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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Sunday, March 24, 2024

Cloud clusters to bring rain showers in parts of Visayas, Mindanao


The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has spotted cloud clusters near the eastern parts of Visayas and Mindanao, which are expected to bring scattered rain showers in the area. | 🎥 : DOST-Pagasa

LIST: Concerts, events this April 2024


Clockwise: Abigail Adriano in "Miss Saigon," Boys Like Girls, the cast of "One More Chance the Musical," and the cast and crew of "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical"

Daniel Boud for GMG Productions, Ralph Lubiano, Philstar.com / Jan Milo Severo, Kristofer Purnell


Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com


MANILA, Philippines — April brings on the summer heat and excitement, with no shortage of enjoyable shows and concerts to attend throughout the country.

Musicals dominate the month as one famous international production returns to the Philippines after over two decades, while local theater companies stage original productions sure to capture the hearts of many.

Here are several of the concerts, events and productions happening in April (minor spoiler, Saturday the 13th is a PACKED date):


'Miss Saigon' (whole of April except Mondays)

Boublil and Schönberg's iconic musical set during the Vietnam War where a bargirl has a relationship with an American marine continues its run at the Theater in Solaire nearly the entire month.


'Monet & Friends Alive' (whole of April except Mondays and the 30th)

The multi-sensory experience of French painter Claude Monet and other artists of the Impressionist era ends its run in the BGC Arts Center this April.


'Red-Ol-Mania' (April 6)

Red Ollero headlines a comedy set in the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati, featuring rising stars in the local stand-up comedy scene.


'Kaia: Kaiaversity' (April 6)

P-pop girl group Kaia celebrates its second anniversary with a fan concert at the Music Museum in San Juan.


'BaRaptasan' Grand Finals (April 6)

The Cultural Center of the Philippines Kanto Kultura BaRaptasan Grand Finals is going to be held in Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium in Manila to mark the 100th anniversary of Balagtasan, in honor of Filipino poet Francisco Balagtas. The show promises a modern twist on word jousting.


'Ikon: Get Back' (April 7)

Korean boy band Ikon returns to the Philippines with its "Limited Tour" by staging a "Get Back" concert in the Araneta Coliseum.


James Taylor (April 8)

James Taylor is performing in the Philippines after previously canceling his 2017 concert. He will be joined by his All-Star Band in the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 


'Umi: Talking to the Wind' (April 11)

American singer-songwriter Umi returns to the Philippines to promote her latest extended play "Talking to the Wind" in Samsung Hall in Taguig.


'Randy Santiago: Eyecon' (April 12)

"Mr. Private Eyes" Randy Santiago will hold a one-night Concert Party in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Plenary Hall with fellow concert veterans Pops Fernandez, Juan Miguel Salvador, Gino Padilla, Nina and Rachel Alejandro as well as a some of Original Pinoy Music (OPM) newcomers.


'One More Chance the Musical' (April 12 to 14, 19 to 21, 26 to 28)

The Philippine Educational Theater Association adapts the 2007 film "One More Chance" into a musical using the songs of local band Ben&Ben.


Kim Seon Ho (April 13)

Korean actor Kim Seon-ho is coming back to the Philippines for a fan meet in Mall of Asia Arena, his fourth time visiting the country in just over a year.


'Neocolours: Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Awit ng OPM' (April 13)

The OPM group behind hits like "Tuloy Pa Rin," "Maybe" and "Say You'll Never Go" joins forces with Gloc-9, Noel Cabangon, Ice Sueguerra and Jinky Vidal in Music Museum.


'Baekhyun: Lonsdaleite' (April 13)

EXO member Baekhyun brings his solo Asia tour "Lonsdaleite" — his first in-person solo concert in over a decade since debuting — to the Araneta Coliseum.


'Whee In' (April 13)

Mamamoo member Whee In brings her first-ever world tour to the SM North EDSA Skydome the same day she releases her mini-album "Redd."


'ZCON' (April 13)

"Asia's Vocal Supreme" Katrina Velarde leads Filipino Gen Z singers Khimo Gumatay, JM Yosures, Reiven Umali and Sam Mangubat in a concert in Makati's Samsung Performing Arts Theater. 


Lola Amour (April 13 and 27)

Local band Lola Amour is holding two album launches, one in Makati's Circuit Event Grounds and another in Cebu's Draft Punk, following the release of its eponymous debut album.


'Janella Salvador: Reimagined' (April 19)

Actress-singer Janella Salvador marks the delayed 10th anniversary of her being in the show business with a concert at the New Frontier Theater that also features her mother Jenine Desiderio, Martin Nievera, Darren Espanto, her "Darna" co-star Jane de Leon, her former love team partner Mario Mortel, and drag queens Arizona Brandy, Brigiding, Lady Morgana and M1ss Jade So.


'Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra: Fete Francaise' (April 19)

The conclusion of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's 39th season under Maestro Grzegorz Nowak in Samsung Performing Arts Theater.


'Jeremy Passion and Gabe Bondoc: Parallels' (April 20)

R&B singers Jeremy Passion and Gabe Bondoc return to the Philippines by bringing their "Paralles" tour to the Music Museum after going around Australia.


JR Richards (April 20)

Dishwalla's original vocalist JR Richards is having a concert in SM North EDSA Skydome.


Boys Like Girls (April 20)

Rock band Boys Like Girls returns to the Philippines just two years after performing in Manila and Cebu. This time, the band is hitting the Araneta Coliseum — the only arena-level show of its 2024 Southeast Asia tour — with special guests We The Kings.


We The Kings (April 20)

Speaking of We The Kings, the rock band will have its own concert in SMX Convention Center Davao, a decade after the band's last Philippine solo concert.


'Awit ng Panahon: Noon at Ngayon' (April 21)

An era-encompassing concert in New Frontier Theater headlined by Hajji Alejandro, Rachel Alejandro, Gino Padilla and Kris Lawrence.


Incubus (April 25)

Incubus has included Manila as one of its stops in its 2024 concert tour, having last visited in February 2018 at the same venue the band will be performing at this year, the Araneta Coliseum.


'Debbie Gibson: Electric Youth' (April 26)

Pop singer-songwriter Debbie Gibson heads to the New Frontier Theater to mark the 35th anniversary of her album "Electric Youth."


'Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical' (April 26 to 28)

"Buruguduystunstugudunstuy," a musical based on the songs by popular Filipino rock band Parokya ni Edgar begins its run in Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. 


FreenBecky (April 27)

Thai "GAP: The Series" stars Freen Sarocha and Rebecca "Becky" Armstrong return to Manila for a fan meeting in New Frontier Theater in what will be the pair's fifth visit to the Philippines.


Kuh Ledesma (April 27)

Singer-actress Kuh Ledesma will stage a concert in Winford Resort & Casino with special guests Nathan Randal and David Young.

Marcos urges Filipinos on Holy Week: Spread kindness, selflessness

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO


President Marcos on Palm Sunday, March 24, enjoined Filipinos to “illuminate the path for others through acts kindness and selflessness” as the nation marks the start of the observance of the Holy Week.
 

Marcos_Palm Sunday.jpgPalm Fronds (Photo courtesy of Catholic Online)

 

Marcos said that the Holy Week is a time for the Catholic faithful to reflect about one’s self and spirituality with the impact of Jesus Christ in Christianity.
 

“In this solemn occasion, let us not only seek to unravel the mysteries of our faith, but also to illuminate the path for others through acts of kindness and selflessness,” he said in his Holy Week message.
 

“I pray that we may humbly accept our authentic selves as imperfect beings, for it is by becoming truly human that we can experience the divine. Let us always remember to seek the Lord in our desires and to desire Him in our seeking,” Marcos added.
 

The Chief Executive also said that Holy Week is a commemoration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the people must remember the essence of this occasion.

"This hallowed time of contemplative silence behooves us to ponder on the mysteries that elude our grasp, seek revelation in the face of the inexplicable, and acknowledge the interplay of joy and sorrow in life so that we may understand the path laid before us by Almighty God,” he said.

 

“May our inward reflections manifest in our outward actions as we strive to give hope in a world that is threatened by darkness. Let us be the light that shines through the shadows, the love that triumphs over despair, and the hope that radiates upon all humankind,” he added.
 

Marcos expressed hope that the Catholic faithful will remember not what they have reached, but for the light that have kindled in the hearts of everyone.
 

Catholic Christians observe Holy Week, or Semana Santa, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. They usher the Holy Week by attending Palm Sunday masses and other church activities.
 

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER! (18): Den Braten riechen

 

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER!


18. den Braten riechen

German Saying Den Braten Riechen

In English, if you smell a rat, you have started recognizing that something is not as it appears, usually suspecting trickery or deception of some kind.  

While ‘to smell a rat’ does not sound all that pleasant, in German, you don’t smell rats but roast when trickery or deception is in the air. Now that’s pretty tasty, given the circumstances…!  

 

Example:

Hast du eigentlich das Gefühl ich bin dumm? Natürlich habe ich schon lange bemerkt, dass du mir fremd gehst! Ich habe den Braten schon lange gerochen! Du machst mir nichts vor!  

 

Translation: Do you think I’m stupid? Of course, I’ve realized long ago that you’re cheating on me! I smelled the roast a long time ago! You don’t fool me!  

 

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Winged wonders: Birding soars in PH

BY BILLIE DUMALIANG


In the heart of the Philippines, a country celebrated for its staggering biodiversity, an activity traditionally reserved for the most ardent nature enthusiasts is taking flight in the mainstream: birding. 

Long perceived as a niche pastime for dedicated scientists and nature lovers, this pursuit is now capturing the imagination of a broader audience, thanks to the efforts of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), talented photographers, and the pervasive influence of social media. Given the Philippines' status as a global hotspot for avian diversity, the burgeoning interest in bird watching is both a natural and exhilarating development. 

Birding, or bird watching, offers a unique blend of leisure and adventure, inviting individuals to immerse themselves in nature's tranquility while engaging in a treasure hunt for the myriad bird species that grace our skies and landscapes. It is the practice of observing birds in their natural habitat as a recreational activity or a citizen science component.

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The Guiabero parrot, known as 'nature's engineer,' creates a cavity inside a termite nest. (Photos from Pancho Parian)

Birding involves identifying birds through visual observation, often with the help of binoculars or telescopes, and by listening to bird sounds. This activity can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, offering a peaceful yet exciting way to explore the outdoors and gain a deeper appreciation for biodiversity.

Avian diversity takes flight

Recently, I had the privilege of co-organizing the "Birding and Breakfast for Storytellers" event alongside the WBCP. This gathering brought together media members, artists, scientists, and young enthusiasts to highlight the avian diversity within the Masungi Georeserve despite the threat of a recently proposed wind farm project. Highlighting what we stand to lose, the event underscored the urgent need for conservation. 

During our excursion, we were greeted by the majestic sights of the Rufous-bellied Eagle and Serpent Eagle. Venturing deeper into the Georeserve, we encountered the Philippine Cuckoo Dove, a species notorious for its elusive nature. Mike Lu, president of the WBCP, remarked that he has only seen it thrice during his 20 years as a birder, adding a layer of excitement to our experience.  The presence of the White Eared Brown Dove, feeding merely a meter away from our group, was a testament to the sanctuary's success in creating a haven for these creatures. 

Nikki Realubit, a dedicated scientist from UP Los Baños, shared insights into the behavior of birds within Masungi, highlighting the sanctuary's role in bird conservation. Multiple discoveries of the endemic Guiabero parrot nesting sites further demonstrated the results of conservation efforts. Such observations underscore the delicate balance we must maintain to ensure the survival of these species and their habitats.

Filipinos and feathers 

The story of birding in the Philippines is about discovering, marveling, and conserving urgently. With 535 species of birds, 259 of which are endemic or unique to the Philippines, the country offers a unique window into the world of avian life. However, we also rank 4th globally for threatened species due to deforestation, habitat degradation, and wildlife exploitation, as stated by the BirdLife International Website. 

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Birding is inclusive and can be enjoyed by Filipinos of all ages and backgrounds.

The WBCP plays a pivotal role in this narrative, not just by organizing birding trips but by engaging communities and local governments in advocacy. Its mission is simple yet profound: to reveal the beauty and diversity of our avian friends in hopes of fostering a collective will to protect them. 

The enthusiasm shown by Filipinos for birding activities illustrates a growing awareness and appreciation for our natural heritage. Thankfully, the club’s events typically get fully booked within 24 hours of posting, as noted by Lu. He also shared that participants from Tarlac and Pangasinan attended their recent birding activity in Parañaque. This shows that birding is a growing movement that transcends age, profession, and background, uniting us in our shared admiration for nature's marvels. 

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The elusive Philippine Cuckoo Dove spreads its wings to forage elsewhere.

In embracing birding, Filipinos are not just adopting a new hobby; they are participating in a vital act of conservation. It's an invitation to stand on the wings of love to safeguard our environmental treasures for generations to come. As we look at the sky, let us also remember the responsibility that lies in our hands — to protect, preserve, and cherish the winged wonders that share our world.

Typical Filipino (XLVII) - Typisch Philippinisch (XLVII): Renewing family ties - Erneuern der Verwandschaftsbande


 

The gathering of the entire family always offers opportunities to renew family ties. For many years I have been used to living together with many family members in different houses on a large "compound". I enjoy this very much.



Weddings, confirmations and baptisms expand the family group through ceremonies. Friendship and togetherness are now renewed and confirmed.

To look at the entire Philippines: Poorer relatives and COMPADRES from the smallest BARRIOS come to town to pay visits, serve guests or help in the kitchen of better-off relatives. This is in recognition of their UTANG NA LOOB for favors shown or promised help.

Sometimes individual families even plunge into debt in order to offer a lavish feast. because it would cause HIYA to provide just a small snack. The custom of giving visitors some food from the holiday table also shows the spirit of sharing.

The Filipino organism awakens to new life - nourished by the celebrations, ceremonies and the gathering of the family.

+++

Die Zusammenkunft der ganzen Familie bietet immer wieder Gelegenheiten, Verwandschaftsbande zu erneuern. Ich bin es seit vielen Jahren gewohnt, mit vielen Familienmitglieder in verschiedenen Häusern auf einem großen "Compound" zusammen zu leben. Ich genieße das sehr.

Hochzeiten, Firmungen und Taufen erweitern durch Zeremonien die Verwandschaftsgruppe. Freundschaft und Zusammensein werden nun erneuert und bestätigt.

Um auf die gesamten Philippinen zu blicken: Ärmere Verwandte und COMPADRES aus kleinsten  BARRIOS kommen in die Stadt, um Besuche abzustatten, die Gäste zu bedienen oder in der Küche bessergestellter Verwandter zu helfen. Dies als Anerkennung ihrer UTANG NA LOOB für erwiesene Gefälligkeiten oder versprochene Hilfe.

Bisweilen stürzen sich einzelne Familien gar in Schulden, um ein üppiges Festmahl anzubieten,. denn es würde HIYA verursachen, nur einen kleinen Imbiß bereitzustellen. Der Brauch, Besuchern etwas Essen vom Festtagstisch mit auf den Weg zu geben, zeugt ebenfalls vom Geist des Teilens.

Der philippinische Organismus erwacht zu neuem Leben - genährt durch die Festlichkeiten, Zeremonien und die Zusammenkunft der Familie.

Earth Hour 2024: DOH commits full participation


By: Luisa Cabato - Reporter / @luisacabatoINQ


MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) has committed to participating in the 2024 Earth Hour on Saturday (March 23), a worldwide event during which offices, factories, and homes turn off lights and devices to reduce electricity use and alleviate the impact of fossil fuel-induced climate change.

This year’s Earth Hour is set from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Philippines.

In a statement on Friday (March 22), the health department pledged that its staff and employees would take part in the event to help beat last year’s record of over 190 countries and territories cutting electricity use for a total of 410,000 hours.

“Promoting a healthy environment through sustainable practices can improve the health and wellbeing of every Filipino,” the DOH said.

“Pangalagaan natin ang ating kapaligiran at kalikasan. (Let’s take care of our surroundings and environment.) Participating in Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights even in the comfort of our homes will bring significant benefits [to] achieving safe and quality health for everyone,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa in the statement.

The DOH also noted that the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines has chosen the city of Manila as the main partner and venue for this year’s Earth Hour.

“The iconic landmarks in the city, including the City Hall Clock Tower and Rizal Monument, will switch off non-essential lights for an hour to show their commitment and solidarity in energy consumption,” the DOH statement read.

The DOH added that other cities such as Makati, Baguio, Catbalogan, Ormoc, San Carlos, San Fernando, Santa Rosa, Tagum, Zamboanga City, and Pilar Siargao have also expressed readiness to participate in the event.

First held in 2007, Earth Hour is a yearly event that promotes awareness of global warming and climate change issues by urging the public to switch off non-essential lights and electrical devices for one hour.


The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER! (17): Die Katze im Sack kaufen

 

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER!


17. die Katze im Sack kaufen

German Saying Die Katze im Sack kaufen

But what if I told you that this is just the German way of saying “to buy a pig in a poke?” Well, that’s exactly what it is. The story behind the German saying “die Katze im Sack kaufen” is actually the same as ‘to buy a pig in a poke.’

So what is that story, then? The origin of the expression “die Katze im Sack kaufen” dates back to around the 16th century when merchants would sell pigs, rabbits and other valuable animals in pokes.

When an unsuspecting buyer got his poke home and was about to open it, he would sometimes see another animal like a goose or duck or a cat come out of the poke instead. The poor buyer obviously got CHEATED. 

And this is where the piece of advice, ‘don’t buy anything until you have seen it,’ the actual semantic meaning of “die Katze aus dem Sack lassen,” came into being.

Funnily enough, in English, in the saying ‘to buy a pig in a poke,’ the pig rather than the cat is in the center of attention.

But the story behind it, as we know now, is basically the same.   
 

Example:

Daniel: Hey alter, du hast doch neulich diese Playstation Second-Hand übers Internet gekauft. Funktioniert die überhaupt? 

Marc: Nein. Der Typ hat mir doch tatsächlich eine kaputte Playstation geschickt. Und in der Beschreibung stand “nigelnagelneu”. Was für eine Frechheit!

Daniel: Ich hab dir doch gesagt, du sollst nicht die Katze im Sack kaufen!  

 

Translation:

Daniel: Hey dude, you recently bought this Playstation second-hand over the internet, right? Does it work at all?

Marc: No. The guy actually sent me a broken Playstation. And the description said ‘brand new.’ 

Daniel: Man, Daniel! I told you not to buy a pig in a poke!  

 

Friday, March 22, 2024

‘One More Chance’ reincarnated as musical


‘One More Chance,’ the Star Cinema movie with John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo as the young couple Popoy and Basha, will be adapted on stage. It is directed by Maribel Legarda and is set to run at the PETA Theater Center from April 12 to June 30


SOUNDS FAMILIAR - Baby A. Gil - The Philippine Star 

March 22, 2024 | 12:00am

Musical theater is booming. Pinoys are not lacking for shows to watch anymore. There seems to be a new one opening every week. Given this need for materials, almost every tale new or already existing, and preferably popular, is now being reincarnated for the theater. Therefore, it is now inevitable that “One More Chance” (“OMC”) will now be among those turned into a musical.

Directed by Maribel Legarda, the adaptation of “One More Chance” is set to run at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City from April 12 to June 30. Tickets are already fast selling out. Here is hoping you, readers, out there will be fortunate enough to snag a seat or two. Given PETA’s reputation for musical theater, Rak of Aegis, Walang Aray, etc. “OMC” should be romantic and also lots of fun.

Better yet, here is hoping that PETA will announce another extension. “One More Chance” was originally slated to run only until June 16 but because 1,800 tickets were already sold during the first hour these were made available, PETA announced the extension. Now, it looks like there should be another one.

PETA’s Popoys and Bashas will tell their love story to the music of Ben&Ben. Photo shows the band's members with the lead cast at the presscon

So, why all this excitement about “One More Chance”? This is because “OMC” is the story of Popoy and Basha. Some 15 or nearly 20 years ago, Pinoy lovers of all ages, fancied themselves to be Popoy and Basha, mouthing hugot lines while struggling to either leave or stay in a romantic relationship.

Remember “When love ends, how long should you hold on?” Ouchy! How long indeed? Or what about this exchange. He: “She loved me at my worst. You had me at my best. Ba’t binale wala mo lang lahat yun?” She: “Yun ba talaga ang tingin mo? I just made a choice.” He: “And you chose to break my heart.” Double ouchy!!

The musical will have Sam Concepcion as Popoy and Anna Luna as Basha. Not in photo are their alternates, CJ Navato and Nicole Omillo.

“One More Chance” was originally a movie produced by the sisters Charo Santos-Concio and Malou Santos and directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina from the story and script by Carmi Valdez and Vanessa Raymundo. It became the biggest grossing film of 2007 and established Star Cinema’s reputation as a leader in the field of romantic drama. It also gave actors John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo their most famous roles as Popoy and Basha.

Now there will be new Popoys and Bashas singing and dancing to their love story in the PETA production and fans of the movie are excited to find out if the leads of the musical “One More Chance” will be anything like the now iconic John Lloyd and Bea. And these are Sam Concepcion and CJ Navato as Popoy; Anna Luna and Nicole Omillo as Basha.

Then, here is something that John Lloyd and Bea were never able to do in their “One More Chance.” PETA’s Popoys and Bashas will be telling their love story on stage to the music of Ben&Ben.

Ben&Ben is the Philippines’ biggest selling band. It is made up of twin brothers Miguel Benjamin and Paulo Benjamin Guico on vocals and acoustic guitars; Poch Barretto on electric guitar; Keifer Cabugao on violin; Andrew De Pano and Toni Muñoz on percussion; Pat Lasaten on keyboards; Agnes Reoma on bass; and Jam Villanueva on drums.

Ben&Ben’s kind of pop rock fused with the new world music style has produced hits like Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay, Leaves, Upuan, Paninindigan Kita, Kathang Isip, Pagtingin, The Ones We Once Loved, Langyang Pag-ibig, Lunod, Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin and others.

The songs will be rearranged, chopped, mashed together and whatever needs to be done by musical director Myke Salomon to tell Popoy and Basha’s love story. It would be very interesting to find out which ones will make it to the show.

Filipina Sheroes unfurls 15 empowering stories of women in new book

Co-authored by Maralit and 14 other exceptional Filipinas, the book highlights the power of embracing one’s journey and overcoming life's challenges.

Inspiring Filipino women through various tales of hardship and triumph, the book launch of "Becoming Sheroes: Stories of Heartstrong Women" last Saturday, March 16, was an extraordinary celebration of women's spirit.

Filipina Sheroes, led by multi-awarded professional, author, and speaker Monica Maralit, successfully unveiled their book, featuring a collection of stories about the inner strength and determination of women to overcome challenges and become heroes in their own right.

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Filipino Sheroes, led by Monica Maralit, successfully launched their book titled "Becoming Sheroes:Stories of Heartstrong Women,'' engaging with attendees during its launch and signing event heldlast March 16

"I want to thank each one of our Sheroes who took the time to write the book and share their stories. I hope that their journey will be able to encourage readers, especially young women, to embrace their strengths and strive for their purpose as they navigate the complexities of life," said Maralit.

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Several Filipino Sheroes authors joined the event as they shared their advocacies and stories aboutthe personal sheroes of their lives. Present during the book signing ceremony were Ayhee Campos,Karen Batungbacal, Mawi de Ocampo, Nica Jones, Paulynn Sycam, Rebecca Bustamante, SharonVaswani, and Unyx Sta Ana.

Co-authored by Maralit with 14 other exceptional Filipinas, the book showcases the possibilities that arise from embracing one’s journey and recognizing the strength that comes from overcoming life's challenges.

Among the other Filipina Sheroes profiled in the book are Marissa Atienza, Karen Batungbacal, Rebecca Bustamante, Kristine Calleja, Ayhee Campos, Laurice Chiongbian, Mawi Fojas de Ocampo, Nica Jones, Shawntel Nieto, Arizza Nocum, Paulynn Sicam, Unyx Sta. Ana, Stephanie Tumampos, and Sharon Vaswani.

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During the event, Maralit also introduced the first batch of female youth scholars from the Victoria Heartstrong Organization who will be supported through the book’s proceeds. The Victoria Heartstrong Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Maralit, in honor of her mother and grandmother, aiming to empower teenage girls in underprivileged backgrounds through education.

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During the launch, Maralit introduced the first eight scholars from the Victoria Heartstrong Organization, who will benefit from the book's proceeds. The scholars will be given financial andcomprehensive support to help them with their education needs.

"In the coming months, we will also be doing other programs for our scholars, specifically on health and wellness, and leadership. This program is not just about giving money but it’s about helping them build a sustainable way of life so that they can make the right choices for their future," she said.

"Becoming Sheroes: Stories of Heartstrong Women" is now available on Filipina Sheroes' official website, filipinasheroes.com, and e-commerce platforms Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Walmart.