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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?
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!
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Wednesday, March 5, 2025
LOOK | CABLE-FREE STREETS
Chargers survive Foxies to book quarters ticket
AT A GLANCE
Akari fought back from two sets down to survive a resilient Farm Fresh, 25-11, 23-25, 18-25, 25-21, 15-9, and barge into the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, March 4.
Akari fought back from two sets down to survive a resilient Farm Fresh, 25-11, 23-25, 18-25, 25-21, 15-9, and barge into the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, March 4.
The Chargers, coming into the game as the lower-seeded squad at seventh, dug deep in their offensive prowess particularly late in the fifth set en route to the crucial win and join early quarterfinalists Creamline Cool Smashers, Galeries Tower Highrisers, Choco Mucho Flying Titans and Petro Gazz Angels.
Ivy Lacsina spearheaded Akari once again by waxing hot at the attack line, firing 21 kills to finish with 22 points.
“Nagtiwala lang talaga kami sa sistema ni coach samin, pati na rin sa isa’t isa,” a teary-eyed Lacsina said. “Madami kaming pinadaanan the past few days, so pam-boost na rin tong panalop samin.”
CJ Soyud also fueled the Chargers with 14 points including 10 attacks, while Grethcel Soltones came off the bench with 11 points highlighted by three blocks.
After a dominating opening frame, Akari appeared to have lost its steam particularly in the third set, where it gave up nine points on errors despite its attempts to regain the upperhand.
They slowly got their rhythm in the fourth with Lacsina teaming up with Grethcel Soltones, who had fully recovered from a right hand strain, to extend the match into a deciding fifth frame.
Trisha Tubu and Rachel Daquis tried to keep Farm Fresh afloat, tying the game at 7-all after trailing 0-4 at the start of the fifth set.
But it turned out to be the Foxies’ last stand as Lacsina and Soltones joined forces for the Chargers’ next five points to gain a 12-7 cushion and never looked back.
Overall, Akari overpowered Farm Fresh in kills, 59-49, and was solid at the net with 12 blocks compared to the Foxies’ only two. The Chargers also unloaded nine aces including four from Michelle Cobb.
Tubu scored 23 points while Alyssa Bertolano added 13 in a losing effort for Farm Fresh, who were relegated to the play-in tournament for the two quarters berth.
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.



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.



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.



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.”


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.”


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
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:
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)