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!
The city of Ormoc has recently been placed under State of Calamity due to a dengue outbreak. The Department of Health in Eastern Visayas has been ringing the alarm on dengue deaths and illnesses in the province. There has been 13 deaths and 5,730 cases recorded from January to July this year, which means its 152 percent higher than the 2,273 cases and seven deaths in 2023. Dengue fever, recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne illness globally, affects approximately 400 million people each year and is prevalent in over 100 countries.
Despite the growing threat, many myths and misconceptions continue to cloud public understanding of dengue. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for effective prevention and protection.
Here are some of them.
Myth #1: Dengue fever cannot be contracted more than once.
Fact: The dengue virus (DENV) has four distinct serotypes. Immunity from one serotype does not protect against the others, making subsequent infections possible and potentially more severe.
Myth #2: Dengue is contagious.
Fact: Dengue is transmitted through bites from infected female mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti3. It cannot be contracted through human contact or respiratory droplets, making mosquito control essential.
Myth #3: An infected mosquito only breeds in dirty stagnant water.
Fact: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes lay eggs in any stagnant water, whether clean or dirty. Common breeding sites include basins, pots, jars, and rain gutters. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent mosquito infestation.
Myth #4: Dengue fever is only a risk during the rainy season.
Fact: While the rainy season can increase mosquito breeding sites, dengue fever is a risk year-round due to mosquitoes being attracted to carbon dioxide and heat.
Myth #5: The body can naturally recover from dengue fever without medical intervention.
Fact: Dengue fever usually presents as a week-long episode of severe headache, vomiting, and muscle pain. Immediate medical attention is crucial, as some individuals may require hospitalization despite initial recovery with rest and hydration.
With no specific cure for dengue fever, the focus must remain on preventive measures and accurate information.
Tip: To help manage dengue, and the high costs that come with it, some insurance companies offer financial assistance for dengue medical care. For instance, PruLifeUK’s protection products like PRUDengue Medcare and Medcare Pro offers coverage especially for dengue cases.
K-pop girl group Le Sserafim unveiled three sets of concept photos for their upcoming fourth mini-album “Crazy” coming out on Aug. 30.
The photos were revealed following an electrifying album trailer and genre-spanning track samplers for each track of the album.
The first batch of photos titled “Thundering Cedar” visually embodies "Crazy" itself with the quintet’s hair levitated by static electricity, while they intensely concentrate on something outside the frame that is anything but ordinary.
The unique setting is complemented by glowing lightning, a common motif also seen in the album’s trailer and track samplers, that delivers to viewers the overarching message of the album: “Let’s just go crazy together with Le Sserafim.”
Le Sserafim (Source Music)
Taking a 180-degree turn from the eye-catching set of the previous concept, “Odd Fairy Floss” incorporates the quintet’s real-life favorite items, including sweet desserts, crocheted hats, and cute dolls.
Stimulating viewers’ imaginations, the members appear to be floating or exploring a dreamlike world, with their bodies either grown as giants or shrunken as fairies. Text bubbles of what seems to be the members’ quirky thoughts, such as “Now, i am ready for a crazy adventure,” catches viewers’ attention.
The final concept “Heathers Rock” captures the quintet in five very different outfits ranging from flowy dresses, simple sportswear, to hip-hop style looks. Each member engages in seemingly out of the ordinary activities within ordinary settings, such as DJing on an apartment staircase, jumping rope in a neighborhood alley, and posing in front of a trash can. Not limiting themselves from time and place, the quintet is immersed in what they want to do, right here, right now. The group photo also includes Kim Chaewon holding up a flag that reads “Crazy Kids Never Die,” which also appeared in the album trailer, piquing curiosity for the upcoming album.
Le Sserafim will reveal the album’s tracklist on Aug. 22 and highlight medley on Aug. 23.
ACCESS will deliver food, clean water, sanitation facilities, and protection assistance to the hardest-hit, least-served, most remote communities
Manila, Philippines, 19 August 2024 – The ACCESS consortium – made up of five international and nine local organizations implementing the ACCESS Project – has secured PHP 76 million (EUR 1.2 million) in funding from the European Union (EU) to deliver timely, appropriate, life-saving aid to communities in Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte and del Sur, and Sultan Kudarat who were affected by the July 2024 flooding and landslides.
Said Ansherina Talavera, Humanitarian and Peacebuilding Coordinator of consortium lead CARE Philippines: “As humanitarian workers, we’re committed to addressing human suffering wherever it is found, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable. This funding from the European Union helps us support the hardest-hit communities, who are not only dealing with the aftermath of floods and landslides but are also facing the ongoing challenges of conflict and climate change.”
The consortium had been on the ground when floods and landslides hit the region, allowing it to immediately assess the situation, identify urgent needs, and deliver initial relief. This established presence in Mindanao and across the Philippines is made possible by the ACCESS-initiated Equitable Partnership Alliance – a non-formal network of local, national, and international non-government organizations committed to delivering quality humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding programs in the country.
The funding will help ACCESS provide food assistance, clean water, sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion, and essential services protecting the rights and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of affected families. As with all its emergency response efforts, the consortium will target the hardest hit, least served, difficult-to-reach areas, prioritizing low-income households for whom recovery may be challenging, and including older persons, pregnant and lactating women, persons with disability, female-headed households, and households from indigenous groups.
From El Nino to floods and landslides
The massive flooding and landslides – the result of the interaction of multiple, successive weather systems, including the southwest monsoon – came just as families were recovering from the impacts of El Nino. Many had also been grappling with the protracted, decades-long conflict across Mindanao.
Urgent needs
Among affected and displaced individuals, the consortium found high levels of food insecurity; significant losses in incomes and livelihood assets; poor water supply, sanitation, and hygiene conditions; extensive damages to belongings and the loss of important civil documents; heightened risks of sexual violence and exploitation against women and children; and a need for mental health and psychosocial support.
Said Talavera, “ACCESS is focused on providing urgent aid and helping families rebuild their lives with resilience and dignity."
About ACCESS
ACCESS (Assisting the Most Vulnerable Communities and Schools Affected by Complex Emergencies in Accessing Quality and Timely Humanitarian and Disaster Preparedness Services) is a multi-year, multi-sectoral project funded by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). The ACCESS Mindanao flood emergency response will be implemented by consortium members ACCORD, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Humanity & Inclusion Philippines, Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, and Save the Children Philippines, together with Oxfam Pilipinas and United Youth of the Philippines-Women.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tanya Mariano
Communications Specialist, CARE Philippines
tanya.mariano@care.org
Tanya Mariano | CARE Philippines | Communications Specialist for ECHO Actions
Cedar Executive Bldg II, Unit 512, No. 26 Timog Ave corner Scout Tobias St, Quezon City Philippines
Contact: +63917-851-4881 | (+632) 8351-6458
CARE PH Facebook | CARE PH Twitter | CARE PH Website
MANILA, Philippines — Michele Gumabao proved that Creamline is not just about having its top players around.
“Creamline isn’t just one player, it’s really the whole team and we’re really one big family, same program, same training and our coaches treat us just the same,” said Gumabao, who is expected to step up anew as shorthanded Creamline tangles with Chery Tiggo in today’s PVL Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena.
“Sa coaches namin hindi nila hinahanap kung sino wala. We just need to really step up para sa mga hinihintay naming bumalik,” she added.
Gumabao has been providing not just strength but also leadership in the absence of Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza, and has averaged 16.5 points in its first two outings.
MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2022 and Filipino-American designer R'Bonney Gabriel appeared on reality competition show "Drag Race Philippines" in an outfit made from letters sent to her by fans and supporters.
The second episode of "Drag Race Philippines" Season 3 carried a sustainability theme where the competing queens had to make two outfits: one from sari-sari store products and one from recycled material provided by production.
R'Bonney, an advocate for sustainable fashion, was the special guest judge for the episode and joined in on the challenge's theme.
The beauty queen-designer stitched together fan letters to cover her shoulders, legs, and hair.
"Kept all my fan letters from last year and incorporated it into my guest judging look I designed for 'Drag Race Philippines' because I love y'all," R'Bonney said in one Instagram post, and in another said, "I had a feeling that hoarding all my fan letters would come in handy one day."
R'Bonney is the first Filipino-American to be crowned Miss Universe and since her coronation has made frequent visits to the Philippines.
Drag queen Myx Chanel won the episode's maxi challenge and badge with their superhero-villain concept while contestants Angel and Tita Baby were dramatically spared from elimination by host and main judge Mama Pao Ballesteros.
The month of August is a significant period where we celebrate the beauty and history of our language in a celebration called Buwan ng Wika. With the theme “Filipino: Wikang Magpalaya,” this year’s celebration is highlighting the role of our language in promoting peace and unity.
To mark this celebration, Style Weekend asked some book influencers what their favorite Filipino books are.
‘Cave and Shadows’ by Nick Joaquin
On the surface, it’s about a man who returns to Manila to solve the mysterious death of his stepdaughter. It’s a crime thriller and mystery, but Joaquin goes deeper and explores themes like identity, history, religion, and colonialism.
This is a meaningful recommendation as this year marks Joaquin’s 20th death anniversary. There is a renewed interest in the National Artist’s body of work, including the reprinting of his books, the launching of the Nick Joaquin Foundation, and the theatrical staging of Kisapmata, the Mike de Leon film adapted from the author’s “The House on Zapote Street.”—Koji Arsua, writer and book content creator.
‘Of Flowers That Bloomed in Fire & at Night’ by Jerico Silvers
In the midst of the pandemic, this book illuminated my darkest days and helped me find solace and understanding during challenging times. This book has been an unwavering friend, aiding me as I journey through the toughest stages of my life.
This book is truly special and I highly recommend it for anyone in need of comfort. It’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve come across, blending self-help and poetry in a way that feels like a warm embrace.—Jucelle Garcia, BookTok influencer.
‘Desaparesidos’ by Lualhati Bautista
This book delivered everything I hoped for and more—a heart-wrenching story set during a defining moment in Philippine history, written with boldness and courage, yet strikingly relevant to today’s society. It’s graphic, raw, honest, and deeply moving all at once. I’d go so far as to call it Bautista’s best book of all time.—Kat Leonorio, professional teacher and co-founder of#AkdangPinoy2024.
‘Si’ by Bob Ong
Sinimulan ni Bob Ong ang librong ito sa dulo at tinapos sa pinakasimula. Isasama ka ng librong ito sa buhay ng karakter na busog sa pag-ibig at mga pagsubok sa buhay. Manipis lang ang libro, pero pakikiligin, patatawanin, at paiiyakin ka. Ipapakita rin ng kwento ang kahalagahan ng pamilya, pagpapatawad, at pagkakaibigan. Ang ganda ng pagkakasulat– parang hinihele ka ng mga salita. Bubuuin ang puso mo para lang durugin ng huling pahina (Bob Ong started the story at the end and ended it at the beginning. This book will take you on a journey about the character’s life—full of love and challenges. It’s a short read but will make you feel the love, laugh, and cry. It shows the importance of family, forgiveness, and friendship. It was beautifully written. It’s like a lullaby; it will make your heart complete, only to shatter it in the end).—Gerald, The Bookworm, Book content creator.
‘Lalani of the Distant Sea’ by Erin Entrada Kelly
Released in 2019, this middle-grade fantasy novel follows the story of a young girl, Lalani Sarita, from Sanlagita. When an overlong drought came upon Sanlagita, Lalani decided to go beyond the island and find both the solution and the truth.
Powerful and imaginative, Lalani is a highly-recommended read for readers of all ages. What made it more accessible to Filipino audiences are the references scattered all throughout the book, coded and reimagined from different Filipino mythology and folklore. We have a nunso (nuno sa punso), fei (diwata), and mindorens to name a few. It also delivered a fresh perspective about childhood thinking while also highlighting classic Filipino traits such as generosity and bravery even in the most challenging times.
Lastly, one of the many takeaways from ‘Lalani’ that spoke to me is about taking risks even when no one believes in you and challenging the system.— Saimon or Sai, petroleum engineer and co-founder of#AkdangPinoy2024.
“Ang iyong sense of purpose ay magandang bagay sa iyong vision.”
This was the message of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano in his inspirational speech at the 42nd anniversary celebration of Mandaport Apostolic Pentecostals (MAP) on August 18, 2024 in the City of Taguig.
Drawing inspiration from the recent triumph of Paris 2024 Olympics gold medalist Carlos Yulo and other Filipino athletes, Cayetano emphasized that their clear vision propelled them to success and continues to drive them forward.
“Dahil klaro sa kanila na gusto nilang maging champion athlete, may vision sila. Ngayon, nagkakaroon sila ng purpose kapag may laban [tulad ng Olympics],” he said.
The senator stressed that a clear vision, purpose, and identity are crucial to achieving success as these elements cultivate the discipline needed to fulfill one's goals.
“Kapag klaro po ang iyong vision at mayroong plano, purpose, at identity, babantayan ka Niya. Kung nandiyan ang tatlong ‘yan, magkakaroon ng disiplina patungo sa iyong vision,” he said.
Cayetano noted that some people struggle to find their vision because they let the negative influences of the world cloud their judgment and obscure their path.
“Marami tayong mga kapatid na hindi umaabot sa vision kasi nauunahan ng kasinungalingan na ikaw ay hindi special. ‘Pag ikaw ay may identity sa Panginoon, alam mong mahalaga ka sa Panginoon,” he said.
He also emphasized that a strong foundation – rooted in the Word of God – significantly impacts not only an individual’s vision but also the country's vision toward true transformation.
“Marami tayong darating na magagaling na politiko at sistema galing sa ibang bansa, pero kung wala ang salita ng Diyos, walang transformation,” he said.
“Ang mas mahalaga po nating task ay ayusin ang pundasyon sa ating sariling pamilya, sa sariling community, sa sariling church,” he added.
In closing his remarks, Cayetano urged the members of MAP to continue inspiring the public, much like Filipino athletes do, saying that preaching becomes more effective when it also inspires.
“Success inspires; your church will inspire. Pero ano ang mag-i-inspire sa’yo? Is it the gold medal, or is it the Word of God? Mas maganda kung both,” he said.
“Sa lahat ng ating ginagawa, dapat ginagawa natin para sa Panginoon,” he concluded. ###
Mpox, formerly called "monkeypox," is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus that has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported that no new mpox cases have been detected since December 2023.
While there are currently no available treatments or vaccines for mpox, the DOH said infected patients may recover without medical intervention.
The DOH has assured the public that its surveillance systems remain on alert following the recent declaration of mpox as a global health emergency.
Monkeypox, now known as mpox, has been declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the second time.
Image from Unsplash
The viral disease, which has been spreading in African countries, was first declared a PHEIC in 2022.
Two years later, on Aug. 15, the WHO reissued its highest alert level due to a new mpox variant, which has increased the risk of the virus spreading to other continents.
The WHO’s declaration came a day after the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced mpox as a public health emergency.
Even before the WHO’s declaration, the Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines said it was on “alert” as it continued to monitor global developments related to mpox.
On Aug. 14, DOH Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo told reporters that the agency’s “surveillance systems remain on alert” following the recent declaration. “We will provide updates as they come,” he added.
What is mpox?
Mpox, originally named “monkeypox,” is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
Similar to smallpox but generally less severe, mpox was first identified in monkeys in 1958. The first reported human case was recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970.
In 2022, to minimize stigma and association with monkeys, as the disease can also infect rodents and humans, the WHO has changed the name from "monkeypox" to "mpox."
The viral disease spreads through direct contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.
Mpox can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Those infected develop a characteristic rash that often starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. This rash typically appears 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever and progresses through different stages before forming a scab, which eventually falls off.
Mpox in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the DOH reported that while there have been detected cases in the past, there have been no recorded deaths due to mpox.
“The mpox case count in the Philippines remains at nine,” Domingo said.
Four mpox cases were detected in 2022. Last year, five cases were detected: one in May, one in July, and three in December.
“No new mpox cases have been detected in the Philippines since December 2023,” Domingo said.
In 2022, the DOH issued interim technical guidelines for mpox surveillance, screening, management, and infection control.
A public health advisory issued by the DOH in 2022 explains how mpox differs from other viral diseases.
It also issued a public health advisory containing important information about the viral disease.
Should we be worried?
In a televised interview on Aug. 15, Domingo acknowledged the urgency of the WHO’s declaration of mpox as a health emergency but also emphasized the importance of remaining alert.
“Palagi namin sinasabi sa public health, maging alerto (We always say in public health, be alert),” Domingo said. “Tamang praning lang, wag masyado kasi para alam din natin kung ano ang gagawin natin para di tayo mahawaan o tayo ay makapag-ingat (It's okay to be cautious, but not overly so because this helps us know what actions to take to avoid infection or to be cautious),” Domingo said.
While mpox can be serious, especially for certain vulnerable groups, Domingo noted that there is no need to panic.
Mpox transmission
Domingo explained mpox spreads through close physical contact—especially skin-to-skin contact.
The virus spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person, including direct contact with their rash, bodily fluids, or respiratory droplets.
Mpox can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects like bedding. The incubation period, Domingo explained, varies from one to 21 days, with symptoms typically beginning as fever and rashes that may persist for up to four weeks.
The virus becomes contagious two days before the onset of symptoms, specifically rashes.
This 2022 public health advisory issued by the DOH explains how mpox is transmitted.
Unless individuals have direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals or humans, have prolonged face-to-face contact with an infected person, or have touched contaminated objects, such as bedding, clothing, or towels used by an infected person, the chances of transmission remain low.
Is there a treatment for mpox?
There is no specific treatment for mpox, Domingo said. However, the viral disease is generally self-limiting and can resolve without treatment.
“Walang gamot mismo sa monkeypox pero ang magandang balita, kusa itong gumagaling (There is no specific medication for monkeypox, but the good news is that it tends to resolve on its own),” he explained.
While the lack of available treatment for mpox causes concern for many, Domingo noted that infected patients may recover without medical treatment.
For infected individuals, supportive care --- such as managing symptoms and complications --- is crucial for recovery.
Similarly, Domingo said there is no vaccine available for mpox.
However, in some cases, antiviral drugs and vaccines used for smallpox may be effective against mpox.
In some countries like the United States, Domingo said the smallpox vaccine has been administered to high-risk populations.
“Dito sa Pilipinas, hindi natin siya ibinibigay kasi mababa o wala nga tayong nakikitang load lately at kaya naman ng ating surveillance systems (Here in the Philippines, we do not administer it because the risk is currently low or nonexistent, and our surveillance systems are adequate to manage it),” he said.
Be alert
While mpox is a disease that warrants attention and appropriate preventive measures, the DOH noted that there is no need for undue fear.
“Nakabantay ang DOH at ang buong gobyerno natin sa nangyayari ngayon sa international arena, wag po tayong mag-alala (The DOH and our entire government are monitoring the situation internationally, so please don’t worry),” Domingo said.
Recognizing that public health measures and education are key to controlling the spread of mpox, Domingo said that the DOH would continue to provide accurate information related to the disease.
“Tamang impormasyon ang kailangan para alam ng ating populasyon kung ano ang gagawin (Accurate information is needed so our population knows what actions to take),” he added.
Preventive measures
Since mpox is a viral disease, the DOH emphasized that it is prevented mainly through hygiene.
Avoiding contact or refraining from close physical contact with individuals who show symptoms of mpox, and practicing hand hygiene through regular washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, are among the recommended preventive measures.
While masking remains voluntary, Domingo said wearing masks, especially while traveling, would reduce the possible transmission through respiratory droplets.
Domingo also mentioned that the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) is alert regarding the mpox situation.
“Ang ating BOQ, walang dagdag na proseso pero ang sinasabi naming alert sila (The BOQ has not added new processes, but they are on alert),” Domingo said.
Domingo mentioned that, as part of its measures against mpox, the BOQ might start asking additional questions or conducting interviews with travelers arriving from or heading to Africa.
Money sent home by Filipinos abroad reached its highest level so far this year in June, although a potential recession in the United States is threatening to clip the growth of remittances.
Cash remittances coursed through banks amounted to $2.88 billion in June, up by 2.5 percent year-on-year, data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.
Figures showed this was the highest inflow so far this year.
Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said remittances were typically high in June as Filipinos abroad hike their money transfers to pay for school-related fees ahead of the resumption of classes. Such a seasonal surge, he explained, may last until August.
Economic slowdown
But Ricafort said the possibility of a recession in the United States, major host country of Filipino expats, could pose a serious risk to remittances as data showed high interest rates stateside might be starting to weaken the American job market.
“Risk of economic slowdown or even recession in the United States, as well as in other countries that host large number of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) … would still be a drag for remittances especially if there would be job losses,” he said.
The June spike in inflows brought the six-month remittances to $16.25 billion, 2.9 percent bigger than a year ago. According to the BSP, cash remittances from the United States, Saudi Arabia and Singapore contributed mainly to the increase in the first half of the year.
Data showed remittances have been growing at around 3 percent since late 2022, with the BSP projecting the average growth of these inflows to settle at that level again in 2024. That trend made some analysts believe that the growth of such transfers might be plateauing already even despite the weakness of the local currency in the past months.
Money sent home by Filipinos overseas is a major source of purchasing power in the Philippines, where consumption typically accounts for nearly 70 percent of gross domestic product. That said, a plateauing remittance growth may translate to sub-par support to consumer spending.
But Ricafort said remittances remain a “bright spot” for the economy, as they keep many Filipino families afloat amid stubbornly high inflation.
“Nevertheless, the continued and consistent growth in remittances could be attributed to higher inflation locally that required the sending of more remittances back to the country,” he said.
Russian ballet stars call Philippines ‘Paradise on Earth;’ decline to comment on ongoing war
Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo - Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — “Paradise on Earth” – this is how Russian couple Renata Shakirova and Aleksei Timofeyev described the Philippines, coming here for the first time as guest performers for local ballet company Ballet Manila’s 2024 staging of the classic “Giselle.”
At a press conference early this week for “Giselle,” the Russian guests raved over the Philippines.
According to the couple, they have always heard about the country from a Filipino ballet dancer friend, and now that they have come to the country for the first time, they agree with their friend that the country is just as their friend described, a “paradise on Earth.”
“Giselle,” "a tragedy... sad but beautiful story" of a peasant girl who fell in love with a nobleman, is the third offering for Ballet Manila's 26th Performance Season, said Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Philippine prima ballerina, the first foreign soloist to join the Kirov Ballet and Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director.
The Mariinsky Ballet artists are in town to headline Ballet Manila’s “Giselle” in Aliw Theater on August 31 at 8 p.m. and on September 1 at 5 p.m.
“’Giselle’ has been a staple in Ballet Manila, but now, what makes this year different from previous seasons, aside from the fact that we have two guest artists, is the fact that it is onstage with the new Aliw Theater, with our LED (light-emitting diode) projections, with all those effects, may upgrading na kahit papaano…” Macuja-Elizalde explained.
Lisa said she learned about the couple through a recommendation from her ballet teacher in Russia. She invited the pair so that her company’s relatively new dancers (she lost many dancers during the pandemic) would be able to experience dancing with guest artists, who are also new to the country.
“Of course, it is so hard to say ‘no’ to Lisa because she is full of energy and life…” Alexei enthused.
“What is very special with Ballet Manila’s ‘Giselle’ is that I’m dancing it for the first time with my husband,” shared Renata, “and that kind of artistry and performance with somebody you are very close to will just make the performance very special. And I’m very excited to know the artists of Ballet Manila."
“It didn’t really need a lot of convincing or a lot of time to think about it. When the possibility came to perform in Manila, Philippines, there was really no question about it. We would accept because we were very excited to be able to perform in Manila. And we heard so much about the country. And so now, coming to the Philippines is just very exciting and we are looking forward to it.”
Their first performance as a couple was “Don Quixote,” and since then, they have performed in other shows together such as “Anyuta.”
The pair admitted that sometimes, it is also hard to work together as husband-and-wife, as they sometimes fight during rehearsals. But overall, it is now a “fun and pleasurable” experience for them, “especially in the acting and artistic exchange as a couple.”
“'Giselle’ is one of my favorite ballets,” said Aleksei. “And dancing ‘Giselle’ with my wife Renata, it is even more interesting for me to find out what’s going to happen… We are getting a good kind of jitters because we are performing in front of an audience we don’t know.”
“We don’t know the Philippine audience at all,” confessed Aleksei. “It is going to be the first time for the both of us. So we don’t really know what to expect from the Philippine audience, but what we want to do is to invite them to come and see our performance of ‘Giselle’.”
When Philstar.com asked how as artists were they affected by the war between Russia and Ukraine, Macuja-Elizalde said, “Sorry, I promised no politics!” — Video by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo; video editing by Martin Ramos
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