so you have to be careful about that.”

“Finding this out really made me appreciate that I thought of shifting to a healthier lifestyle. I was 50 when I made that decision,” she looked back. “I wanted to create a better version of myself and that was exactly eight years ago.”

Cuneta earlier appealed for prayers as she disclosed that some aspects of her body’s condition had worsened, and that she had to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In her most recent health update, she revealed she has been undergoing physical therapy because her leg has been in pain and that she has been limping for more than a month.


Senior citizens need not show prescription for OTC drugs


 

FDA CLARIFICATION Complaints about pharmacies requiring a doctor’s prescription for seniors buying over-the-counter medicines have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue a clarification. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE


By: Dexter Cabalza - Reporter / @dexcabalzaINQ

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:50 AM March 01, 2024


Senior citizens do not need to present a prescription from their physicians to get the mandated 20-percent discount they are entitled to when buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, including vitamins and food supplements, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The clarification made under FDA Advisory No. 2024-0429 and signed by FDA Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate was issued on Wednesday. It was addressed to all drug outlets, hospital pharmacies and healthcare professionals to avoid confusion.

According to the FDA, Administrative Order No. 2012-0007-A of the Department of Health (DOH) states that those age 60 and above are not required to get a doctor’s prescription to avail themselves of a 20-percent discount in “the purchase of OTC medicines.”

Under the DOH administrative order, medicines are defined as “prescription and nonprescription/over-the-counter drugs, both generic and branded, including vitamins and mineral supplements medically prescribed by the attending physician and approved by the [DOH and FDA], which are intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of human disease or sickness.”

The 20-percent discount privilege for seniors is provided for under Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.Requirements

Citing the law, the FDA noted that in order to avail themselves of the discount, seniors or their representatives can present any form of identification (senior citizens ID card, passport or document) showing their birthday. They must also bring their purchase slip booklets for recording purposes (name of OTC medicine purchased, quantity, when and where it was purchased).

In an earlier radio interview, FDA spokesperson Pamela Angeline Sevilla said they had been receiving complaints from the elderly about pharmacies asking for doctors’ prescriptions when purchasing OTC drugs.

“This should not be the case, because it is clear in the law that when buying OTC items, the only documentary requirement that senior citizens need to present is their senior citizen ID or any ID proving their senior status,” she added.

The FDA instead urged pharmacies and similar establishments to assist and educate the elderly in distinguishing between prescription and OTC drugs to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

“Let’s help our seniors instead of asking them for a prescription even if we know that the medicine they are buying is OTC and does not need one in the first place,” Sevilla said.

To determine whether a medicine is a “prescription drug (RX)” or OTC drug, the public can access verification.fda.gov.ph/ALL_DrugProductslist.php. which lists down all of the nearly 30,000 FDA-registered human medicines available.

Senior citizens can also file complaints before the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs in their respective local government units against pharmacies that do not comply with RA 9994.

The FDA warned that establishments which fail to honor the 20-percent discount on medicines for the elderly face imprisonment ranging from two to six years, plus a fine of P50,000 to P100,000 for the first offense.

Their business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges may also be revoked by authorities.

If the offender is a corporation, partnership or company with a similar structure, its officials such as the president, general manager, managing partner or such other officer charged with managing its business affairs shall also be held liable.


Sea Outcasts: How Filipino Tribes LIVE in Deadly Seas 🇵🇭 - Full Documentary


Globe empowers youth creativity at CCP’s Pasinaya Festival 2024

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

AT A GLANCE

  • The partnership transformed the largest multi-arts festival in the country into a digital and creative spectacle, proving that technology and arts can come together to create unparalleled experiences for all.


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The Globe Hangouts bus enabled the youth to fuel their passion with various innovative and art activities during the Pasinaya Festival.

Globe has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the aspirations of young creatives and celebrating artistic innovation through its latest collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for Pasinaya Festival 2024.

The partnership transformed the largest multi-arts festival in the country into a digital and creative spectacle, proving that technology and arts can come together to create unparalleled experiences for all.

Held on Feb. 2 to 4 at the CCP Complex, Pasinaya Festival 2024 offered an "experience-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can" scheme, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in a diverse array of over a hundred shows, screenings, workshops, and activities spanning music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature.

"Globe remains committed to nurturing the youth, offering them opportunities to learn and improve their skills from an early age. The Pasinaya Festival showcased a variety of workshops and performances across disciplines, reflecting the breadth of creativity we support. Our partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines for this festival is just the beginning of the creative partnerships we aim to build this year," remarked Giv Florida, Director and Head of Globe Prepaid.

In line with Globe's mission to empower the next generation of creators, the company's support for Pasinaya 2024 was multifaceted.

Through Globe Hangouts, festival-goers were treated to an array of enriching activities, from virtual reality (VR) on the Hangouts Bus to designing their own tote bags with Dripsplash PH.

Likewise, attendees were able to sign up for GoWATCH: Art Animation Masterclasses for free, ensuring that even those who missed certain talks could catch up via the Globe Hangouts website. 

Globe also facilitated discussions with members of Graphic Artists Philippines and Philippine Graphic Artists to share insights on their communities, community-building efforts, and how the company has supported their creative endeavors.

Those who wanted to make a difference also had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of families facing involuntary hunger by donating their Globe Rewards points to the Hapag Movement via the GlobeOne app.

Globe’s support expanded beyond just experiences to include essential technological infrastructure. Provisioning a robust network played a crucial role in enabling the seamless live streaming of various festival activities and providing outstanding connectivity for all attendees.

Pasinaya Festival 2024 seamlessly aligns with Globe's "Go Lang Nang Go" core message, motivating young individuals to engage deeply with their interests, seek out new experiences, and navigate the complex yet rewarding path of self-discovery.

Globe is dedicated to being a pillar of innovation, enabling Gen Z creators driven by passion to pursue their interests and achieve significant milestones through platforms designed for genuine self-expression. Watch out for updates from Globe on similar events and activities.


YUME Sets the Stage for A More Rewarding Music Experience for Filipino Music Listeners

Manila, Philippines: Newly launched global music brand YUME is set to launch a series of roadshows in top Asian cities, including Manila, Cebu, and Davao to introduce its suite of services, which includes rewarding music listeners whenever they stream music on the YUME platform.


Revolutionizing the Music Landscape

Officially launched on January 28, 2024, YUME has onboarded over 1000 users and approximately 200 artists, all drawn to its distinctive music publishing and streaming experience. Music copyright holders can enjoy expedited discovery, better royalties management, career-enhancing tools, and unique global opportunities. Musicians can also publish with YUME for free, which makes the platform appealing to independent artists. Music listeners, on the other hand, are not left behind. With a YUME premium subscription, members can enjoy multiple income streams whenever they stream content or invite others to the community.


A Dream for Music Enthusiasts 

Music streaming is among the top internet activities for Filipinos, with the number of music streamers forecasted to reach 6.3 million in 2027, largely due to the country's high internet penetration rate and increasing smartphone usage. Music streaming is also among the top influencers when it comes to music discovery. YUME is poised to take advantage of the growing interest of Filipino users by offering a unique rewards system.

Fintech guru and CTO Anthony Yap defines the brand’s offering: "We aim to create a platform that transcends the mere enjoyment of music - we want to make YUME a product that provides a benefit rather than just an expense.” Compared to other streaming platforms, YUME premium members can enjoy earning rewards that can be traded for merch discounts, early access content, brand partner rewards, or even cash. Premium members accumulate streaming points when they consume content on the platform and earn substantial commissions by inviting others to join the dynamic YUME music community. YUME also offers a profit-sharing program, which augments members’ earnings.

Serial entrepreneur and YUME’s CEO Edward Bruce Ybañez is positive that the platform is set for worldwide adoption. "Our business model is designed to empower individuals of all ages, ensuring that anyone with a mobile device can earn income anytime, anywhere.” 


A Great Advantage for Musicians

Eric Lagrimas, Publishing Director and Berklee Music alumni, expressed his excitement about how YUME changes the music industry for the better.  "YUME represents a paradigm shift for independent artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their music to a captive audience while rewarding engagement," Lagrimas emphasized. By publishing unsigned artists on the platform, users are incentivized when they listen to new music. This creates a great advantage for artists onboarded on YUME - with potentially thousands of listeners streaming daily on the platform within the quarter, published songs on the platform are in for sure discovery, and potentially, virality.

Musicians can then take advantage of their unique position, which is immediate access to their listeners. Johann Bontuyan, YUME’s president, audio engineering authority, and recording studio proprietor from Cebu, emphasized this unique appeal, stating, "When it comes to redefining streaming and music, only YUME Music offers a platform where music lovers can connect, collaborate, and earn simultaneously. Our innovative approach will reshape your streaming experience." 


A Lasting Impact for Musicians and Music Listeners

Distinguished live concert producer and company’s Chief Visionary Officer Jason Purino highlighted YUME's overarching mission, emphasizing its commitment to fostering transformative experiences. "Our core values and ethical principles are the cornerstone of our venture, setting us apart in the industry. I am eagerly anticipating the positive impact YUME will have on people's lives."

YUME is currently on a roadshow across major cities in the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand, culminating in a grand launch event in Dubai. This global initiative highlights YUME's commitment to making its mark on the international music landscape. To learn more about the platform or to join the roadshow, visit www.yume.global.


PRESS CONTACT

Jason Purino


jpurino@yume.global

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

DEUTSCH-PHILIPPINISCHE BEZIEHUNGEN (XII) - German-Philippine Relations (XII): German Unsung Heros in Philippine Missions - Deutsche und unbesungene Helden in philippinischen Missionen

  


In the early decade of the 20th century, Germans came to the Philippines not only individually but even in groups. Unlike the Christian missionaries who had arrived in the Philippines already in the 17th century, these Germans, unsung heroes of the Philippine missions, were members of different religious congregations, wich responded to the urgent appeal of Pope Leo XIII to rescue the Philippines from religious disorder as Father Hermogenes E. Bacareza taught me 40 years ago and how he wrote it down in his publications.


The Benedictine Nuns from Tutzing, Germany



On August 15, 1906, five German Benedictine Sisters arrived in Manila: Sisters Ferdinanda Hölze, Wilfrieda Müller, Cresentina Weser, Alexia Rudenauer, and Petronila Keller. They belong to to the Congregation of Tutzing in Bavaria.

The influence of these Sisters on Philippine education can be seen in many schools they had founded in so short a period. St. Scholastica's College in Manila in 1906 and many more - the last school accepted by Benedictine nuns before the death of their foundress, Mother Brigitta, in 1929.

Moreover, the first German Benedictine nuns from Tutzing are best remembered by many Filipinos for their introduction of formal music education  in Western techniques in the Philippines. One of them, Sister Baptista Battig, founded the  St. Scholastica's College School in 1907. The school is historically significant, since it considered the pioneer music school in the Philippines, built ten years before the UP Conservatory of Music was founded. It introduced the Filipinos to classical piano music because Filipino music students came to appreciate classic works of Schumann. Schubert, Mozart, Brahms, Bach, Beethoven and many other great composers.


(Helene) Baptista Battig


Before Sister Baptista entered the Benedictine convent in 1902, she was an exceptional concertist and piano teacher in Breslau, Silesia.. She studied music in her hometown and later in Berlin under the famous Ludwig Deppe, who had been a pupil of the great Franz Liszt. Sister Baptista personally gave concerts which initiated the Filipinos to the works of the great German composers.  The secret of Sister Baptista lay in her meticulously handling her piano students. She always reminded the students that "playing with weight" is the secret to produce fine sonorous singing tone.

All music schools in the country directly or indirectly trace their beginnings to Sr. Battig who introduced Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann, Schubert, Brahms, Chopin et al, their works, to quote Celine Olaguer Sarte, forming the backbone and the glory of piano literature. Way back in 1933, as the zealous, pioneering Sr. Battig marked her 25th year of piano teaching in the Philippines, she wrote: “Great is my desire to see the dear children of the East rise in the musical world to the same level as those of the West. May all my earnest endeavor bear fruit and lead to a plentiful harvest; and may my profound desire be realized some day.” There is absolutely no doubt that Sr. Battig’s desire has been more than fulfilled.

The excellence of St. Scholastica's College in the field of music is evident from its graduates , many of whom had excelled in the field. Among its graduates who had been active as music teachers, concert pianists and directresses of music schools: Eugenia and Marcela Agoncillo, Dolores Heras, Pura Lacson-Villanueva and Leonor Laperal-Arce - just to mention a  few.

(To be continued with the First German SVD Missionaries)

+++


Zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts kamen Deutsche nicht nur einzeln, sondern sogar in Gruppen auf die Philippinen. Im Gegensatz zu den christlichen Missionaren, die bereits im 17. Jahrhundert auf den Philippinen angekommen waren, waren diese Deutschen, unbesungene Helden der philippinischen Missionen, Mitglieder verschiedener Religionsgemeinschaften, die dem dringenden Appell von Papst Leo XIII. folgten, die Philippinen vor religiösen Unruhen zu retten wie Pater Hermogenes E. Bacareza mich vor 40 Jahren lehrte und wie er es in seinen Publikationen niederschrieb.

Die Benediktinerinnen aus Tutzing, Deutschland

Am 15. August 1906 trafen fünf deutsche Benediktinerinnen in Manila ein: die Schwestern Ferdinanda Hölze, Wilfrieda Müller, Cresentina Weser, Alexia Rudenauer und Petronila Keller. Sie gehören zur Gemeinde Tutzing in Bayern.

Der Einfluss dieser Schwestern auf die philippinische Bildung lässt sich an vielen Schulen erkennen, die sie in so kurzer Zeit gegründet hatten. St. Scholastica's College in Manila im Jahr 1906 und viele weitere – die letzte Schule, die von Benediktinerinnen vor dem Tod ihrer Gründerin, Mutter Brigitta, im Jahr 1929 angenommen wurde.

Darüber hinaus sind vielen Filipinos die ersten deutschen Benediktinerinnen aus Tutzing vor allem für die Einführung einer formalen Musikausbildung in westlichen Techniken auf den Philippinen in Erinnerung geblieben. Eine von ihnen, Schwester Baptista Battig, gründete 1907 die St. Scholastica's College School. Die Schule ist historisch bedeutsam, da sie als Pioniermusikschule auf den Philippinen gilt und zehn Jahre vor der Gründung des UP Conservatory of Music erbaut wurde. Es führte die Filipinos in die klassische Klaviermusik ein, weil philippinische Musikstudenten klassische Werke Schumanns zu schätzen lernten. Schubert, Mozart, Brahms, Bach, Beethoven und viele andere große Komponisten.

Helene (Baptista) Battig

Bevor Schwester Baptista 1902 in das Benediktinerkloster eintrat, war sie eine herausragende Konzertistin und Klavierlehrerin in Breslau, Schlesien. Sie studierte Musik in ihrer Heimatstadt und später in Berlin bei dem berühmten Ludwig Deppe, der ein Schüler des großen Franz Liszt gewesen war . Schwester Baptista gab persönlich Konzerte, die die Filipinos mit den Werken der großen deutschen Komponisten vertraut machten. Das Geheimnis von Schwester Baptista lag in ihrem sorgfältigen Umgang mit ihren Klavierschülern. Sie erinnerte die Schüler immer daran, dass das „Spielen mit Gewicht“ das Geheimnis ist, um einen feinen, sonoren Gesangston zu erzeugen.

Alle Musikschulen des Landes führen ihre Anfänge direkt oder indirekt auf Sr. Battig zurück, der Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann, Schubert, Brahms, Chopin und andere vorstellte, ihre Werke, um Céline Olaguer Sarte zu zitieren, und das Rückgrat und den Ruhm von bildeten Klavierliteratur. Bereits im Jahr 1933, als die eifrige, bahnbrechende Sr. Battig ihr 25. Jahr als Klavierlehrerin auf den Philippinen feierte, schrieb sie: „Mein Wunsch ist groß, die lieben Kinder des Ostens in der Musikwelt auf das gleiche Niveau aufsteigen zu sehen wie …“ die des Westens. Mögen all meine ernsthaften Bemühungen Früchte tragen und zu einer reichen Ernte führen; und möge mein tiefer Wunsch eines Tages in Erfüllung gehen.“ Es besteht absolut kein Zweifel daran, dass Sr. Battigs Wunsch mehr als erfüllt wurde.

Die Exzellenz des St. Scholastica's College auf dem Gebiet der Musik zeigt sich an seinen Absolventen, von denen viele auf diesem Gebiet hervorragende Leistungen erbracht haben. Zu seinen Absolventen, die als Musiklehrer, Konzertpianisten und Leiterinnen von Musikschulen tätig waren: Eugenia und Marcela Agoncillo, Dolores Heras, Pura Lacson-Villanueva und Leonor Laperal-Arce – um nur einige zu nennen.


(Fortsetzung folgt mit den Ersten Deutschen SVD-Missionaren)

Pagasa: Davao region, parts of Soccskargen to experience scattered rains


Davao Region and some parts of Soccsksargen are expected to experience overcast skies with scattered rain showers due to the trough or extension of a low pressure area and the easterlies, state meteorologists forecast on Tuesday.

Lea Salonga, Tabernacle Choir expected to repeat viral performance at choir’s 1st Philippine concert


Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo - Philstar.com

February 27, 2024 | 10:22am

MANILA, Philippines — Following a successful and viral performance with The Tabernacle Choir in December 2022, acclaimed Filipina Broadway singer and actress Lea Salonga reunites with the internationally-renowned choir for its first ever concert in the country, the second stop for the group’s “Hope” world tour.

“Lea Salonga is a friend that we value very much,” choir president Michael Leavitt said in a press conference in Conrad Hotel Manila yesterday. 

“We performed together at Christmastime of 2022. I think that performance was well-received in the Philippines, so we’re very excited repeating the experience,” Leavitt said of the choir’s performance videos with Salonga that reaped millions of views on YouTube.

“When the choir presented their invitation to perform with them in their concert in the Philippines as part of their world tour, it’s an invitation we said yes to pretty immediately after the experience working with Mack (the choir’s music director Mack Wilberg) and everyone two Christmases ago,” Lea said at the presser.

“It was memorable not only from personal standpoint. I remember feeling, this is something I really, really can’t forget. And I don’t know if there are many artists to have performed one time with the choir. So this is a big bonus to be able to do it again, and to be able to do it in our country, is also special… I’m very excited to be doing this again.”

Apart from heavy Manila traffic, Lea hopes the choir would be able to adjust to Philippine weather.

“I hope the choir would adjust to the humidity very quickly, and the heat. But I think definitely, the warmth (of the Filipino) people would be felt by everyone (in the choir),” she assured. 

Besides Lea, Filipina YouTube sensation Ysabelle Cuevas will also join the choir as guest artist in two performances in Mall of Asia Arena on February 27 and 28, which are in total expected to draw around 18,000 spectators. 

Although the choir’s first ever live shows in the country are exclusively by-invitation only, the performances would be streamed on YouTube and other platforms days after the concerts.

“Being here with the Tabernacle Choir, having listened to them my entire life is incredibly scary to me but I just know that this is going to change my life,” said Cuevas. “The thing I did to kind of overcome that fear is to take myself out of the equation and let the spirit, let the moment take its course and be as purposeful and present as I can be, and yes, just enjoy the moment…”

Wilberg said the local concert would present “something for everyone.”

“There would some classical music, there would be some folk music, and of course, hymns are a big part of what we do…”

According to him, even the songs that Lea would be singing are what they call as both “sacred and secular” as there would be a certain level of spirituality that can be felt from her performance. 

“She’s not singing to your brain. She’s singing to your soul. And every generation would feel that,” Leavitt said of Lea as a performer.

“It’s a great honor for us to be in the Philippines for the first time. And I had to say, the hospitality and warmth of everyone we’ve been in contact with, whether it’s the hotel, those who are involved, the audiences. I think it’s unparalleled in our many world travels… I hope that we somewhat could share all the beauty and warmth that we got from all of you. Thank you very much!” — Photo, videos by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo