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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Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Bleibt Ihre Rente noch steuerfrei?


Stempel mit der Aufschrift Rente und Steuer.
Bleibt Ihre Rente in 2024 noch steuerfrei? © IMAGO/Christian Ohde

Ab Juli steigt die gesetzliche Rente um 4,57 Prozent. Aber: Müssen Sie Ihre Rente deshalb jetzt versteuern? Der Geldratgeber Finanztip erklärt Ihnen, wann das so ist – und wann nicht.

Rentnerinnen und Rentner können sich ab Juli über ein Plus von 4,57 Prozent freuen – und zwar deutschlandweit gleichermaßen. Durch die Rentenerhöhung könnten Sie aber in die Steuerpflicht rutschen. 

Es ist aber auch möglich, dass Sie trotz der Erhöhung sogar aus der Steuerpflicht herausfallen. Denn 2024 ist auch der steuerliche Grundfreibetrag gestiegen: für Alleinstehende von 10.908 Euro (2023) auf 11.604 Euro. Das entspricht einer Steigerung von 6,38 Prozent – also mehr als der Rentenanstieg. Bei Verheirateten gilt der doppelte Grundfreibetrag.

Wann müssen Rentner Steuern zahlen?

Eine Steuererklärung müssen Sie erst abgeben, wenn Ihre Brutto-Jahresrente nach Abzug Ihres persönlichen Rentenfreibetrags den Grundfreibetrag übersteigt. Wie hoch Ihr Rentenfreibetrag ist, hängt davon ab, wie viel Ihrer Rente besteuert wird. Ausschlaggebend dafür ist wiederum, in welchem Jahr Sie in Rente gegangen sind. Werfen Sie dazu einen Blick auf die Finanztip-Steuertabellen. Der Rentenfreibetrag wird genau nach einem Jahr Rentenbezug einmalig errechnet – und bis an Ihr Lebensende festgeschrieben. 

Zum Beispiel: Sie bekommen seit 1. Januar 2022 monatlich 1.400 Euro Rente. Mitte 2022 gab es eine Rentenerhöhung um 5,35 Prozent. Dadurch hatten Sie am Ende des ersten vollen Rentenjahres Gesamteinkünfte von rund 17.250 Euro. Weil Sie 2022 in Rente gegangen sind, sind 82 Prozent Ihrer Rente steuerpflichtig, also genau 14.145 Euro. Zieht man diesen Besteuerungsanteil von Ihrer Gesamtrente ab (17.250 Euro - 14.145 Euro), ergibt sich ein Rentenfreibetrag von 3.105 Euro. Dieser ändert sich auch nicht mehr – selbst wenn Ihre Rente künftig erhöht wird.

Bis zu welchem Betrag ist Ihre Brutto-Rente 2024 steuerfrei?

Grundsätzlich gilt: Je früher Sie in Rente gegangen sind, desto mehr gesetzliche Rente dürfen Sie beziehen, ohne in die Steuerpflicht zu rutschen. Wie hoch Ihre Brutto-Rente 2024 maximal sein darf, damit sie steuerfrei bleibt, haben die Experten von Finanztip anhand von drei Beispielen (Rentenbeginn 2005, 2015 und 2023) für Sie berechnet: 

Tabelle mit lila Hintergrund zeigt den Rentenbeginn, die Monatsrente sowie bis wann eine Jahresrente steuerfrei ist.
Bis zu welchem Betrag ist Deine Brutto-Rente 2024 steuerfrei?Rentengebiet Ost © Finanztip
Tabelle mit lila Hintergrund zeigt den Rentenbeginn, die Monatsrente sowie bis wann eine Jahresrente steuerfrei ist.
Bis zu welchem Betrag ist Deine Brutto-Rente 2024 steuerfrei?Rentengebiet West © Finanztip

Hinweis zu den Tabellen: Die Zahlen stellen die Brutto-Rente dar, also Ihre gesetzliche Rente, von der noch 8,15 Prozent Krankenversicherungsbeitrag und 3,4 Prozent Pflegeversicherungsbeitrag abgehen. Die Monatsrenten aus Spalte 2 und 3 bekommen Sie jeweils für sechs Monate, da die Rentenerhöhung ab Juli für die zweite Jahreshälfte gilt. Das heißt, Sie multiplizieren beide Zahlen mit 6. Zusammengerechnet erhalten Sie die maximale Brutto-Jahresrente, bis zu der Ihre Rente steuerfrei bleibt. Zum Beispiel für 2015/Ost: (1.434 Euro x 6) + (1.499 Euro x 6) = 17.599 Euro.

Wie viel Brutto-Rente (monatlich und jährlich) Sie 2024 bekommen dürfen, um steuerfrei zu bleiben, können Sie in der Finanztip-Tabelle zur Rentenbesteuerung nachschauen. Überschreiten Sie diese Grenze, kann es sein, dass Sie Steuern zahlen müssen. Das kann vor allem dann passieren, wenn Sie zusätzliches steuerpflichtiges Einkommen (z. B. durch Mieteinnahmen, Teilzeitjob) haben.

Wann ist eine Steuererklärung fällig?

Liegt Ihre Brutto-Jahresrente über dem Maximalbetrag aus der Finanztip-Tabelle, müssen Sie eine Steuererklärung abgeben. Allerdings können Sie über diese auch Werbungskosten, Sonderausgaben, außergewöhnliche Belastungen und noch mehr absetzen. Es ist also durchaus möglich, dass Sie am Ende doch keine (oder zumindest weniger) Steuern zahlen müssen. Wie das genau funktioniert, erfahren Sie direkt im Finanztip-Ratgeber zur Rentenbesteuerung.  

AboitizPower’s TSI plants 1 million trees to complete carbon sink goal in Davao


 

By: Antonio Iñares - @inquirerdotnet


DAVAO CITY – Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) subsidiary Therma South, Inc. (TSI) completed its Carbon Sink Management Program (CSMP) by planting one million trees in Davao City, including areas covering the ancestral domains of indigenous peoples (IP).

Through a collaborative effort with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), alongside project partners including the Matigsalug Council of Elders Marilog District Davao City, Inc. and the Matigsalug Manobo Tribal People Council of Elders Davao, Inc., TSI successfully planted a variety of endemic, fruit-bearing, and high-value trees in Marilog District.

A carbon sink is anything that absorbs more carbon than it releases, helping lower the amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Along with the environmental benefits, the CSMP established and supported partnerships with diverse IP groups and communities in Davao City.

Since 2015, the program has collaborated with more than 500 farmers and IPs, resulting in the restoration and rehabilitation of over 845 hectares of their ancestral domain.

“This milestone reflects our advocacy of environmental responsibility and shows the positive outcome of strengthening collaborative partnerships with the indigenous communities. Together, we’re making a positive impact on carbon sequestration and fostering sustainable development while producing reliable power to Mindanao,” said TSI Vice President for Operations and Maintenance Abe Nisnisan.

TSI and RAFI also conducted various technical training sessions to educate and empower partner communities in farm planning, nursery establishment and seedling production, site preparation and plantation establishment and plantation maintenance and monitoring.

“Part of any tribal member’s duty is to foster the richness of both our cultural heritage and our ancestral lands. A tribe’s culture is deeply intertwined with the natural environment it inhabits. With this, we extend our gratitude to AboitizPower, TSI, and RAFI for their recognition and support in our journey to rehabilitate our ancestral domain”, said Datu Juanito Mandahay, president of the Matigsalug Council of Elders Marilog District.

At present, TSI and RAFI are collaborating with the Davao City Agricultural Office to further enhance the skills of IP farmers, particularly in cacao production, marketing, and networking.

This initiative aims to transform the CSMP into a livelihood program that sustainably supports the community.

Every year, TSI organizes and joins tree-planting initiatives in collaboration with government and non-government agencies. A location for a new CSMP is currently being identified for future plans.


Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Sahara-Staub verhüllt Europa


Offenbach/Bern – Das tolle Bergpanorama lag am Osterwochenende in einem dichten Nebel, die Gipfelspitzen der Alpen waren kaum zu erkennen, Ski-Loipen waren von dunklem Pulver durchzogen. Teile Deutschlands verschlang der Dunst.

Langsam verzieht sich der Sahara-Staub, und Europa sieht wieder klarer. Was bleibt, sind traumhaft-mystische Fotoaufnahmen von Ostertagen im Staub.

Über die Feiertage war der Kontinent in einen dichten Schleier gehüllt. Eine Staubwolke aus der Sahara trübte in der Schweiz und in Südostfrankreich den Himmel. Der Schweizer Meteorologe Roman Brogli sagte im Schweizer Rundfunk, laut Modellrechnungen seien es allein am Samstag über der Schweiz 180.000 Tonnen Sahara-Sand gewesen, eine „außergewöhnlich große Menge“.

San Felipe, Zambales takes pride in its teen queen

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY


AT A GLANCE

  • The lovely women of San Felipe with their sun-kissed complexion are also starting to maketheir mark in pageantry. 

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Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 Carolleen Marghereth 'Carol' Abundo

This summer, a lot of people will surely flock to San Felipe, Zambales for its pristine natural beauty. Only a three-hour drive from Manila, it's a must-see for its expansive coastline, beautiful mountain views and beaches.

The lovely women of San Felipe with their sun-kissed complexion are also starting to make their mark in pageantry. The latest star to shine is Carol Abundo who was barely 14 when she was adjudged Miss Teen Tourism Philippines and will represent the country in the coming Miss Teen Tourism international competition in June. This early, she is being molded to showcase her best skills by her handler, Bienvinido Gamboa Jr. and  the JosephC Casting Agency of talent manager/national director Josephus Canabuan, the same man behind the success of several pageant winners.

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Teen queen Carol Abundo with talent manager/National Director Josephud Canabuan of JosephC Casting Agency

Carol revealed that she wants to be a doctor one day but modelling is something that she has dreamed of since she was three years old. "Little did I know that doors would open for me in modelling. I have been fortunate to join several photo shoots and a runway show. I love how fashion and make-up can transform my innocent face into a variety of characters. I am still gathering enough confidence to walk the ramp as a career but I know I can work it out. The perseverance and determination is something that I got from my mom, Margie, who's an Overseas Filipino Worker."

As San Felipe's beauty ambassador,  the young queen recently made a courtesy call to San Felipe Mayor Reinhard Jeresano and barangay Sto. Nino officials led by captain Elbert Abille. 

The mayor noted that Carol's feat will surely be an inspiration to her peers. "Aside from this, we're proud of anyone from our town who will compete nationally or anywhere. One of the things we're promoting right now is our tourism industry. During the rainy season, we have the Keri Khariton Festival where they decorate the karitons and pull the carabaos to go inside the Anghalo Falls. We likewise have the Aldaw Ti Minatay during All Saint's Day and Christmas villages in December."

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Teen queen Carol Abundo with San Felipe, Zambales officials led by Mayor Reinhard Jeresano

"When San Felipe is mentioned in a pageant, it's also a promotion for us, especially if we are represented by someone as young and beautiful as Carol," the mayor added.

Carol also paid a visit to San Rafael Technical Vocational High School where she is currently enrolled as a junior high school student. The school's principal, Mr. Ernesto Fogata, commented that Carol's crowning as Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 is a "tremendous honor. It highlights our commitment to nurture young talents and empower them to reach for their dreams." 

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Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 Carol Abundo  with San Rafael Technical Vocational High School Principal, Mr. Ernesto Fogata

The principal pointed out that while it's not easy for Carol to juggle her studies and the demands of outside activities, "she remained focused on her goals and her perseverance helped her to overcome obstacles along the way."

"Carol's achievement has inspired and motivated everyone in the school, and we support her all the way. Her success at a young age serves as a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She has instilled a sense of pride and aspiration within our school community," Fogata stressed.

Philippine Fairy Tales (XXXII) - Philippinische Märchen (XXXII): The Virtue of the Cocoanut - Die Tugend der Kokosnuss

 Philippine folktales 

From time to time since the American occupation of the Islands, Philippine folk-tales have appeared in publications, has there been an attempt to offer to the general public a comprehensive popular collection of this material. This collection of tales will give those who are interested opportunity to learn something of the magic, superstitions, and weird customs of the Filipinos.



The Virtue of the Cocoanut 


One day a man took his blow-gun and his dog and went to the forest to hunt. As he was making his way through the thick woods he chanced upon a young cocoanut tree growing in the ground.

It was the first tree of this kind that he had ever seen, and it seemed so peculiar to him that he stopped to look at it.

When he had gone some distance farther, his attention was attracted by a noisy bird in a tree, and he shot it with his blow-gun. By and by he took aim at a large monkey, which mocked him from another treetop, and that, too, fell dead at his feet.

Then he heard his dog barking furiously in the distant bushes, and hastening to it he found it biting a wild pig. After a hard struggle he killed the pig, and then, feeling satisfied with his success, he took the three animals on his back and returned to the little plant.

“I have decided to take you home with me, little plant,” he said, “for I like you and you may be of some use to me.”

He dug up the plant very carefully and started home, but he had not gone far when he noticed that the leaves had begun to wilt, and he did not know what to do, since he had no water. Finally, in despair, he cut the throat of the bird and sprinkled the blood on the cocoanut. No sooner had he done this than the plant began to revive, and he continued his journey.

Before he had gone far, however, the leaves again began to wilt, and this time he revived it with the blood of the monkey. Then he hastened on, but a third time the leaves wilted, and he was compelled to stop and revive it with the blood of the pig. This was his last animal, so he made all the haste possible to reach home before his plant died. The cocoanut began to wilt again before he reached his house, but when he planted it in the ground, it quickly revived, and grew into a tall tree.

This hunter was the first man to take the liquor called tuba from the cocoanut tree, and he and his friends began to drink it. After they had become very fond of it, the hunter said to his friends:

“The cocoanut tree is like the three animals whose blood gave it life when it would have died. The man who drinks three or four cups of tuba becomes like the noisy bird that I shot with my blow-gun. One who drinks more than three or four cups becomes like the big monkey that acts silly; and one who becomes drunk is like the pig that sleeps even in a mud-hole.”


Die Tugend der Kokosnuss

Eines Tages nahm ein Mann sein Blasrohr und seinen Hund und ging in den Wald, um zu jagen. Als er durch den dichten Wald ging, stieß er zufällig auf einen jungen Kokosnussbaum, der im Boden wuchs.

Es war der erste Baum dieser Art, den er je gesehen hatte, und er kam ihm so eigenartig vor, dass er stehen blieb, um ihn zu betrachten.

Als er ein Stück weiter gegangen war, wurde seine Aufmerksamkeit auf einen lauten Vogel in einem Baum gelenkt, den er mit seinem Blasrohr abschoss. Nach und nach zielte er auf einen großen Affen, der ihn von einer anderen Baumkrone aus verspottete, und auch dieser fiel tot zu seinen Füßen.

Dann hörte er in den fernen Büschen seinen Hund wütend bellen, und als er zu ihm eilte, stellte er fest, dass er ein Wildschwein biss. Nach einem harten Kampf tötete er das Schwein, und dann, zufrieden mit seinem Erfolg, nahm er die drei Tiere auf seinen Rücken und kehrte zu der kleinen Pflanze zurück.

„Ich habe beschlossen, dich mit nach Hause zu nehmen, kleine Pflanze“, sagte er, „denn ich mag dich und du könntest mir von Nutzen sein.“

Er grub die Pflanze sehr vorsichtig aus und machte sich auf den Heimweg, aber er war noch nicht weit gegangen, als er bemerkte, dass die Blätter zu welken begannen, und er wusste nicht, was er tun sollte, da er kein Wasser hatte. Schließlich schnitt er in seiner Verzweiflung dem Vogel die Kehle durch und spritzte das Blut auf die Kokosnuss. Kaum hatte er dies getan, begann sich die Pflanze wieder zu beleben und er setzte seine Reise fort.

Bevor er jedoch weit gekommen war, begannen die Blätter erneut zu welken, und dieses Mal belebte er es mit dem Blut des Affen wieder. Dann eilte er weiter, aber ein drittes Mal verwelkten die Blätter, und er musste anhalten und es mit dem Blut des Schweins wiederbeleben. Dies war sein letztes Tier, also beeilte er sich, nach Hause zu kommen, bevor seine Pflanze starb. Die Kokosnuss begann wieder zu welken, bevor er sein Haus erreichte, aber als er sie in die Erde pflanzte, erwachte sie schnell wieder zu neuem Leben und wuchs zu einem hohen Baum heran.

Dieser Jäger war der erste Mann, der den Schnaps namens Tuba vom Kokosnussbaum nahm, und er und seine Freunde begannen, ihn zu trinken. Nachdem es ihnen sehr ans Herz gewachsen war, sagte der Jäger zu seinen Freunden:

„Der Kokosnussbaum ist wie die drei Tiere, deren Blut ihm Leben gab, obwohl er gestorben wäre. Der Mann, der drei oder vier Tassen Tuba trinkt, wird wie der lärmende Vogel, den ich mit meiner Blaspistole geschossen habe. Wer mehr als drei oder vier Tassen trinkt, wird wie der große Affe, der sich albern verhält; und wer betrunken ist, ist wie das Schwein, das sogar im Schlammloch schläft.“


HAPPY MOMENTS



How do you express happiness at work? A smile, a nod of approval, or even a high-five can all communicate your happiness to others. Non-verbal cues like these can complement your words and help reinforce your message. Additionally, showing gratitude and acknowledging the contributions of others can also convey your happiness.

Expressing happiness professionally can be as simple as using the right words and phrases. When you want to say you are happy professionally, there are several ways to do so effectively. One way is to use positive and enthusiastic language. For example, instead of simply saying “I’m happy,” you can say “I’m absolutely thrilled!” or “I couldn’t be happier about this!” These phrases convey a genuine sense of joy and enthusiasm.

Another way to express happiness professionally is through body language. A smile, a nod of approval, or even a high-five can all communicate your happiness to others. Non-verbal cues like these can complement your words and help reinforce your message.

Additionally, showing gratitude and acknowledging the contributions of others can also convey your happiness. When someone helps you or achieves success, express your appreciation and congratulate them. This not only shows your own happiness but also fosters a positive and supportive work environment.

From time to time I love silence. I love quietness. – Do you observe that we live in a really frightful, loud world? At every corner of our daily life are innumerable chances of being covered up with sometimes unbearable din and noise. The loud outcry gives me the needle. We don’t have nerves of steel forever.

I am not really a fan of going out at night. If you ask me how to spend a lovely evening after a hectic and stressful and, especially, noisy day – plain and simple.

The nicest occurrence is the silence, the intimate taciturnity, which can even “weld” people or partners together. It might sound just like an idiomatic expression, but believe me; not being forced to talk is great! No, I don’t mean that we have nothing to say to each other any more – or, he or she won’t listen to a special reason… . I am talking about a deep understanding between people, who are together and are able to share time in quiet and silent happiness.

After a long and strenuous day, it is a real big comfort to sit and lean back, read all the (old!) newspapers and magazines from the last days and weeks while enjoying a glass of wine and a handful of peanuts. A crossword puzzle is easier to solve while having a “silent” radio program in the background, instead of a “roars to hell” television show.

Try it. It’s indeed relaxing after traffic woes, the heat and dust of the day, telephones’ ringing, machine rattling, meetings and never ending discussions. Why should we talk right now?

Feeling safe and secure, inseparable, indestructible with peace in our minds and our surroundings, this is what we really mean to each other, understanding without words. At home, somewhere in the garden, at a beach – there are many wonderful places. And, suddenly out of the blue from the bottom of our heart and from the depth of comfort and ease, we might be able to speak about things, which couldn’t be discussed earlier. A good talk grows – but without compulsion or constraint or obligation, desperate or being forced.

Try it, and it might feel like walking hand-in-hand on a lonely sand beach, such as “once upon a time” with our first partner. And, unexpectedly: we become silent again AND thankful for it.

We really seldom take a break. We spend too much time in this terrible and frightful loud world…

Drought-stricken Zamboanga del Norte residents receive aid from the Cayetanos


 


PRESS RELEASE

April 2, 2024


 

Drought-stricken Zamboanga del Norte residents receive aid from the Cayetanos

In the midst of the region's severe drought, Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano provided assistance to 1,000 residents of Zamboanga del Norte on March 26 and 27, 2024.

Recipients of the senators' Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program during the two-day aid distribution included members of the transportation sector, farmers, and owners of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Florife Baaclo, a widow and a former barangay councilor, expressed her gratitude to the senators and said the assistance was a big help, especially since they were affected by the high temperatures and lack of jobs.

"Malaking tulong ito, dahil naapektuhan kami ng mataas na init at wala rin kaming hanapbuhay. Maraming Salamat po," she said.

In order to support the recipients' livelihoods throughout the severe drought, the distribution—which was held at the Kalawit Municipality Gymnasium in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the local government of Kalawit—arranged help stations that met the beneficiaries' urgent needs.

Among the attendees were Kalawit Mayor Salvador Antojado and his wife Arcel Antojado, who conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the assistance and said the AICS program will help the community cope with the challenges posed by the El Niño Phenomenon.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa ating mga butihing senador dahil ipinarating ninyo sa amin ang tulong. Ito ang totoong krisis, ang nangyari sa Kalawit dahil sa El Nino Phenomenon,” the mayor said.

“Ang Kalawit po ang isa sa pinakamahirap na bayan ng Zamboanga del Norte, malayo po kami sa kapitolyo, aking pong paggalang sa inyo,” he added.

As strong advocates for the betterment of Filipino livelihoods, the Cayetanos continuously push for direct distribution of assistance to local government units and families in need even in the most remote areas of the country.

Over three months, the AICS Program has benefited more than 6,000 individuals nationwide.###