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!
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
The Philippines’ Clearest Waterfall | It’s hard to Believe! 🇵🇭
‘Amang’ maintains strength as it traverses the coastal waters of Camarines Sur
AT A GLANCE
- Amang is expected to move generally northwestward in the next 12 hours and is expected to pass through the eastern localities of Camarines Sur, Lamon Bay, and Quezon, with the possibility of passing near or over the Polillo Islands.
- Due to the continuous strong winds brought by Amang, tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 remains hoisted over Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Laguna, Aurora, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Rizal, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija.
- Amang may also bring rains to Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and the southern part of Aurora until Saturday, April 15.
Tropical depression Amang maintained its strength as it traverses the coast of Caramoan, Camarines Sur on Wednesday afternoon, April 12, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its latest bulletin.
PAGASA said Amang maintained its maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph as of 2 p.m., Wednesday.
It is moving north-northwest at a speed of 10 kph.
Amang is expected to move generally northwestward in the next 12 hours and is expected to pass through the eastern localities of Camarines Sur, Lamon Bay, and Quezon, with the possibility of passing near or over the Polillo Islands.
PAGASA said Amang will be over the coastal waters of Paracale, Camarines Norte in the next 12 hours; over the coast of Panukulan, Quezon in the next 24 hours; and in the vicinity Carranglan, Nueva Ecija in the next 36 hours.
This satellite image from PAGASA shows the location of tropical depression Amang as of 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
Strong winds, heavy rains persist
Due to the continuous strong winds brought by Amang, tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 remains hoisted over Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Laguna, Aurora, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Rizal, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija.
“Areas under Wind Signal No. 1 may experience strong winds—strong breeze to near gale strength—associated with the tropical depression, which may cause minimal to minor impacts to life and property,” PAGASA warned.
Amang may also continue to bring heavy rains over Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and the southern part of Aurora until Saturday, April 15.
“Under these conditions, isolated flash floods and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days,” PAGASA said.
The weather bureau is not ruling out a “considerable” change in the track forecast in its succeeding bulletins due to the weak and disorganized nature of the tropical depression.
It added that Amang may weaken into a low pressure area on Wednesday evening or Thursday, April 13, due to the “combined effects of land interaction, dry air intrusion, and increasing vertical wind shear.”
1st SUMMER MMFF: And the nominees are ...
AT A GLANCE
Golden Globe and Bafta nominee Dolly de Leon is head of the jury for this year's filmfest.
The inaugural Summer Metro Manila Film Festival has revealed its nominees hours before the awarding ceremonies which will be held at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City on April 11.
Golden Globe and Bafta nominee Dolly de Leon is head of the jury for this year's filmfest.
Eight films are vying for the first Summer MMFF. The Summer MMFF Gabi ng Parangal will have its live telecast on OnePh at 8 PM and 10:45 p.m. for the delayed telecast on TV5.
Without further ado, here is the list of nominees for the first Summer MMFF.
By the numbers:
Here Comes the Groom: 10
About Us But Not About Us: 10
Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story: 8
Yung Libro Sa Napanuod Ko : 7
Big stars confirmed for MUPH 2023 coronation night
AT A GLANCE
So far, the only previous queen who has been confirmed to arrive is Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, but the MUPH executives hinted that there could be more who will attend.
For the first time, three women who are already mothers made it to the final cut after the pageant announced that it will accept applicants regardless of their marital status.
Miss Universe PH 2023 candidates during the press presentation in Taguig City last April 11.
Starstruck. That's how Miss Universe Philippines wants its audience to feel as it announced a celebrity-studded line-up for the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2023 Coronation Night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 13.
The list includes two of the hottest local movie stars as event hosts, a couple of international performers, with the special attendance of reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel and the new Miss Universe Organization owner, Anne Jakrajutatip of Thailand.
Miss Universe Philippines director of communications Voltaire Tayag revealed during the Press Presentation of the pageant's official 38 candidates that Kapuso stars Alden Richards and Xian Lim will be this year's hosts. Reporting on the backstage happenings will be Tim Yap and Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne.
Earlier, it was reported that K-pop star Nam Woo-Hyun will be performing during the finals. Yesterday, April 11, Tayag bared the addition of American Idol 11th season runner-up. Jessica Sanchez is one of those who will render a song number.
Pageant veterans Michelle Dee (left) of Makati and Samantha Panlilio of Cavite are in this year's batch of MUPH candidates
MUPH national director Shamcey Supsup said that Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney will fly into town on the first week of May. "She will have a lot of activities with us prior to the coronation and she will be here to attend the coronation with us."
"Apart from her, we are also inviting other Miss Universe winners. We will have a lot of other guests coming. We always want to top what we did last year," Shamcey added.
So far, the only previous queen who has been confirmed to arrive is Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, but the MUPH executives hinted that there could be more who will attend.
For the first time, three women who are already mothers made it to the final cut after the pageant announced that it will accept applicants regardless of their marital status.
The three women are Miss Benguet Joemay-an Leo, Miss Quezon City Mary Eileen Gonzales, and Miss Paranaque, Clariele Dacanay. Meanwhile, one of the contestants, Claire Inso of Lapu-Lapu, said she joined even though she is only 5 feet 4 inches because MUPH also lowered the height requirement.
MUPH National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee
A few pageant veterans are also in this year's batch which includes last year's winners Michelle Dee ( Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022) and Pauline Amelinckx ( Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2022).
Shamcey said that they're not just looking for someone with a beautiful face and body. "We are looking for someone who is strong, independent, and knows that her work starts the moment she wins. Carrying the Philippines in the Miss Universe stage is such a big responsibility. It has to be someone who is already strong in mind, body, and spirit. She should have a purpose bigger than her ambition," stated the Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up.
Tickets to the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines Coronation Night are available at smtickets.com under the following prices: P12,780 (VIP), P5,270 (Lower Box), P1,490 (Upper Box), and P500 (General Admission).
This year's official candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2023:
- Jannarie Zarzoso, 24, Agusan Del Norte
- Avery Marianne Sugcang, 21, Aklan
- Kristen Mae Boccang, 23, Apayao
- Jan Marie Bordon, 22, Bacolod
- Alexandria Bollier, 25, Bacoor City
- Krishnan Marie Gravidez, 22, Baguio Cityty
- Karen Joyce M. Olfato, 25, Batangas
- Joemay-an Leo, 27, Benguet
- Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx, 27, Bohol
- Princess Anne Marcos, 24, Bulacan
- Shayne Glenmae Maquiran, 25, Capiz
- Samantha Alexandra Panlilio, 27, Cavite
- Dianne C. Padillo, 27, Cebu City
- Emmanuelle Fabienne Camcam, 28, Cebu Province (aka Emmanuelle Vera)
- Klyza Ferrando Castro, 23, Davao Oriental
- Airissh T. Ramos, 26, Eastern Samar
- Vanessa Tse Wing, 26, Guimaras
- Chloei Darl Gabales, 21, Iloilo City
- Kimberlyn Jane Madamba Acob, 24, Isabela
- Clare Sanchez Inso, 24, Lapu-Lapu
- Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee, 27, Makati City
- Iman Franchesca Cristal, 24, Mandaluyong City
- Christine Joy Salcedo, 24, Marinduque
- Vanessa Maria Yuson Matzeit, 25, Negros Oriental
- Layla Yousif Adriatico, 26, Northern Samar
- Laicka Bonquin Implamado, 26, Occidental Mindoro
- Louise Joy Gallardo, 21, Palawan
- Mary Angelique Manto, 26, Pampanga
- Clariele Dacanay, 24, Parañaque City
- Kali Navea-Huff, 27, Pasig City
- Mary Eileen Palencia Gonzales, 27, Quezon City
- Lesly Joy Sim, 26, Quezon Province
- Rein Hillary Carrascal, 25, Sorsogon
- Kimberly Escartin, 25, Southern Leyte
- Hyra Desiree Betito, 26, Surigao del Norte
- Nikki Justine Breedveld, 26, Taguig City
- Christiana Afia Yeboah, 25, Tiaong, Quezon
- Christine Juliane Opiaza, 23, Zambales
Attention all passengers! No more paper-based departure cards starting May 1
The eTravel portal will soon be used for both departing and arriving passengers.
“One less thing to worry (and carry) as you don’t need to bring a pen and fill up a paper departure card when you leave the country. Starting May 1, 2023, passengers will only need to answer an e-departure form via the online portal eTravel (https://etravel.gov.ph).
According to a statement from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the discontinuation of the use of paper-based departure cards is to “lessen the requirements of departing passengers.”
“The eTravel platform will soon be used for both arriving and departing passengers,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.
By answering online, you save a few precious minutes. However, you may only register within 72 hours (around three days) prior to your arrival or departure in the Philippines. An eTravel QR Code will be generated, which will be the one to be presented and scanned at the airport counters.
A project of different government agencies (such as the DICT, DOT, DOJ, DOH, etc.) working hand-in-hand to digitalize government processes and forms, the online portal has a “save” mechanism that allows you to retrieve your previous details. Therefore, there’s no need to fill up your birthdate, passport number, etc. again and again when you have another international trip.
“This is a major step in streamlining documents presented by departing travelers, allowing for faster and more efficient immigration processing,” said Tansingco. The BI also reminds the public that accessing the eTravel website is absolutely free of charge. No bank details, credit card numbers, or online payment will be required from the website user.
Landing page of the eTravel portal. Starting May 1, this will be used for both departing and arriving passengers in the Philippines.
The paperless transaction is absolutely good news from the BI. Aside from being a faster process, imagine the resources (and money) saved from tons of paper used to print these departure cards, which may or may not be useful at all. This is definitely a win for the environment!
The digital details will also help the BI collect more accurate data, better screen passengers, and detect any anomalies or discrepancies faster. Digital tools will aid BI personnel as they implement their mandate and fulfill their role as they combat human trafficking, illegal recruitment, or unlawful border entries/ departures.
This new development also puts our country “at par” with other countries that do not require passengers to answer in any form of paper. All transactions at the airport are done on digital platforms, using apps or websites that have tabs for easy inputting of responses. It is also safer this way, as close contact is prevented, one of the lessons we learned from the pandemic.
So, as part of your future travel, don’t forget to bookmark this website: (https://etravel.gov.ph). You save time, you help the planet, and you have a better travel experience.
Temperatursturz nach Frühlingserwachen in Bayern: Wie lange geht das trübe Wetter noch weiter?
Von: Christian Einfeldt
Das Münchner Wetter bleibt im April 2023 vorerst wechselhaft. Aktuell dominieren Regen und Wind – auch Schneefall ist möglich. Wann wird es endlich besser?
München – An Ostermontag gab es ihn, den lang ersehnten schönen Tag weiten Teilen Bayerns. Viel Sonne und dabei Temperaturen um die 18 Grad. Doch wenig später macht trübes Wetter die Erinnerung an Ostermontag wieder vergessen. Statt frühlingshaftem April-Wetter gibt es in der bayerischen Landeshauptstadt aktuell viel Wind und Regen. Doch wie wird das Wetter die nächsten Tage? Wann wird es mal wieder richtig schön in und um München?
Weiter ungemütlich: Münchner Regenwetter setzt sich fort
Das Münchner Wetter zeigte sich am Ostermontag von seiner besten Seite: Es war frühlingshaft. Kurz danach sollte es jedoch schon bald wieder zuziehen. Der Regen brachte dann auch wieder Temperaturen von unter zehn Grad mit sich. Zeitgleich machen sich Münchner Hoffnungen, dass sich die Sonne wieder zeigt – dann jedoch länger als nur für einen Tag.
Die Wetteraussicht auf die kommenden Tage der Woche zwischen dem 11. und 17. April 2023 machen die Erwartungen zunichte. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit auf Regen ist hoch, wie wetteronline vorhersagt. Zudem wird eine Windstärke zwischen 8 und 26 km/h erwartet – Stärke 4 auf der Beaufort-Skala. Experten sprechen von einer „mäßigen Brise“ – alles andere als gemütlich. Die durchaus realistische Vorstellung, dass neben Regen auch Schnee auf Bayerns Landeshauptstadt fällt, machen die Prognosen für so viele nicht besser – Besserung ist erst gegen Ende des Monats in Sicht/
Frühsommer in München: Wettermodell erwartet Ende April einen Umschwung
Aktuell bleibt es in München also erst einmal windig und nass. Die Temperaturen liegen dabei zwischen 5 und 14 Grad. Mal ist es ein leichter, mal ein gemäßigter Regen – möglich auch Starkregen kombiniert mit Schneefall: Es ist wechselhaft – das soll sich laut wetter.de zunächst rund um den 20. April ändern. Laut Wettermeteorologen sei es der Beginn eines Frühsommers. In Bayern zeigt sich dieser Wetterumschwung mit Temperaturen bis zu 25 Grad. MEIN BEREICH
Dass der April für sein wechselhaftes Wetter bekannt ist, zeigt er im Jahre 2023 eindrucksvoll. So sind die vermehrten Sonnenstunden rund um den 20. April wieder einmal nur von kurzer Dauer. Ende April deutet das Thermometer schließlich erneut nur auf Temperaturen, die gerade so zweistellig werden. Im Gegenzug ist jedoch auch dieser Zustand nur von kurzer Dauer.
Zum Monatswechsel April/Mai kommen die frühsommerlichen Temperaturen zurück. Das soll dann auch erstmal bis Mitte so bleiben, bis zum Zeitraum, der das Ende der Eisheiligen einleitet. Ausgenommen sind nur vereinzelte Tage, an denen das vorzeitige Sommerwetter mal eine Pause macht – angesichts des aktuell konstant ungemütlichen Münchner Wetters ist diese Aussicht wohl zu verkraften.
Alle Nachrichten aus ganz Bayern lesen Sie immer bei uns. News und Geschichten aus dem Freistaat sind nun auch auf unserer brandneuen Facebook-Seite Merkur Bayern zu finden.
God is always around
By Fr. Roy Cimagala *
THE story of the two disciples on their way to Emmaus (cfr. Lk 24,13-35) reminds us that God is always around. We should make this truth of faith a strong and constant conviction of ours, especially in moments and situations where we find ourselves in difficulties. We should never allow ourselves to sink in some discouragement and depression because God would always be around to help.
As the story goes, these two disciples were sad after witnessing the death of Christ on the cross. They thought he was the one who would save Israel from bondage. Without knowing it, Christ approached them and engaged them in some conversation that left them astonished with what they heard from him. Finally, they recognized him at the breaking of the bread when they invited him to take supper with them.
We just have to remember that God never abandons us and is, in fact, all ready and prompt to come to our aid, albeit in ways that we may not realize, at first, just like what happened in that story of the two disciples.
We should not allow our feelings of sadness to be so dominant and pervasive that we shut off God’s many and often mysterious ways of helping us. If we do not pose a deliberate impediment to God’s ways, there is always hope. In our darkest moments, some light will always come piercing and dispelling the darkness away.
In so many ways, God will remind us, as Christ did to the two disciples, about the meaning of all human suffering, and of how our suffering can be a way to our joy, to our fulfillment as a man and as a child of God. He will explain to us why we have suffering in this life and how we can take advantage of it to derive something good from it.
And like the two disciples, let us feel reassured by these truths of our faith. “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Lk 24,32) they said in amazement.
We should learn to trust in the loving and all-wise providence of God, and while we have to do our part, we should also realize that we are not meant to solve all our problems in life. We just have to abandon ourselves in God’s providence. He will be the one to resolve, complete and perfect everything.
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Mt 6,26)
With these words, Christ clearly tells us to be trusting of God’s ever-wise and merciful Providence. He will provide everything that we need, especially the one that matters most to us. We may experience some privations, some losses, etc., but if we stick with God, we know that everything will always work out for the good. (cfr. Rom 8,28)
With all the things that we have to contend with in this life, we certainly need to have a healthy sense of trust in God’s loving and wise providence, abandoning ourselves in his will and ways that often are mysterious to us and can appear to be contrary to what we would like to have.
A healthy spirit of abandonment in God’s hands is necessary even as we exhaust all possible human means to achieve our goals or simply to tackle all the challenges, trials and predicaments of our life. We should never forget this truth of our faith.