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, June 12, 2025

Why is the German language so complex?

 

Profile photo for Jake Pentland
Jake Pentland


With the caveat that every language is difficult to learn, German seems to be a particularly strange example of a particularly complex language for an English speaker to learn if you consider the following: the pronouns are very similar; English and German have the same cases except that the accusative and dative have somehow merged together in English; that German and English have almost the same verbal forms, except we don’t use the second person singular anymore and that for whatever reason, English seems to tend toward dropping final “n” and the final unstressed /ə/ has disappeared.

If you are talking about a budding English polyglot, if you consider that the other most studied language, French, has twice as many verbal tenses as English and German or that very few English people learn Urdu or Polish, the main community languages in England, or Welsh, Gaelic, Manx, Irish or Breton (the languages of our neighbours) compared to German, I don’t understand where the idea that German is unfathomably difficult comes from.

That’s not to say that it isn’t hard to learn - and it is - but compared to its neighbours, it is more similar than different to English.

Rente und Steuern: Ab diesem Betrag müssen Rentner zahlen – Merz plant Änderung


Berlin – In den kommenden Wochen erhalten die 22 Millionen Rentner und Rentnerinnen im Land mal wieder Post von der Deutschen Rentenversicherung: Diesmal geht es um die Rentenerhöhung 2025, die wie jedes Jahr ab 1. Juli greifen soll. Dieses Mal steigt die Rente um 3,74 Prozent und damit erneut mehr als die Inflationsrate. 

Rentner müssen Steuern zahlen: So berechnet sich der Freibetrag auf die Rente

Mit der Rentenerhöhung wechseln jedes Jahr auch einige Rentenbeziehende in die steuerpflichtige Zone. Wer 2025 mehr als 12.096 Euro im Jahr verdient, muss eine Steuererklärung abgeben und gilt grundsätzlich als steuerpflichtig. Allerdings ist das nicht bei Rentnern und Rentnerinnen so. Sie haben auch oberhalb des Grundfreibetrags noch eine Freigrenze. Bei Rentnern und Rentnerinnen kommt es auf das Jahr des Renteneintritts an, wie viel man tatsächlich versteuern muss

Wer also 2020 in Rente gegangen ist, muss auf 80 Prozent der Rente Steuern zahlen; für 20 Prozent gilt einen Freibetrag. Erst für Rentenbeziehende ab 2058 wird 100 Prozent der Rente versteuert. Der Rentenfreibetrag wird nach Angaben der Deutschen Rentenversicherung für jeden Rentnerjahrgang berechnet und verändert sich nicht – also auch nicht durch die Rentenerhöhung.

Der Rentenfreibetrag wird zum Grundfreibetrag hinzugerechnet, also: Wer beispielsweise einen Rentenfreibetrag von 6000 Euro hat, rechnet dies zusätzlich zum Grundfreibetrag hinzu, also 12.096 + 6000 Euro = 18.096 Euro. 

Tabelle: Ab diesen Betrag müssen Rentner Steuern zahlen

Das Portal Finanztip hat für jede Rentnergeneration seit 2005 errechnet, ab welchem Betrag Rentner und Rentnerinnen Steuern zahlen müssen. Daraus ergibt sich folgende Tabelle: 

RentenbeginnFreibetrag WestenFreibetrag Osten
200522.034 Euro20.573 Euro
200621.560 Euro20.208 Euro
200721.164 Euro19.899 Euro
200820.872 Euro19.710 Euro
200920.520 Euro19.468 Euro
201020.107 Euro19.138 Euro
201119.797 Euro18.891 Euro
201219.455 Euro18.713 Euro
201319.099 Euro18.532 Euro
201418.808 Euro18.316 Euro
201518.593 Euro18.184 Euro
201618.355 Euro18.058 Euro
201718.077 Euro17.848 Euro
201817.822 Euro17.630 Euro
201917.558 Euro17.413 Euro
202017.213 Euro17.113 Euro
202117.112 Euro17.043 Euro
202217.086 Euro17.059 Euro
202317.149 Euro17.149 Euro
202417.196 Euro17.196 Euro
202517.148 Euro17.148 Euro

Wer mehr als diesen ausgewiesenen Betrag im Jahr als Einkommen hat, muss potenziell Steuern zahlen. Beim Ausfüllen der Steuererklärung werden wie bei jeder Person dann andere steuermindernde Ausgaben hinzugefügt, zum Beispiel Werbungskosten. Für einen persönlich kann es also sehr gut sein, dass man mehr als diesen Betrag im Jahr einnimmt, aber trotzdem keine Steuern zahlen muss.

Die Steuererklärung muss in jedem Fall abgegeben werden. Allerdings könnte sich das in Zukunft ändern: Die neue Bundesregierung unter Friedrich Merz (CDU) hat sich vorgenommen, eine Quellensteuer auf Renten einzuführen. Dadurch sollen Rentner und Rentnerinnen von der Abgabe einer Steuererklärung befreit werden. Im Gegenzug würde die Deutsche Rentenversicherung automatisch eine Steuer von der Rente abziehen, genauso wie bei Arbeitnehmern und Arbeitnehmerinnen. Um das Geld zurückzubekommen, müsste eine Steuererklärung trotzdem abgegeben werden.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Vacation - Ferien


Yes, I am still in vacation.
Ja, ich bin immer noch im Urlaub.

Where? Wo?

Of course: in the Philippines!
Natürlich: auf den Philippinen!


Beach, sand, sun, good food, relax...
Strand, Sand, Sonne, gutes Essen, ausruhen...






I will be back soon with a lot of new posts and impressions of my life as an expat in the Philippines.

Ich bin bald wieder zurück mit vielen neuen Artikeln und Impressionen von meinem Leben als Auswanderer auf den Philippinen.

Ralph-Will, Shuvee-Klang, Mika-Brent make final duos of ‘PBB Celebrity Collab Edition’


Singer Klarisse de Guzman (right) and host-actress Shuvee Etrata are the final duo for the 'Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition.' Screenshot from Pinoy Big Brother

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

June 8, 2025 | 12:27pm


MANILA, Philippines — "Academic rivals" Ralph de Leon and Shuvee Etrata have chosen their “unexpected” final duos for the upcoming finale of the reality show "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition."

Tagged as “academic rivals” by fans for their consistent competitive streaks and frequent top finishes in house tasks, Ralph and Shuvee were granted the privilege of choosing their final duos for the show's big night.

This edition’s format allows the public to vote for the winning pair, with one star from ABS-CBN and one from GMA-7 emerging as the “big winners.”

It also marks the first time that "Pinoy Big Brother" features GMA-7 talents, as the reality show celebrates its 20th anniversary since premiering on ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN and Star Magic talent Ralph surprised fans by choosing Will Ashley as his final duo, instead of AZ Martinez, the GMA-7 star widely paired with him in a love team.

“'Di pa nagkakaroon ng opportunity to become a duo with Will. Naka-duo na si AZ before,” Ralph said during his interview with Big Brother or Kuya in the confession room. 

Like the fates of former evictees in past “PBB” editions, Ralph successfully re-entered the house with the help of his fans and online polls after exiting it briefly in May. The other housemates who were evicted but were given a chance to enter the house in past editions included Paco Evangelista and Wendy Valdez. 

GMA-7 and Sparkle artist Shuvee Etrata also surprised fans as she picked her final duo as the Top 2 of the final duo formation task. 

Kiana V’s Falling Out is an honest anthem about self-worth

 






Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

June 10, 2025 | 12:00am


Kiana V has released Falling Out, which is about breaking free from a bad cycle and discovering the importance of self-worth. It is based on a personal experience and quiet confessions of those around her. The singer-songwriter says the tune is quite similar to previous releases and still in the R&B space.


Kiana V has recently revealed her latest recording output, titled Falling Out, signaling also the release of other tunes that comprise a forthcoming studio album.


In a virtual group chat, attended by media outlets including The STAR, Kiana talked about the nitty-gritty of Falling Out, from the inspiration for its main theme to the description of the song’s sonic aspect.


“I would say in terms of genre, it is still quite similar, it’s still in the R&B space,” said she, comparing Falling Out to previous releases. “Musically, with the instruments, we had a few more live instruments on this one and in terms of concepts, I don’t know, guys, if you listen to a lot of my music but I’ve found that I like exploring this problem of letting go of a bad cycle.”


The persona in the song, as one may put it, is in a dilemma whether to stay in a challenging relational and romantic situation or walk away from it.


“But I think that I’ve been more honest with this one. I’m speaking directly, like as the singer, I’m speaking directly to whoever, you know, I’m directing the lyrics to and I’m just being honest,” shared she. “Like, let’s look at the situation for what it is, let’s not try to sugarcoat it and just end it here before we make a bigger mess.”


Her voice is a representation of a particular kind of woman who needs some time for introspection.


Kiana said she was inspired by the women portrayed on ‘90s television, encompassing their difference to today’s women.


“If you’re treated poorly and we respect our own boundaries, and we’re out. We’re like, you know what, I don’t have time for this,” said Kiana about the common thread that connects Falling Out to the soon-to-be-released songs on the album. “I’m gonna go but the women in ‘90s movies and television, they’ve kinda stayed a little hopeless (romantic) and like the hopeless romantic side of it.”


“So, I’m quite intrigued by how they’re always so consumed by like this man and then the next man, and who is the next man and all of this. So, I think that’s really what is going to keep, like what connects all the other tracks on this album,” added she.


Since she’s married, this story that she has been pursuing “may shift over the next two years,” said the artist, and a new one will come into view that reflects bits and pieces of her life and those who surround her.


“That’s kind of really the vibe that I wanna go far,” said Kiana of the Falling Out chilling road trip feel during the press conference. “I wanted this to mirror that feeling of when you’re hanging out with all your friends and you’re just talking and you’re sharing stories because a lot of my friends are still single, and they’re dating and there was a point when we were all, you know, making tsika and making tsismis and they were talking about situations of theirs that mirrored something that I had gone through in the past, like almost exactly the same and I found that so interesting and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, we’re all in different phases of our lives now, and it’s so crazy that we shared this story even if it’s with different people.’”


“So, that’s what really inspired me and that’s when it hit me that just this group of girls, we’ve all been through the same thing and I felt like I had to write a song about that moment, and with that realization.”


Aside from the fact that it should get the attention of a listener, a lead single sets the tone or feel of an album and this piece of information from her publicity team may somehow hint at what to anticipate from it.


They say that Falling Out is “rooted in personal experience and quiet confessions from those around her” and it “offers a raw and honest reflection on the cycles we often find ourselves in when self-worth is neglected. It’s a poignant introduction to what promises to be Kiana’s most introspective and evolved body of work yet.”


The creative life of singer-songwriters like Kiana is also enriched in doing collaborations with fellow artists.


For her, there’s a long list of artists she would love to work with in Manila. “No. 1, of course, would be Kyla. I grew up listening to her music and I used to copy all of her runs and I always make a joke that she’s like one of my vocal coaches just because of how much I listened to her,” said she.


“Moira, she’s a very good friend of mine and I love her songwriting and there’s also Denise Julia, whom I love her music, Jason Dhakal, Juan Karlos, there’s so many. Manila is like booming and that makes me so happy, but just to name a few,” concluded she.


(Please listen to Falling Out on Spotify, Apple Music, deezer and Amazon Music.)

„Hitzeintermezzo“ deutet sich in Bayern an: Ab diesem Tag sind 30 Grad drin


Regnerisch starteten die Pfingstferien in Bayern vielerorts. Die Temperaturen wurden dem Juni am ersten Wochenende nicht gerecht. Jetzt steht die Wetterwende kurz bevor.

München – Die Pfingstferien in Bayern starteten nass und alles andere als sommerlich. Mit Höchstwerten von nur bis zu 20 Grad präsentierte sich das Wetter in Bayern deutlich kühler als im langjährigen Mittel, wie der Deutsche Wetterdienst mitteilte. Immer wieder zogen Regenwolken über den Freistaat, die regional sogar Gewitter mit sich brachten.  

Wetterwende in Bayern steht kurz bevor: Sommerliche 30 Grad kommen

Das soll allerdings nicht die ganzen Ferien so bleiben. Sommerfans können sich auf eine Wetterwende freuen. Am Sonntag traf die Wüstenluft bereits Spanien und sorgte dort im Süden des Landes für Temperaturen über 40 Grad. Mit im Gepäck: Saharastaub. Die Staubwolke breitet sich im Laufe der Woche weiter aus, wie Meteorologe Jan Schenk von The Weather Channel in seiner neuesten Prognose erklärt. „Richtig starke, richtig heiße Sahara-Luft kommt zu uns“, ist sich Schenk sicher. Diese sorge für Hitzewellen bereits ab Donnerstag. 

Die Wüstenluft, die nach Bayern kommt, hat Saharastaub im Gepäck.
Die Wüstenluft, die nach Bayern kommt, hat Saharastaub im Gepäck. © IMAGO/Zooner/DWD

Auch der DWD sagt ab Donnerstag Temperaturen zwischen 25 und 30 Grad für Bayern voraus. Das „sommerliche Niveau“ scheint sich endlich durchzusetzen. „Nur an den östlichen Mittelgebirgen bleibt es noch etwas kühler“, so die Experten.

Hitzewelle trifft Bayern am Wochenende

Reicht es für eine Hitzewelle? „Zum Wochenende verlagert sich der Hochdruckschwerpunkt voraussichtlich etwas weiter nach Osten. Damit nimmt auch allmählich die Gewittergefahr wieder zu“, so DWD-Meteorologe Nico Bauer. „Vor allem am Freitag und Samstag häufig schweißtreibende Höchstwerte von über 30 Grad zu erwarten.“ Im Südwesten sogar bis 36 Grad. 

Danach würden erneut Unwetter über Süddeutschland ziehen. Dadurch gehen die Temperaturen zum Montag wieder zurück, das „Hitzeintermezzo“ scheint laut Bauer demnach nur von kurzer Dauer zu sein.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Low pressure area enters PAR, may strengthen into first storm of 2025—PAGASA


 

(PHOTO: PAGASA FACEBOOK PAGE)


By Jel Santos

Published Jun 6, 2025 11:25 am

 | 

Updated Jun 6, 2025 02:08 pm

A low pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Friday morning, June 6, and may develop into the first tropical cyclone of 2025 within the next 24 hours, state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

“Nakapasok na po ng Philippine Area of Responsibility yung ating mino-monitor na low pressure area dito sa may Pacific Ocean as of 2 a.m. (The low pressure area we’ve been monitoring over the Pacific Ocean entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of 2 a.m.),” PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja reported.

As of 3 a.m., the agency said the system was spotted 945 kilometers east of the Visayas. 

Etareja noted that the chance of it intensifying into a tropical depression is now “moderate.”


“Base sa ating latest analysis po, kung kahapon ay mababa pa ‘yung tyansa na ito ay maging isang ganap na bagyo, ngayon ay moderate na po yung tyansa o katamtamang tyansa (Based on our latest analysis, if yesterday the chance of it becoming a full-fledged storm was low, today the chance is moderate),” he said.


Should the system develop into a tropical depression by Saturday or Sunday, it will be named “Auring”—the first named storm of both June and the year 2025.


Rain expected in multiple regions


Estareja said the LPA is expected to move closer to the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas on Friday, and approach land by the weekend.


“So possible pang mabago ang scenario na nakikita natin for this weather disturbance pero ang sure tayo magpapaulan ito in many areas of Bicol Region, Visayas, and CARAGA Region (The scenario for this disturbance may still change, but what’s certain is that it will bring rain to many areas in the Bicol Region, Visayas, and CARAGA Region),” the weather specialist said.


He added that as the system moves closer to land, it will enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat, bringing rains not just to Luzon but also to western portions of the Visayas and Mindanao.


Monsoon rains in Metro Manila, Luzon


“Ngayong araw po, dahil sa epekto ng southwest monsoon at trough of the low pressure area, mataas ang tyansa ng ulan sa Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region at MIMAROPA (Today, due to the effects of the southwest monsoon and the LPA’s trough, there is a high chance of rain in Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, and MIMAROPA),” Estareja said.


PAGASA said light to moderate rains, occasionally heavy, are expected especially in Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro, where residents are warned to be alert for possible flooding and landslides.


Meanwhile, the bureau said Northern and Central Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms.


“May tyansa pa rin po ng mga pulo-pulong pag-ulan at pagkidlat, paglukog dulot po iyan ng habagat at wala namang kinalaman sa low pressure area (There’s still a chance of isolated rain and thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon, and these are not related to the low pressure area),” the weather specialist clarified.

Muslims celebrate Eid'l Adha in Zamboanga City


 

MUSLIMS gather at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City for their congregational prayers in celebration of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice on June 6.  (City Hall PIO)

By Liza Jocson

Published Jun 6, 2025 03:04 pm


ZAMBOANGA CITY – Thousands of Muslim residents celebrated Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice by participating in community prayers and visiting family and relatives here on Friday, June 6.

A big group trooped to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in the morning to participate in congregational prayers.

Similar gatherings were held in hundreds of mosques all over the city.

In his message, Mayor John Dalipe asked all Muslims to also honor the diverse traditions being celebrated in Zamboanga City as they mark this significant occasion in the Muslim religious calendar.

“May this occasion bring peace, prosperity, and unity to our beloved city,” Dalipe said.

Republic Act 9849 declares the 10th day of Zhul Hijja, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, a national holiday for the observance of Eid’l Adha.

Siquijor under state of calamity due to power crisis

 


SIQUIJOR Gov. Jake Villa discusses the power crisis in the province during a press conference at the Provincial Capitol on Thursday, June 5. (Calvin Cordova)

By Calvin Cordova

Published Jun 5, 2025 08:20 pm


CEBU CITY — A state of calamity has been declared in Siquijor due to the power crisis that the province is currently experiencing.

Gov. Jake Villa announced that the declaration of state of calamity was unanimously approved during the regular session of the provincial board on Tuesday, June 3.

“We want the public to know, especially the Siquijodnons, that the challenge has become unbearable. We have been experiencing daily blackouts for almost a month already,” Villa said in a press conference at the Siquijor Provincial Capitol on Thursday, June 5.

Villa lamented that for the past month, the province has been experiencing blackouts from four to six hours a day.

He said among the reasons for the power supply problem in the province was the malfunctioning six generators of Siquijor Island Power Corp. (SIPCOR).

SIPCOR, the island’s power provider, is under the Prime Asia Venture Inc. (PAVI) and joined Siquijor in 2015 through a 20-year deal with the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative (Prosielco).

Villa said some generators need overhaul.

With some generators not functioning, the province is experiencing two megawatts short of their total demand of 9.4 megawatts of power supply.

These generators are diesel-operated, independent, and are not connected to the grid, which means that other provinces cannot augment their power deficits.

“We are off-grid, we are dependent on the generator itself,” Villa said.

With the declaration of the state of calamity, the province will be able to release calamity fund to address the power crisis

The province has a calamity fund of P14 million.

Villa explained that the immediate measure that the province could take following the state of calamity declaration is the rental of two generators from Cebu.

The province needs to shell out P2.8 million to rent to generators for two months.

The two generators have a capacity of two megawatts, enough to address the province’s power crisis, said Villa.

The governor’s press briefing was interrupted by a blackout.

Prosielco has purchased a generator with a capacity of two megawatts from Palawan.

Villa said the state of calamity will be lifted once the power supply becomes stable.

As a long-term solution, Villa said Prosielco will conduct a competitive selection process by inviting more power players to the province.

A solar power plant is being constructed in the town of Maria that is expected to augment additional power supplies in the coming years.

Fortunately, Villa said, the province’s hospital is not affected by the power crisis as it has its own generator and solar panels.

Villa explained that the power crisis has to be addressed immediately as it might affect the province's economy, especially tourism.

Tourism has been a vital player in the province’s economy.

“Last year, our tourist arrivals hit 1.3 million,” Villa said. “If we lose our tourists because they are not satisfied with the services of the establishments, this would interrupt and disrupt our economy. It is tantamount to economic sabotage.”

Without elaborating further on economic sabotage, Villa said that the province is looking into the possibility of taking legal action against SIPCOR.

The power crisis may also affect the province’s peace and order situation, Villa said.

The governor said he is being unfairly blamed for the province’s unstable power supply.

“People are blaming me. In fact, I have been receiving threats through text messages because the power crisis is being blamed on me,” said Villa.

Unprotected sex, online porn, dating apps driving HIV cases among youth — DOH chief


 

By Jel Santos


The rise in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases among young Filipinos is driven by high-risk sexual behavior, including unprotected sex, online pornography, and dating apps, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said Thursday, June 5.

As of the first quarter of 2025, the health department has recorded an average of 57 new HIV cases per day.

“Tumaas ang risky behavior. So, number one, easy access to pornography online; number two, mga dating apps; number three, hindi gumagamit ng protection, unprotected sex (Risky behavior has increased. First, easy access to online pornography; second, dating apps; third, lack of protection, unprotected sex),” Herbosa said during a media briefing, when asked about the reasons behind the rise in HIV cases.

Such behavior, he noted, makes testing and prevention more difficult, especially among adolescents.

Per Herbosa, the youngest reported HIV case is a 12-year-old child from Palawan who is already sexually active.

The DOH chief also raised concerns about the impact of social stigma on testing uptake.

“Napansin ko, tumataas iyong HIV kasi mataas pa rin ang stigma sa atin (I’ve noticed HIV cases are rising largely because of the stigma),” said Herbosa.

To improve access, he said the DOH has lowered the age of consent for HIV testing to 16. 

However, Herbosa pointed out that treatment still requires parental consent, which remains a barrier for minors who test positive.

“Ang problema, kailangan din namin ng parental consent ng start of treatment, so, that’s another legislation na kailangan namin (The problem is we still need parental consent to begin treatment, so that’s another law we n

According to Herbosa, addressing the rise in youth infections will require not just medical services, but legislative reforms, funding, and public education.

“Kita ninyo na to battle HIV ay kailangan ko ang legislation, kailangan ko ang funding, kailangan ko ng information campaign (You can see that to battle HIV, I need legislation, I need funding, and I need an information campaign),” he said.

Meanwhile, Herbosa emphasized that HIV is no longer a death sentence and can be managed like any chronic condition if diagnosed early and treated consistently.

“Hindi na po death sentence ang HIV sa panahon ngayon… Maintenance lang ang kailangan po, katapat niyan para na lang siyang high blood or diabetes (HIV is no longer a death sentence nowadays… It only requires maintenance, like hypertension or diabetes),” he noted.

The DOH chief said they have already intensified efforts to expand access to free anti-retroviral (ARV) medication and streamline patient services in public hospitals.