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, March 13, 2025

Rentenerhöhung: Drei Millionen Rentnerinnen und Rentner profitieren doppelt

Berlin – Durch die Rentenerhöhung zum 1. Juli 2025 erhalten Rentnerinnen und Rentner in Deutschland 3,74 Prozent mehr Geld. Der Wert eines Entgeltpunkts erhöht sich damit von derzeit 39,32 Euro auf 40,79 Euro im Monat. Drei Millionen Beziehende profitieren zusätzlich von der Steigerung. Denn auch der Rentenzuschlag der drei Millionen Erwerbsminderungsrenten steigt. 

Rentenerhöhung am 1. Juli 2025: Drei Millionen Rentnerinnen und Rentner profitieren doppelt

Seit Juli 2024 zahlt die Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) diesen Zuschlag an Beziehende einer Erwerbsminderungsrente und der daran anknüpfenden Alters- und Hinterbliebenenrenten. Vom Zuschlag profitieren Menschen, die eine Rente wegen teilweiser oder voller Erwerbsminderung erhalten und deren Rentenbeginn in den Jahren 2001 bis 2018 lag. Auch Alters- und Hinterbliebenenrenten bekommen seitdem den Zuschlag, die unmittelbar an diese Erwerbsminderungsrenten folgen. 

Bereits seit 1. Juli 2024 bekommen die Beziehenden der Erwerbsminderungsrenten den Zuschlag von 7,5 Prozent, wenn sie in der Zeit von Januar 2001 bis Juni 2014 in diese Rentenform eingetreten sind. Bei einem Rentenbeginn ab Juli 2014 bis Dezember 2018 sind es noch 4,5 Prozent. Die Auszahlung erfolgt seitdem automatisch. Der Zeitpunkt ist unabhängig von der Rente selbst zwischen dem 10. und 20. des jeweiligen Monats. Ab Dezember 2025 wird der Zuschlag dann gemeinsam mit der üblichen Rentenzahlung überwiesen.

Rentenzuschlag steigt mit der Erhöhung am 1. Juli um 3,74 Prozent

Mit der Rentenerhöhung am 1. Juli 2025 steigt auch der Zuschlag der Erwerbsminderungsrenten. Die drei Millionen Beziehenden profitieren damit doppelt: einerseits von der Erhöhung ihrer regulären Rente – und eben vom Anstieg des Zuschlags. Beide Zahlungen erhöhen sich dabei um 3,74 Prozent. 

Ein altes Ehepaar läuft durch einen Park. Der Mann sitzt im Rollstuhl.
Beziehende von Renten wegen voller oder teilweiser Erwerbsminderung erhalten durch die Rentenerhöhung im Juli gleich zweifach mehr Geld. (Symbolfoto) © FrankHoermann/Imago

Dieser Wert hatte sich aus der Entwicklung der Löhne und Gehälter der Erwerbstätigen berechnet. Der Nominallohnindex, der die Steigerung der Bruttolöhne berücksichtigt und für die Rentenanpassung entscheidend ist, ist laut Statistischem Bundesamt um 5,4 Prozent gestiegen. Durch die doppelte Haltelinie fällt die Erhöhung mit 3,74 Prozent jedoch etwas niedriger aus.

Erwerbsminderungsrente und Zuschlag steigen: Wie viel Geld gibt es?

Doch wie viel Geld bekommen Rentnerinnen und Rentner dadurch? Die Berechnung des seit 2024 geltenden Zuschlags erfolgte auf Basis der Rentenzahlung. Bei einer Rente von monatlich 1000 Euro, die 2013 begann, beträgt der Zuschlag 7,5 Prozent. Damit gibt es 75 Euro im Monat. Mit der Rentenerhöhung 2025 steigen die Zahlungen um jeweils 3,74 Prozent. Die reguläre Erwerbsminderungsrente steigt damit um 37,40 Euro, liegt damit bei 1037,40 Euro. Der Zuschlag von bisher 75 Euro steigt um rund 2,81 Euro auf 77,81 Euro im Monat. Insgesamt gibt es im Beispiel damit rund 115,21 Euro im Monat.

Diese Berechnung des Rentenzuschlags gilt laut der Deutschen Rentenversicherung jedoch bis Ende November 2025. Ab Dezember erhalten Rentnerinnen und Rentner den Zuschlag gemeinsam mit der Rente in einer Summe. Dann sind die persönlichen Entgeltpunkte Grundlage der Berechnung.

A German Expat in the Philippines (XII): Special Visitors

 


Tuesday, March 11, 2025

A JUDAS AND A LITTLE BIT HOPE



By Klaus Döring


It’s easy to dismiss Judas as a villain or a victim, but I’m struck by the fact that, in many ways, he was just like me.


Judas was a follower of Jesus and a preacher of the gospel, but there was a double mindedness about him. In the end, he abandoned the faith he once professed.


The apostle Judas, probably also called Thaddeus or Jude, being a brother of James and Jesus, started as a fervent follower of Christ. Then, suddenly he changed. He felt that Christ didn't  satisfy his worldly expectations. The church, like Christ, is always loved by its true followers and is always hated by its apostates.  Till today - no matter what belief you are in... .


Judas didn't leave the apostolic community to become a Pharisee or a critic  of Christ. He  leaves to become a traitor! Such a traitor will always find fault or a misinterpretation of human teaching. Judas gathered reasons that he, himself, had heard  and witnessed  to justify  his betrayal. Yes, we all also know such people who betray us and sometimes a whole country.


A Jewish mob tried to throw Christ down a cliff, but nothing happened. Soldiers tried to arrest Him, but nothing happened. The Pharisees tried to entrap Him to no effect. It needed a friend to betray Him. He escaped from all, but not from the treason of a friend. "It would have been better for that man if he had not been born!" No such sentence was hurled, for example, to Pilate or Herod.


The lesson for all of us is very clear. A bad politician or one of our neighbors can be the foulest thing on earth. A bad pagan cannot be 1/10 corrupt.


"Do not betray another man's confidence!" the bible teaches us. But Judases can be found everywhere. Just as fire is not born from snow, so is the seeker after worldly honors not seeking heavenly ones. or have you ever seen the snow catch fire?


The maladroit politician named Judas betrays his voter and elector through beautiful soft promises while corrupting a whole nation. The peace conference member or peacemaker named Judas just gives double standards while allowing at the same time his jackals and accomplices to kill and injure his own countrymen. The neighbor, who declares how much he loves his family while going on unhindered destroying the environment is also named Judas... .


Judas' sins are really not rare. We commit it every day. Someone who has changed his ideals away from the ideals of the church and declares it to the world, anyone who leaves the church or the religious order and proclaims it to the world, "night had fallen on his soul"!


When Julius Caesar was being assassinated what hurt him was not the stabs of Caius but the presence of his friend Brutus. We might never know it, but we could be carrying on our lips the kiss of Judas!


Many times I do voice out people's longing for advice and actions through the institution's church. There are many. Please allow me to quote former Rev. Mariano C. Apilado, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, who had done a first important step already many years ago by saying:


"Christian hope does never shield people, much less  Christians  from disappointments, hardships and betrayals, nor does it provide neat and ready answers to the world's problems. Christian hope empowers Christians to take responsibility in the establishment of a government that respects the law and protection of the people and their rights in the struggle for justice and development. ... Christian hope is not peanuts for it assures us: there is always a future looking forward to it. Without hope, Christian faithfulness is suspect and without foundation. with this hope, we sing, celebrate and work faithfully and courageously, believing, 'that we shall overcome'!"


Philippines Retirement Visa: How Foreigners & Former Filipinos Can Apply...



‘Pearl Gala’ reaffirms Ballet Manila’s place in the world of dance


‘Pink Pearls’ features Nanami Hasegawa, Rafael Perez and Shamira Drapete.

Photo by Ericka Jacinto

Carlo Orosa - The Philippine Star 

March 9, 2025 | 12:00am


MANILA, Philippines — Ballet Manila’s “Pearl Gala” was more than a performance. It was a tribute to three decades of artistry, discipline and evolution.

Celebrating the company’s 30th anniversary, the performance showcased a well-curated repertoire that honored its classical foundations while embracing contemporary innovation.

As prima ballerina and artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde eloquently stated in her speech, the gala was structured as a retrospective, reflecting on the past, embracing the present and envisioning the future.

The evening opened with “Paquita,” a dazzling display of classical ballet. Restaged by Tatiana Udalenkova, the 19th-century masterpiece reaffirmed Ballet Manila’s commitment to the Vaganova method, which has shaped its dancers’ impeccable technique.

The corps de ballet moved in unison with remarkable precision, while soloists delivered breathtaking variations with strength and grace. It was a masterclass in classical form, proving that Ballet Manila remains a powerhouse of technical excellence.

From the purity of classicism, the program transitioned to the contemporary with “Bloom,” choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Created originally for Ballet Manila’s 20th anniversary, the piece has since gained international recognition.

Inspired by an Indonesian flower ritual, “Bloom” pulsed with raw energy and controlled sensuality. The male dancers commanded the stage with electrifying athleticism, providing a striking contrast to “Paquita”’s refined elegance.

Set to Philip Glass’ “Violin Concerto,” the choreography was both fluid and explosive, capturing the essence of modern ballet’s emotional depth and power.

The final act, “Pearls,” was the highlight of the evening — a deeply personal and meaningful piece choreographed by Lisa, with the “Black Pearl” duets choreographed by Martin Lawrance.

The world premiere served as a metaphor for the company’s evolution. Just as a pearl is formed through layers over time, so too is a ballet dancer, shaped by years of training and experience.

The ballet unfolded in sections: “White Pearls” showcased a crisp, classical corps de ballet; “Pink Pearls” featured impressive technical displays from the company’s male dancers; and “Gold Pearls” brought 10 couples together in a grand finale symbolizing the culmination of artistic mastery.

Throughout, the “Black Pearl” couple wove in and out, representing Ballet Manila’s journey from classical tradition to contemporary exploration.

What made “Pearl Gala” particularly captivating was how every dancer — whether a soloist or part of the ensemble — had a moment to shine. Even within group performances, individual artistry stood out, a testament to the company’s rigorous training and commitment to excellence. Before the second half, a special presentation provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the intense rehearsals and discipline required of a professional ballet dancer. The insight reinforced the idea that ballet is not just a performance art but a lifelong dedication, where every movement is the result of years of relentless practice.

Beyond a celebration of its history, the gala was also a declaration of Ballet Manila’s future. The company has mastered the balance of honoring tradition while forging ahead with innovation. Its upcoming productions — “Swan Lake,” “Don Quixote” and a revival of the Filipino ballet “Florante at Laura” — reflect the dual commitment to classical masterpieces and original works that champion local narratives.

Under Lisa’s leadership, Ballet Manila continues to push the boundaries of Filipino ballet, ensuring its relevance on both national and global stages.

A particularly emotional moment of the evening was the tribute to Ballet Manila’s late co-artistic director, Osias Barroso Jr., as well as founding members Eric Cruz and Sandra Lynn Huang. Their absence was deeply felt, yet their influence remains embedded in the company’s DNA. The gala was as much about honoring their contributions as it was about looking ahead to new artistic milestones.

“Pearl Gala” was a triumph — not just in its execution but in its message. It underscored the importance of ballet companies like Ballet Manila, which uphold the highest standards of training while continually evolving with the times.

In an era when the performing arts face numerous challenges, companies like this deserve unwavering support. The talent and dedication of Filipino ballet dancers are undeniable, and with Lisa at the helm, their future is bright.

Ballet Manila has proven time and again that excellence in dance requires more than just talent — it demands discipline, resilience and an unyielding passion for the art. In its 30th year, the company continues to push boundaries, making ballet not just an elite art form but an experience that resonates deeply with audiences.

The “Pearl Gala” was not just a milestone event — it was a reaffirmation of Ballet Manila’s place in the world of dance, a promise of even greater things to come.

No slowing down for streaking NU

BY MARK REY MONTEJO


AT A GLANCE

  • National University showed no signs of slowing down as it remained undefeated in five games in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. 

National University showed no signs of slowing down as it remained undefeated in five games in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

UAAP 87 WVB NU vs. UP- Alyssa Solomon (3).jpg
NU's Alyssa Solomon (UAAP Media)

But despite having a pristine 5-0 card, the Lady Bulldogs remain wary of the challenges that lie ahead.

“Siyempre pagtatrabahuhan namin every game, kailangan ibigay namin ‘yong best namin [and] ‘di dapat kami mag-relax kahit nasa top kami, kasi lahat ng teams hinahabol kami at gusto nilang matalo kami,” said Alyssa Solomon after NU’s sweep victory over University of the Philippines Sunday, March 9, at Mall of Asia Arena.


“Personally ‘yong pagiging consistent ‘yon talaga ang number one na meron kami, at kailangan ‘di mawala kasi malakas ‘yong mga kalaban,” Solomon added.

The Lady Bulldogs bare their fangs and mauled the Fighting Maroons via a 25-13, 25-23, 25-22 demolition, pushing the State U to its fourth straight defeat after a promising 2-0 start.

“Ayaw naman lahat mag-step ladder... ‘yong biggest challenge samin is pa’no kami maging consistent kasi medyo matagal pa ‘yong season [and] marami pa pong games, marami pang pwedeng mangyari,” stressed Bella Belen.

“Siguro kami nalang, [kung] pa’no mahihigitan ‘yong galaw namin every after game,” Belen added. 

Veterans Belen and Solomon, as expected, powered NU with 17 and 16 points, respectively, with offensive support coming from Vange Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, and Alexa Mata.

With their triumph, the Lady Bulldogs kept themselves ahead of the pack, staying unscathed with two games left before the break.

Though they have asserted their dominance so far, head coach Sherwin Meneses would instead look for areas to be improved.

“Everyday naghahanap kami ng pwedeng mai-improve every training, marami pa [kailangang matutuhan],” said Meneses.

“Talagang every training naman do’n kami nagfo-focus, hindi sa streak, kung hanggang saan mag-iimprove at mananalo, at magti-tiyaga sa training, do’n kami nagfo-focus,” he added.

NU is set for another exciting clash against super rookie Shaina Nitura and the Adamson Lady Falcons this Wednesday, March 12, at the same venue.

PH tops Southeast Asia in sensitive skin prevalence—study

Here’s how you can protect your skin

The Philippines has topped a regional chart no one wants to lead: a recent study by Galderma revealed the country ranks sixth globally, and first in Southeast Asia, for prevalence of sensitive skin. This revelation, shared by Khen Koh, head of medical at Galderma Asia Pacific Region, during the recently held Cetaphil Skin Labs event. 

In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Koh sheds light on the unique challenges Filipinos face in maintaining healthy skin.

Khen Koh.jpeg
Khen Koh, head of medical at Galderma Asia Pacific Region

The study
The study, encompassing 15,000 patients aged 18 to 65, primarily from urban areas, highlighted a worrying trend. "The Philippines ranked highest in the heat map for development of sensitive skin," Koh explained, contrasting it with neighboring countries like Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. 

So, what's contributing to this prevalence? Koh points to several factors, starting with the sheer size of the Filipino population. "Number one, you do have a large population. Number two, you have a continuous high level of humidity," he stated.

However, beyond these obvious factors, Koh acknowledged that lifestyle and socioeconomic status also influence this skin situation. "I also believe that the main factors that are triggering the sensitive skin are stress and the lack of sleep," he said. 

He suggested a potential link between the stress levels of Filipinos and the development of sensitive skin, although direct comparative data is lacking.The study also hinted at the impact of socioeconomic factors. 

galderma study.png


"There could also be, in a way, an association between the levels of different socioeconomic status," he noted that access to proper skincare, including gentle cleansers and moisturizers, can be limited for those in challenging conditions. Furthermore, the widespread use of traditional soaps, often harsh and alkaline, plays a significant role. 

"I believe that the Philippines also has one of the highest usage of soap. I've been observing when I go into your pharmacies and supermarket, the soap section is really, really big," Koh observed. "But soap is a very harsh product to use to clean your skin because it has a very high alkaline content, and it actually breaks down the skin barrier."

galderma study.png

The symptoms and preventions
Recognizing sensitive skin isn’t always straightforward. He advised paying attention to key symptoms. "If they have a combination of three out of all the symptoms which are itching, redness and skin tightness, particularly after they shower, or even on a normal day,” he said.

He then offered practical tips for managing and preventing sensitive skin:

Embrace a gentle routine: "Just use products such as Cetaphil, which have got the right ingredients. And follow a simple regime," he said as he emphasized the importance of a consistent, minimal routine.

Galderma study.png


Cleanse and moisturize: "Just cleanse your skin with a gentle skin cleanser. And then after that, apply a moisturizer or a moisturizing lotion.”

Protect from the Sun: "For your face, if you can obtain sunscreen, always protect your skin from the sun."

By adopting these simple yet effective steps, Filipinos can take control of their skin health and combat the challenges of sensitive skin. 

"If you can do these three things, you would find that it really improves the health of your skin and also will help you to prevent but also, to an extent, reduce a lot of the symptoms that you have for sensitive skin," Koh concluded.