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?
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!
A person is said to buy in good faith when he or she holds an honest belief in his or her right or title to the property and has no knowledge or reason to know of any defect in the title.
Trust or reliance? What is faith for you? To say it clearly: without faith we are really nothing. Faith is belief; believe in us, beliefs in our works, talents and personalities.
We also should believe in our parents or better, in the whole family including the black sheep, who can be found everywhere. We should also believe in our friends, even sometimes it seems to become a very difficult task. A friend? A real friend? An expatriate friend…?
Without faith, we will be reaching the rock bottom. Please don’t say, it’s a likely story. The German poet Johann Christian Friedrich von Schiller (1759-1815) mentioned in his drama “Maria Stuart”: “Even the word might be dead, but faith keeps it alive.” Yes, I can live with this.
Faith and hope belong together. In his book “Through the Valley of the Kwai”, Scottish officer Ernest Gordon wrote of his years as a prisoner of World War II. The 6’2” man suffered from malaria, diphtheria, typhoid, beriberi and jungle ulcers. Many circumstances quickly plunged his weight to less than 100 pounds. Lying in the dirt of the death house, he waited to die. But every day, a fellow prisoner came to wash his wounds and to encourage him to eat parts of his own rations. As this fellow prisoner nursed Ernest back to health, he talked with the agnostic Scotsman of his own strong faith in God and showed him that, even in the midst of suffering – there is hope – and faith!
Faith is indeed tantamount to convincing and conviction. Richard Wagner, a German classical composer and poet found the following lyric: “Blessed are those people, who know how to live their life in humility and faith!”
Well, let’s even continue believing in our government. Faithful hope is loyal, reliable, exact and honorable.
Faith looks beyond the transient life with hope for all eternity. The hope we read in scripture is not a wishy-washy optimism. First and second Chapter of Thessalonians, for example, give encouragement to all Christians, who have been undergoing persecution for their faith. And, Corinthians 13:2 says: “If I have faith it can move mountains!”
In Filipino kitchens, monggo (mung beans) are synonymous with comfort. Simmered into hearty stews with malunggay, garlic, and sometimes tinapa or pork, monggo is a Friday staple in many households.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, chickpeas are transformed into silky, lemony hummus—one of the region’s most beloved dishes. My husband’s first baby steps into plant-based eating was brought on by a love for hummus. Our fridge is stocked with hummus at any given moment. To lower the calories brought by olive oil, I use aquafaba or water that the beans are soaked in to add to the liquid, with the oil providing its taste instead of relying on it for texture and creaminess.
What happens when these two culinary traditions meet? You get monggo hummus—a vibrant, protein-rich spread that blends Filipino ingredients with Middle Eastern technique. The result is familiar yet new: earthy, creamy, and bright with citrus.
Monggo is the most researched Filipino legume, and for good reason. Its high protein content and year-round availability make it an affordable protein source. Most of us are used to eating monggo in the most common form: monggo guisado, topped with pork, fish, or served alongside paksiw.
Monggo was the first dish I used in creating my dishes for Mesa ni Misis—monggo Bolognese. Just like Bolognese recipes, the flavor varies from Filipino party spaghetti, which is sweet, to a more sophisticated version that uses red wine. The main point is to use the monggo, which is so versatile, in other dishes that are also familiar to us.
Monggo hummus proves that comfort food can cross borders. By blending the humble Filipino mung bean with the time-honored structure of Middle Eastern hummus, we create something nourishing, accessible, and culturally rich.
At first glance, swapping chickpeas for mung beans may seem unconventional. But from a culinary perspective, it makes perfect sense.
Similar texture
When cooked until tender, monggo becomes soft and creamy—ideal for blending into a smooth paste. Like chickpeas, they hold structure while still breaking down easily. There are two kinds of monggo—monggo kintab, or shiny—which stays more firm even with soaking and boiling, and monggo labo, which is softer and murkier. For this hummus dish, look for the ‘labo’ variety, as you will want it as creamy as possible.
Nutty, earthy flavor
Mung beans have a mild, slightly sweet earthiness. This pairs beautifully with tahini (sesame paste), garlic, olive oil, and lemon or calamansi.
Local, affordable, sustainable
In the Philippines, monggo is more accessible and budget-friendly than imported chickpeas. Choosing locally grown legumes reduces food miles and supports local farmers.
Nutritional benefits
Mung beans are:
*High in plant-based protein
*Rich in fiber
*Packed with folate, magnesium, and antioxidants
*Naturally low in fat
Traditional hummus from the Middle East often features a creamy chickpea base, richness that comes from tahini, lots of lemon, garlic, and olive oil. Monggo hummus on the other hand is a little gentler on the palate—sweeter and less heavy. For extra kick, I’ve added cumin but also feel free to try curry powder. I also added some serving suggestions for interesting takes on it.
Ingredients
*1 cup dried monggo (mung beans), soaked and cooked until soft
*1 to 2 cloves garlic
*Juice of 1 or 2 calamansi (or half a lemon)
*2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
*Salt to taste
*Cooking water from monggo (as needed for blending)
Cook soaked monggo until very tender. Drain, reserving some cooking liquid.
In a food processor or blender, combine monggo, garlic, citrus juice, salt, and olive oil.
Blend until smooth, adding cooking water gradually for desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve drizzled with olive oil and topped with paprika, toasted sesame, or chopped herbs.
Monggo hummus is versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to create your own twist for your desired occasion.
Malunggay boost
Blend in fresh malunggay leaves for added nutrients and a deeper green color. Monggo is often served with malunggay, but this time, it takes on a different form.
Smoked tinapa version
Incorporate flaked smoked fish for a savory, umami-forward spread—perfect with pandesal.
Spicy sili kick
Add chopped red chilies or chili oil for heat.
Coconut-lime fusion
Swap part of the olive oil with a small amount of coconut oil for a subtle tropical aroma.
*Spread on whole-grain toast with tomatoes and cucumbers
*As a sandwich base instead of mayonnaise
*Paired with grilled vegetables or chicken
*As part of a mezze-style platter with olives and pickled vegetables
*It also fits beautifully into modern wellness-focused diets—whether you’re eating plant-based, high-protein, or simply trying to incorporate more whole foods.
It was a night of fashion, music, reunion, and new beginnings at Unaricci’s high-spirited event, co-presented by Philippine Fashion Week, last Jan. 24 at Dr. Wine Poblacion. The brand’s founder-CEO and designer, Nina Ricci Eleazar, launched a collection that she describes as “reinvention—working with linen in a high-fashion context and merging Unaricci’s early beginnings with fashion accessories with the brand’s current design aesthetic.”
Margaux Salazar, Nina Ricci Eleazar, and Monique Jamlang
Professional dancer Lema Diaz opened the program with an amazing freestyle performance to ‘90s hit “Ghetto Superstar” followed by the much-awaited mini fashion show. Live music was courtesy of Bacolod’s rising acoustic duo Russ and Daph, and sets by legendary DJs Mick Martinez, Elmer Dado, and James Mccranie made the night even more memorable with nostalgic tracks from the 1990s and early 2000s. The event also had special participation from Tropical Nomad, Wanderskye, Wine Drop, and Kanebo.
“I wanted to open the show with dance and movement, reminiscent of my college days as a former dancer (with Lema), “ says Nina. “The first part of the fashion show features a couture linen textile crafted through horizontal and vertical paneling, creating a patterned base that embraces a raw, distressed aesthetic with deliberately unfinished edges throughout. This was also accentuated by equally labor-intensive handmade florettes. The second part gives a glimpse of how Unaricci entered the retail industry with chunky fashion accessories, this time woven onto the clothing pieces, creating a luxuriously edgy yet comfortable look.”
Russ and Daph
PJ and Kim Tugade
Faith Cuneta
DJ James Mccranie
Joji Malinao, Gigi Bautista-So, and Michelle Bautista-Tañada
DJ Elmer Dado
Jasmine Maierhofer, Marie Field Faith, and Vanessa Tedesco clad in Unaricci
Lexie Eleazar, Candice Gil, and Kara Ponce Enrile
Nina and Unaricci’s Margaux Salazar describe the evening as a celebration of friendships, real connections, and sharing their passions with the community they have graciously built. This is also the start of the duo’s venture into doing more events and collaborating with brands and talents for uniquely curated experiences.
De La Salle University fended off a late surge by University of Santo Tomas to complete a 25-14, 25-15, 26-24 sweep in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament Sunday, Feb. 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Just when the Lady Spikers appeared headed for a dominant straight-sets victory after building a 19-14 lead in the third set, the Golden Tigresses clawed their way back in front of 15,222 fans inside the Pasay City venue.
Gula then pushed the Golden Tigresses to set point with a spike that grazed the fingers of Mikee Santos for a 24-22 advantage, but she misfired on the next play to hand La Salle a lifeline.
Shevana Laput eventually willed the Lady Spikers to victory, denying Gula in two straight sequences to seize match point at 25-24 before sealing the win with a deft drop shot to cap the 87-minute contest.
“Napaghandaan lang namin yung UST. Kumbaga, yung game plan ni coach na sinabi sa kanila, nasunod lang. So yun, ginusto nilang manalo. Ayun, nag-extend na naman yung third set. Kaya lang talagang ginusto manalo ng mga bata. So ayun yung resulta. Talagang kailangan nilang maghirap talaga,” said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo.
Laput, the Lady Spikers’ captain, poured in 21 points built on 17 attacks and four blocks, while Angel Canino added 13 markers on nine spikes, three blocks, and an ace.
“Of course, we wanted to win all our games in three sets, and we knew that we have the capability to finish the set at 25 points, but we extended it. We just had to show the Lasallian puso. This is very much a team effort right now even though I got 21 points,” said Laput, who scored 10 points in the pivotal third set.
Reterta chipped in seven points to go with seven digs and six receptions, while Amie Provido contributed seven points on three attacks, three aces, and a block.
The Lady Spikers kept their errors to just 12 and dominated in spiking (39-33), blocking (11-5), and service aces (6-3).
La Salle and UP will break their tie in the standings on Wednesday with a 3 p.m. showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Golden Tigresses dropped to 0-2. The last time UST opened a campaign with two straight losses was in Season 79 (2017).
Poyos was the lone UST player in double figures with 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Regina Jurado added seven markers.
UST will look to secure its first win on Wednesday against fellow winless squad Ateneo de Manila University.
Published Feb 23, 2026 12:02 am | Updated Feb 22, 2026 02:51 pm
Social Security System (SSS) members and pensioners received good news last week. As the state-run pension fund recorded a sharp hike in net income to ₱143 billion — and its reserve fund also hit the ₱1-trillion mark for the first time in the state insurer’s history — SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes announced that the ten percent yearly increases for retirement and disability pensions and five percent for survivor pensions that were given starting in 2025 will be implemented through 2027.
This unprecedented three-year boon to workers and retirees mitigates the sluggish GDP growth performance as well as the less than robust outlook for the economy for the next three years.
Aside from granting ₱304.9 billion in pensions and benefits to some 5.7 million members last year, the SSS extended ₱61.1 billion in loans to workers and their families. Moreover, loan access was given to an additional 1.2 members, just as the pension loan program was expanded to include survivor pensioners.
The declaration of record net income and the extending of substantial benefits over a three-year period to members reaffirms the State’s solemn covenant with Filipino workers. Built on solidarity, sustained by contributions and safeguarded by prudent stewardship, the attainment of record income levels and the provision of substantial benefits manifests the that the government’s commitment is guaranteed not just for the present but for future generations.
Social security’s core purpose is to provide social safety nets for millions of workers in the formal and informal sectors. It spells the difference between vulnerability and stability: keeping food on the table, medicines within reach, and grandchildren in school. Maternity and sickness benefits cushion income shocks. These are not abstract concepts, but lifelines integrated into the daily lives of Filipino families.
The attainment of record net income reflects institutional discipline. Prudential fund management brings about strong investment performance. Hence, the fund’s actuarial life is enhanced, thereby assuring members that social insurance is financially sustainable.
Moreover, retirees are sufficiently assured that their pensions are secure and that further improvements in benefits could be expected. Active members could appreciate the value of their sustained contributions. As the country struggles to rein in factors that could lead to inflation surges, the reliability of a pension system shelters members from economic headwinds.
Social security does not only equate with social protection. In a broader sense, it provides quiet economic stimulus, as members’ spending circulates through towns and cities throughout the archipelago. This supports local enterprises, neighborhood groceries, pharmacies and transport services.
As it fortifies its stability, the challenge to the SSS is to build on the momentum by expanding coverage, especially among informal workers and micro-entrepreneurs. By strengthening digital access and service delivery, efficiency of services will be upgraded and benefit extended will be more responsive.
As the SSS takes pride in achieving record earnings, it must rededicate itself to assuring that the lives of members have been uplifted and their secured futures will be sustained for decades to come.
When the Social Security System performs well, it more than pays benefits. It affirms the dignity of labor and honors the promise that those who have worked hard all their lives will not be left behind.
PCG personnel carry one of the four cadavers recovered from the wreck site of the sunken ferry MV Trisha Kirsten 3 off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Feb. 17, 2026. (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
A body was retrieved inside the air-conditioned accommodation area of the sunken ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Sunday, Feb. 22, pushing the death toll to 65 as underwater diving operations continue in search of 14 remaining missing passengers. Read more
