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!

free counters

Monday, February 12, 2024

Typical Filipino (XXXL) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXXL): Filipinos - Philippinische Männer

 






Philippinische Männer untereinander profilieren sich in erster Hinsicht durch das gepflegte Erscheinungsbild. Im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Ländern, ist es auf den Philippinen unüblich, dass Menschen aus wirklich armen Verhältnissen dennoch stilsicher und gepflegt gekleidet sind.

Im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Ländern, ist es auf den Philippinen unüblich, dass Menschen aus wirklich armen Verhältnissen dennoch stilsicher und gepflegt gekleidet sind. Auch auf den Philippinen wird mit dem großen Auto oder Haus, der erreichte Status zur Schau gestellt. In Zeiten von Facebook wird dieses Verhalten noch mehr verstärkt. Meist noch extremer als bei uns Deutsche. Manch armer Filipino und deren Familie leben dennoch glücklicher als viele der so perfekt abgesicherten Angeber-Filipinos.

Philippinische Männer verhalten sich oft wie große Kinder und sind oftmals nur wenig verantwortungsbewusst.

Letztendlich halte ich jeden Versuch, die philippinische Mentalität und das Verhalten bewerten zu wollen, für nicht umsetzbar. Geschichte, Kultur und eben die Traditionen unterscheiden sich gravierend und sind eben anders. Die philippinische Lebensart ist einmalig und nicht vergleichbar. Nehmen Sie deshalb Abstand vor unnötigen Vergleichen. Vielmehr seien Sie offen die Verhaltensweisen zu verstehen und von einer neuen Kultur zu lernen. Es steht jedem frei sich ein eigenes Bild zu machen. Lediglich wollte ich Ihnen meine eigene subjektive Sichtweise darstellen, welche ich in meiner langjährigen Erfahrung, auf den Philippinen, sammeln konnte.

So konnte ich hautnah miterleben, inwiefern philippinische Männer sich von den Frauen unterscheiden.

Es gibt generelle Benimmregeln für philippinische Männer und Frauen, wie die Begrüßung von älteren Mitmenschen durch einen speziellen Handgruß (Mano po). Durch die größere Lebenserfahrung, soll dem Gegenüber Respekt vermittelt werden. Im Laufe eines philippinischen Leben wachsen die Kinder mit dieser Tradition auf. Auch das Verhalten bei Kritik und Zurückweisung, weist bei beiden Geschlechtern das selbe Verhaltensmuster auf. Sie wirken beiderseits peinlich berührt und wollen unter keinen Umständen ihr Gesicht verlieren. Philippinische Männer sowie die Frauen versuchen deshalb, ihre eigene Kritik in freundlicher Verpackung vorzutragen. Ob das der Europäer versteht, ist eine andere Frage. Sollte sich versehentlich dennoch ein Streit anbahnen, kann dieser schnell mit einem einfachen Lächeln aus der Welt geschafft werden. Viele philippinische Männer werden sowieso versuchen, ihre Wut auf keinen Fall offen zu zeigen. Bei positiven Emotionen ist das jedoch ein Unterschied wie Tag und Nacht.

Status Symbole spielen gerade für philippinische Männer eine große Rolle. Nicht jeder philippinische Mann ist sonderlich begeistert wenn der reiche Europäer (so denken es die meisten Filipinos) mit einer Filipina flirtet.

(Fortsetzung folgt!)

+++

Filipino men distinguish themselves primarily through their well-groomed appearance. In contrast to many other countries, in the Philippines it is unusual for people from really poor backgrounds to still be stylish and well-dressed.

In contrast to many other countries, in the Philippines it is unusual for people from really poor backgrounds to still be stylish and well-dressed. In the Philippines, too, the status achieved is displayed with the big car or house. In the age of Facebook, this behavior is even more pronounced. Usually even more extreme than our Germans. Some poor Filipinos and their families still live happier lives than many of the perfectly secured show-off Filipinos.

Filipino men often behave like big children and are often not very responsible.

Ultimately, I think any attempt to evaluate the Filipino mentality and behavior is unworkable. History, culture and traditions differ significantly and are different. The Filipino way of life is unique and cannot be compared. Therefore, refrain from unnecessary comparisons. Rather, be open to understanding the behaviors and learning from a new culture. Everyone is free to form their own opinion. I just wanted to give you my own subjective perspective, which I was able to gather from my many years of experience in the Philippines.

So I was able to experience first hand how Filipino men differ from women.

There are general rules of etiquette for Filipino men and women, such as greeting older people with a special hand greeting (Mano po). Through greater life experience, respect should be conveyed to the other person. Throughout a Filipino life, children grow up with this tradition. The behavior when faced with criticism and rejection also shows the same behavioral pattern for both genders. They both seem embarrassed and don't want to lose face under any circumstances. Filipino men and women therefore try to present their own criticism in a friendly manner. Whether Europeans understand this is another question. If an argument does accidentally arise, it can be quickly resolved with a simple smile. Many Filipino men will try not to show their anger openly anyway. However, when it comes to positive emotions, the difference is like night and day.

Status symbols play a big role, especially for Filipino men. Not every Filipino man is particularly enthusiastic when the rich European (or so most Filipinos think) flirts with a Filipina.

(To be continued!)

(Fortsetzung folgt!)

Cayetano pushes for more sustained funding for PHILVOLCS modernization



PRESS RELEASE


February 12, 2024


Senator Alan Peter Cayetano wants to see to it that there is continuous funding for the modernization of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), saying merely approving a five-year plan does not guarantee its success.

"I don't want us to just pass a specific five-year plan and then not allocate the necessary funds," he said ahead of a public hearing on Monday, February 12, 2024, on the proposed PHIVOLCS Modernization Act by the Committee on Science and Technology, jointly with the Committees on Energy, Ways and Means, and Finance.

Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Science and Technology Senate Committee, emphasized the advantages of modernizing PHIVOLCS, saying it will assist the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in its infrastructure program, among others.

"Hazard mapping will aid everyone in construction, including where to build and where not to build new roads," he said.

During the Senate hearing on the PHIVOLCS Modernization Act on December 1, 2023, PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said some local government units are already using the agency’s hazard mapping for their land use planning.

The modernization aims to install 300 earthquake monitoring stations, 82 sea level monitoring stations, complete monitoring systems, geologic hazard maps, a new building with cutting-edge amenities such as research facilities, and an information and communications technology server room.

On Monday’s hearing, Cayetano will also discuss the importance of being ready in case the feared “Big One” – an earthquake that could have a magnitude of 7.2 or even higher – hits Metro Manila.


As projected by PHIVOLCS in 2016, such a temblor could cause 48,000 fatalities and 24,000 severe injuries.

Additionally, infrastructure destruction could lead to widespread power and communication failures, alongside significant economic losses estimated by the World Bank at P2.5 trillion given that the National Capital Region accounts for a significant portion of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Cayetano emphasized the need to strengthen PHIVOLCS as a proactive measure.


 Itong modernization bill… I think we should really give it all the effort… It will help us in the long-term,” he said.###

Non-Germans, what are things about German culture that you like or appreciate?

 

Profile photo for Dev Joshi
Dev Joshi
130 followers
69 following

Keep It Simple, Silly!

I have lived here for around 2 years now and here are three things I really appreciate..

1. German directness: hands down, this is one of the most special and well embedded German character. People tell things to your face. That doesn’t mean, they don’t bitch behind your back; but still the 99% of the things will be told to your face. This comes very handy in a professional environment. You exactly know what is expected from you and how good or bad you’re doing.
And this thing is very hard to get used to but once you get used to it and then you go to a different place, it becomes very easy to spot a lie (at least for me).

What does a German mean when he says...?

2. Respecting other’s time: before coming to Germany, I never really knew the “value” of my time and rarely used the phrase “you’re wasting my time”. 2 years now and I say straight to person’s face if he/she is late and doesn’t have a valid reason. I cannot say how much I appreciate this thing. They say, time is money- and Germans follow it to the core (deutsche bahn- hear that? :P).
P.S. I love DB but there’s always some fun to make fun of them :D

Zeit ist Geld-Symbol im Cartoon-Stil, die isoliert auf weißem Hintergrund. Geld und Finanzen Symbol Lager Vektor-illustration

3. Order/regulations and more order: I give it to a new person that its a pain in a** for first few weeks. But once you get used to it, this is one of the better aspects of German society. Sometimes though it comes with a drawback, where the person is so much used to orderly and regulated living; that in a strange situation its very hard to adapt.
Ordnung muss sein!!

KEEP CALM AND Ordnung Muss Sein

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Philippine Fairy Tales (XX) - Philippinische Märchen (XX): When the Lilies Return - Wenn die Lilien zurückkehren


When the Lilies Return - Wenn die Lilien zurückkehren

At the time when the Pasig flowed peacefully along between flowery banks; when its breast was not torn by puffing steamers; and when only a few clustering huts marked the present site of Manila, there grew on the banks of the river a beautiful field of lilies.

The lilies glistened like silver in the sunlight, and their sweet odor filled the air with delicious perfume. No hand plucked them from the earth, and no foot trampled out their fragrance; for an ancient prophecy had said that while the lilies stood the happiness of the people should endure.

But after a time there came dark days in the history of the Philippines. Yellow hordes swept across the water and carried all before them. The people could hardly expect to resist the invaders, for their warrior king, Loku, had profaned the word of the god, and, in the form of a lizard, was fulfilling his punishment. Their armies were weak and scattered, and the conquerors marched on in triumph.

As report after report of disaster reached Luzon, the people trembled for the safety of their fair land. Warriors gathered hastily for the defense of the nation, and all waited for the enemy to appear.

One day the water was dotted with the junks of the invaders. They came slowly down the bay, and anchored near the mouth of the Pasig.

Then from the boats poured the yellow warriors. Spears rained upon them, stones and arrows laid them low, but their numbers were countless. The people were swept back along the river banks.

Fiercely they fought, but numbers told against them. Foot by foot they were pressed back, till they stood on the border of the field of lilies, where they made their last stand. But it was to no purpose.

The invaders poured from the ships, and in one desperate charge drove back the ranks of the people, who fought and died among their sacred lilies.

All through the night the battle raged, and at daybreak, when the victorious invaders rested on their spears, the beautiful field was no more.

The lilies were crushed and torn. The bodies of dead and dying warriors lay everywhere, and the crushed flowers were stained with the blood of friend and foe. The peace of the land was lost.

Many years have passed since then. New races have come to the Islands, and new manners and customs have been introduced. The Pasig still flows on to the sea, but its banks are harnessed by bridges. Lofty dwellings and stores take the place of the little huts, and a great city marks the site of the little village.

Where once was the beautiful field is now a busy part of the great city. It is called Quiapo, after the lilies. Many of the older people remember the prophecy and wonder if the lilies will ever return.

The land is now a peaceful and contented one. Comfort and happiness may be found among its inhabitants. Perhaps the fair, strange women from the great land over the sea are the lilies. Who can tell?


+++

Zu der Zeit, als der Pasig friedlich zwischen blühenden Ufern dahinfloss; als seine Brust nicht von schnaufenden Dampfern zerrissen wurde; und als nur ein paar dicht gedrängte Hütten den heutigen Standort Manilas markierten, wuchs an den Ufern des Flusses ein wunderschönes Lilienfeld.

Die Lilien glänzten wie Silber im Sonnenlicht und ihr süßer Duft erfüllte die Luft mit köstlichem Duft. Keine Hand riss sie von der Erde, und kein Fuß zertrat ihren Duft; Denn eine alte Prophezeiung besagte, dass das Glück des Volkes anhalten sollte, solange die Lilien standen.

Doch nach einiger Zeit kamen dunkle Tage in der Geschichte der Philippinen. Gelbe Horden fegten über das Wasser und trugen alles vor sich her. Das Volk konnte kaum damit rechnen, den Eindringlingen Widerstand zu leisten, denn ihr Kriegerkönig Loku hatte das Wort des Gottes entweiht und erfüllte in Gestalt einer Eidechse seine Strafe. Ihre Armeen waren schwach und zerstreut, und die Eroberer marschierten triumphierend weiter.

Als ein Bericht nach dem anderen über die Katastrophe Luzon erreichte, zitterten die Menschen um die Sicherheit ihres schönen Landes. Krieger versammelten sich hastig zur Verteidigung der Nation und alle warteten auf das Erscheinen des Feindes.

Eines Tages war das Wasser mit Dschunken der Eindringlinge übersät. Sie kamen langsam die Bucht hinunter und ankerten nahe der Mündung des Pasig.

Dann strömten die gelben Krieger aus den Booten. Speere regneten auf sie, Steine ​​und Pfeile machten sie nieder, aber ihre Zahl war zahllos. Die Menschen wurden entlang der Flussufer zurückgeschwemmt.

Sie kämpften erbittert, aber die große Zahl sprach gegen sie. Schritt für Schritt wurden sie zurückgedrängt, bis sie am Rand des Lilienfeldes standen, wo sie ihren letzten Widerstand leisteten. Aber es hatte keinen Zweck.

Die Eindringlinge strömten von den Schiffen herab und trieben in einem verzweifelten Angriff die Reihen der Menschen zurück, die zwischen ihren heiligen Lilien kämpften und starben.

Die ganze Nacht tobte die Schlacht, und bei Tagesanbruch, als die siegreichen Eindringlinge sich auf ihren Speeren ausruhten, war das schöne Feld nicht mehr vorhanden.

Die Lilien wurden zerdrückt und zerrissen. Überall lagen die Körper toter und sterbender Krieger, und die zerdrückten Blumen waren mit dem Blut von Freund und Feind befleckt. Der Frieden des Landes ging verloren.

Seitdem sind viele Jahre vergangen. Neue Rassen sind auf die Inseln gekommen und neue Sitten und Bräuche wurden eingeführt. Der Pasig fließt immer noch ins Meer, aber seine Ufer sind durch Brücken gesichert. An die Stelle der kleinen Hütten treten hohe Behausungen und Geschäfte, und an der Stelle des kleinen Dorfes steht eine große Stadt.

Wo einst das schöne Feld war, ist heute ein geschäftiger Teil der großen Stadt. Es heißt Quiapo, nach den Lilien. Viele der älteren Menschen erinnern sich an die Prophezeiung und fragen sich, ob die Lilien jemals zurückkehren werden.

Das Land ist jetzt friedlich und zufrieden. Unter seinen Bewohnern kann man Trost und Glück finden. Vielleicht sind die schönen, fremden Frauen aus dem großen Land über dem Meer die Lilien. Wer kann es sagen?

Money tops Valentine's Day wish list of Filipinos — SWS


Gaea Katreena Cabico - Philstar.com 

February 11, 2024 | 10:37am

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos want both practical and romantic gifts for Valentine's Day, with money topping the list, according to a survey by the Social Weather Stations. 

The survey conducted in December 2023 revealed that money (16%) was the most desired Valentine's Day gift for Filipinos, followed by love and companionship (11%) and flowers (10%).

Other Valentine's Day wishes of Filipinos included apparel (9%), "any gift from the heart" (5%), mobile phone (5%), watches and jewelry (5%), good family relationship (5%), food and grocery items (3%), chocolate (3%), good health of loved ones (3%), motorcycles and other vehicles (2%), and appliances (2%).

Other less popular choices were  written or in-person greeting (1%), kiss (1%), a child (1%), date or dinner (1%), house (1%), cake (1%), stuffed toy (0.4%), wedding (0.3%), alcoholic drink (0.3%), and perfumes and cosmetics (0.3%). 

"More men wished for apparel and any gift from the heart, while more women wished for money and flowers. Both sexes wished for love and companionship equally," SWS said. 

Number of single Filipinos rising

The survey also found that 58% of Filipinos reported being very happy with their love life, while 23% felt it could be happier. Only 19% indicated having no love life. 

A significant majority of married couples said they were "very happy" with their love life, with 76% of men and 67% of women expressing this sentiment.

However, SWS noted that the number of Filipinos who reported having no love life is "gradually increasing."

The poll was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults, with a margin of error of ±2.8% for national percentages and ±5.7% for regional breakdowns.

Flood warnings up in parts of VisMin; 'amihan' to bring rains over Luzon

BY LIZST TORRES ABELLO


The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday, Feb. 11 said flash floods or landslides are still possible in parts of Visayas and Mindanao, while light rains may occur in most parts of Luzon.

FB_IMG_1706920320032.jpg
(Photo credit to MB Visual Content Group)

PAGASA said Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Region will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms caused by the easterlies or the warm winds from the Pacific Ocean.

It continued to advise the public to be vigilant against flash floods or landslides that may occur in these areas in times of moderate to heavy rains. 

Meanwhile, weather specialist Grace Castañeda said the northeast monsoon or locally known as "amihan," became "slightly strong," and is affecting parts of Luzon.

Castañeda said amihan may bring cloudy skies with light rains to Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Kalinga, Apayao, Aurora, and Quezon.

"Bahagya muling lumakas ang northeast monsoon o amihan at sa kasalukuyan ay nakakaapekto ito sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon kung saan ngayong araw ay magdadala ito ng maulap na kalangitan at mataas na tyansa ng mga mahihinang pag-ulan at pag-ambon lalong lalo na sa may silangang bahagi ng Luzon (The northeast monsoon slightly re-strengthened and currently, it affects huge part of Luzon where it brings cloudy skies and high chance of light rains and rain showers especially to the east portion of Luzon)," she said.

In Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and Visayas, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains will prevail caused by amihan.  Moreover, PAGASA said the rest of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies or localized thunderstorms.

It also advised the public to be wary of flash floods or landslides that may occur during severe thunderstorms.

Alkhaldi, Sanchez banner PH team in World Swimming Championships

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

AT A GLANCE

  • Olympians Jasmine Alkhaldi and Kayla Sanchez banner the seven-player Philippine squad when the swimming competition kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 11, in the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar.


Olympians Jasmine Alkhaldi and Kayla Sanchez banner the seven-player Philippine squad when the swimming competition kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 11, in the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar.

Screen Shot 2024-02-10 at 2.19.12 PM.png
Kayla Sanchez, left, and Jasmine Alkhaldi compete with five other Filipinos in the World Swimming Championships. (Kayla Sanchez Instagram)

Alkhaldi and Sanchez both aim for return trips to the Olympics as the competition serves as a venue to earn berths to the Paris Games slated July 26 to Aug. 11.

The 30-year-old Alkhaldi competed in the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics while Sanchez, 22, was part of the Canadian relay squad that won the 4x100-meter freestyle relay silver medal and the 4x100m medley relay bronze before deciding to compete for the PH team.

Joining Alkhaldi and Sanchez are Teia Salvino, Xiandi Chua, Thanya Dela Cruz, Jarod Hatch and Jerard Jacinto.

Swimmers needed to reach the respective qualifying time standards to make it to the Olympics. World Aquatics, however, also give universality slots of one male and one female to countries with no Olympic qualifiers.

But expect all seven Filipino swimmers to go all out not only with high hopes of making a huge splash but also in improving their respective times.

First to see action will be Hatch in the men’s 50m butterfly and the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay squad on Sunday. On Monday, Feb. 12, it would be the turn of Dela Cruz (women’s 100m breaststroke), Jacinto (men’s 100m backstroke) and Salvinio (women’s 100m back).

Salvino returns on Feb. 13 for the women's 200m free race, before Sanchez starts her bid in the women's 100m free on Feb. 15 along with the women's 4x200m freestyle team.

Alkhaldi, meanwhile, opens her campaign on Feb. 16 in the women's 50m fly, along with Chua (women's 200m back) and Hatch (men's 100m fly).

Feb. 17 will have the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay, Dela Cruz (women's 50m breast), Jacinto (men's 50m back), and Alkhaldi (women's 50m free).

Chua (women's 400m medley) and the women's 4x100m medley team compete on Feb. 18.

The country sent Remedy Rule and Luke Gebbie at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with Rule managing to advance to the women’s 200m butterfly semifinals.

But it was way back in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics that the country last won a medal in the sport courtesy of Teofilo Yldefonso’s bronze medal feat in the men’s 200m breaststroke.

PAGASA issues sunspot warning: 'Never directly look at the sun'

BY LIZST TORRES ABELLO


Sunspots or "dark patches," caused by "concentrated magnetic fields" were observed on the sun, an event that plays an important role in the solar cycle, which occurs every 11 years. 

FB_IMG_1707617763088.jpg
(PAGASA)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday, Feb. 11 warned the public to "never" directly look at the sun without protection, as the sunspots can cause "serious harm" to the eyes, which may lead to permanent damage like blindness.

"Always use approved solar filters designed for safe solar viewing," said PAGASA. 

FB_IMG_1707617766925.jpg
PAGASA

PAGASA explained  the sunspots may be "worrisome," yet still connotated it as a "natural aspect" of the actions of the sun.

"This cycle, driven by the solar dynamo, governs the Sun's alternating periods of heightened and reduced activity," it said.

PAGASA also noted that sunspots can affect technological systems including satellites and communication networks, however, the impacts are amenable.

"Thus, it's important to recognize sunspots and the solar cycle as regular phenomena, enriching our understanding of solar dynamics without causing undue concern," it said.

Saturday, February 10, 2024

What is the most difficult German accent to understand?


Profile photo for Julia Zachmann
Julia Zachmann
Southwest Germany. DE native, EN/FR C2, ES/NL B2, IT, LA, JA
27 followers
37 following

Speak German, English, French. Did Latin, Spanish, a bit of Italian, Dutch as an adult.

Spent time in Grasse, Flanders, Senegal.

Interests - world history (Japan, Aztecs), physics, Erich Kästner.


I’ll go with Swiss and Bavarian. Although I am from southwest Germany, the two are too different from standard German. I like the sound of a Bavarian accent in standard German though. I don’t like the sound of East-German and Saxon dialects, however they are not too different from other central German dialects (if not too far east, not Lausitz like in Sabine Schaefer's answer or Märkisch) and therefore not as difficult to understand as Swiss and Bavarian. The dialect in my region is Rhine-Hessian, between Palatine and Hessian. Central/southern dialects mixed with standard German are fine by me (Palatine, Hessian, Hunsrueck, Saarland, …). I would not understand someone who exclusively speaks dialect without mixing it with standard language, no matter the dialect, if the dialects are from outside my area. But writing them out would help tons. Bavarian and very remote Swiss and Austrian mountain dialects are ununderstandable for me. Beside different pronunciation they use expressions not known in standard German.

Map of central-German dialect groups:

Map of dialect groups in Germany:

Example words in dialect groups: