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!
PASADO is an organization of public and private school teachers who review series and films as documents and materials for teaching different disciplines.
GawadPasado
ABS-CBN bagged 11 accolades from Philippine educators for its outstanding shows, movies, and talents at the 2024GawadPasado Awards held at Philippine Christian University on Saturday, Oct. 12.
“Third World Romance”emerged as one of the big winners—nabbing thePinakaPASADOng Dulang Pampelikula, PinakaPASADOng Pelikula sa Pagkakapantay-pantay ng mga Kasarian, and the PinakaPASADOng Pelikula awards. Kapamilya actress, Charlie Dizon, also took home the PinkaPASADOng Aktres award for her exceptional performance in the movie.
The lead stars of “A Very Good Girl,” Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon, also received top honors—winning the PinakaPASADOng Aktres and PinakaPASADOng Katuwang na Aktres awards, respectively.
Nation’s girl group, BINI, who took the country by storm with their hit songs “Pantropiko” and “Salamin, Salamin,” took home the PinakaPASADOng Dangal ng Kabataan award.
Meanwhile, Dirty Linen, one of the top-rated series in the country in 2023, was honored with thePinakaPASADOng Teleserye Award.Its lead star, Janine Gutierrez, was also the recipient of the PinakaPASADOng Aktres sa TelebisyonAward for her role Alexa/Mila. Veteran actor and Star Magic artist, John Arcilla, who played the Fiero family patriarch, took home the PinakaPASADOng Aktor sa Telebisyon award.
Actor Paulo Avelino also won thePinakaPASADOng Aktor sa Telebisyonaward for his role Victor in the series “Linlang,” which first aired on Prime Video.
PASADO is an organization of public and private school teachers who review series and films as documents and materials for teaching different disciplines. It holds the Gawad Pasado Awards every year to recognize exemplary stories and talents, and encourage innovation in teaching and in the creative industry.
Robb Guinto, Angela Morena, Stephanie Raz, and Micaella Raz, four pioneer Vivamax stars who have defined the Vivamax brand of sexy headlined the show.
As the Philippines's no.1 video streaming platform hits an unprecedented 12 million subscribers in 2024, so too will the hotness level be notched even higher than the maximum as they took the show on the road with Project X, a sizzling fashion show featuring the newest and the hottest VMX crushes.
Kicking off the fashion show at Viva Cafe, Araneta Center on Oct. 10, Project X showcased 12 of the most in-demand Vivamax stars and sweet new faces that captivated the imagination of the platform's 12 million-strong viewers. Robb Guinto, Angela Morena, Stephanie Raz, and Micaella Raz, four pioneer Vivamax stars who have defined the Vivamax brand of sexy headlined the show.
They were joined by an assembly of fiery up-and-comers who, upon their unveiling in their Vivamax starrers, have already proven their worth as the next wave of VMX crushes: Apple Dy, Audrey Avila, Aiko Garcia, Jenn Rosa, Dyessa Garcia, Sahara Bernales, Rica Gonzales, Skye Gonzaga, and Marianne Saint, Project X sees the signature hotness of Vivamax movies to the live stage, with special numbers by the 12 VMX crushes that promise to elevate sexiness with glamour and talent as only they can deliver. Everyone can expect to experience being as close to their crushes as they can ever hope to be.
The show was directed by Direk Paul Basinillo, Director of Tala, Kilometro by Sarah G, Indak movie, and other stars like Bamboo, Gloc 9, Nadine Lustre, Yeng Constantino, and many more.
Direk Paul is a music video, concert director, TV commercial, and film and TV director who also serves as Viva’s chief marketing and creative officer.
Rep’s new home at Eastwood Theater is officially opened by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls head Graham Coates and Megaworld Corp. president and CEO Kevin Tan, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Rep’s Mindy Perez-Rubio and Joy Virata. —PHOTOS BY JOCELYN VALLE
Early this year, Repertory Philippines became homeless as Greenbelt 1 was set on closing down for renovation in April. The country’s pioneering theater company, known simply as Rep, had been putting on shows at the Onstage Theater of that Ayala Center mall in Makati City for the last 20 years.
But as fate would have it, a Rep staff member had a friend working at Megaworld Corp., a developer of several malls, including the cluster found at the Eastwood City property in Quezon City. The connection led to Megaworld Lifestyle Malls head Graham M. Coates, whose two daughters Rachel and Becca happened to be alumni of Rep’s acting workshops and productions. It ultimately reached Kevin Tan, the vice chairman, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Megaworld Corp.’s parent company, Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI).
AGI, whose Newport World Resorts property houses the Newport Performing Arts Theater, turned out to be making grand plans of expanding its reach and mark in the industry. It then offered Rep a home by reconfiguring the cinemas at its Eastwood City Walk mall and constructing a theater specifically for Rep. Thus, the birth of Eastwood Theater, which was formally launched Oct. 5 to coincide with the opening of Rep’s third production in its ongoing season, “Jepoy and the Magic Circle.”
The center stage is the OFW's tiny studio, with the kitchen near the door and the toilet conveniently located elsewhere. --PHOTOS BY SANDRO PAREDES
“Request sa Radyo,” a local adaptation of a German monodrama, is a marketing and promotions triumph. For months, Metro Manila buzzed about the reimagined Samsung Performing Arts Theater experience, featuring internationally acclaimed stars and a world-class production team. Postevent stories and social media posts were equally enthusiastic.
Nonetheless, the show lives up to the hype. We attended the preview starring Lea Salonga. Producer and scenographer Clint Ramos had seen Franz Xavier Kroetz’s “Wunschkonzert (Radio Request),” a play about a modest wage earner returning home from work and listening to the radio. In Western society, the solitary life, though common, can be daunting, forcing individuals to confront their feelings. Ramos adapted the play for the Philippine experience, focusing on an OFW in a New York suburb.
Monodramas, plays with a singular character, are ideal for intimate black-box theaters such as PowerMac Center Spotlight. However, staging it in a black box wouldn’t make news. The reconfiguring of the 1,200-capacity Samsung Theater by a Tony-award-winning designer would. Ramos transformed the conventional theater experience into an arena. As you enter, the theater is surrounded by crates, symbolizing the country’s export of caregivers.
As passenger volume soars at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), so do the fees collected by the new gateway concessionaire.
After implementing higher parking rates this month, the New Naia Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) has jacked up the price of its VIP (very important person) services—the package that includes priority check-in and boarding, meet and greet services as well as access to the lounge—by 10 times to P8,000.
Why? NNIC said the P800 price point makes it “easily accessible” when such services should be restricted to dignitaries, international performers and other high-profile passengers.
“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.
The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed a concerning picture of poverty in the country. As of the third quarter of 2024, the survey found out that Filipino families who consider themselves poor increased to 59 percent, or 16.3 million families; 13 percent rate themselves as “borderline” (placing themselves between poor and not poor); and 28 percent as “hindi mahirap” or not poor.
The increase in the number of families who consider themselves poor underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts from all sectors of society to address the poverty problem. What is bothersome is that in the survey period, there were 2.5 million new families who now rate themselves as poor.
This is why a collective effort is necessary to address the problem.
The government has a pivotal role in addressing poverty through policy and program implementation. Key initiatives include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which provides conditional cash transfers to impoverished families; “Walang Gutom 2027 (No Hunger in 2027): Food Stamp Program (FSP)”, which aims to fight involuntary hunger by providing food augmentation to the bottom one million households who belong to the food-poor criteria; Lingkod Agapay Maralita (LAM), which aims to address the economic needs of urban poor families by stimulating savings mobilization that would be implemented in partnership with the private sector; and the Universal Healthcare Act, aimed at improving access to health services. Additionally, the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 focuses on job creation and poverty reduction to build a prosperous and inclusive society. However, these efforts must be continuously evaluated and expanded to ensure they reach the most vulnerable populations.
On the other hand, the private sector is crucial in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. Initiatives like the Zero Extreme Poverty Philippines 2030 (ZEP2030) coalition, which was launched in 2015, demonstrate how businesses can collaborate to uplift communities. By investing in sustainable business practices, providing fair wages, and supporting local enterprises, the private sector can significantly reduce poverty levels. Moreover, corporate social responsibility programs can address specific needs such as education, healthcare, and housing.
But poverty alleviation should not be left alone with the government and the private sector. Every Filipino has a role to play in combating poverty. This includes supporting local businesses, participating in community development projects, and advocating for policies that promote social equity. Education and awareness are also vital; individuals can volunteer their time and resources to support educational programs and skills training for underprivileged communities. By fostering a culture of empathy and solidarity, each person can contribute to a more equitable society.
With 43,033 politicians filing their certificates of candidacy just recently, there is a renewed focus on how elected officials can address poverty. They must prioritize poverty reduction in their platforms and ensure that their policies are inclusive and sustainable. This may include advocating for better education, healthcare, and social protection programs.
Transparency and accountability are essential; politicians must be held responsible for delivering on their promises and effectively utilizing public funds to benefit the poor.
Addressing poverty requires a multifaceted approach involving the government, elected officials included; private sector; and every citizen. By working together, we can foster a society where every Filipino has the opportunity to thrive. The upcoming elections present a critical opportunity for voters to choose leaders committed to genuine and lasting poverty alleviation programs and economic growth. Let us all play our part in building a better future.
Chelsea recalled that the shoes were the first high-heeled pair she wore, which she used during her college graduation.
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Anne Manalo
When she leaves the Philippines to begin her journey for Miss Universe 2024, which will be held in Mexico City, Chelsea Anne Manalo will be bringing with her two things that she considers her lucky charms: a rosary and her first high-heeled shoes, which were given to her by her mom.
Chelsea recalled that the shoes were the first high-heeled pair she wore, which she used during her college graduation. "I took good care of it —minahal ko siya. Sabi ko, I know that it will take me along the way because ito na yung umpisa ng buhay ko. So, entering Miss Universe Philippines, those were my first ever heels. I would say that the shoes were a lucky charm for me."
On the other hand, the rosary was given to her by MUPH executive vice-president Voltaire Tayag after he finished a pilgrimage.
"I have a rosary from Sir V (Voltaire) because he just had his mission to walk, and he gave me that rosary. It's very important to me to take that with me to Mexico because I know he didn't just walk there for himself, but he indulged or took me to his prayers simultaneously," the beauty queen from Bulacan commented.
Chelsea was honored by friends, family, fellow queens, her creative team and MUPH officials led by Jonas Gaffud during her official send-off ceremony held at Hilton Hotel Manila on Oct. 9.
"I love you so much. I know you will win in Mexico!," Chelsea's tearful mom, Contessa, declared.
Chelsea Manalo with Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up Ariella Arida
Shamcey Supsup-Lee and Ariella Arida, who placed 3rd runner-up in Miss Universe 2011 and 2013, respectively, praised Chelsea's professionalism and "authentic" charm.
Shamcey intoned that Chelsea's positive attitude is an asset for the crown, which has to deal with brands a lot. She recalled when they had a shoot for a sponsor. "She (Chelsea) was sick and had a fever, but not one complaint from her for the whole day of shooting."
Miss Bingo Plus Universe of MUPH 2024, Maica Martinez of Nueva Ecija, declared herself proud of her batchmate. "Of course, we're manifesting and claiming Manalo to Mexico! I'm just so proud of you, Chelsea. We've spent so much time together, many months, as queen sisters."
On a scale of 1 to 10, Chelsea indicated and rated how prepared she was to compete in Mexico for Miss Universe.
"Can I just say nine? Meron pang isang naiwan kasi I don't want to always put myself naman na I'm 100 percent ready. I think yung 1 percent na naiwan is the whole Filipinos. Konting push pa for the support of all the Filipinos and I know I get na magiging 100 or more than 10 pa na ready ako. If I can get that support from all the other Filipinos who are here right now, beyond your lenses, beyond the media, then we're ready to get that crown," Chelsea stressed.
BingoPlus, your comprehensive entertainment platform in the country and provider of your favorite online tongits, bingo, and perya games, delivered a fun-filled and truly entertaining year for the pageant scene in the country as the brand successfully presented Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2024.
MUPH 2024 Chelsea Manalo with her mom Contessa and stepfather Randy
This year, BingoPlus stands as the MUPH lead presenter, allowing the brand to bring in significant events for the pageant throughout the competition, making it enjoyable for the queens and the organizations and for all supporters across Filipino communities.
Among these activities were the press conference held at LimaPark Hotel Batangas City, the MUPH house visit to BingoPlus at Bonifacio Global City and BingoPlus Studio in Quezon City, Sponsors Night and the Preliminary Night at the Manila Hotel, and the Grand Coronation Night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
For BingoPlus, the partnership with Empireph Holdings Inc. has been monumental in promoting its advocacies in nurturing culture and communities, expanding efforts to protect rich biodiversity, and creating safe spaces and opportunities for wellness.
The brand also ensured that its programs empowered women by launching its #GandaPlus campaign, which aimed to provide a platform for queens and fans to express their definition of beauty and purpose, ensuring a diverse and limitless meaning of beauty.
