What are some reasons why foreign guys travel to the Philippines?

Jennifer Collins

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Jennifer Collins is a Quora user with a passion for social media, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and digital healthcare. She is an experienced marketer and digital health specialist, who has worked with leading companies in the sector, such as American Well and In-Home Connect. Jennifer is a passionate advocate of using technology to improve healthcare access, and regularly shares her insights on Quora.

The Philippines - a tropical paradise that has captured the hearts of many foreign travelers.

You see, beyond the stunning beaches and vibrant cities, there's a complex mix of cultural, historical, and economic factors that make this Southeast Asian country an attractive destination for visitors from abroad.

For one, the Philippines is one of the most Westernized countries in Asia, thanks to its American colonial past, which has led to a unique cultural identity that's a fascinating blend of East and West.

This cultural adaptation has resulted in a population that's remarkably adept at speaking English, making it an easy destination for foreigners who want to explore the region without the language barrier.

Additionally, the country's archipelago geography, comprising over 7,000 islands, offers a diverse range of landscapes and experiences, from lush rainforests to pristine coastlines and vibrant urban centers.

Another significant draw is the relatively low cost of living in the Philippines, which makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads and retirees seeking to stretch their budgets further.

The country's tropical climate and laid-back lifestyle also appeal to those seeking a more relaxed pace of life, free from the rigid structures of their home countries.

Furthermore, the Philippines' rich cultural heritage, which is a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and American influences, offers a unique cultural experience that's hard to find elsewhere.

Interestingly, the country's historical ties with the United States have also led to a phenomenon where many foreigners, particularly Americans, seek out Filipino spouses, often through online dating platforms or social networking sites.

This curious trend has resulted in a significant number of international marriages, with many foreigners drawn to the warmth and hospitality of Filipino culture.

Lastly, the Philippines has invested heavily in its tourism infrastructure in recent years, with many airports, seaports, and tourist facilities undergoing significant upgrades.

This increased accessibility, combined with the government's aggressive marketing efforts, has helped raise the country's profile as a prime tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Rain showers, thunderstorms to prevail across parts of the Philippines

Two weather systems prevailing across the country may bring isolated to scattered rain showers or thunderstorms in the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday, June 10.

Be still and know

 

“Be still and know that I am God,” the first half of Psalms 46:10, is a popular verse used to encourage believers to be still and silent before the Lord. This interpretation promotes a healthy rest in the presence of the Lord.

This command—“Be still…”—is written in a time of trouble and war; therefore, we should consider the verse with that context in mind. The phrase “Be still and know that I am God” calls us to pause and reflect. It reminds us that God is still in control no matter what happens in our lives.

Like many Bible verses, this one  is often ripped from its context to declare something not intended in the passage itself. Well-meaning Christians may use this as a consolation in times of worry and frustration – as if God is saying, “relax, I got this.”

In other words: Be still and stop your running to and fro. Slow down. Slow down long enough!

We have been conditioned to feel guilty whenever we are not “productive.” Stillness, even for the purpose of rest or prayer, can feel like wasted time to someone who lives in a world that values wealth, competition, high productivity, full schedules, and general self-importance.

Why is it important to be still? Being still is like replenishing the stores. It allows us time and space. It gives us time and space to self-reflect and actually hear our thoughts.

Yes, we are living in a noisy and hectic world. We also become noisy and hectic, many times. No time for rewinding and turning off the daily din and racket. We all become noisy people and troublemakers. Have you noticed it already?

Making time for moments of stillness can have powerful mental health benefits. 

Today, stillness can be hard to come by. There’s just so much going on. So much noise both inside and outside our brains, so many tasks on our to-do lists, and at least several screens within reach.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, stillness is “the quality of being quiet and not moving.”

Moments of stillness are possible even on the busiest of days. They are within our reach whenever we need them.

So many times, our relationships with partners, friends, relatives, work mates and neighbors get cracked.

Be still and know. Slow down long enough to hear God's voice too. There is indeed so much God if we only would slow down long enough to hear His voice. We are so overwhelmed with our earthly desires that all we think of is. Yes, God, I want You to do this for me, and I want it now!

What a fatal attraction! Learn to wait quietly on Him. When you begin to grasp something of our Lord's true greatness, you will be truly amazed.

Be still and know.

The GMA Gala is back: A spectacular celebration for GMA’s 74th anniversary

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jun 10, 2024 10:48 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Sparkle GMA Artist Center announced the exciting news on their Instagram account with a teaser video featuring the Network’s biggest stars, igniting a buzz online and thrilling fans.

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Alden Richards and Heart Evangelista

Following its resounding success last year, the “GMA Gala”—the glamorous and dazzling gathering of the biggest and brightest Kapuso stars—returns to celebrate the 74th anniversary of GMA Network.

Sparkle GMA Artist Center announced the exciting news on their Instagram account with a teaser video featuring the Network’s biggest stars, igniting a buzz online and thrilling fans. 

Sparkle's post read, "Lights, camera, actionThe GMA Gala is back! The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here – the grand return of the biggest event in the Philippine entertainment industry, the #GMAGala2024! Get ready to witness the stars shine like never before ��"

The inaugural GMA Gala in 2022 served as a fundraiser, with all donations and pledges supporting the construction of a new school building for Magallanes Elementary School in Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte through the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF).

Last year’s GMA Gala, held in July 2023 at the Marriott Hotel in Newport Pasay City, also doubled as a fund-raising event. The glamorous evening raised P1 million for the benefit of the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF). 

Atty. Felipe L. Gozon

Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Ms. Judith R. Duavit-Vazquez and Ms. Laura J. Westfall

The Network’s most prominent celebrities graced the event, including Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Heart Evangelista, Alden Richards, Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado, Bea Alonzo, Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, Bianca Umali, Ruru Madrid, Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, and many more.

Additionally, ABS-CBN's top executives, along with Kapamilya personalities Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, and Joshua Garcia, were in attendance. 

The GMA Gala 2023 was a perfect occasion for the artists, executives, media partners, and collaborators to come together for one special, sparkling night.

While GMA Network has yet to announce the venue and theme of this year's gala, anticipation is definitely building for another event featuring the country’s biggest celebrities and personalities.

Check out images from 2023:

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes

Dominic Roque and Bea Alonzo

Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo

Anne Curtis

Beauty Gonzales

Bianca Umali and Ruru Madrid

Cory Vidanes and Carlo Katigbak

Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos

Herlene Budol

Isko Moreno

Janeena Chan, David Licauco, Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog, Barbie Forteza and Tim Yap

Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo

Jessica Soho

Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz

Sanya Lopez

Megan Young

‘Bagong Pilipinas’ hymn, pledge now in flag rites

 PAST AND PRESENT | Preparations are underway at the Aguinaldo Shrine for the celebration of the country’s 126th Independence Day on Wednesday. President Marcos on Sunday said the struggle for independence continues in upholding “our freedom in our territory and sovereignty.” —Photo by Richard A. Reyes, Philippine Daily Inquirer

By: Melvin Gascon - Reporter / @melvingasconINQPhilippine Daily Inquirer / 05:55 AM June 10, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued an order to government offices and public schools to include the singing of the “Bagong Pilipinas” (“New Philippines”) hymn and reciting of the pledge during their flag rites, “to further instill the principles of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and leadership” among state personnel and employees.

Marcos issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 52 on June 4, a copy of which was released to the media on Sunday, directing “all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs (government-owned and -controlled corporations) and educational institutions, such as SUCs (state universities and colleges)” and encouraging local government units (LGUs) “to integrate the recital of the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge in the conduct of the weekly flag ceremonies, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.”

The circular, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, takes effect “immediately” and contains a copy of the said hymn and pledge.

“For this purpose, the heads of all national government agencies and instrumentalities shall ensure that the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge, which are annexed to this circular, are properly disseminated within their respective institutions and offices,” Bersamin said.

The Presidential Communications Office was asked to implement effective measures to communicate and disseminate the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge to all government agencies and the public.

In his directive, Marcos invoked Republic Act No. 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which required all government agencies and LGUs to conduct flag-raising rites on Mondays and flag-lowering on Fridays.

The law authorizes the Office of the President to issue rules and guidelines for the proper conduct of the flag ceremonies, the President said.

He also cited his MC 24, which launched his administration’s Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and leadership and directed all agencies and instrumentalities, GOCCs and SUCs “to be guided by the Bagong Pilipinas principles.”

“Bagong Pilipinas is characterized by principled, accountable and dependable government, reinforced by unified institutions of society [and] envisioned to empower Filipinos to support and participate in all government efforts in an all-inclusive plan towards deep and fundamental social and economic transformation in all sectors of society and government,” the President said.

Echoes of ‘New Society’

In Congress, Sen JV Ejercito said Malacañang’s order does not seem to be “a very good idea.”

“Lupang Hinirang, Panatang Makabayan and Panunumpa sa Watawat are more than enough to instill nationalism and love for country,” he pointed out.

“Adding a hymn and another pledge will already be too much,” he added.

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro on Sunday urged the President to rescind the directive, calling it “self-serving and [a] martial law remnant.”

Castro, the ACT Teachers party list representative, claimed that Mr Marcos’ MC 52 was an attempt at indoctrinating government workers and the youth on the “Bagong Lipunan” (“New Society”) branding and revisionism of history. “Bagong Lipunan” was the predominant theme of the President’s father and namesake during the martial law regime in the 1970s.

Senators Alan and Pia aid over a thousand Cebuanos in two-day support initiative

 

PRESS RELEASE

June 9, 2024

 Senators Alan and Pia aid over a thousand Cebuanos in two-day support initiative

The path to recovery from difficult situations became clearer for more than a thousand Cebuanos when the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano provided support to residents on June 5 and 6, 2024.

Barangay Health Workers (BHW), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), Day Care Workers (DCW), and women’s group leaders in Catmon and Mandaue were the primary beneficiaries during the two-day support initiative.

On June 5, 2024, the Cayetano siblings' offices visited Catmon to assist a total of 500 individuals to bolster their income.

“This will help them buy rice, ayun talaga ang kailangan nila dito,” former Vice Mayor Earl Oyas said when asked where the beneficiaries will use the assistance given.

“Makakatulong din ito pambili ng school materials for their kids, kaya salamat po talaga,” he added.

The aid can also be utilized to cover daily expenses and meet the essential needs of the beneficiaries, providing them with crucial financial support.

Along with Oyas, former Mayor and Incumbent Councilor Dan Jusay and Barangay Captain Karem Joromo played important roles to ensure that the residents of Catmon receive the much-needed support.

On the second day, June 6, 2024, 512 residents of Mandaue received aid from the offices of the sibling senators.

During this visit, the offices of the sibling senators also met with women's groups from an earlier event held by Senator Pia on March 7, 2024 in Cebu.

The success of the Mandaue event was made possible through the efforts of local government units and Representative Lolypop Ouano-Dizon.

The two-day program in Catmon and Mandaue was a partnership between the Cayetano siblings and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

AICS aims to assist individuals facing difficult circumstances by providing a range of support services tailored to their specific needs. This includes educational aid, food, transportation, medical support, burial services, and financial help.

Dedicated to their advocacies, the Cayetano siblings strive to support Filipinos in need, helping them recover from challenging situations.###

Testament besser nicht zu Hause aufbewahren

 

Wohin mit dem selbst verfassten Testament? Die Verwahrung in den eigenen vier Wänden ist im Zweifel nicht die beste Idee. © Christin Klose/dpa-tmn

Das Testament steht. Bleibt nur die Frage: Wie macht man es den Erben am besten zugänglich? Ein Experte klärt auf.

Bonn - Ein selbst verfasstes Testament einfach zu Hause aufbewahren? Das hält der Bonner Fachanwalt für Erbrecht Eberhard Rott für keine gute Idee. Einige Gründe sprächen dafür, es lieber beim zuständigen Amtsgericht vor Ort zu hinterlegen.

Laut Rott sei das Risiko zu groß, dass Hinterbliebene den letzten Willen der verstorbenen Person in dessen eigenen vier Wänden gar nicht finden. Hinzu kommt eine Verlustgefahr - etwa durch einen Brand oder einen Wasserrohrschaden. 

Auch der Missbrauch des letzten Willen ist im Fall der privaten Aufbewahrung eines Testaments denkbar. So ist nicht ausgeschlossen, dass Hinterbliebene ein Testament verändern oder vernichten, falls ihnen 

Solche und andere Szenarien bleiben aus, wenn das Testament beim zuständigen Nachlassgericht hinterlegt ist. Teuer ist das nicht. Für die Aufbewahrung zahlt der Erblasser oder die Erblasserin einmalig 75 Euro. Weitere 15,50 Euro fallen dafür an, dass das hinterlegte Schriftstück im Zentralen Testamentsregister der Bundesnotarkammer erfasst wird. dpa

World Food Safety Day: A call to prepare for the unexpected

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jun 7, 2024 00:05 AM

  

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World Food Safety Day, observed every June 7 since 2018, is a global reminder that the food we consume impacts our health, communities, and future generations. This year’s theme, “Food safety: Prepare for the unexpected,” resonates deeply in a world where one in 10 people falls ill due to contaminated food. 

Ten percent of the population falling ill due to food contamination is a cause for concern. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), contaminated food causes over 200 diseases ranging from diarrhea to cancers that affect millions worldwide. From mild discomfort to severe illness, the consequences are far-reaching.

And what is alarming is the vulnerability of children. The WHO said that 40 percent of foodborne disease burden is on children under five years old. With their fragile immune systems, this demands utmost vigilance and attention from healthcare services.

With foodborne diseases affecting a big chunk of the global population, food safety challenges could strain healthcare systems, disrupt economies, and burden families. This is why ensuring food safety is crucial in the prevention of illnesses.

To address food safety concerns, the government should enforce stringent regulations—from production to harvest, processing, storage, distribution, all the way to preparation and consumption. It should also invest in early detection systems to swiftly address disease outbreaks; and engage in educational campaigns to raise public awareness about safe food handling practices.

On the part of the private sector, it should ensure supply chain integrity. Food producers, processors, and retailers must prioritize safety every step of the way. It should practice transparency to build consumer trust. It is also necessary to engage in industry-wide collaboration to ensure safer products.

Another step to ensure food safety is to practice smart shopping. Always check labels, expiry dates, and storage instructions.

Proper cooking is another measure and practicing hygiene at home will go a long way in attaining food safety. Always cook meat and other types of food thoroughly, wash fruits and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.

In the event of food-related illnesses, report it promptly to health or local authorities.

In line with this year’s theme, everyone should keep in mind that preparing for the unexpected is crucial in ensuring food safety at home, in public, and elsewhere.

Conducting risk assessment could jumpstart one’s preparation. This is vital in identifying potential hazards and planning responses. Another important step is setting emergency protocols by establishing crisis management procedures. Community engagement is another vital measure. By involving local communities in food safety initiatives, the public is assured that precautionary measures are in place right at the grassroots.

This is why the observance of World Food Safety Day is crucial as it raises awareness about food safety, promotes preventive measures, and manages foodborne risks. 

As we celebrate World Food Safety Day today, let’s keep in mind that our choices ripple across the globe. By preparing for the unexpected, we nourish not only our bodies but also a safer, healthier world. Let’s stand together to make every meal a celebration of life and well-being.

New crowns, P1 million cash prize for 60th Binibining Pilipinas

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Jun 9, 2024 08:13 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Prizes for this year's winners were also revealed. The two runners-up will receive P400,000 each, while the new Bb. Pilipinas International and Bb. Pilipinas Globe titleholders will get P1 million each.

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The candidates of 60th Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant (Images by Noel Pabalate)

Bb. Pilipinas International Angelica Lopez and Bb. Pilipinas Globe Anna Lakrini unveiled the new crowns to be bestowed to their respective successors during the 60th Binibining Pilipinas press presentation held at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City on June 7.

Both crowns, created by jeweler Manny Halasan, featured ethical diamonds and were designed based on the iconic Binibining Pilipinas logo.

Prizes for this year's winners were also revealed. The two runners-up will receive P400,000 each, while the new Bb. Pilipinas International and Bb. Pilipinas Globe titleholders will get P1 million each.

Nico Locco (Instagram)

The 40 lovely candidates of the 60th Binibining Pilipinas pageant showed off their pasarela skills as they slayed the runway during the press presentation.

The new crowns of 60th Binibining Pilipinas

Wearing one-piece black swimsuits from Dia Ali by Justine Aliman, the candidates charmed the members of media and pageant sponsors with their fierce performance in a spectacular program produced by Aika Events and Productions.

During the press presentation, the pageant media voted for Miss Photogenic (Face of Binibining Pilipinas). The result will be announced during the finals.

The much-awaited grand coronation night of the 60th Binibining Pilipinas pageant, a night of glamour and anticipation, will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 7.

Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, and SB19 will perform during the finals. Former Binibini queens Catriona Gray, Nicole Cordovez, MJ Lastimosa, and Kylie Versoza will also grace the event, adding to its grandeur.

Bb. Pilipinas International Angelica Lopez 

Bb. Pilipinas Globe Anna Lakrini