This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
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!
Choco Mucho crawled back from two sets down to outhustle sister team Creamline, 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16, at the start of the single-round robin semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday night, April 30.
Choco Mucho crawled back from two sets down to outhustle sister team Creamline, 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16, at the start of the single-round robin semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday night, April 30.
Sisi Rondina steers Choco Mucho to another all-important victory. (PVL Images)
High-flying Sisi Rondina carried the cudgels for the Flying Titans in the pivotal moments, unleashing 23 points built on 21 kills as they finally prevailed over the Cool Smashers for the first time since 2019.
The win, likewise, ended Choco Mucho’s 12-game losing spell against Creamline and boosted its bid for a return trip to the finals.
“We simply worked tirelessly, with heart and unwavering determination being the key to this win,” said Rondina in Filipino, who also posted 14 excellent receptions.
Yet, the triumph was a collective effort from Choco Mucho, which persevered despite the continued absence of Kat Tolentino, Des Cheng and Aduke Ogunsanya.
Royse Tubino also spelled the difference for the Flying Titans with 20 points built on 18 attacks, even as Isa Molde contributed 12 points.
Choco Mucho, which finished No. 2 in the prelims, now stands on the brink of a finals berth, offering the Flying Titans an opportunity for redemption after falling short in the previous AFC championship against the Cool Smashers last December. "It’s difficult to explain because it’s our first time beating Creamline,” said Choco Mucho mentor Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino.
“I’m extremely thankful for our performance. The situation were were in was really tough, but our coaches really pushed us to do what needed to be done and make the necessary adjustments," he added.
Creamline, which entered the Final Four as the fourth-seeded team, banked on its hard-hitting attacks spearheaded by Jema Galanza and Alyssa Valdez, but stumbled in the crunch.
The Cool Smashers actually exploded with 71 kills compared to the Flying Titans’ 53, only for their efforts to go futile.
Galanza finished with 23 points, while Valdez added 21 in a losing effort for Creamline.
May 1st in Germany is a day to celebrate the advent of spring – and to protest for workers' rights.
In Berlin trade unions and far-left protesters traditionally take to the streets to mark International Workers' Day. This has regularly led to severe rioting in the districts of Neukölln and Kreuzberg and police are preparing for this year's demonstrations to also be attended by protesters against Israel's war in Gaza.
The night before May 1st is also known as Walpurgisnacht (Walpurgis Night), named after the 8th-century abbess who battled witchcraft, and is celebrated with dance, witch costumes and bonfires.
And the Tanz in den Mai (dance into May) tradition is widespread across the country. Especially in the Catholic regions in the west and south of the country, iconic maypoles are set up in a central square, decorated with garlands or ribbons, for people to dance around.
The Philippine economy has been growing massively. Yet, a lot of people don't seem to appreciate its growth.
Narrated by Tom McKay
Video Edited by iyanbriandi
Inquiries: behindasian@gmail.com
Brought to you by the Behind Asian Team.
Philippines' Chantal Schmidt from Cebu bags Miss Eco International 2024 1st runner-up, special awards
Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com
April 30, 2024 | 10:02am
MANILA, Philippines — Angelina Usanova of Ukraine was crowned Miss Eco International 2024 at the close of the coronation rites in Triumph Luxury Hotel in Cairo last April 28.
Philippine delegate Chantal Elise Schmidt was proclaimed as 1st runner-up. The Cebuana beauty queen was not feeling well during the preliminaries. She, however, managed to snag the Best in Evening Gown, despite her predicament. On coronation night, she was also awarded the Best National Costume.
Nikita Dani of Canada was named 2nd runner-up, and Fabiane Goia of Brazil, who won the People's Choice Award was 3rd runner-up; while Valerie Avril of Indonesia, who won the Best Resort Wear Catwalk, was proclaimed 4th runner-up.
In a social media post, the MEI Organization wrote, "Touching down at the Miss Eco International finals! Excited to crown the next eco warrior to carry forward our mission of protecting our planet!"
The recipients of the other special.awards were China (Miss Talent), USA (Miss Social Media), Venezuela (Best Eco Dress), and Thailand (Top Model).
This year's selection committee was composed of Nhala Khaled, Shaden Glal, Sara Wanas, Dr. Cherif Aly Abdelal, Cozan Elmaghrabi, Heba Elsisi, Patricia Pellar, Gizzele Mandy, Dr. Hossam Tahseen, Miss Eco International 2019 Amy Tinie, and Dr. Mohamed Negm.
To date, the Philippines has won the Eco International crown twice: in 2018, with Cynthia Tomalla, and in 2022 with Kathleen Paton. This is the third time the Philippines won second place, including that of Kelly Day (2020) and Maureen Montagne (2019).
Usanova was crowned by her predecessor Nguyen Thanh Ha of Vietnam. Hosted by Nancy Magdy, the 2024 Miss Eco International final show was beamed live to a global audience through the MEI channel on YouTube.
Global girl group UNIS added another date to their fan signing event in Manila to give more chances for people to meet them.
UNIS will be holding their “U&iS Fansign Philippine Tour” in Manila and Cebu.
The tour originally had two dates slated on May 4 at Ayala Center Cebu and May 5 at Metrotent Convention Center.
UNIS (F&F Entertainment, X)
A third fan sign event will be held on May 6, 5 p.m., at the Activity Center of Ayala Market! Market! in Taguig.
UNIS debuted in South Korea in March with the mini-album “We UNIS.” The members are Elisia, Gehlee, Hyeonju, Nana, Kotoko, Yoona, Yunha, and Seowon.
Elisia and Gehlee are Filipinos, and Hyeonju is Filipino Korean, who is known as Belle in the K-pop girl group Cignature.
This marks UNIS’ first event in the Philippines. With several Filipino members in the group, fans are looking forward to personally witnessing the group’s successful debut this year through the fan sign events.
To join, fans need to buy at least one set of “WE UNIS” albums which are now available at https://www.cdmentertainment.ph for only P5,000. This comes with perks like Hi-Touch, exclusive fansign photocards, and raffle entries to perks.
The “U&iS Fansign Philippine Tour” is presented by Y Global Music and CDM Entertainment.
Iba in Zambales recorded the highest heat index level yet - 53 degrees Celsius - while 36 areas face dangerous levels of heat on Monday, according to weather bureau PAGASA.
Georcelle formed G-Force 19 years ago. When it was created, it only consisted of female dancers. A month later, the male members came in.
Georcelle Dapat Sy (Images courtesy of Instagram)
Georcelle Dapat Sy, the mastermind behind G Force, the Philippines' leading dance group, has revolutionized the country's dance industry.
Today, the dance landscape has undergone a profound transformation. Georcelle's transformative influence has shifted the perception of dancers from mere backups to recognized artists. This significant shift has not only elevated the status of dancers but also opened doors to endorsements and industry recognition.
During a recent lunch in Quezon City, Teacher Georcelle, as she is fondly called, said her journey on the dance floor was not easy. When she was 11, her mom encouraged her to study ballet. Then she remembered the only time she was booed on stage in Tondo, Manila.
"I was about to dance 'Swan Lake' on stage. Mga five seconds palang, parang gumapang na yung init ng dugo nila. Bi-noo nila ako. Ang sakit noon. Naka-tutu ako sa fiesta ng Tondo. Feeling ko maling platform yun sa akin," said the laughing Georcelle. She wasn't traumatized by the incident. Instead, it gave her strength and confidence to dance more.
Georcelle believes she got her dance moves from her father, a former journalist at the Manila Bulletin and a dance instructor. "He was into ballroom dancing. Before, they called it social dancing: boogie, tango, cha-cha. He also played the piano."
She couldn't remember when her love for dancing began. "Every time there's music, I dance. But I started my formal training in dance when I was eight years old. Before that, I went to my neighbors and danced using the cassette player. I remember dancing to 'Street Beat' by Toni Basil. When my mom saw that, she enrolled me in WYCA. When I reached 10, tumuloy na sa ballet, jazz, Hawaiian, tap dance. Three to four years of ballet only."My ballet instructor trained Liza Macuja."
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"My dad wanted me to become a ballerina, but I'm a big fan of pop culture. I like Madonna — I'm a Madonna baby. I was so attracted to Madonna then, but not Michael Jackson. I love their work, and I was drawn to Madonna.
"Then I went to the Cultural Center of the Philippines because I was told meron jazz doon. I had a classmate there who became my best friend. I was told to audition for the Adrenalin for the Sharon Cuneta Show. Erik Edralin, the founder of Adrenalin, gave me a break at 16. I was given a break to choreograph.
"At 18, I was handling big shows and directors relied on me. Sobrang gusto ko yung ginagawa ko at tuloy-tuloy lang talaga yung ginagawa ko. Wala pa yung bilangan ng oras. Tigilan nga ako ng iba. Joke lang! Maybe because I have dedicated myself to dancing. I have dedicated all my life to dancing. My life is dancing and supporting dance artists who surrendered themselves to the craft," said Georcelle.
In 2008, Georcelle was launched as the face of dance in the Philippines, proudly known as “Teacher Georcelle," when she spearheaded a dance segment in a top musical variety show ASAP. This paved the way for me to be part of shows on ABS-CBN, such as Pinoy Big Brother House, Your Face Sounds Familiar, and Dance Kids.
Georcelle is married to her best friend and dance partner, who is now in charge of G-Force's business. "We have three lovely children who also show an interest in dance."
Teacher Georcelle's G-Force
Georcelle formed G-Force 19 years ago. When it was created, it only consisted of female dancers. A month later, the male members came in.
"Now that I already have a group of my own, my experience inquisitively attracted me to like life out of the limelight as a stage director. With directors believing in my capability and eventually giving me a great deal of trust, it became easy for me to slip into a director’s chair," she said.
Georcelle invited dance enthusiasts to experience the rhythm and high-energy atmosphere of G-Force Dance Studio.
"Filipinos are visual learners. But the beauty of coming to our class is that you will be able to understand how each movement is done. Saan ba siya nanggagaling? Sa elbow or shoulders? Sa wrist or sa fingers? Where do you get the strength or power? Those things.
"Second, you come to our class and enter our room full of energy and shared experiences and movements. Kapag pumasok ka, kasabay mo ang G-Force members na sumasayaw.
"At ang power ng music, kapag lumabas na sa speakers, susuntukin na yung emotions mo. You will not get that inside your room. You can't get that by just watching. To be able to join that room full of youthfulness and energy, you will not do that by just watching YouTube. To be able to participate in a conversation on how movements are done, you will not get that on YouTube," Georcelle said.
G-Force is preparing to take on the world with unparalleled energy, creativity, and passion. They are all set to spread their magic worldwide and make their mark on the world stage with their groove-ready performance.
"We're preparing our company to be a future-ready workplace. So, do we embrace AI? We don't push it away. We're part of a team that is curious about it. We also want to learn more about it and how to use it for G-Force.
"When G-Force started, it had to have the touch of your name. But now, G is a generation of force. Sila ang humaharap sa new technology ngayon. So saan ang ayaw na meron na ngayong AI?
"Because of our presence in the Middle East, there are now many requests for our global presence. In August, we will be in Canada to do G-Force projects. So again, the G is about something other than Georcelle. It's all about being global.
"G evolves. And G, over time, nagkakaroon ng maraming meaning. It's there already. We've been in the Middle East for three years. The response is very nice. We're going back in November. But before November, nasa Canada na kami sa August," she said.
G-Force Project
The G-Force Project welcomes all ages, with classes for kids, teens, and adults in Hip-hop, Dancehall, Sexy Class, Contemporary, K-pop, and OPM.
Not only do students get to share their love of dance, but they also meet new friends, build confidence, and enjoy themselves.
The students are in good hands. G-Force’s celebrity choreographers will teach them more than dance, honing the next generation of aspiring performers and creating a new breed of G-generational force.
“G-Force is more than just dance! It’s about character-building and self-discovery. You come to our classes looking for that sense of belonging and come out having that sense of becoming," said Georcelle.
G-Force Project has taught students the importance of discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, grit, and resilience. Some students return to the open classes G-Force conducts at their dance centers in Quezon City, Alabang, and BGC branches. It gathers all its students for a culminating future-ready dance performance at The Theater at Solaire on July 7.
Georcelle also announced the 10th-anniversary celebration of White Shirt Love, a revolutionary dance fitness class that has been creating quite a stir in the dance industry with its unique proposition to women—getting fit while awakening one’s femininity, getting empowered, and gaining love for oneself.
Dance is a career. However, not all places understand or accept it, she said.
"My dream is for society to fully accept that dance is equally essential as the other careers. Marami akong kilalang dance artists na hindi ina-accept ng parents dahil dancer lang sila. Imagine something na work na mahal na mahal mo and that's good for mental health.
"Ang daming nagwo-work pero hindi nila gusto yung work nya. Sabi nila hindi career ang dancing. Hindi ka mabubuhay d'yan. Humanap ka ng ibang trabaho. We can make a difference. Ngayon pa lang laman ng dancers ang TikTok. Aren't we making a difference already?" Georcelle asked.
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines was named as Sustainable Dive Destination of the Year at Asia Dive Expo in Singapore, in recognition of its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices in dive tourism.
“This recognition, alongside our long list of accolades celebrating the beauty of our nation, underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainable tourism practices,” said Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.
“Participation in trade fairs like ADEX provides us a platform to promote the Philippines’ diverse tourism products and experiences. Moving forward, we will continue to work hand in hand with local communities and dive operators to ensure sustainable practices are followed so that our country’s treasures will still be enjoyed by future generations in the years to come,” she added.
The country’s participation in the expo, known as Asia’s largest and longest-running dive expo, was a resounding success after a three-day business-to-consumer session, generating P197,219,062.09 in combined negotiated sales leads and actual bookings. This marked more than 300% increase from last year’s negotiated sales leads.
As the event’s official country partner for the third consecutive year, the Philippine pavilion utilized a 90-square-meter booth space to feature some of the country’s finest dive sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan, the famed sardine run of Moalboal in Cebu, and the marine and natural park of Apo Reef in Mindoro.
The Philippine delegation, led by the TPB, is composed of 16 exhibitors from the dive industry, accommodation, and tour operators, including Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa, Thresher Shark Divers, Infiniti Liveaboard Inc., El Galleon Resort/Asia Divers, Scandi Divers, M.Y. Resolute, Kasai Village Dive Resort, Logon Fish Buddies Diveshop, Earth Explorers Travel and Tours, Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort, Fun & Sun Dive & Travel, Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours/Fisheye Divers, Sea Explorers Philippines, Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Bohol Beach Club, and Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards, who offered dive and liveaboard packages in the top and emerging dive destinations in the Philippines.
In a series of talks and panel discussions, Ram Yoro, a renowned underwater photographer, cave diving expert, Filipino scuba instructor, and author of "Guide to Anilao," shared insights on the Best of Philippine diving to further establish and sustain the country’s reputation as one of the world’s best diving destinations. Other Filipinos also represented the country on several panel stages including renowned underwater photographers, Bo Mancao and Alex Santos, and distinguished sustainability advocates, Cat Trivino and Antoinette Taus.
The TPB has been participating in ADEX for more than ten years which has been significant in ensuring that Singapore remains one of the country’s top source markets.
MANILA, Philippines — Playwright and director Floy Quintos passed away on Saturday morning. He was 63.
His niece, Celina Quintos, confirmed his passing in a Facebook post.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I, on behalf of my family, announce that Floy Quintos, esteemed playwright and director, but more importantly beloved brother, son, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend, has returned to the arms of the Lord. He passed suddenly in the ER (emergency room) from a heart attack this morning," Celina wrote.
She added that arrangements are being made for Quintos' wake at the Arlington Memorial Chapels. They will be posting the date and time once they have arranged it.
Quintos wrote several Palanca-winning pieces, including "The Kundiman Party" and "The Reconciliation Dinner." He also served as the creative director of the opening ceremony of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), which the Philippines hosted.
He also appeared as one of the council members of GMA-7's artista search "Starstruck."
Filipinos showcase their creativity through various means, including music and beauty, such as blending makeup trends into tunes like the Philippines' tourism song “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas.”
"Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas," written by Robert Labayen, became the official song for the "Choose Philippines Campaign" by the Department of Tourism on August 28, 2011. It encourages Filipinos to explore and showcase the beauty of their own country, boosting tourism and fostering national pride.
To appreciate the beauty of the makeup trend and embrace Pinoy pride, here are Filipino influencers who have tried this trend.
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