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!
On any given day, words come naturally to Heart Evangelista. But in this fleeting moment, they eluded her.
Last Tuesday, as she welcomed a roomful journalists to the press conference for her new reality television show, “Heart World,” she paused midway through her speech to acknowledge, and shake off, her uncharacteristic jitters.
“Kinakabahan ako, actually,” she said, breaking into a smile and fidgeting in her black Schiaparelli tank top that she wore as a dress; she bought it specifically for this event.
MMFF 2024 announces second batch of films.Posters for the second batch of MMFF 2024 movies
Metro Manila Film Festival
SENTOSA, Singapore — The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) unveiled the second batch of films that will be competing at the festival's 50th edition later this year.
The five movies were unveiled during an event last October 22 in Mandaluyong's Podium Hall hosted by Jake Ejercito and Isabelle Daza. These entries were chosen among finished films submitted on or before September 30.
The films are the romance films "Hold Me Close" and "My Future You," thrillers "Topakk" and "Uninvited," and horror movie "Espantaho."
"Hold Me Close," helmed by Jason Paul Laxamana, who competed last year with "Penduko," sees him reuniting with his "Expensive Candy" stars Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino.
Barretto last headlined an MMFF film in 2016 for "Vince and Kath and James," while Aquino's last entry in the festival was back in 2012 for Chito S. Roño's "Shake, Rattle and Roll XIV."
Roño directs Judy Ann Santos in "Espantaho," her first movie since the 2019 MMFF movie "Mindanao," where the actress is joined by Lorna Tolentino and Mon Confiado.
The director himself is coming back to the film festival after a decade when he competed with "Feng Shui 2."
"Uninvited" stars Nadine Lustre and Vilma Santos — the two most recent Best Actress winners at the festival — along with Aga Muhlach under the direction of Dan Villegas, his first MMFF film since 2017's "All of You."
Richard Somes' "Topakk" is headlined by Arjo Atayde and previously screened in several international film festivals last year including Cannes, Locarno, and Sitges.
In the cast with Atayde are Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, Kokoy de Santos, Enchong Dee, and Vin Abrenica.
"My Future You" is the first MMFF movie of love team Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, under the direction of Crisanto Aquino.
The first batch of films announced earlier this year were "The Kingdom" starring Piolo Pascual and Vic Sotto; Vice Ganda's comeback movie "And The Breadwinner Is" directed by Jun Robles Lana; last year's Best Director Pepe Diokno adapting "Himala: Isang Musical;" Zig Dulay's "Green Bones;" and Kerwin Go's "Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital."
The 10 competing films of MMFF 2023 managed to collectively bring in P1.069 billion, beating the previous record held by the 2018 edition, a feat mostly attributed to the Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera movie "Rewind" — currently the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time.
“We are hoping to continue the legacy she has built,” said Anton T. Huang of his mother, Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco, who led the luxury retailer Rustan’s until her death in February. The company formally launched its holiday collection with an unveiling ceremony of its Christmas-themed window display on Oct. 18.
It’s a poignant time as the Tantoco heirs continue a longtime Rustan’s holiday tradition.
“It’s true that we’re no longer as complete as we were last year,” said Huang, president and CEO of Rustan Commercial Corp., SSI group of companies, and Rustan Marketing. “We’re doing what we can to continue the legacy that [our late chair and CEO] built, and also that of her parents—our grandparents.”
Rustan’s Christmas shop
The unveiling of the Christmas-themed display, which dates back to the 1980s, has become a tradition. The building façade of the flgaship store in Makati not only creatively brings many of its featured brands to the forefront, but also spreads the holiday spirit to every passerby.
“As I told the Rustan’s team earlier, I’m proud of what they’ve done. I really feel, as I entered the building today, that there’s some strong sense of emotion that brings us back to the magic that we felt during Christmas while we were growing up,” Huang told Lifestyle shortly after the unveiling held at the five-story branch in Makati City.
Celebratory moment
This year, the window display depicts Santa’s journey, showcasing his preparations in the workshop, and culminating in the delivery of gifts to children in the community. What makes this year’s concept unique is its modern interpretation of the folkloric tale, Rustan’s explained in a statement. For instance, instead of a sleigh, Santa is seen driving a beautiful vintage car loaded with gifts, as Mrs. Claus zips through town on a Vespa.
Anton Huang, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Lizzie Zobel, Marga Nograles and Donnie Tantoco
Meaningful cause
“We’ve always thought of Christmas as a celebratory moment or period of the year,” Huang said. “I want to make sure that this year, like in the previous years at Rustan’s, Christmas will be for all ages and not only for the children themselves. It should be for the child in all of us. That’s what we are really trying to achieve today. I think we did an incredible job of creating a magical place for our shoppers and loyal customers, for them to really enjoy themselves this holiday season.”
Rustan’s goes full-on with its lavish decorations. On launch day, the doorman welcomed visitors with a holiday tune. Inside, Santa’s elves ushered guests to the courtyard for refreshments. The Head Elf arrived shortly, signaling the start of the festivities by asking: “Do you believe in the magic of Christmas?”
Pundaquit Virtuosi Orchestra
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Promotions Board head Marga Nograles, Lizzie Zobel, Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., and Happy Ongpauco-Tiu were among the guests .
Each floor hosted a variety of activities. At the Beauty section on the ground floor was Santa’s Chocolate Corner, where guests were offered cacao samples. Meanwhile, the Men’s section featured a cocktail-tasting booth.
Rustan’s and SSI Group chair Donnie Tantoco, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu. Marga Nograles, Dr. Hayden Kho. Dr. Vicki Belo, Lizzie Zobel and Anton Huang
The second floor (Women’s) featured a Christmas tram where guests took souvenir photos. They also had the chance to interact with fashion designers such as Rosbert Villar, Yoya, Joyce Makitalo, Jim Weaver, and Puey Quinones.
Malacañang has suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels on Oct. 31, starting 12 p.m. for the observance of All Saints' and Souls' Days.
Davao City residents visit their departed loved ones at the Davao Public Cemetery on All Saints Day, November 1. (Keith Bacongco)
Through Memorandum Circular No. 67, the Palace issued a suspension to give government employees the full opportunity to properly observe the All Saints' and Souls' Day activities.
"In order to provide government employees full opportunity to properly observe traditional All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day activities, allow them to travel to and from different regions in the country, and promote domestic tourism, work in government offices and classes at all levels shall be suspended on 31 October 2024 starting 12:00 p.m.," the memorandum read.
However, agencies, whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services, shall continue their operations and render the necessary services, the memorandum added.
The suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.
The memorandum was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Kristine could make landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening, Oct. 23, or Thursday morning, Oct. 24, potentially as a severe tropical storm.
Nearly the entire country is expected to experience rainfall in the next 24 hours due to the vast circulation of Tropical Storm Kristine.
Kristine may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, Oct. 25.
Forecast track and intensity of Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) as of 8 a.m., Oct. 23, 2024 (Courtesy of PAGASA)
Twenty-six areas have been placed under tropical cyclone wind Signal No. 2 and 33 areas under Signal No. 1 as Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name “Trami”) approaches Luzon on Wednesday, Oct. 23, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In the PAGASA’s 8 a.m. bulletin, Signal No. 2 was raised in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, northern and eastern portions of Quezon (Infanta, General Nakar, Real, Mauban, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Calauag, Tagkawayan, Guinayangan), including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and northeastern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon).
Areas under Signal No. 1 include Metro Manila, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, the rest of Quezon, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Calamian Islands, the rest of Sorsogon, Masbate (including Ticao and Burias Islands), Aklan, Capiz, Antique (including Caluya Islands), Iloilo, Guimaras, northern portion of Negros Occidental (Pontevedra, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Bago City, La Carlota City, Valladolid, Pulupandan, Bacolod City, San Enrique, Murcia, Silay City, City of Talisay, Enrique B. Magalona, Manapla, City of Victorias, Cadiz City, Sagay City, City of Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava, Salvador Benedicto, San Carlos City), northern portion of Negros Oriental (Vallehermoso, Canlaon City, City of Guihulngan), northern and central portions of Cebu (Alcantara, Argao, Dumanjug, Sibonga, Pinamungahan, Ronda, Liloan, Cebu City, Moalboal, Consolacion, Danao City, Borbon, Carmen, Daanbantayan, Tuburan, City of Bogo, Tabogon, City of Naga, Lapu-Lapu City, City of Carcar, Mandaue City, Catmon, Minglanilla, Toledo City, Cordova, Compostela, San Remigio, Balamban, Aloguinsan, San Fernando, Asturias, Barili, Medellin, Sogod, Tabuelan, City of Talisay), including Bantayan Islands and Camotes Islands, Bohol, the rest of Eastern Samar, the rest of Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte (including Siargao-Bucas Grande Group).
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Kristine has maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts reaching up to 105 kph.
The storm’s center was located 310 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora, and is expected to move west-northwestward at 15 kph.
PAGASA said Kristine could make landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening, or Thursday morning, Oct. 24, potentially as a severe tropical storm.
Heavy rainfall forecast
Nearly the entire country is expected to experience rainfall in the next 24 hours due to the vast circulation of Tropical Storm Kristine.
PAGASA warned of intense to torrential rainfall in Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quezon.
Moderate to, at times, intense rainfall is also expected in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.
The trough or extension of Kristine may also bring moderate to, at times, heavy rains to Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.
The rest of Mindanao is likely to experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to Kristine’s trough.
PAGASA warned that these conditions may lead to flooding and landslides, especially in areas identified as highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards on hazard maps, and in areas with significant antecedent rainfall.
Kristine may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, Oct. 25.
The Philippines, with its unique geographical location, faces an unparalleled challenge — it is the most disaster-prone country in Southeast Asia, leading to the highest rate of internal displacement due to natural disasters.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC) bared this in a joint report, “Harnessing Development Financing for Solutions to Displacement in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific.” According to the report, natural disasters displace Filipinos the most compared to their neighbors in Southeast Asia — nearly 43 million disaster displacements between 2014 and 2023. With this development, both multilateral lenders called for immediate aid and response to calamity victims to prevent them from sliding into poverty.
This situation underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis through coordinated efforts of the government, private sector, and every Filipino citizen.
To begin with, the state must prioritize the integration of displacement considerations into national and local policies. This includes enhancing the National Climate Change Action Plan and the National Disaster Risk Management Plan to ensure they are robust and responsive to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) should expedite its review of the Manila Bay reclamation projects, ensuring that environmental and social impacts are thoroughly assessed and mitigated. It has been awhile since President Marcos ordered a review of the Manila Bay reclamation projects.
Investments in resilient infrastructure are crucial, therefore the government should take steps to make this happen. It should allocate more resources to building disaster-resilient housing, improving early warning systems, and enhancing evacuation centers. Additionally, there should be a focus on sustainable land use planning to prevent settlements in high-risk areas.
The private sector plays a pivotal role in helping the government address displacement concerns. Businesses can contribute by investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure and technologies that mitigate the impacts of climate change. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives should focus on supporting displaced communities through job creation, skills training, and livelihood programs.
Moreover, private companies can collaborate with the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to develop innovative solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. This includes funding research and development projects aimed at creating sustainable and resilient communities.
To address displacement, every Filipino has a role to play. Community-based disaster risk reduction programs should be promoted, encouraging local participation in disaster preparedness and response activities. Education campaigns can raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Citizens can also advocate for stronger climate policies and hold both the government and private sector accountable for their actions. By fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience, communities can better withstand the impacts of natural disasters.
The displacement problem in the country requires a comprehensive and unified approach. The government, private sector, and citizens must work together to implement effective solutions that address the root causes of displacement and build a more resilient nation.
As Sen. Loren Legarda stressed during the plenary discussion of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Pasay City on Oct. 16, “government, the private sector, civil society, local communities, the education sector, must collaborate to create inclusive and innovative solutions.”
With the right policies, investments, and community engagement, we can turn the tide on displacement and secure a safer future for all Filipinos.
We love to complain! Many times we don't have reasons at all to do so - but, we love to complain. Especially nowadays. Our world is full of mess - isn't it? If we observe all news - well, what can we say?
We bring many assertions to bear: first, in the past we have been thriftier and economical, more religious and devout, more patriotic, industrious, more hard-working, keen and obedient. And, second, above everything and all: in the past we had more idealists. Third, nowadays we have (mostly?) material things in mind - what a disgrace.
Materialists or idealists? What do you love?
I just quoted Vox Populi... .
A "materialist" has indeed become a swear word. I don't mean with "material" the accumulated data out of which a writer creates a work of literary, historical, or scientific value. A materialist is being easily described as someone with an attitude, who ignores spiritual values, compared with an idealist, who has the tendency to seek the highest spiritual perfection.
Idealism means the doctrine that appearance is purely the perception, the idea of subjects, and that the world is to be regarded as consisting of mind. The coquetry of higher philosophy makes it difficult to bear the ups and downs in our daily life.
Sure, we all know that "our last earthly dress has no pockets any more". Striving for earthly and terrestrial possession, property and estate might be the hit-man of idealism. That's how we have been taught. "Wine, women and song", having the unpleasant feeling of fullness, egoism and bragging as well as showing-off - are these the materialist's real attitudes?
Is the idealist, many times not being able to stand on earth with both feet, the only one who occupies himself with religion and virtuousness - so to speak, with celestial and heavenly things? Is that really so? Can we make such a distinction? Sure, it's easy to do so: it's manageable and comfortable. But well, why is the enjoyment of having a tasty meal BAD, and listening to a recital composed by Johann Sebastian Bach BETTER? Why should art be better than roasted pork and a bottle of wine? Value judgements and moral concepts... .
Owning a house and lot and care are - of course - earthly properties, as well as bank saving accounts, profitable insurances, and invest advantageously in stocks. Is a terrible underpaid nurse or a book author an idealist, because he or she doesn't work for the filthy lure but for higher values? Has Jesus been an idealist, because He renunciated and died without terrestrial possession? Has Jesus been a materialist, because He fed thousands of people on the breadline? Are we idealists, if we bequeath nothing to our families and might die without a single centavo, because earthly things are bad?
