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!
Insufferable know-it-all, mostly law, science, politics and Canadian football.
English and French are largely “Subject-Verb-Object” languages, where the position of the nouns shows their grammatical sense. “I love Hockey!”
However, if you use a pronoun in French as the object of a sentence, its position switches to before the verb, so it becomes “Subject-Object-Verb”. “I it love”
German is largely “Subject-Object-Verb”. Technically, this means the verb can be the last word in a very long sentence. However, in most cases, German speakers will move the verb to a more convenient point and break up a long sentence into pieces. “I football love”
Adjectives
In English, adjectives almost always go in front of the noun. There is a particular order depending on the nature of the adjective if there’s more than one - e.g. “big blue ball” not “blue big ball”.
German, like English, puts adjectives before the noun they modify.
In French, adjectives can go both before the noun and after, depending on their function, e.g. “big house blue” not “big blue house” or “house big blue”.
Every December, the Philippines observes National Volunteer Month (NVM), a time to honor the selfless contributions of individuals and groups who dedicate their time and effort to uplift communities. Volunteering embodies the bayanihan spirit — a cornerstone of Filipino culture — showing how collective action and generosity transform lives.
Volunteering is a reciprocal act that benefits both the giver and the receiver. For the receiver, it provides immediate relief, resources, or services they may not otherwise access. It could mean a meal for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, or education for underprivileged children. For the giver, volunteering fosters a sense of purpose, enhances skills, and builds empathy. Research shows that acts of kindness improve mental health, reduce stress, and create lasting connections.
The holiday season in the Philippines is filled with opportunities to share blessings with those in need. Across the country, communities organize programs to assist vulnerable groups, including gift-giving drives, feeding programs, and disaster recovery efforts. Organizations like Gawad Kalinga, Caritas Manila, and the Philippine Red Cross offer opportunities for volunteers to participate. Local churches, barangay councils, and youth groups also host initiatives like medical missions, livelihood workshops, and community clean-ups.
The spirit of volunteerism in the Philippines dates back to pre-colonial times, with the tradition of bayanihan — neighbors coming together to help move houses or complete communal tasks. Over the years, this ethos has been institutionalized.
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), established in 1964, has played a pivotal role in promoting and coordinating volunteer efforts across the nation. For the celebration, the PNVSCA is assisted by a National Volunteer Month Steering Committee in organizing the event. NVM activities are many, among them organizing events, mobilizing volunteers for humanitarian, social services and technical assistance, and conducting information campaigns to build public awareness on the role volunteerism plays in social, economic, and political development of the country.
Some of the most significant volunteer initiatives include the response to Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, where thousands of volunteers joined international and local organizations to provide relief and rebuild devastated areas. Another notable example is the barangay-based disaster risk reduction and management program, which trains locals to respond to calamities proactively.
Volunteerism is not only in the field of disaster response and social welfare. Professionals in engineering, information technology, and other fields can also make significant contributions.
One of the biggest organizations moving volunteers is the Philippine Red Cross, one of the largest humanitarian organizations, which mobilizes thousands of volunteers during disasters and emergencies. Another is Gawad Kalinga which has engaged over a million volunteers in building homes and sustainable communities for the poor. On an international scale, groups like Habitat for Humanity Philippines and UN Volunteers also bring together Filipinos and global citizens to address pressing social issues.
Volunteering transcends material aid; it is an act of love and solidarity. It reminds us that we are interconnected and that collective action can bring hope where there is despair. By volunteering, individuals contribute to nation-building, address social inequalities, and inspire others to act.
This month, we are called to embody the bayanihan spirit. Whether through small acts of kindness or large-scale efforts, volunteering is a gift that changes lives—including your own. Start by reaching out to organizations, joining community programs, or simply extending a helping hand. Together, we can make the season of giving more meaningful for all.
Human beings share the same common problems. A film can only be understood if it depicts these properly. —Akira Kurosawa
TRAGEDY UNFOLDS Akira Kurosawa's Ran follows the story of the Ichimonji clan's downfall after the father divides the rule of his kingdom among his three sons
Each year many folks look forward to the QC Film Festival for its various screenings of international and local films. One of its categories worth looking forward to is the re-screenings of classical movies. Last year, many were treated to a viewing of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon, and two of Wong Kar-wai’s works, Chungking Express and Fallen Angels. This year’s biggest re-screening was Akira Kurosawa’s Ran from 1985.
Ran is best known for its epic scenes showing full-scale battles and Kurosawa’s brilliant use of color. It follows the ill-fated tale of the Ichimonji clan, a tragic story loosely based off William Shakespeare’s King Lear, where the family sees its downfall after the father divides his kingdom among his three sons. As things play out, we see how greed and deception starts to stir among the once tightly-knit family as the two elder siblings grapple for power while casting away their own father. It also shows how the family slowly gets karma from the past ruthlessness of their father when he took over the kingdom.
For one of the screenings held at Gateway, the theater was nearly filled to the rafters. There was an excitement for most in getting to see their first-ever Kurosawa film on the big screen. These were young audience members with a renewed appreciation for classic cinema, yearning for stories and scenes that the new medium of pure popcorn flicks and streaming algorithm movies cannot provide. If there’s anything we can pick up from this successful screening by the QC Film Festival, it’s that there is a market for restored classics being rescreened in theaters.
Just imagine being able to visit the cinemas to catch international staples like The Godfather, The Seventh Seal, Citizen Kane, or local hits like Himala, Dekada ’70, and Anak, experiencing it just as audiences did before. It works as a wonderful way to keep classic cinema alive and pass it on to future generations. Plus, it can help support the cast and crew who previously worked on the film through the royalties they could receive from each screening.
Aside from cultural enrichment, reshowing classical films is also good as many of the movies made before were made in response to global crises being faced at the time. It helps give us a better perspective of what people used to face and how similar it may be to the troubles we face these days. Think about all the countless war dramas and how they remain a stark reminder of why war is never meant to be glorified. Then, there are those that remind us of the negative stereotypes we have since moved on from. For instance, there’s Mickey Rooney’s racist portrayal of a Japanese man in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s important for us to remember these negative traits of early Hollywood to remember why we must not fall into the same pitfall of punching down on minorities in modern times.
Overall, it’s wonderful to see full queues to catch important films from the past as it shows there are many who still have an appreciation for the films that got us here today. Who knows, maybe from these rescreenings we’ll end up inspiring the next Akira Kurosawa, Steven Spielberg, or Lino Brocka.
‘In the future, I believe that women will likely play an even more prominent role in solving global challenges, such as climate change, social justice, and economic equality.’
JM Saycon
Sculptor JM Saycon made his viewers pause and reflect on the timeless beauty of the past and the enduring power of the human spirit in his recently-concluded exhibit “Birth of the Innocent” at the Art Underground.
Inspired by his late mother, Saycon’s work was a heartfelt tribute to all mothers and women.
“My inspiration is my mom,” Saycon shared. “Since my mother passed away, my advocacy has become representing everybody else’s mother through my work. I want to inspire people to appreciate their moms and give back to them while they still have the opportunity to do so. I also dedicate this to women who are battling gender stigma.”
BIRTH OF THE INNOCENT, 48x36 inches, oil and acrylic on canvas, 2024
The exhibit showcased a fusion of classical and contemporary art. Saycon’s marble sculptures, draped in aluminum foil, symbolize the delicate balance between the past and present.
THREE GRACES 1, 48x36 inches, oil and acrylic on canvas, 2024
“Both materials can endure passage of time,” he explained. “The marble sculpture represented the classical period or the past while the present or the contemporary time was represented by the metallic foil. I wanted to connect and make a bridge between these two distinct periods.”
PSYCHE, 30x24 inches, oil and acylic on canvas, 2024
A recurring theme in Saycon’s work was the celebration of feminine strength and empowerment. “Feminine strength and women empowerment are deeply interconnected concepts that reflect both individual and collective power,” he said. “In the future, I believe that women will likely play an even more prominent role in solving global challenges, such as climate change, social justice, and economic equality.”
CUPID, 30x24 inches, oil and acylic on canvas, 2024
Childhood and innocence also hold meaning for the artist. “Childhood and innocence are not only pivotal to individual development but also serve as powerful symbols in cultural narratives about purity and hope,” he said.
THREE GRACES 3, 48x36 inches, oil and acylic on canvas, 2024
The artist’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to evoke emotion through his work were evident in each piece. The serene faces of the women and children depicted in his sculptures convey a sense of timeless beauty and resilience.
THE SEED, 36x36 inches, oil and acylic on canvas, 2024
Through his art, Saycon wanted to convey the importance of cherishing time and appreciating loved ones. “I want to convey through my art the appreciation of time or aging, and how we perceive and respond to it. Time is one of our most valuable possessions and I’d like to say that you must love your parents because one day they won’t be here and you will no longer have the chance to say or do the things you wish you could have done,” he ends.
Art Underground is located at 2/F Mabini180, 180 A. Mabini St., Addition Hills, San Juan.
In a landmark environmental initiative, the Philippines set a Guinness World Record (GWR) for the most participants simultaneously planting bamboo, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.
On October 18, 2,305 planters across 19 locations in Mindanao and Leyte province came together to achieve this record-breaking feat. On November 28, the record was officially confirmed by GWR adjudicator Sonia Ushiriguchi during the National Science and Technology Week celebration held in Cagayan de Oro City.
The initiative, led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in collaboration with its Kawayanihan Circular Economy Movement partners, underscored bamboo’s pivotal role in advancing a circular economy, fostering climate resilience, and supporting sustainable development. "We must love our environment as much as we love our children, ensuring they live in a healthy, peaceful, and stable place,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., emphasizing the need for policies that align with a circular economy framework.
DOST’s efforts garnered strong support from local leaders, including Bukidnon 1st District Representative Jose Manuel Alba, who championed bamboo propagation as a key strategy to combat climate change. “By harnessing the transformative power of bamboo innovation and trade, we can cultivate prosperity from the roots up, lifting communities out of poverty and building a sustainable future for all,” Alba said.
Bamboo is widely recognized as an environmental powerhouse. According to the Climate Change Commission, it absorbs more carbon dioxide than most tree species, sequestering over five tons of carbon dioxide per hectare annually. Additionally, its extensive root system prevents soil erosion, enhances water retention, and aids disaster risk reduction, especially in flood-prone areas. As a versatile material, bamboo also improves air quality, supports biodiversity, and reduces reliance on wood-based products, thereby curbing deforestation.
“The versatility of bamboo makes it an ideal ally in our fight against climate change. Bamboo serves as a carbon sink and contributes to disaster risk reduction. It strengthens community resilience by providing sustainable livelihoods, reducing the need for wood-based products, and preventing deforestation,” said Secretary Robert Borje, Climate Change Commission vice chairperson and executive director.
Borje further highlighted bamboo’s economic potential: “The strategic integration of bamboo in national and local climate initiatives enhances our mitigation and adaptation efforts and empowers communities, especially in rural areas. Through bamboo cultivation, we create economic opportunities and build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change."
With this achievement, the initiative highlights the power of collective action, showing that when we unite with a shared vision, we can achieve our sustainability goals more effectively and create lasting impact.
"There are no flop eras for Bey, no periods where she disappeared for a half-decade, no clear missteps that were not immediately and emphatically course-corrected."
Beyonce (Images courtesy of Facebook)
All hail Queen B!
Beyonce has been crowned the top artist of the last 25 years by Billboard magazine, a reputable American entertainment magazine, for over 130 years.
Billboard said Beyonce was the top pick in its list based on her influence, evolution, and impact.
"With the first quarter of the 21st century coming to a close, Billboard has spent the last few months counting down our staff picks for the 25 greatest pop stars of the previous 25 years.
"While Taylor Swift is the century’s biggest pop star by the numbers — from album sales to streams to touring dominance — our editorial staff chose Beyoncé as our Greatest Pop Star of the Century, based on her full 25 years of influence, evolution, and impact," the article read.
On March 18, 2000, Beyoncé Knowles achieved a significant milestone in her career by reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the very first time in the 21st century.
This landmark moment marked a turning point for the talented artist, as it showcased her immense popularity and solidified her status as a leading figure in the music industry.
With her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Beyoncé captivated audiences and paved the way for many more successes in her illustrious career.
Billboard wrote:
"And the most remarkable thing about the Houston-born superstar’s greatness is how consistent it’s been.
"She was still a teenager managed by her father when “Say My Name” hit No. 1; she was a 42-year-old married mother of three by the time “Texas Hold ‘Em” got there – and in between the two, there were precisely zero moments in which Beyoncé was not *BEYONCÉ*.
"There are no flop eras for Bey, no periods where she disappeared for a half-decade, no clear missteps that were not immediately and emphatically course-corrected.
"There are only varying degrees of winning for over two decades. In this sense, her closest peers this century are not other pop stars, they’re LeBron James and Serena Williams," the article read.
As she was becoming one of the decade’s leading pop stars, Beyoncé was also setting her sights on proper film stardom. She appeared in successful movies The Pink Panther (2006), Dreamgirls, Cadillac Records and Obsessed.
Several music fans disagreed with Billboard's choice, saying Taylor Swift should be on top of the list. Billboard defended the selection of Beyonce for the top spot saying the ranking of the stars went beyond sales and numbers.
"If you go by the sheer numbers, Taylor would easily top this list — and she will undoubtedly reign on many of the chart-based quarter-century rankings we’ll publish in 2025. Even with her late start, she has more No. 1 albums and as many No. 1 singles this century as Beyoncé," the article added.
Billboard agreed that Taylor had reached the level of pop star greatness with her "Eras Tour" and Taylor's Version recordings. But the editors said the longevity of Beyonce remains continually awe-inspiring.
Beyonce has received 32 Grammys, 30 MTV Video Music Awards, and 27 Billboard Music Awards.
"But when you’re talking about greatness, and when you’re talking about greatness for the 21st century specifically, no one has a longer or fuller track record than Beyoncé," the article said.
It added: "She’s been *BEYONCÉ* for 25 years now, and as she continues to challenge herself (and by extension, the rest of the pop world) to find new and different ways to define greatness, it doesn’t seem like she’s going to stop being *BEYONCÉ* anytime soon. Better say her name."
In November, Beyonce made history again after her new album "Cowboy Carter" received 11 nominations at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
Beyoncé, who holds the distinguished title of the most-decorated artist in Grammy history with an impressive total of 32 wins, has now achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the most-nominated artist of all time.
Over the course of her illustrious career, she has accumulated a staggering total of 99 nominations. This achievement surpasses her previous tie with her husband, Jay-Z, who also had 88 nominations.
Beyoncé’s unparalleled contributions to music and her artistic excellence have solidified her position as a leading figure in the entertainment industry.
Billboard's Top 25 artists for the last 25 years are:
