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!
MANILA, Philippines — David Charlton, the founder of popular salon chain David's Salon, has passed away. He was 69.
News of his passing broke early today, as a tribute was posted on the official Facebook page of L'Oreal Professionel.
"Today, we pay tribute to David Charlton, the visionary founder of David’s Salon. His legacy of creativity, dedication, and unparalleled service will continue to inspire us. He will be deeply missed," the post read.
It was accompanied with the familiar photo of the entrepreneur in black and white. It also indicated the years of his birth and death, "1955-2024."
Charlton was born in Suderland, in Tyne and Wear, England in 1955. He came from a family of hairdressers, which was considered as one of the in-demand careers in England.
According to the chain's website, Charlton was exposed to hairdressing at an early age. He was 16 when he started working for his uncle's salon while studying at the Durham Technical College. He passed with distinction the City and Guilds of London Institute Examination in Men’s and Ladies’ Hairdressing after three years of studying.
Charlton came to the Philippines in 1978 as the manager of Rever Salon in the old Mandarin Oriental in Makati City. He later on became a partner and sole owner of Rever Salon and opened at five locations.
He opened the first David's Salon in 1989 in New Farmer's Market in Cubao, Quezon City. Charlton was said to be inspired by the need to provide "high-quality hairdressing" at friendly prices.
David's Salon currently has 200 branches. It opened its first branch in the United States in Los Angeles, California in 2008. Two years after in 2010, David's Salon opened its firs
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American pop star Olivia Rodrigo explained why she priced her Philippine concert tickets for only P1,500.
In a report by Teen Vogue, Olivia said she wanted to make the tickets accessible.
"So we did this thing called Silver Star tickets with the help of Amex, where we got to discount all of the tickets," she said.
"[They were] the equivalent of 25 American dollars for each ticket, because I really wanted to make sure that it was accessible and it was really exciting to me to think that maybe someone who usually couldn't afford to go to a concert could afford to go to this one," she added.
Olivia said that she was excited to perform in the Philippines because it has so much significance to her and her family.
"I was so excited to do the Philippines show. I have always wanted to go there. That's the one show I was looking forward to the most in all 95 dates that we put up, that was the one that I was looking forward to just because I've never been and it's a place that has so much significance to me and my family, and so I really wanted to make it special," she said.
Olivia's paternal grandparents emigrated from the Philippines. Her mother is of German and Irish ancestry.
Related: Olivia Rodrigo donates all Manila concert proceeds to Jhpiego Philippines
The pop star donated all the proceeds of her Philippine concert to Jhpiego.
"Then we added the elements of donating all of my proceeds to this charity called Jhpiego that provides healthcare for women and girls in the Philippines and more rural areas where healthcare is hard to come by," she said.
"It was just a really wonderful, special experience and I knew I wanted to give back to that community who has just given so much to me, and who has embraced me with open arms throughout my whole career," she added.
As the Philippines hosts the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security, which concludes tomorrow, it is essential to reflect on the significant strides made by Filipino women in leadership roles alongside the persistent challenges they face. The election of two women as Presidents, coupled with an increasing number of female leaders in various sectors—governors, mayors, congresswomen, judges, and corporate CEOs—illustrates a powerful shift toward inclusivity and representation. Yet, this progress stands in stark contrast to the high levels of violence against women that persist in our society.
This paradox highlights a critical issue. While women are gaining positions of authority and influence, the societal structures that perpetuate gender-based violence remain entrenched. Filipino culture has long revered women as central figures in families and communities, yet this respect does not always translate into safety and equity in public and private spheres. The statistics on violence against women, including domestic abuse and harassment, are concerning and reveal a dissonance between recognition and protection. To address this disparity, we must focus on enhancing the capacity and capability of Filipino women to contribute meaningfully to peace and prosperity. This requires a multifaceted approach.
First and foremost, education is a powerful tool for empowerment. Programs that promote gender sensitivity and awareness about women’s rights should be integrated into educational curricula from an early age. This will foster a culture of respect and equality, equipping both men and women with the knowledge to challenge harmful stereotypes and behaviors.
Second, we must strengthen the legal frameworks that protect women from violence and discrimination. While existing laws such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act are steps in the right direction, enforcement remains weak in many areas. Increased funding for law enforcement training and community outreach can ensure that women feel safe reporting abuses and that their cases are taken seriously.
Third, we must establish robust support systems for women facing violence. Shelters, counseling services, and legal aid must be made accessible to empower women to seek help and rebuild their lives. Furthermore, community programs that support survivors of violence can play a significant role in healing and reintegration.
Fourth, economic independence is vital for women’s empowerment. Initiatives that provide women with access to entrepreneurship training, funding, and mentorship can help them gain financial stability. When women are economically empowered, they are more likely to participate in decision-making processes and contribute to their communities’ development.
Finally, encouraging more women to take on leadership roles and fostering policies that prioritize gender equality can create a more inclusive political landscape. Women’s voices must be amplified in discussions about peace and security, ensuring that their perspectives shape the policies that affect their lives and communities.
As we host this important international conference, let us not only celebrate the achievements of Filipino women but also acknowledge the work that remains. By investing in education, legal protection, support systems, economic empowerment, and representation, we can create an environment where women not only thrive but also lead in the pursuit of peace and prosperity.
In doing so, we honor the legacy of the women who have fought for our rights and pave the way for future generations. The path to a safer, more equitable society is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal imperative that benefits us all.
On Facebook, Chelsea radiates in elegance as she shares arrival photos on social media.
Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo arrives for the 73rd Miss Universe Competition in Mexico (Image courtesy of Missossology)
Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo has arrived for the 73rd Miss Universe Competition in Mexico on Nov. 16 (Nov. 17 Manila time)
On Facebook, Chelsea radiates in elegance as she shares photos on social media.
Chelsea, who hails from Meycauayan, Bulacan, is a fashion model who graduated in tourism at the De La Salle Araneta University.
Day 2 for Chelsea Manalo in Mexico
This developed as the Miss Universe Philippines Organization encouraged Filipino fans to vote for Chelsea for the 5th Miss Universe crown for the Philippines.
The post read: "PHILIPPINES! The BAYANIHAN for the CROWN starts now! Let’s make CHELSEA MANALO no. 1 in the fan vote and Voice for Change challenges to increase our chances of taking home the crown!"
In the history of the Miss Universe, only four Filipinas have won the coveted crown: Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).
"Her dedication to her craft and resilience in the industry mirrors Ginebra San Miguel's 190-year legacy of excellence, making her the perfect choice for our next Calendar Girl," said GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina.
Julie Anne San Jose (Images courtesy of Facebook)
A different and bolder Sparkle artist, Julie Anne San Jose, also known as Asia's Limitless Star, was introduced as Ginebra San Miguel's Calendar Girl for 2024 on the 190th anniversary of its flagship brand during a launch held in Manila on Wednesday night.
Julie Anne said being part of the GSM family was an honor. When asked what made her say yes to the campaign, she smiled and answered, "Why not?"
She added: "It's something na hindi na kailangan pag-isipan pa because sobrang napakalaking opportunity nito and I haven't done anything like this before. I want to try something different, and I want to show a different side of me.
"I want to show a more confident, stronger, braver Julie Anne. This is the start of something new para sa akin. It feels like a rebirth para sa ibang kakabaihan. I'm proud na napili ako ng Ginebra San Miguel family along with past Ginebra calendar girls.
"There's Anne Curtis and Marian Rivera. They are so exceptional in their own right. I'm honored to be part of this family," said Julie Anne during the Q&A portion of the program.
Julie Anne said she is excited to be part of the GSM campaign.
"I look forward to traveling to different places in the Philippines to connect with my fellow kabarangays and promote the brand through music. I understand a music festival is coming, so I'm so excited and want to be part of it," she said.
"Her dedication to her craft and resilience in the industry mirrors Ginebra San Miguel's 190-year legacy of excellence, making her the perfect choice for our next Calendar Girl," said GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina.
With Obra Maestra (Masterpiece) as the theme for the 2025 calendars, the multi-awarded singer brings to life six visual compositions, creating a stunning collection of timeless masterpieces.
"For 190 years, Ginebra San Miguel has crafted masterpieces in every bottle, offering only the finest in distilled spirits. Our next calendar continues to uphold GSMI's heritage of excellence with a tribute to classic art, reflecting the same dedication to quality craftsmanship that has made our gin popular and loved by many since 1834," Mr. Molina added.
Julie Anne in Obra Maestra
A staple in Kapuso musical and variety shows with her show-stopping song and dance numbers, Julie Ann is currently the judge of The Voice Kids Philippines and the host of the singing competition The Clash.
Ginebra San Miguel has always been known for its iconic label by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo. In this first layout, she embodies the courage and determination of a fearless Filipina ready to face any challenge.
Inspired by this timeless masterpiece, Julie Anne is portrayed as a muse and goddess, showcasing her artistry and elegance in five other classic artworks.
Dressed in white, the second layout depicts Julie Anne as "Galatea," Pygmalion's sculpture of his ideal woman brought to life by Aphrodite. This symbolizes creativity and passion in art, much like how GSM Blue Flavors can be creatively mixed and matched to create a unique and personalized drink.
The third layout features the Grape Escape cocktail mix, "Paris Opera Terpsichore," showcasing Julie Anne as the muse of lyric, poetry, and dance. Julie Anne is truly elegant in this layout, just like how premium and sophisticated Primera Light Brandy is.
In the fourth layout, Julie Anne is portrayed as "Diana," the huntress, symbolizing independence and strength. Showcasing Kula Orange Fizz cocktail mix, Julie Anne is sure to ignite a bold new strength to Vino Kulafu drinkers. Julie Anne felt a particular connection to this layout among all the layouts. "Aside from having an earthy set-up because I'm a nature lover, the bow and arrow in this layout resonate with me as an artist. It symbolizes my constant pursuit of improvement, my quest to explore new horizons and the world further."
In the fifth and sixth layouts, Julie Anne embodies the timeless beauty of "The Birth of Venus" and "La Grande Odalisque." Symbolizing beauty, grace, and quality, these iconic paintings invite consumers to savor the refined taste of GSM Premium Gin and Antonov Vodka, respectively.
As in previous years, the 2025 Ginebra San Miguel calendar features a QR code that consumers can scan using their smartphones to watch and learn more about Julie Anne's signature cocktail mixes using Ginebra San Miguel products.
The new face of Ginebra San Miguel is also a certified gin enthusiast, with gin & tonic as her go-to cocktail. Julie Anne's connection with Ginebra San Miguel is also deeply rooted in her personal history. "Growing up, I always saw my lolo drink Ginebra San Miguel. Ginebra has always been part of our lives for every gathering, whether Christmas, birthday parties, or just a simple celebration."
As the new muse of Ginebra San Miguel, Julie Anne aims to inspire women and fans alike with her 'ganado' and 'never-say-die' attitude. Her journey demonstrates that success is built on hard work, passion, and resilience. She is a limitless icon who motivates others to pursue their dreams, embrace their individuality, and unlock their creative potential.
While the motto “The customer is always right” is generally believed and expected to be followed, such as in the hospitality industry, there are situations that prove otherwise. This is where the training of, for instance, a restaurant’s front of house (FOH) comes in as the customer-facing part of the operation.
“Yes, we do rely on instinct, but at the same time, as a restaurant, it’s on us to provide our staff with the tools and the equipment to deal with it,” said Jamie Garaci on dealing with what can be considered as difficult guests.
The consultant at The Standard Hospitality Group, which operates the restaurant franchises Yabu, Ippudo, Elephant Grounds, and Kiwani in the Philippines was among the panelists at last Monday’s informative conference on restaurant service. It was organized and hosted by Angelo Comsti, a food consultant and Inquirer Lifestyle columnist, and Isabel Lozano, owner and chief executive officer at Decorum.
From left: Marina Summers, Solenn Heussaff, Mond Gutierrez, and Catriona Gray for the 2024 Opulence Ball
Photo release
MANILA, Philippines — The popular Halloween event, Opulence Ball, is returning for a third edition, this time taking inspiration from the glitz, glamour, and allure of the 1970s.
The Opulence Ball is the brainchild of host-entrepreneur Raymond "Mond" Gutierrez and events specialist Ashleigh Rye as part of the former's efforts to make Manila a premiere party destination in Asia.
The inaugural event held in 2019 carried a "Let Them Eat Cake" theme inspired by Marie Antoinette, and because of the pandemic, the ball made its grand comeback last year with a mythology and folklore theme.
The 2023 edition saw celebrities and invited guests hitting the red carpet with their fashion interpretations of deities from around the world.
With nothing to hold it back, the ball returns with a "The Velvet Underground" theme inspired by the '70s, an era filled with hedonistic pursuits and individualistic expressions.
Guests invited to the event on Halloween night in Makati's Manila Peninsula will be dazzling in '70s outfits, echoing the decade's creativity and beauty. Mond and Ashleigh tapped the likes of Solenn Heussaff, Catriona Gray, Isabelle Daza, Marina Summers, BJ Pascual, Jason Dhakal, and Christi McGarry for teasers of the 2024 Opulence Ball, and all are expected to be in attendance on October 31.
If I think about it, peace is first in my mind. But there is still another challenge. Worldwide population is expected to grow to nearly 10 billion by 2050 – but agricultural lands won’t be able to follow the same pace. The problem is clear: something has to change. The question is what.
Sustainable food for everyone! Food – besides water!
The world’s population continues to grow – but the Earth’s surface doesn’t. And already one in nine people around the world suffers from hunger. Although fertility levels worldwide are declining, life expectancy is increasing – and therefore, the global population keeps growing. The United Nations estimates that the world’s population is increasing by more than 80 million people every year.
Forecasts offer a nonstop rise: The global population is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100. So allow me to ask: How can we feed all these billions without destroying the Earth?
Although it’s a dire picture, let’s face it: the situation is not as disastrous as it might seem. Food is not lacking – it is just poorly managed. I got the idea for this post after having watched an interview with Ralf Südhoff, head of the World Food Program of the United Nations in Berlin. He said: “Today, we would be able to feed many more people than we do”. “But we waste too much of the food we produce, and we lack efficient production – particularly in Africa”.
Forgotten are many rural areas. I agree with Südhoff who says that population growth is not the key cause of hunger, but rather a lack of efficiency in managing our resources. Indeed, farmers in rural areas of some African and Asian countries still lack the necessary means to maximize crop yields, misusing vast areas of land.
Imagine, the productivity of existing arable lands could be doubled, experts believe. And experts agree that productivity could be increased through very simple means. Allow me to quote again Ralf Südhoff: “Efficiency could be doubled or tripled in African countries by providing basic means such as training, credits and land rights”.
According to Valentin Thurn, director of the German documentary “10 Billion- Whats on your plate?”, farmers in rural areas are the most affected by hunger – and the ones most commonly left behind. He believes, and he is “deadly” correct, smallholders should get integrated into the modernization processes – until now, only limited to big industrialized farms.
While it won’t necessarily be easy to feed 10 billion people sustainably, it is possible, experts believe.
“We are producing at such a pace that the natural cycle cannot recover fast enough,” Klingholz said. “And this is mainly rich countries’ fault.” Global agriculture currently produces some 4,000 calories per capita per day – the double of what each person needs. Sad to say but it’s also true: we are already producing enough for 9 to 12 billion people – but we discard a third of the harvest worldwide!
Farmers are adapting to climate change. Yes, there is climate change! The World Food Program estimates that under climate change scenarios, the risk of malnutrition for children will increase 20 percent by 2050 – meaning 24 million more children could soon suffer from it. Industrialized countries are therefore even more responsible for mitigating the effects of climate change. Südhoff believes this and so do I and many others on this globe.
Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion opened her Weverse account on Oct. 28, joining the superfan platform’s growing list of global artists.
Megan Thee Stallion will engage directly with her fans through community posts, live streams, live chats, and digital “Fan Letters,” offering fans an exclusive channel to communicate with the chart topping artist.
The platform also offers exclusive content and e-commerce for artist merchandise, creating a dynamic and streamlined space for superfans.
The announcement followed the release of Megan Thee Stallion’s new deluxe album, “MEGAN: ACT II,” and her music video for “Bigger in Texas”.
Megan Thee Stallion (Photo from Weverse)
Over the course of Megan’s illustrious career, she has earned three No. 1 placements on the Billboard Hot 100, including “HISS,” “Savage (Remix)” with Beyoncé and “WAP” with Cardi B. Her accolades include three Grammy awards, a spot on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and becoming the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Forbes’ prestigious Under 30 issue.
In line with Megan’s arrival, Weverse rolled out a significant platform update that introduced personalized features tailored to its diverse global audience and each user’s unique preferences.
Weverse will introduce advanced translation features that facilitate seamless content consumption. Artist posts, articles, and fan-generated content will be automatically translated into their initially chosen language.
In addition, the new UI/UX will help fans pin up to four of their favorite artist communities at the top of their home screen, while region-based artist recommendations and local event updates create a more relevant experience.
Later this year, Weverse Shop will also optimize its e-commerce experience by automatically detecting users' location. All the new features will be accompanied by a deep navy color scheme, symbolizing a fresh change and Weverse’s dedication to become a globally inclusive fan platform.
Building on its partnerships with Universal Music Group and a lineup of stars like Ariana Grande, Conan Gray, and now Megan Thee Stallion, Weverse currently has over 160 global artists on board.
With a vibrant community of 10 million active users across 245 countries—90 percent of whom are international users from outside Korea—the global superfan platform continues to amplify artists’ global reach and influence.
“As we continue to welcome global artists like Megan Thee Stallion in addition to Ariana Grande and Conan Gray, we are excited to expand our tailored fandom services to solidify our position as the ultimate global superfan platform,” said Joon Choi, president of Weverse Company,
Choi added, “While we celebrate the expansion into various genres and a growing international audience, our commitment remains unchanged: continuously optimizing how fans connect with their favorite artists.”
IN REMEMBRANCE The cleanup of cemeteries across the country, like here at the Manila South Cemetery in Makati on Tuesday, has begun for the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day this Friday and Saturday, respectively, which may turn out to be a rainy affair because of Typhoon “Leon.”—MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
