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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Thursday, May 2, 2024

Mehr Geld in der Rente: Immer mehr Deutsche nutzen diese einfache Möglichkeit

Ein älteres Paar genießt den Strandurlaub
Etliche Millionen Euro mehr an freiwilligen Beiträgen flossen zuletzt in die Rentenkasse. (Symbolbild) © Angel Santana Garcia/IMAGO

Etliche Millionen Euro mehr an freiwilligen Beiträgen flossen zuletzt in die Rentenkasse. Immer mehr Menschen wollen damit ihre Rente aufbessern. Wie‘s funktioniert.

Berlin – Die freiwilligen Sonderzahlungen in die gesetzliche Rentenversicherung werden immer beliebter. Diese haben 2022 mit 1,09 Milliarden Euro ein neues Rekordhoch erreicht. Freiwillige Einzahlungen in die gesetzliche Rentenversicherung erhöhen die zukünftige Rente oder bauen überhaupt einen Anspruch auf spätere Rentenzahlungen auf. Sie sind etwa möglich zum Ausgleich von Abschlägen bei vorzeitigem Rentenbeginn. 

Statt privater Altersvorsorge? Freiwillige Rentenbeiträge immer beliebter

Dabei haben in den vergangenen Jahre immer mehr Menschen diese Zahlungen geleistet: Die Summe lag demnach im Jahr 2017 bei 207 Millionen Euro und erhöhte sich in den Folgejahren stetig. Für 2023 betragen die vorläufigen Werte 896 Millionen Euro, wie aus der Anfrage der Linken beim Bundesarbeitsministerium hervorgeht. 

Linken-Rentenexperte Matthias W. Birkwald, der die Anfrage gestellt hatte, sagte dazu: „Die Riester-Rente ist gescheitert.“ Die Menschen „stimmen mit den Füßen ab“. Das Vertrauen der Menschen liege bei der Deutschen Rentenversicherung. „Dieses Vertrauen darf von der Ampel nicht verspielt werden, in dem sie jetzt völlig unnötig den Menschen überhaupt nichts nutzende 200 Milliarden Euro spekulativ am Aktienmarkt anlegt“, sagte Birkwald. Die Regierung will mit solchen Anlagen mit Bundesmitteln für Erträge zugunsten der Rentenkasse sorgen. Angesichts dieser Pläne mahnte der Linken-Politiker: „Mit der Rente darf man nicht spekulieren.“

Wer selbst freiwillige Beiträge in die deutsche Rentenversicherung einzahlen will, um im Alter die Rente aufzubessern, sollte vorher genau prüfen was möglich ist und was nicht. Ein Überblick:

Wer kann freiwillige Rentenbeiträge leisten?

Nach Angaben der Deutschen Rentenversicherung (DRV) können alle in Deutschland lebenden Personen, die nicht pflichtversichert und mindestens 16 Jahre alt sind – wie zum Beispiel Selbstständige – freiwillige Beiträge leisten. Auch Deutsche, die im Ausland leben, sowie Rentner, die eine vorgezogene Altersvollrente beziehen, können bis zum Erreichen des regulären Rentenalters freiwillige Beiträge leisten und so ihre Rente weiter erhöhen. 

Die meisten Beschäftigten, die pflichtversichert sind, können in der Regel keine freiwilligen Zusatzzahlungen leisten. Es gibt jedoch Ausnahmen: So können Arbeitnehmer ab dem 50. Lebensjahr freiwillige Ausgleichszahlungen für künftig erwartete Rentenabschläge leisten, beispielsweise aufgrund eines vorgezogenen Renteneintritts. Dies erklärt der Bundesverband Lohnsteuerhilfevereine (BVL).

Wie viel kann eingezahlt werden und wie hoch ist dann die Rente?

Wer eine nachträgliche Zahlung für das Jahr 2023 leistet (das war bis Anfang April möglich), kann einen monatlichen Beitrag zwischen dem Mindestbeitrag von 100,07 Euro und dem Höchstbeitrag von 1.357,80 Euro wählen. Allerdings gibt es einen Nachteil, wenn man spät einzahlt: Zum Beginn des Jahres 2024 hat sich der für 2023 zu zahlende Betrag um etwa vier Prozent erhöht, so die DRV. Wer die Frist Anfang April für das Jahr 2023 verpasst hat, kann leider erst für das Jahr 2024 freiwillige Rentenbeiträge zahlen.

Wie viel mehr Rente im Einzelfall zu erwarten ist, kann mit einem Online-Rechner auf dem Informationsportal Ihre-vorsorge.de ermittelt werden. Zudem bietet die Deutsche Rentenversicherung eine kostenlose Beratung am Servicetelefon unter 0800/ 10 00 48 00 an.

Was bringen mir freiwillige Rentenbeiträge noch?

Es gibt weitere Vorteile. Die Zuzahlungen erhöhen nicht nur die spätere monatliche Rente, sondern helfen auch, die Wartezeit für eine Altersrente oder die versicherungsrechtlichen Voraussetzungen für Reha-Leistungen zu erfüllen. Wer nicht genügend Beitragszeiten hat, kann mit freiwilligen Rentenbeiträgen Lücken im Versicherungskonto schließen. 

Wie genau funktioniert die Zahlung?

Die Überweisung muss an den zuständigen Rentenversicherungsträger gerichtet werden. Die Kontodaten des Trägers sind auf dessen Website zu finden. Wer nicht weiß, bei welchem Träger er oder sie versichert ist, kann die Informationen der jährlichen Renteninformation entnehmen.

Der Rente-Newsletter: Wege in die Frührente
Wichtige Entwicklungen rund um Ihre Rente erhalten Sie wöchentlich am Mittwoch

Es ist wichtig, bei der Überweisung im Betreff die Versicherungsnummer und den Zeitraum anzugeben, für den die Beiträge gelten sollen. Nach Eingang der Überweisung stellt der Rentenversicherungsträger eine Beitragsbescheinigung aus.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Record heat continues in the Philippines, zero shadow day



Foreign envoys condemn China’s latest aggression in WPS


Philstar.com

May 1, 2024 | 11:01am

This frame grab from handout video footage taken and released on April 30, 2024 by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Bagacay being hit by water cannon from Chinese coast guard vessels near the chinese-controlled Scarborough shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea.

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign envoy denounced China’s “dangerous” maneuvers and use of water cannons against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

The Philippines’ task force on WPS issues said on Tuesday that China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia vessels “harassed, blocked, water cannoned and rammed” vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) headed to Bajo de Masinloc to assist Filipino fishers in the area. 

Both the PCG and BFAR vessels sustained damage. China also reinstalled a 380-meter barrier across the shoal’s entrance, blocking access to the traditional fishing ground. 

“The [People’s Republic of China] used dangerous maneuvers and water cannons to disrupt a lawful Philippine mission providing food and fuel to fisherfolk within the [Philippine] exclusive economic zone,” United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said on X. 

European Union Ambassador Luc Véron said that any aggressive behaviors pose “threat to safety of life at sea, the freedom of navigation, and the prohibition of the use of force or coercion.”

“In short, this is against international law,” he added.

The Embassy of France in Manila also expressed opposition to any threat or use of force contrary to international law and stressed the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue. 

British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils reiterated the United Kingdom’s calls for respect for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award, which ruled that China’s claims to almost the entire South China Sea has no legal basis. 

Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Canadian Ambassador David Hartman also expressed concerns about China’s latest aggression. 

In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry told the Philippines to stop “provocative actions in its waters.”

“China advises the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing and provocative actions and not to challenge China's firm determination to safeguard its sovereignty,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. — Gaea Katreena Cabico

Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo: A love-hate relationship?

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY



AT A GLANCE

  • Like any good marriage, Marco and Heaven agree that they're both in a "love-hate relationship," which keeps them from going into the full-blown romance path many expect them to tread.


viber_image_2024-04-27_15-11-09-092.jpg
(From left) Gen Z stars Marco Gallo and Heaven Peralejo with Gino M. Santos, director of 'Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang' showing on May 1.

Filipino-Italian actor Marco Gallo describes his team-up with award-winning actress Heaven Peralejo as "a marriage without a ring." 

By now, the two have worked together on several major projects: "The Rain In España," "The Ship Show," and "Safe Skies, Archer." Their latest movie from Viva, "Men Are from QC, Women Are from Alabang," will be shown in cinemas starting May 1.

Like any good marriage, Marco and Heaven agree that they're both in a "love-hate relationship," which keeps them from going into the full-blown romance path many expect them to tread.

"Sometimes you feel like you're falling in love, and sometimes you feel like you're hating this person...just because we're so comfortable with each other. Because you don't wanna ruin it, you just try to be friends, but then sometimes you can't help it. I feel like we're just trying to enjoy every project we have. And taking it slow," Marco remarked. 

The two agree they're "halfway there" when developing a romantic connection.  Heaven pointed out: "Meron kaming love-hate relationship, and I think it's good. It gives color. We learn to be a better person afterwards. Natututo kaming maging humble, or mawala yung pride. Things like that actually build the future."

Marco and Heaven are once again glad to collaborate with director Gino Santos for "Men Are From QC...," after working with him in "Safe Skies, Archer." In return, the director only has good things to say about MarVen, praising them for having "a partnership of actors."

"Mag-away sila because the scene needs them to be angry at each other. You see that they help each other. Heaven knows what makes Marco cry. Marco knows how Heaven gets pissed off. They use that to improve their characters para magawan ng paraan ang eksena at para ma-motivate sila. Ito yung partnership of actors talaga, which I appreciate," Director Gino stated. 


viber_image_2024-04-27_15-14-24-341.jpg

"Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang' is the most mature love story I've ever done. Expect a different Marco and Heaven here because grabe  talaga yung binigay nila sa film na ito. I'm proud of them for accepting it," the director added. 

Adapted from the book of Filipino-Chinese author Stanley Chi, the film's protagonists are Tino (Marco) and Aica (Heaven) who meet at work and fall in love. The plot deals with the complexities of a romantic love that is not only challenged by the distance between cities but  also by the demands of work and the need for emotional satisfaction. 

Inasmuch as the film tackles the differences between a man and a woman, Heaven and Marco were able to reflect on the specific qualities they like and dislike about each other.

"I think Heaven is the first girl that I have ever dealt with where the importance of being a man and the importance of being a woman is so important. You know, for her, a man needs to give his girl the princess treatment," Marco pointed out. "In return, a woman needs to make her man happy by, you know, cheering him up and supporting him with everything he wants. Honestly, I have never dealt with a woman like her before."

On the other hand, Heaven had this to say about her screen partner. " Sobrang maalaga ni Marco. One time, I was wearing slippers on the set, and he wiped my feet because it got dirty. That's him. His love language is to serve. That's one thing I love about him."

What can audiences  learn from movies like "Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang?" Director Gino pondered on its lessons.

"Every relationship is different. Communication is key. You have to find out your goal at the right moment in life, whether it's for love or a career. Some people can have both, but, you know, not everyone can have the privilege of getting love and a career at the same time. So you have to choose wisely, especially in this day and age. Mahal lang magmahal," he stressed.

"Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang" is a Viva Films Production presented by Sari Sari Network Inc. in cooperation with MediaQuest Ventures and Studio Viva.

Flying Titans turn back Cool Smashers, gain big semis head-start

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR


AT A GLANCE

  • 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.

PVL 2024 Semis Creamline vs. Choco Mucho - Sisi Rondina-0550.jpg
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.

TANZ IN DEN MAI


 


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.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

The Philippines Economy is Growing Massively



FASHION AND BEAUTY


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.