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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Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Pasasalamat for partnerships

TPB honors its partners in telling the story of the nation


AT A GLANCE

  • ‘We look to strengthen the ties that brought us here and forge new ones that will take us further.’ 

Tourism is not a solo act. In this symphony of efforts, every collaboration, every handshake, every shared vision moves the Philippines further onto the world stage. It is a story written not by one, but by many.

 

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Mia Borromeo, Kaye Tinga, and Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo

 

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Live Nation’s Rhiza Pascua and daughter Isabella

 

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Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson Meehan, Margje Duavit, and Tania Fricke

 

This is what Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines honors in Pasasalamat, a tribute to the partnerships that have made the country’s rise in global tourism possible. It is an occasion to reflect, to acknowledge, and to set our sights on new horizons.

 


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Universal Records Kathleen Go, TPB COO Marga Nograles, and Korean actor Kim Ji Soo

 

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Rep. Inno Dy

 

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Marga Nograles with Rafa Aboitiz

 

The past year, more than a year of growth, was a leap. In 2024, the TPB recorded ₱11.3 billion in sales leads, a 44.8 percent increase from the previous year. The momentum was driven by strategic partnerships that amplified the Philippines’ presence worldwide.

 

Global media giants like CNN, Bloomberg, and Euronews placed the country in front of millions while collaborations with Timothy Granaderos, Nico Santos, Josh de la Cruz, Korean actor Kim Ji Soo, and American pop-rock act LANY turned visibility into resonance. The result was over ₱1.44 billion in media values, proving that when the right voices speak for the Philippines, the world listens. 

 

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Paloma and Mariana Zobel de Ayala

 

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Kai Lim and Vicki Delgado

 

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Carlo Calma and Carmina Sanchez

 

The impact extended beyond media exposure. Participation in international travel fairs, including ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market in London, yielded ₱918 million in sales leads, further strengthening the country’s position as a must-visit destination.

 

“Pasasalamat is a celebration of what we have accomplished together through the unwavering support of our partners,” said Marga Nograles, TPB chief operating officer. “Their belief in our shared vision has driven remarkable progress. This year, we aim for even greater milestones, knowing that this journey is one we continue side by side.”

 

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Randy Ortiz and Tim Yap

 

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Ricky Delgado and Captain Stanley Ng

 

Tourism shapes how the world sees us, how we see ourselves. “It is everyone’s business,” Nograles added. “As we move forward, we look to strengthen the ties that brought us here and forge new ones that will take us further.”

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Brian Poe and Rep. Inno Dy

 

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Fely and Kim Atienza

 

As TPB steps into another year of challenges and possibilities, Pasasalamat is more than gratitude, it is a call to action--to tell our story with greater conviction, to showcase the Philippines not just as a destination, but as an experience, a memory, a feeling that stays with those who visit.

Lisa, Doja Cat, Raye perform James Bond themes at Oscars

BY JONATHAN HICAP

BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye performed at the 2025 Oscars ceremony to pay tribute to James Bond films. 

The three performed a medley of themes from James Bond films. Lisa became the first K-pop star to perform at the Oscars. 

Lisa performed "Live and Let Die" from the 1973 James Bond film. It was originally recorded by the rock band Wings. 

Doja Cat performed "Diamonds are Forever" while Raye sang "Skyfall.” 

Doja Cat and Raye are featured in Lisa's song "Born Again" that is included in her "Alter Ego" album that was released on Feb. 28. 

Here are the photos of Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye at the 2025 Oscars: 

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Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye at the 2025 Oscars (All photos by Etienne Laurent, Al Seib, Phil McCarten, Trae Patton, Richard Harbaugh, and Kyusung Gong for The Academy/AMPAS) 

A German Expat in the Philippines (V): Crocodiles, run and reggae

 


Tuesday, March 4, 2025

March Updates: New Flights the Philippines | E-travel no longer needed?



VP Sara cites people’s resilience in Araw ng Dabaw message

BY IVY TEJANO

DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte cited the resilience, unity, and unwavering hope of the people of Davao in her message for the 88th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

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DUTERTE (FB)

Duterte emphasized the city’s steadfast commitment to growth despite challenges. 

“In this celebration, we give thanks not only for the progress and victories of the city but also for reflecting once again on the rich culture and history of us, the Davaoeños,” Duterte said in a statement on Saturday, March 1.

Hundreds of Davaoeños gathered at Rizal Park on San Pedro St. on Saturday night to witness the “Pasiugnang Pagsaulog” that kicked off the start of the Araw ng Dabaw celebration with the theme “88 Years Strong: One Davao.”

Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chairman of the city council Committee on Tourism and Beautification, said the theme is a powerful cue that through every challenge, Dabawenyos remain steadfast, resilient, and united as one Davao.

“Like the eagle, the city’s iconic symbol, Davaoeños are known for rising above challenges and striving for greater heights. Its soaring flight reflects our boundless potential and endless possibilities that lie ahead for Davao City,” Alejandre said. 

This year’s festivities began with a lively show by local talents – Ralph Angelo Merced, Rap Cañedo, Jona Soquite, D’Squared Cru, Studio 51, and UM Chorale – and presentation of Mutya ng Dabaw 2025 and the official theme song “Dabawenyo Ko.”

Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by acting Vice Mayor and Councilor Alberto T. Ungab, said the Araw ng Dabaw celebration reflects the Davaoeños’ strength shaped by unity, resilience, determination, and compassion for fellow man.

“Our progress would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of every responsible, law-abiding, and peace-loving resident. For the past 88 years, Davaoeños have contributed to the city’s growth and success,” Mayor Duterte said.

As the city opens the 88th Araw ng Dabaw festivities, Mayor Duterte emphasized that the event also honors those who have shaped Davao City into the firm and dynamic city it is today, especially former Mayor and President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

A key highlight of the program was an animated video showing the city’s history from 1848, when it was called Nueva Vergara, to its renaming in 1936 and ongoing growth until its present leaders. 

“We thank and salute you all,” Mayor Duterte said.

Mayor Duterte encouraged people to celebrate with pride and enthusiasm while upholding the culture of security and discipline that defines all Davaoeños. He called for unity, responsibility, and peace to ensure safe and meaningful celebration.

Magnitude 5.4 quake rocks Davao del Sur — Phivolcs

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

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Phivolcs

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a 5.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Davao del Sur on Tuesday morning, March 4.

The tremor occurred at 9:42 a.m., with its epicenter 2 kilometers southwest of Matanao, Davao del Sur.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was felt at Intensity V (strong) in Matanao and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur.

It was recorded at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Kidapawan City in Cotabato, Malungon in Sarangani, and Tampakan and Tupi in South Cotabato.

Meanwhile, it was felt at Intensity III (weak) in Magpet in Cotabato,  Davao City in Davao del Sur, General Santos City and Banga in South Cotabato, and President Quirino and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.

The tremor was “slightly felt” (Intensity II) in Pikit in Cotabato, Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, Kiamba in Sarangani, Surall, Norala, Santo Niño and T’boli in South Cotabato, and Lambayong and Isulan in Sultan Kudarat, while it was “scarcely perceptible” (Intensity I) in Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental, Nabunturan in Davao de Oro, Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, and Esperanza, Kalamansig, and Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic in origin, resulting from the movement of an active fault in the area.


The agency advised the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks may follow.

When theatre titas converge

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT


AT A GLANCE

  • Chesie Galvez-Cariño has been writing witty, and pithy, comedic dramas that often revolve around a milieu she’s very familiar with - that of society women, the women who lunch, and the Titas of Manila. 

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The cast of 'Deadma'

Philippine theater does not live on musicals alone, even if appearances may make it seem so. Chesie Galvez-Cariño has been writing witty, and pithy, comedic dramas that often revolve around a milieu she’s very familiar with - that of society women, the women who lunch, and the Titas of Manila. Her theater company, Theatre Titas, is known for producing dramatic plays, and finding original material that’s both entertaining and illuminating. 

Come March 29, a twin bill of two short plays under the working title of Dedma, will start its run at the Mirror Studio Theater 2 (2nd floor) at Kalayaan Avenue, Makati, until the 13th of April. Five performances on the weekend, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Book your tickets at TEEQ.Live. The twin bill consists of Let’s Do Lunch and The Foxtrot, both from Chesie's pen. 

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I had the opportunity to watch a preview of Let’s Do Lunch last year; and it’s a hilarious, then touching, dissertation on friendship when there’s a whiff of scandal. It examines how deep (or shallow) friendship goes among these social circles, and explores the primal urge of saving face, and hanging out with the right people. Issa Litton reprises her role from the preview I watched, and she’s now cast with Naths Everett and Ash Nicanor. Trust me, you do not want to miss this; as you’ll laugh, you’ll tear, you’ll sympathize, and be moved by the material. Maribel Legarda directs. 

Then there’s The Foxtrot, where a society maven and her DI (dance instructor) lock horns right before they enter a dance competition. JC Santos will portray the DI, and it’s a nostalgic return to the stage for Jackie Lou Blanco as the doña benefactress. Former Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales takes on the directing chores for this one. 

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I always enjoy watching Issa shift from hosting to acting, and for many, Jackie Lou Blanco's appearance in the second play will be of interest. So book your seats early, and be treated to home-grown original material, drama with strong shafts of humor.  

Enjoy plays that reflect on us and may remind us of people we know or be an unexpected mirror to our inner workings. A matinee and evening performance on Sunday, March 29, kicks off the run. 

A German Expat in the Philippines (IV): Freezing cold and a camel's kiss