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!

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Thursday, February 6, 2025

Rente in 2025: Worauf sich Millionen Rentner und Rentnerinnen einstellen können

Frankfurt – Die Änderungen der Renten in Deutschland, die ab 2025 in Kraft treten sollten, zielten darauf ab, die finanzielle Situation von Rentnerinnen und Rentnern zu verbessern und das Arbeiten im Alter attraktiver zu gestalten. Doch das beschlossene Aus der Ampel-Koalition führte dazu, dass das vom Bundeskabinett beschlossene „Rentenpaket II“ in dieser Legislaturperiode nicht mehr abgeschlossen werden kann. Welche Änderungen ab 2025 kommen nun auf alle Rentnerinnen und Rentner zu? 

Ab 2025: Rentenaufschubprämie soll arbeitende Rentnerinnen und Rentner unterstützen

„Die Rentenversicherung wird weiter zuverlässig die Renten zahlen und auch alle weiteren Leistungen erbringen“, verkündete Alexander Gunkel, alternierender Vorsitzender des Bundesvorstandes der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bund. Der aktuelle Beitragssatz von 18,6 % soll auch für das kommende Jahr gelten. Das Mindestsicherungsniveau von 48 % soll weiterhin gesichert werden, so Gunkel – auch ohne das Rentenpaket 

Die Einführung der Rentenaufschubprämie soll eine der zentralen Neuerungen der Reformen sein, wie die Bundesregierung bekanntgab. Diese Prämie richtet sich wohl an Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmer, die nach Erreichen des regulären Rentenalters weiterarbeiten und vorerst auf ihre Rente verzichten. Die Prämie soll aus der Summe der entgangenen Rentenzahlungen während des Aufschubzeitraums sowie den eingesparten Krankenkassenbeiträgen bestehen.

Laut Berechnungen des Sozialverbands VdK kann die Prämie bei einem durchschnittlichen Einkommen in die Zehntausende gehen und bietet somit einen erheblichen finanziellen Anreiz, länger im Berufsleben zu bleiben. Voraussetzung ist, dass die Arbeitskraft mindestens zwölf Monate weiterarbeitet und die Mindestversicherungszeit von fünf Jahren erfüllt hat. Die Prämie soll ab 2028 ausgezahlt werden, ab 2025 kann der Rentenbeginn jedoch verschoben werden, um die Prämie später zu 

Erhöhte finanzielle Anreize für arbeitende Rentnerinnen und Rentner

Arbeitende Rentnerinnen und Rentner sollen zudem ab 2025 von einer Erhöhung ihres Nettoeinkommens profitieren, wie die Renten-Plattform GoGaudi berichtet. Die Arbeitgeberanteile zur Arbeitslosen- und Rentenversicherung, insgesamt 10,6 % des Bruttolohns, könnten dabei direkt an die arbeitenden Rentnerinnen und Rentner ausgezahlt werden. Diese Regelung soll die Arbeitsmotivation älterer Menschen steigern und gleichzeitig die Stabilität des Rentensystems unterstützen. Durch den zusätzlichen Lohnanteil wird das verfügbare Einkommen deutlich erhöht, was das Arbeiten im Alter attraktiver macht.

Erhöhung des Erwerbsfreibetrags für Witwen und Witwer

Für Bezieher einer Witwen- oder Witwerrente soll sich der anrechnungsfreie Erwerbsfreibetrag erhöhen, wie der Deutsche Bundestag beschloss. Bisher können Witwen und Witwer maximal 1038 Euro pro Monat anrechnungsfrei dazuverdienen. Ab dem neuen Rentenjahr, beginnend am 1. Juli 2025, soll dieser um 3,5 Prozent erhöht werden. Hinterbliebene dürften folglich 1.074,38 Euro hinzuverdienen, ohne dass die Hinterbliebenenrente gekürzt wird. Diese Änderung stärkt die finanzielle Unabhängigkeit und Attraktivität zusätzlicher Erwerbsarbeit für diese Personengruppe.

Bundestag plant einheitliches Rentenrecht und Angleichung der Rentenansprüche zwischen Ost-West

Großes Thema im Bundestag war außerdem die bundesweite Vereinheitlichung des Rentenrechts, was die Angleichung der Rentenansprüche zwischen Ost- und Westdeutschland abschließt. Diese stellt sicher, dass Rentnerinnen und Rentner in ganz Deutschland gleich behandelt werden. Bereits 2017 wurde der Rentenwert (Ost) auf 95,7 % des Westwerts angehoben. Die parlamentarische Staatssekretärin im Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales, Gabriele Lösekrug-Möller (SPD), befand dazu, dass das zuvor bestehende System doch ziemlich „aus der Zeit gefallen“ sei. „Wir wollen ein gerechtes Rentensystem für alle in Deutschland“, betonte auch Peter Weiß von der CDU/CSU

Zum Jahr 2025 gibt es einige Änderungen, was die Rente betrifft.
Zum Jahr 2025 gibt es einige Änderungen, was die Rente betrifft. © Wolfilser/Imago 

Verbesserungen bei der Erwerbsminderungsrente und Anpassung des steuerlichen Grundfreibetrags geplant

Die Reformen bringen auch Verbesserungen für Personen mit gesundheitlichen Einschränkungen. Die Zurechnungszeit bei der Erwerbsminderungsrente wird schrittweise auf das 65. Lebensjahr verlängert. Außerdem wird die Hinzuverdienstgrenze angepasst: Diese liegt nun bei 19.661 Euro im Jahr (bei voller Erwerbsminderungsrente) und 39.332 Euro (bei teilweiser Erwerbsminderung). Diese Änderung erhöht die finanzielle Absicherung für Menschen, die aufgrund gesundheitlicher Probleme nicht mehr arbeiten können, da sie bei der Rentenberechnung so gestellt werden, als hätten sie bis zu diesem Alter weitergearbeitet. Auch das Gehalt bei einem Minijob soll bald auf 545 Euro steigen.

Um die steuerliche Belastung von Menschen im Ruhestand mit geringem Einkommen zu reduzieren, wird der steuerliche Grundfreibetrag erhöht. Für das Jahr 2024 wird der Freibetrag rückwirkend auf 11.784 Euro festgesetzt, und für 2025 steigt er auf 12.084 Euro, wie das Bundesfinanzministerium bestätigt. Diese Anpassung stellt sicher, dass ein größerer Teil der Rente steuerfrei bleibt, was besonders für Rentnerinnen und Rentner mit niedrigem Einkommen von Vorteil ist. Doch es gibt auch Änderungen bei der Rente 2025, durch die einige Rentnerinnen und Rentner weniger Geld erhalten.

Ob und in welcher Form die Änderungen 2025 umgesetzt werden, bleibt weiter abzuwarten. Denn seit dem Bruch der Ampel-Koalition drohen auch Renten-Vorhaben zu kippen. (mg)

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

20 Harsh Realities of Life That Everyone Must Face At Some Point

 

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Flavian Mwasi
Entrepreneur | Life Coach | Mentor
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Life is something I cherish; I’m enthusiastic about it. I’m an entrepreneur and author, meaning I also enjoy writing about such things as entrepreneurship, finance, relationships, and health.

Please enjoy reading my content and books. I’d like to read your comments and suggestions where necessary.

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Live responsibly. Have fun responsibly. When you were born, you were crying while everybody else was laughing. Live your life so that when you die, you’ll be laughing while everybody else will be crying.

“Wisdom is like a baobab tree. No one individual can embrace it.” — African proverb.


  1. Nobody owes you anything.
  2. Time is your most precious resource.
  3. Failure is inevitable.
  4. Hard work doesn’t always guarantee success.
  5. People will judge you—no matter what.
  6. Life is unfair.
  7. Not everyone will like you.
  8. Change is constant.
  9. Most people are selfish.
  10. Money matters more than you think.
  11. Love alone won’t sustain a relationship.
  12. You’re responsible for your own happiness.
  13. You will lose loved ones.
  14. Talent means nothing without discipline.
  15. The world moves on without you.
  16. You can't control everything.
  17. Most friendships are temporary.
  18. Social media is a highlight reel.
  19. No one is coming to save you.
  20. Your legacy is up to you.

PAGASA monitors cloud clusters over Mindanao for potential LPA formation

Effects of 'amihan,' easterlies to prevail in Luzon, rest of the country


The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Wednesday, Feb. 5, that it is closely monitoring cloud clusters over Mindanao for the potential formation of a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) as the northeast monsoon and easterlies continue to affect Luzon and the rest of the country.

pagasa.webp
(PAGASA / MANILA BULLETIN)

“Meron tayong mga cloud clusters na namamataan sa may silangan ng Mindanao, bagama’t mababa ang tiyansa na maging isa itong bagyo, mino-monitor natin ito ngayon for possible formation as a low-pressure area (Cloud clusters have been observed east of Mindanao, although the chances of it developing into a storm are low, it is currently being monitored for possible formation into a low-pressure area),” said PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja in a weather forecast.

Meanwhile, Estareja said the northeast monsoon or “amihan” and easterlies continue to affect Luzon and the rest of the country, bringing isolated rain showers and cloudy skies. “Asahan pa rin ang epekto ng malamig na northeast monsoon o hanging amihan na nakakaapekto sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon, medyo malakas na ito sa ngayon kaya’t aasahan din ang mga mahina at katamtamang pag-ulan (Expect the cold northeast monsoon or 'hanging amihan' to continue affecting most parts of Luzon, which is now stronger, so light to moderate rains are also expected),” he explained.

Estareja also mentioned that the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, are influencing the weather in Visayas and Mindanao.

In its daily weather forecast, PAGASA said that the northeast monsoon will bring cloudy skies and rain to Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Aurora, Quezon, and Camarines Norte.

Due to the "amihan," partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains are also expected in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon. 

Caraga, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Davao Oriental will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms caused by the easterlies.

Likewise, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are expected in the rest of the country, still due to the easterlies.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms or moderate to heavy rains.

Davison shines as PLDT drubs Farm Fresh

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR


AT A GLANCE

  • PLDT banked on hard-hitting Savi Davison as it made short work of Farm Fresh with a 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 victory on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.


PLDT banked on hard-hitting Savi Davison as it made short work of Farm Fresh with a 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 victory on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

PVL AFC 25 PLDT vs. Farm Fresh - Savi Davison-8592 (1).jpg
Savi Davison scores 26 points for PLDT. (PVL Images)

The 5-foot-10 Davison was unstoppable at the attack line, pumping in 23 kills to finish with 26 points to steer the High Speed Hitters to their sixth win in nine matches.

It was the second straight triumph for PLDT as it aims to strengthen its playoff standing. They are currently at third behind unbeaten Creamline (7-0) and Petro Gazz (6-1), which is playing ZUS Coffee as of this writing. 

Mika Reyes also displayed her vintage form and unloaded nine attacks to finish with 10 points, while Erika Santos and Majoy Baron combined for 17 points.

“Lesson lang samin mawala yung complacency and mas maging consistent. Sana madala pa namin to sa mga next games namin,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort.

Angge Alcantara also played a key role throughout the 77-minute match, delivering 12 of the team’s 16 excellent sets, while libero Kath Arado and Fiola Ceballos took charge of the floor defense and conspired for 24 excellent digs.

PLDT pounced on Farm Fresh on all angles, outscoring them in attacks, 52-31, while making more blocks, 8-4. 

So tight were the High Speed Hitters’ defense that they limited all Foxies to single-digit production with Trisha Tubu being held to a measly nine points.

The Foxies failed to sustain their four-set victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers last Thursday, Jan. 30, and slipped to a 4-5 win-loss record.

Does anybody still read the newspaper?

BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT MANNY VILLAR


OF TREES AND FOREST

manny villar.jpg

 

To be able to last for 125 years means you are doing something right. To be able to last for 125 years means that the people know and trust that you are doing something right. To be able to last 125 years means that you have been a witness to the unfolding of the nation’s history. This is what the Manila Bulletin has accomplished last Feb. 2, 2025. 


Just to give you an idea how mind-bending this feat is, when the Manila Bulletin started out as a shipping journal, The Daily Bulletin, churning out “accurate and reliable shipping and commercial information,” on Feb. 2, 1900, it was just about 20 months since General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines on June 12, 1898. It was just less than 14 months since the signing of the Treaty of Paris in which Spain unjustly ceded the Philippines to the United States and US President William McKinley proclaimed a policy of “benevolent assimilation” in which the Philippines was to come under the sovereignty of the United States.


Around one year before the Manila Bulletin’s establishment, the Philippine-American War erupted, set off by a gun battle between an insurgent patrol and an American. Four months later, the First Philippine Republic would declare war against the nascent imperialistic intentions of the United States. 


In fact, with the exception of the four years during the Japanese occupation and a minor interlude during the declaration of Martial Law, the Manila Bulletin came out every day, a witness to our history, strengthening our democracy, contributing to national development and more importantly, upholding the truth and the tenets of journalism. It is an amazing achievement and I congratulate the management, staff and journalists (past and present) for making that possible.  


I read the editorial by the Manila Bulletin on Feb. 2, 2025 extolling its 125th anniversary. It proclaimed that despite all the challenges and hurdles, “the Manila Bulletin faces the future with optimism and determination.” Despite the changing times, the Manila Bulletin bravely stated that “its editorial policy remains clear: to uphold decency, principle, and fairness while advocating for the best interests of the country and its people.”


Despite such optimism, there are serious headwinds not just for the Manila Bulletin but for all of print media. It is an existential issue best expressed in this question which sounds more forceful in Filipino: “May nagbabasa pa ba ng dyaryo?” (Does anybody still read the newspaper?) Gone were the days when the first thing you look for when you wake up is the newspaper. It seems like a scene from a long time ago when you have a family gathered around having breakfast and the father drinking his coffee while reading the “peryodiko” (for those that are too young, that was how we called newspaper back then). 


I still do it. I love the smell of newsprint and coffee in the morning. But I am an old soul like that. Today, the first thing people do when they wake up is check their phones. And to the extent that they are interested in the news, they go to Facebook or Twitter. Today, you would probably see a typical family situated around a table but in their own zones checking social media feeds on their mobile. Before, what you read on the newspaper became the topic of actual conversations within the family, in the office, or with friends. Today, we “converse” by retweeting or “sharing.” We communicate in the comments section or reply with an emoji. 


These are different times, interesting times.


And so, while we celebrate this milestone by the Manila Bulletin, there is reason to be concerned about the future. “May magbabasa pa ba ng peryodiko?” I was searching for an answer until I found the mission of the Manila Bulletin on its website, which reads: “to provide…accurate and objective news of the Philippines, without embellishment or advocacy of persons and parties but only in ideas…it will strive to be positive rather than negative in its coverage and interpretation, build-up rather than destroy, encourage rather than take a stand of negative criticism and be courageous in reporting abuses and dishonesty, so that the medium will become an instrument of construction rather than destruction, without neglecting its critical function in society”.


I am not sure what the future of the print media would be. But I am mighty proud to be part of a news organization that stayed true to its core values even after 125 years. I am not sure “kung may magbabasa pa ng dyaryo.” But I hope that in the future “may interesado pa sa katotohanan.” (there would still be those interested with the truth.)  If that is the case, then a multi-media organization with a  print edition, like the Manila Bulletin, will survive and continue to thrive. 


(mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph and/or http://www.mannyvillar.com)