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!
“Let’s push Taguig up, let’s push each other up, let’s push the Philippines up!”
This was Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's message to the candidates and the audience during the Mutya ng Taguig 2024 coronation night on May 25, 2024.
Aligned with this year’s theme, "Taguigueña, Panalo Ka" which honors the exceptional qualities of the women of Taguig, Cayetano emphasized that the candidates must be good role models and representatives of the city.
He encouraged the candidates to use their platforms to positively influence people, telling them to be good ambassadors and influencers.
“You don’t need to have the name ‘influencer’ or have a million followers to be an influencer. You are already influencers; you don’t have to be Ms. Taguig to be one,” he said.
The independent senator also shared how the saying “Whatever you celebrate, you elevate,” by preacher and motivational speaker Myles Munroe, has influenced his perspective.
“This means that when you’re in the habit of pushing something up, then expect someone to also push you up. And expect that someone will push you up. Sooner or later, lahat kayo naitataas,” he said.
“So when we celebrate four hundred and thirty seven years of Taguig, itinataas natin ito. When we celebrate Ms. Taguig later on, itinataas natin siya. At siya naman ay itataas niya ang Taguig,” he added.
Cayetano concluded his message by urging all Taguigeños to embrace this practice for the continued upward trajectory of the city and ultimately the entire country.
“Let’s push Taguig up, let’s push each other up, let’s push the Philippines up! Para tunay na magiging siksik, liglig, at umaapaw ang bayan ng Pilipinas,” he said. ###
Miss Cosmo Philippines Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Eco International Philippines Alexie Brooks. Photos from THE MISS PHILIPPINES / FACEBOOK
By: Armin P. Adina
INQUIRER.net / 03:00 PM May 27, 2024
Ahtisa Manalo from Quezon Province and Alexie Brooks from Iloilo City were two of the frontrunners in the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant whose exuberant fans ignited their own intense campaigns online. And while they may not have captured the top prize, the ladies ended up having their own national titles eventually.
Manalo was crowned as the first-ever Miss Cosmo Philippines, while Brooks received the Miss Eco International Philippines crown, and both of them will be representing the country in global contests. But how did they end up getting those two titles, both under the Miss Universe Philippines pageant’s sister search The Miss Philippines?
Voltaire Tayag, executive vice president of the Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH) exclusively shared with INQUIRER.net the process they followed in awarding the two additional titles, as well as the Miss Charm Philippines and the Miss Supranational Philippines crowns.
“I spoke with them (Miss Universe Philippines delegates) individually, and asked them if they will be open to getting a different crown,” he said at the sidelines of the post-coronation media conference of newly-crowned Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo held at Belmont Hotel in Pasay City on May 24.
It was only nine days before the final show when MUPH announced that four more titles under The Miss Philippines will be awarded to winners who will be chosen from the roster of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 delegates.
The four additional titles were awarded after the culmination of the national pageant at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City early morning of May 23, with the Miss Supranational Philippines title going to Baguio City’s Tarah Valencia and the Miss Charm Philippines crown going to Pampanga’s Cyrille Payumo.
Manalo was second runner-up in the just-concluded competition, while Valencia was third runner-up. They were brought back to the stage at the end of the show along with Brooks, Payumo, and their fellow Top 10 finalists Anita Rose Gomez from Zambales and Raven Doctor from Palawan, and Top 20 semifinalists Alexandra Rosales from Laguna, Bianca Tapia from Hawaii, Christina Chalk from the United Kingdom, and Kayla Carter from Northern California.
“The 10 delegates who competed for the four crowns in The Miss Philippines were the highest-ranking delegates who were eligible for one of more of the titles and voluntarily expressed their desire to be considered for titles under The Miss Philippines,” Tayag shared.
“Eligible delegates were given the choice to either accept of waive their right to be considered for the titles under The Miss Philippines. We have the utmost respect for the decision of the eligible delegates who opted out,” he added.
Tayag also explained that for finishing as second runner-up in the national pageant, Manalo had first dibs on the crowns at stake, and chose the Miss Cosmo Philippines title, making her the country’s official bet to the first-ever Miss Cosmo pageant in Vietnam in October.
The three other winners, meanwhile, will be competing in international competitions in 2025, because their predecessors are the Philippines’ bets for the 2024 editions of their respective global tilts.
Consider: the Alas Pilipinas dealt “aces” in its current campaign in the AVC Women’s Challenge Cup for back-to-back wins before capacity crowds at the old Rizal Coliseum.
Lito A. Tacujan - The Philippine Star
May 26, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — It’s no sporting phenom but Philippine volleyball has soared to unforeseen heights and expect it to hang in there until it unravels to show the force that propelled it to its lofty post.
Consider: the Alas Pilipinas dealt “aces” in its current campaign in the AVC Women’s Challenge Cup for back-to-back wins before capacity crowds at the old Rizal Coliseum.
They beat Australia and India.
For two straight nights, the team played before thousands of fans who showed passion and enthusiasm never seen in other leagues.
‘’Tremendous following,” said a mainstay of Alas.
These Pinays are to die for. Tall, attractive, fearless but display grace under pressure, they fire up local fans with their desire and purity of heart.
And who would ever thought that Philippine volleyball would reach full growth and bask in glory 20 years after a low profile student league would sow the seed of this magnificent dream.
The V-League would start in 2004 as a pre-season event for female teams in the UAAP and NCAA and would flourish through the years to become a commercial league in 2017 and turn pro two years later.
Only last week the PVL capped its All-Filipino series and staged a finale witnessed by over 23,000 fans in the Big Dome.
The V-League, the predecessor of the current pro-league behind the leadership of PVL president, Ricky Palou, who was one of the men and women – like Rhea Navarro who envisioned and steered the PVL to be the second best in mass sports behind basketball, the national past time.
It produces some of the country’s best volleybelles who are still active to this day – like Sisi Rondina of UST and Choco Mucho.
The Alas Pilipinas is holding their own against the finest in regional volleyball and in the process shows the best in us.
Amid the news of El Nino’s damage to agriculture, preparations for La Niña, and a change in leadership in the Senate, many may have missed the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act or Republic Act No. 11981, on May 22, 2024.
The signing of the IRR, soon after the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act was signed on Feb. 26, 2024, shows the government’s commitment to the development of local industries and products to make them world-class and competitive.
When the Tatak Pinoy Act was enacted into law, Senator Sonny Angara, the principal author, had welcomed it as complementing the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, and a “giant leap” for the Philippines toward its goal of becoming an industrialized country.
Senator Angara, in his column in the Manila Bulletin, puts the Act’s significance as “empowering domestic enterprises, making them become globally competitive, and assisting them so they produce more sophisticated products, more exceptional, world-class services.”
We can now look forward to a road map to attain the goals outlined in the law. This will be the Tatak Pinoy Strategy formulated by the Tatak Pinoy Council that will spearhead the development and implementation focusing on five key pillars: human resources, infrastructure, technology and innovation, investments, and sound financial management.
This is a very relevant law in the lives of Filipinos as it will start from the source of a product, inculcating in the young a mindfulness for quality craftsmanship, and thereafter, enhancing a culture of pride in Filipino products.
Sen. Angara describes it as: “This will be a very comprehensive program that will start from education where we will ensure our learners are equipped with the knowledge and skills they will need to cater to the requirements of employers; embracing innovation and technology transfer to allow businesses to come up with more sophisticated and higher value goods and services; and making strategic investments to address the gaps and strengthen the foundation of all industries and its workforce.”
There will be prestige in the “Made in the Philippines” brand, as highlighted by President Marcos during the signing ceremonies last February: “It is about creating products and services of the highest quality, because Tatak Pinoy is also about excellence, and as a seal of great workmanship, it must only be applied to those that meet this high standard. As such, we shall give preference and priority to our products.”
There is much potential for rapid growth in our products and industries, according to data cited by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual, who led the signing of the IRR. “The Tatak Pinoy is a significant step in growing, diversifying, and sophisticating Filipino products and services, as this law addresses current challenges and aims to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of industries in the global market.”
He pointed out that an important provision of the law is the “mandate for the Philippine government to prioritize Filipino products and services in government procurement.” This will be an area where Filipino producers can feel the effect of the law soon, with large quantities of government supplies translating to big sales, therefore, more production and the need for more employees.
We eagerly look forward to the fast implementation of the Tatak Pinoy program which will again show how the whole-of-nation approach – and pride in what is Filipino-made – will contribute to the growth of the economy.
What Sunday ritual helps you prepare for the coming week?
Image from Freepik
By JACQUELINE LUCERO
Sundays can play a significant role in shaping a wonderful week ahead. Taking some time on Sunday to plan your week and start productive habits can really make a big difference. Here are some practical steps to make the most of your Sundays and set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling week:
1.Use a portion of your Sunday and dedicate time to planning your week. Make a list of tasks and commitments for the coming week, which will help you stay organized and manage your time effectively. This will help eliminate the well-known feeling of “not having enough time in the day to get everything done.”
2.Are you always running out of time for an appointment? Sunday is the best time to plan your wardrobe for the whole week. Choosing clothes and changing repeatedly are the reasons why we’re often late for work or appointments. If you have kids, let them do this as well. Let them check to see if their homework is done. Make them shine in their own shoes. Make them clean their bags and school things. Let them find the pairs of socks that got lost for eternity in the mountain of laundry. Let them line up their undies, socks, and accessories (school ties, IDs, etc.) they plan to wear for the week. Teach them these good habits so they can adopt them until they grow up.
3.Nurture relationships by spending quality time with loved ones. Share a meal, engage in meaningful conversations, and express your appreciation for those closest to you.
Spending quality time with loved ones doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as going for a walk together, playing a game, or even just sitting quietly side by side, enjoying each other’s company. The key is to be present in the moment and show genuine interest in the other person’s thoughts and feelings. This helps strengthen the bond between you and creates lasting memories.
Expressing appreciation for those closest to you is essential for nurturing relationships. Whether it’s a heartfelt thank you, a compliment, or a small gesture of kindness, showing gratitude reinforces the connection and fosters a sense of mutual respect and understanding. Taking the time to acknowledge the importance of your loved ones in your life not only makes them feel valued but also strengthens the foundation of your relationship, making it more resilient in times of both joy and challenge.
4.Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s pursuing a hobby, spending time outdoors, or simply resting, prioritize doing something you love.
Making time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Engaging in hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about not only provides a sense of fulfillment but also allows you to recharge and rejuvenate. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, carving out space in your schedule for these activities can help reduce stress and increase happiness
Spending time outdoors is another great way to unwind and reconnect with yourself and nature. Whether it’s going for a hike in the mountains, taking a leisurely stroll in the park, or simply sitting by a serene lake, being surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Nature has a way of grounding us and putting things into perspective, reminding us to slow down and appreciate the present moment. So, whenever possible, make it a point to step outside and soak in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world.
5. Maintain a clean and organized living space by decluttering and tidying up on Sundays. A clean environment can enhance productivity and create a sense of calm. What do you do with a number of mundane tasks that can be overwhelming to look at? Set your alarm for 10 minutes, spot an area to tackle, like the top of the fridge that is forever cluttered or the bills hanging at the sides, and “attack” the spot task for 10 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how well those ten minutes are spent. Cleaning the room works well with a set time too. Decide to dedicate half an hour to cleaning a room. What takes so long to clean the room is that we linger on an item too long, like rediscovering an album, and decide to pause and look at it. When you set a time for cleaning, just clean. Schedule another time for browsing and enjoying.
6.Consider meal prepping for the week ahead to save time and make healthier food choices. Prepare meals in advance and store them in the fridge for easy access during busy weekdays. This works well, especially for family members with different dietary restrictions.
Meal-prepping for the week ahead is not only a time-saving strategy but also a way to ensure that you make healthier food choices. By planning and preparing your meals in advance, you can avoid the temptation of reaching for unhealthy fast food options or relying on processed meals during busy weekdays. Additionally, meal prepping allows you to portion out your meals according to your dietary needs and goals, making it easier to stick to a balanced and nutritious eating plan.
For families with different dietary restrictions, meal preparation can be a game-changer. Instead of preparing separate meals for each person, you can customize dishes to accommodate everyone’s preferences and requirements. Whether someone is vegetarian, gluten-free, or has food allergies, meal prepping allows you to tailor meals to suit each individual’s needs while still enjoying shared family meals together. Plus, having preprepared meals readily available in the fridge means that everyone can grab a nutritious meal whenever hunger strikes, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
7. Prioritize self-care by indulging in activities that promote wellbeing. Whether it’s taking a bath, meditating, or enjoying a favorite hobby, make time to recharge and rejuvenate. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health. Indulging in activities that promote well-being is a form of self-love and can have profound effects on overall happiness and fulfillment. Whether it’s treating yourself to a spa day, going for a leisurely walk in nature, or simply curling up with a good book, prioritizing self-care allows you to replenish your energy reserves and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and promoting inner peace. Taking just a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath can help calm the mind, increase self-awareness, and cultivate a greater sense of clarity and presence. Whether you’re a beginner or have been practicing for years, incorporating meditation into your daily routine can have profound benefits for your overall well-being. By making time for self-care practices like meditation, you can nurture a deeper connection with yourself and cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and balance.
8. Finally, remember to relax and unwind before the start of the week. Treat yourself to some downtime and engage in activities that help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the days ahead. Creating a relaxing Sunday routine can set the tone for a positive and productive week ahead. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely brunch with loved ones, going for a leisurely stroll in the park, or simply lounging at home with a good movie, taking time to unwind and recharge before the start of the week can help you feel more refreshed and prepared to tackle whatever comes your way. By intentionally carving out space for relaxation and self-care at the end of the weekend, you can ease into the week with a sense of calm and clarity
It’s important to listen to your body and honor its need for rest and relaxation. Whether you prefer to spend your Sunday indulging in a favorite hobby, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking a nap, tuning into your own needs and giving yourself permission to rest is essential for overall well-being. By prioritizing self-care and relaxation, you can cultivate a greater sense of balance and resilience, allowing you to navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease and grace.
What Sunday rituals have you found helpful in preparing for the week?
MANILA, Philippines — Two members, who have been opposing the controversial divorce bill, have questioned the legitimacy of the measure’s passage on May 22, saying it was approved only by a “minority vote.”
Echoing the opinion of former Senate president Tito Sotto, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and CIBAC party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva said House Bill 9349, or the Absolute Divorce Act, did not get the required votes to institute divorce in the country during plenary deliberation last Wednesday.
Rodriguez noted based on the final tally on the floor, it was officially announced that the controversial measure got 126 affirmative, 109 negative and 20 abstentions.
After this, he noted that Velasco issued an advisory setting the votes at 131-109-20.
“There is an increase of five affirmative votes … This cannot be done as the period and process of voting was completed (May 22) evening when after the votes of each member were cast, these were tabulated and the Speaker (Martin Romualdez) announced the final vote on the floor and properly entered into the Journal,” he added.
For his part, Velasco explained that before the adjournment of session last Wednesday, it turned out that there were affirmative votes that were not recorded by the secretariat.
“The actual votes did not match what was reported by the secretariat. It was immediately corrected,” he pointed out.
The changes in voting were also questioned by Sotto, who posted on his X account that “If Congress is persistent in passing a very debatable law, they can at least follow the proper procedures so it won’t be questionable.”
“You knew I was right. You lost the vote. You massaged it after. How do you sleep at night doing what you do? You want to pass a debatable bill, do it properly,” he maintained.
For his part, Villanueva echoed that divorce bill was only approved by a minority vote. He said neither the 126 nor 131 votes represent half the number of House members.
The lawmaker also questioned Section 117 of the Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives which provides that a majority of the number of those voting shall decide whether a measure is approved or not. This provision stated an abstention should not be counted as a vote.
Villanueva added this means the bill was approved “only due to an ambiguity in the rules of voting procedures in the House.” — Ghio Ong
WE should be clear about what our true wealth is. It definitely is not anything that comes from the world—money, fame, power, etc. Our true wealth is when we finally are with God, when our heart and mind and everything else in our life go along with the will and ways of God who is willing to share who he is and what he has with us! Nothing should replace God in our life. Replacing God would be the biggest stupidity we can get into.
This is made quite clear in that gospel episode about a man who asked Christ what he ought to do to receive life everlasting. (cfr. Mk 10,17-27) We know how that story unfolded. It’s a pity that the man preferred to stick to his worldly riches over the real source of wealth meant for us.
We really should be most careful in our attitude toward our worldly wealth. While it’s true that we also need it, we should never consider it as our ultimate wealth. At best, it is only meant as a means and an occasion to pursue our true wealth.
Let’s be strong in resisting the temptation to be possessed by our worldly wealth, because as Christ himself said: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Mk 10,25)
We have to be most wary of this scenario in our life, which actually, and sadly, is quite common. There are good people who are not truly good enough, because when the ultimate test is made, they are not willing to give up all they have in order to have God.
They forget what St. Teresa once said, “Solo Dios basta,” (With God we have enough). They get too attached to the many good things in their life such that these blessings from God are converted into competitors of God themselves.
They prefer a life in this world that is without suffering, without self-denial, without the cross, as if a genuine Christian life can be exempted from all these. It is as if they have been born without original sin and have led their lives without committing any sin at all.
We have to be most careful with this most likely phenomenon happening in our lives. Yes, we have to be well-guarded against this temptation and do everything to combat it whenever, wherever and however it arises.
It would be a pity if after the many good things we may be doing, we fail to pass the final test. We have to remember that love is without measure. It is in its nature to give itself completely, convinced that what seems to be lost would actually be regained a hundredfold. In this, Christ has reassured us abundantly.
We have to be wary of the tricks of the devil and of our own wounded flesh that all try to block us in the last stretch in our pursuit of love. They will try to convince us that we already have given and done enough. We do not need to give more. They will try to trick us to be self-satisfied with what we already have been giving and doing.
To be sure, to give ourselves completely to God and to others is not easy. We need nothing less than the grace of God and our generous and prompt correspondence to it. Hard, yes, but it’s not impossible.
Considering the short amount of time that Alas Pilipinas had in preparation for the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup, its hopes for success were not the highest.
And there were even lower expectations for La Salle’s Angel Canino, who previously admitted that she was still not in top form and still recovering from a right arm injury. That wasn’t the case on Thursday night.
“I am very happy [with the win] because I was not expecting [a lot] from myself,” Canino said shortly after helping the Philippines to a come-from-behind 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 victory over a tall Australia side and get its bid off on the right foot before an appreciative home crowd at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The La Salle ace in the UAAP dropped 17 points built around 15 attacks, a block and an ace and made most of her damage in the third frame that gave Alas a one-set lead.
But Canino downplayed her impact on the match witnessed by 4,945 mostly Filipino crowd eager to watch Alas Pilipinas defend home turf.
“I would like to give credit to my teammates and coaches because they guided me inside and outside the court, so I am really thankful to them because they were there for me,” Canino said. “I think I am not the biggest reason [for the win].
“The real big reason that we got the win is our teamwork, given our short time of preparations,” she added.
Alas captain Jia de Guzman, meanwhile, made sure that everyone got involved offensively with some brilliant setting in the final three sets.
Giving their all
Eya Laure was also relentless in piercing the Volleyroos’ defense, adding another 17 points, including six in the final frame that helped the Filipinos pull through.
Sisi Rondina was her typical explosive self in her indoor debut for the national team and came through with 16 points, shocking the Australians early in the game, while Thea Gagate manned the net so well and finished with four of the Philippines’ 12 blocks.
“It feels great [getting the opening game win] knowing especially that we didn’t have a lot of preparations coming here today,” de Guzman said. “Going to this game, we said that ‘regardless of what happens, as long as we leave our best on the floor, we are okay with whatever the result.’”
“Thankfully, the win went our way,” she added as Alas Pilipinas tries to take a piece of the Pool A lead battling current top team India (2-0) at press time on Friday.
Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi and Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo. Image: Instagram/@celeste_cortesi, @themissuniverseph
By: Anne Pasajol
INQUIRER.net / 12:58 PM May 24, 2024
Celeste Cortesi appears unbothered as she laughed off the “hate” over her “what just happened” remark on the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 winners.
The Miss Universe Philippines 2022 titleholder was earlier at the receiving end of criticism for tweeting “What just happened?” after the winner announcement at this year’s Miss Universe Philippines finals night.
Netizens were quick to react and presumed that Cortesi was questioning titleholder Chelsea Manalo’s win, although the Filipino-Italian beauty queen later clarified that it was not what she meant.
Through her Instagram Stories on Thursday, May 23, Cortesi then showed herself enjoying her vacation in Bali, adding the caption: “When the haters hate you. [Charot]” alongside two laughing face emoji.
In a separate video, Cortesi and her companions were also seen alluding to the matter and apparently poking fun at it.
“Babe, what just happened?” one of them asked, to which Cortesi replied, “I have no idea what just happened. I am in Bali, guys!”
Cortesi, nonetheless, reshared her statement clarifying her reaction to the MUPH winners in a succeeding post.
“Let’s all relax and have a drink, char. Peace and love,” she added.
Aside from Manalo, other delegates who were crowned at the recent finals night were Tarah Valencia of Baguio as Miss Supranational Philippines; Cyrille Payumo of Pampanga as Miss Charm Philippines; Alexie Mae Brooks from Iloilo City as Miss Eco International Philippines; and Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province as Miss Cosmo Philippines.
Cainta’s Stacey Gabriel and Taguig’s Christi Lynn McGarry, meanwhile, were named 1st and 4th runners-up, respectively.
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