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!
Several residents in Taal, Bangkal, Davao City climbed onto the rooftops of their homes Friday night as floodwaters rapidly rose due to continuous heavy rain brought by the southwest monsoon (Habagat), enhanced by Tropical Storm Kiyapo, according to multiple reports. Rescue operations were being carried out in affected communities as authorities monitored the situation.
Photos and videos shared online showed floodwaters reaching dangerous levels in low-lying areas, leaving some families stranded while waiting for rescuers. Local officials and emergency responders urged residents in flood-prone areas to move to safer locations when advised and to avoid crossing flooded roads and rivers.
Weather authorities continue to warn that heavy rains associated with Habagat and Tropical Storm Kiyapo may trigger more flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas. Residents are encouraged to follow official weather advisories and instructions from local disaster management offices.
Natural disasters remind us how quickly lives can change. Let us keep the affected families in our thoughts, support rescue efforts where we can, and always put safety first. Staying informed and helping one another can make a real difference during difficult times.
After almost five decades of eating, I’ve come to realize that the best meals are about more than what’s on the plate. They’re about understanding why we eat, how we experience each meal, and when we make choices that bring us a sense of control and peace.
One part of a much bigger picture
When I was younger, nutrition was mainly about satisfying my hunger and cravings. As fitness became both my profession and my lifestyle, eating became a way to improve my exercise and sports performance while supporting a healthy body composition.
Yet despite everything I learned at that time, I noticed that many people—including myself—still struggled to find balance between eating too little and eating too much, and turning food into a source of guilt or failure instead of nourishment, healing, and joy.
Later on, I came to appreciate how nutrition influences our hormones, long-term health, healthy aging, and overall quality of life. And through years of coaching clients and, more recently, studying functional medicine, I began to see nutrition as just one part of a much bigger picture—one that looks beyond food and considers the whole person.
It became about the whole experience—from why I choose certain foods to how I enjoy each meal and the relationship I build with food over time.
Three questions for your best meal ever
Purpose: Why am I eating this meal?
If you don’t have a clear reason for eating, meals can just become about habit, convenience, or emotions. This can lead to mindless eating, overeating, or cutting back on food when you don’t need to.
Having a clear purpose starts even before you take your first bite. It begins when you plan your meals, shop for groceries, and prepare your food. Before you eat, take a moment to picture the life you want to live. Then ask yourself: How will this meal help me live that life?
Sometimes, the answer is energy—to help you work, exercise, or just get through your day. That might mean picking quality sources of carbohydrates like vegetables, fruits, beans, oats, quinoa, or whole grains. At other times, the purpose is recovery—providing enough protein and other nutrients to repair muscles and tissues after exercise or the natural wear and tear of everyday life.
If your goal is body recomposition or weight management, the purpose is not simply to eat less or overrestrict food, but to transform your way of thinking to add more nourishment instead. Ask whether your meal provides enough protein, healthy fats, and quality carbohydrates to help reduce excess body fat while preserving muscle, maintaining energy, and protecting your overall health.
No matter whether your meal is for energy, recovery, health, or body goals, every bite is an investment in living well… so you can show up each day with the health, focus, and energy to fulfill your purpose and serve others well.
Experience: Am I fully experiencing this meal?
The best meal is more than just food or nutrition. It’s a chance to enjoy flavors, feel grateful, connect with others, and be fully present in the moment.
How many times have you finished what seemed like the perfect meal, only to realize that something still felt missing? A meal might look perfect because it’s well presented, tastes great, or is expensive. But if you feel rushed, distracted, or unsettled while eating, you don’t really get its full value.
On the other hand, a simple home-cooked meal with family or friends can be unforgettable because of the conversations, laughter, and love you share. In those times, the meal feeds more than just your body but also strengthens your connection.
One of the most meaningful meals may even be one you also enjoy on your own. Preparing your breakfast with intention, appreciating its colors and aroma, chewing slowly, and savoring every bite can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. A familiar taste or smell may even bring back memories of the people and moments that have shaped your life.
The best meal is more than nourishment. It’s a moment of gratitude—a chance to reflect on your blessings, appreciate the food before you, nourish your body, and simply be present.
Control: Will this meal help me build a healthier relationship with food?
The best meal reminds you that no matter what’s on your plate, you are in charge—not the food.
Many people spend years believing that food controls them—that some foods are too tempting, cravings can’t be managed, or strict rules are the only way to be healthy and lose weight. Over time, this can make one’s relationship with food about fear and guilt instead of confidence, flexibility, and freedom.
Every meal is another reminder that you always have a choice—and another chance to embrace flexibility over perfection. You decide what to eat, when to eat, and how much based on your health, goals, preferences, and values. And as you become more aware of your body’s signals, you’ll know when you’ve had enough and when you still need more nourishment. So instead of ending a meal with guilt or regret, you end up feeling satisfied and at peace with your choices.
If you use diet plans or prescribed medications, remember that they are simply tools. They can support your journey, but they can’t replace the skills of self-awareness and self-control needed to build a healthy relationship with food for life. Only you can develop those skills.
The greatest measure of success isn’t how much weight you’ve lost, but whether you’ve learned to accept and love yourself despite life’s setbacks. That said, the healthiest relationship with food begins with the relationship you have with yourself.
Artists perform during the opening ceremony ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group | Photo by Alfredo Estrella/AFP
It’s been a few days since the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it doesn’t seem like the discourse, comments, and even the online bashing will end any time soon. The World Cup, like any competition, has always had its obvious winners and losers, but we can’t forget the honorable mentions: the ones who have won the hearts of many, and the others who did the exact opposite.
Here are the real winners and losers of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi | Photo by Paul Ellis/AFP
Winner: Cape Verde
Among the 48 participating nations, Cape Verde was initially dismissed as a team that’s just happy to be there—but the team went on to have the biggest Cinderella story of the tournament.
Unfortunately, it came to an end against Argentina during the round of 32, but Cape Verde didn’t go down without a fight. Much of the team’s success is thanks to 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who proved that age is just a number by producing world-class heroic saves against much younger players.
Cape Verde’s goalkeeper #01 Vozinha makes a save during the 2026 World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cape Verde | Photo by Roberto Schmidt/AFP
Loser: Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla
While Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla never stepped foot on the pitch during the World Cup, her statements made social media headlines.
After Paraguay was eliminated by France, Senator Amarilla made racist comments against France’s captain, Kylian Mbappe, calling him “a colonized Cameroonian desperately trying to pass himself off as French” and “a brute who had not learned to write.”
Mbappe fired back on social media, pointedly telling the senator, “Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position.”
French prosecutors are now investigating the remarks made by Amarilla, who claimed a few days later that her Instagram had been hacked.
France’s forward #10 Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group | Photo by Charly Triballeau/AFP
Winner: Kylian Mbappe
Speaking of Mbappe, who is now widely known online as “The Dictator,” he won the hearts of fans who continue to have so much fun with the meme.
It also helps that he had a stellar performance despite France’s elimination. He won the Golden Boot by scoring 10 goals, which makes him the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals, beating Lionel Messi’s current record of 21 goals.
Despite not making it to the finals, he also had one of the classiest responses to losing. Instead of blaming their coach Didier Deschamps, Mbappe gave an emotional tribute and said that the squad “failed” to give their coach a more glorious conclusion to his distinguished career.
Kylian Mbappe #10 of France | Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images/AFP
Loser: Breel Embolo
Not all athletes made a mark during this year’s World Cup for the best of reasons. Take Switzerland’s Breel Embolo, for example, who unfortunately will be remembered for the biggest dive of the World Cup.
Switzerland’s match against Argentina was fairly even at 1-1 until the incident in the 72nd minute of the game. Embolo had possession of the ball. Suddenly, without any contact from anyone, Embolo flailed himself forward, fell onto the ground, and rolled around as if he were in pain.
This led to him receiving his second yellow card for the game, earning a red card that sent him off the pitch. Embolo was noticeably crying as he left, and many believed he cost Switzerland the match.
Mexico players celebrate after forward #09 Raul Jimenez scores his team’s second goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Mexico and Ecuador | Photo by Alfredo Estrella/AFP
Winner: Mexico
This year’s World Cup made history as the first tournament to have three host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Mexico, in particular, appears to have done well as host. An Ecuador fan even told Reuters that Mexico was “the best host.”
“They made us feel at home. Not just Ecuadorians,” the fan explained in Spanish. “I think wherever in the world you’re from, Mexico makes you feel at home. There’s no doubt about that.”
Mexico’s players celebrate after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match | Photo by Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP
Loser: USA
While Mexico received praise, the United States was on the receiving end of criticism, especially for its treatment toward the Iran national team amid the two countries’ ongoing war. In fact, Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei, called out the US, calling them “the host that wasn’t very good to us.”
As per the team, the talented young players did fairly well and were even an exciting team to look forward to. However, the US team courted controversy when striker Folarin Balogun was sent off with a red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. This would normally mean that he would not be allowed to play in the next match.
However, this was suspended, and he was allowed to play.
Winner: Norway
Making their first return to the tournament since 1998, Norway reached the quarterfinal before losing to England. Despite the loss, this was a feat the Norwegians can be proud of.
They were initially viewed as a team that only had star striker Erling Haaland and captain Martin Ødegaard, and not much else. But Norway’s exciting, unexpected, and entertaining run made them easy to root for and earned many new fans.
It wasn’t just the team that took the spotlight. The Norwegian fans also endeared themselves to the rest of the world by showcasing their love and support for their team with their Viking Row during and outside of games.
Loser: England
Just when it seemed like football was finally coming home, the English essentially screwed themselves over.
England was the first to score against Argentina. However, after the goal, questionable tactics from Thomas Tuchel saw the English stay and defend on their third of the field, a tactic known as “parking the bus,” for the rest of the game.
Argentina carried their onslaught on the English defense until they made a breakthrough—thanks to a long shot from outside the box from Enzo Fernandez. Seven minutes later, a brilliant cross from Messi resulted in a header goal by Lautaro Martinez in extra time, and England went on to lose the match.
England’s midfielder #10 Jude Bellingham and forward #09 Harry Kane hug after losing the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between England and Argentina | Photo by Odd Andersen/AFP
Winner: Erling Haaland
You cannot talk about this year’s World Cup and not talk about Erling Haaland—arguably the biggest superstar of the tournament whose fame skyrocketed even more. The Norwegian star striker scored seven goals in five matches and carried Norway on his shoulders.
However, it was what he did off the pitch that turned him from a football star into a global personality. Haaland suddenly became the king of memes, ranging from beauty edits to his stuffed raccoon he brought home as a souvenir. He even leaves comments on fans’ funny memes about him.
Argentina ended the 2026 World Cup in second place—a commendable achievement. However, by the end of it all, it seemed they became even bigger losers thanks to the cheating allegations and the antics that marred the final.
Controversial refereeing decisions throughout fueled conspiracies that FIFA had been favoring the team, turning them into the villains of the tournament. During the final, Enzo Fernández was sent off with a red card after receiving his second yellow for a reckless late challenge that sent Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí flying.
Now here’s where things got messy—pun intended. Shortly after, Messi spotted Spanish defender Marc Cucurella covering his mouth very briefly. Messi then tried to get the referee to give Cucurella a red card for the act, a move that has greatly disappointed the football community.
It didn’t end there. After the final whistle was blown, Argentine defender Nahuel Molina struck Spain’s captain, Rodri. Leandro Paredes was also seen attacking Spanish defender Eric García, which resulted in the confrontation escalating.
Spain’s midfielder #16 Rodri lifts the trophy with his teammates after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina | Photo by Odd Andersen/AFP
Winner: The fans
The World Cup may only happen every four years, but it always brings the world together to celebrate football. This year’s World Cup was one of the most entertaining and memorable ones in history, and it’s thanks to the fans.
From fans present in the stadiums to those who partied on the streets and those who woke up at 3 a.m. to join a watch party, it’s the support of fans that made the World Cup successful.
Wrong key again. The sun has already set, creating a warm yet awkward glow in our living room, its last ray striking the piano. I’ve already spent half my day drifting my fingers across the keys. The white keys are now slowly plunging into the black frame of the instrument, and I’m just realizing now that I am wasting my time learning something that I will never be good at. Seven years have passed since I received this piano from my parents when I graduated from elementary school.
Seven years passed of staring at the piano, not having the urge to play it. My sweaty palms still rest on my lap, for fear of playing the wrong key and disappointing myself again. And I am left with the realization that I will forever be mediocre at playing this black-and-white instrument.
There it goes again. The undeniable symptom of being mediocre: the disappointment that consumes me long before I even take action. The exasperated sigh I let out before I even have time to breathe in air. There is nothing more painful than having the epiphany of being capable of starting many things, but never having the obsession and the quality of being good enough to actually master them.
This feeling is not new to me. My eyes roamed the room. I noticed the multicolored yarns kept in the Tupperware I stole from my grandmother, with strings climbing their way out of containment. I remembered how I used to have this undying enthusiasm to learn how to crochet and create cute flower bouquets out of it, spending the last three crumpled one-hundred-peso bills I had saved up in my wallet to purchase a set online. In the following two months, countless YouTube tutorials echoed in this same living room, with me sitting in the corner trying so hard to pull the working yarn to tighten the loop I had made. Before the dust could even settle, I convinced myself that maybe crocheting wasn’t for me.
Then there’s the guitar hanging on the wall by the stairs, the scattered papers with poems that trail off after the first sentence, and the beginner cooking set that had been thrown away after quietly accumulating rust over time. It was as if I’ve been collecting candles that I lit using the burning fire within me, but the moment the wind blows too strong, I suddenly lack the strength to light them once again.
I have become used to being a bystander to someone else’s success. To watch them ace something I tried so hard to master is a unique kind of pain I learned at a young age. Mediocrity hurts not because I won’t achieve similar things, but because it’s close enough to excellence without ever truly sharing the limelight. My high school friend who made a business out of crochet, my brother who played in his campus bands, and a close friend who made it into their school’s publishing organization. It frustrates me that I am intelligent enough to perform well academically, but not intelligent enough to pursue the things I truly want. It frustrates me that I cannot ever grasp what is considered “good enough” in crafts, in instruments, or in writing.
And I blame it all on my disease of being mediocre. But can this really be called a disease? Or is it my way of quietly assuring myself that by never fully committing, I will only disappoint myself and spare the people around me? A safety net that I can fall into so those things I tried to pursue don’t feel like failures?
Maybe mediocrity really is a safety net disguised as a disease, because knowing that I am never good enough to be excellent might just be destiny’s way of preventing me from falling twice as hard. It is the soft and liberating acceptance that because we are not an ace at something, we avoid the pressure that comes with it. We avoid the glares given to us by those we love, and we avoid the cold water that suddenly washes over us when we fail. That acceptance comes with the realization that we might just be amateurs at the things we try—not because it implies we aren’t the best, but because being an amateur means walking forward with just enough strength for it to not feel like the end of the world when we end up unsuccessful.
Maybe I will start a new hobby next week and abandon it the week after—who knows? I might endure this condition for the rest of eternity, but I will not try to cure it. Never. Because there is an accommodating, warm beauty in doing something out of pure love, away from the unreachable expectations of the people around us.
Being mediocre at something does not mean the end of the world. Maybe it is just the universe’s way of saying that there are too many beautiful things out there for us to try, rather than fitting ourselves into a box that was never meant to suit us.
