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!
MANILA, Philippines — Lakbay Magazine, a premiere bi-monthly publication dedicated to the vibrant tourism and hospitality sectors of the country, and the world, was officially launched through an intimate ceremony at its office in Lucky Chinatown Hotel.
"We are thrilled to launch Lakbay, a publication that embodies the spirit of Philippine tourism and hospitality. Our goal is to showcase the beauty, culture, and unique experiences that our country offers; inspiring both local and international travelers to explore and appreciate the Philippine destinations more," enthused Enrico Sy, chairman of the magazine's board of directors.
Manila vice mayor Yul Servo, Taytay vice mayor Pia Cabral, and Department of Tourism's accreditation officer-in-charge Dmitriv Ivannovich were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.
"The support we have received from the hotel industry and business sector is truly heartwarming. Today, we celebrate not just the launch of a magazine but also the continuous growth of our country's tourism industry," said Lualhati Fausto, executive editor and founder of Lakbay.
Lakbay Magazine aims to be the leading source of information and inspiration for travelers and industry professionals by offering insightful articles, captivating photography, and comprehensive guides to the best destinations, accommodations, and experiences in and around the Philippines' 7,147 islands.
While reading up on the art of drag and the club called Rampa, it’s possible that you will encounter new terms or words like “AFAB” and “AMAB,” “bear,” “watermelon” and “hyperfeminine.”
This article will not only attempt to best explain them to you but also make you realize that there’s more to drag than dressing up and performing in highly stylized ways.
Club owner RS Francisco
Rampa started because club owner RS Francisco said he wanted to build “a safe place” for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. His friends suggested that he invite the Divine Divas, one of the most celebrated drag trios in the country, to be coowners of this establishment located on Eugenio Lopez Drive in Quezon City.
Francisco, who had never been to a drag show before, said: “I thought they were talking about Zsa Zsa Padilla (who is also tagged as the ‘Divine Diva’). I really had no idea! I googled them and was surprised to discover how popular these three already are,” added Francisco, who is also an award-winning actor and film producer. He was referring to the drag trio Precious Paula Nicole, Viñas DeLuxe and Brigiding.
Zsa Zsa Padilla (center) with drag trio Brigiding, Precious Paula Nicole and Viñas DeLuxe
For the “lesbian market,” Francisco said he reached out to singer-actor Ice Seguerra and his partner Liza Dino, and convinced them to join the group. He then tapped Paulo Castro and Darryl Reciña as creative directors.
When Rampa opened to the public on Feb. 17, it became the first-ever drag club in Quezon City “that is inclusive and safe,” said Francisco.
Zsa Zsa Padilla
“I wasn’t a fan of drag, but I’ve learned to embrace it. If you visit Rampa, you’ll see that it’s like a Christmas party where people know everyone. It’s so unlike other places where people try to outshine each other—nagpapagandahan, nagpapataasan ng ihi. We actually encourage you to toast with people you’ve never met before. Also, females are frowned upon in other clubs. In Rampa, we welcome girls, straight people—even my mortal enemies are welcome—as long as they’re 18, they order and pay,” Francisco said, laughing.
Brigiding
Taking care of the community
Castro added that Rampa has partnered with the volunteer group LoveYourself Inc., “so that every party that we do is advocacy-based.” Inside Rampa is a LoveYourself booth for HIV testing. There are also booths for Flourish, the group’s mental health arm, and for Transcend, its transgender help arm. “We make sure Rampa being a safe space is not merely lip service. It’s really taking care of the entire community,” said Castro.
This month, Rampa organized a party called “Sampa,” which is also an open-mic event but for drag. “If you want to experience everything on stage—including the lights and visuals—just bring a USB,” said Castro. You have to preregister because only five can perform each night.
Club owner RS Francisco and Zsa Zsa Padilla
The team takes their much needed break Mondays and Tuesdays. They resume on Wednesday with “Spank,” which promotes good health, and safe and responsible sex. Thursdays are reserved for special events, such as “People Like Us,” which features lesbians and transmen, or “Spectacular! Spectacular!” which celebrates “plus size men and bears,” said Castro. In gay culture, “bears” refer to men who are noticeably hairy, and are muscular and bearded.
“Divine Saturday” parties are “drag heavy” and “fantastic,” said Castro. They are shows produced by the Divine Divas, no less.
Viñas DeLuxe
Art form
“Watermelon” parties on Friday nights are arguably the most interesting. For example, during Buwan ng Wika last August, the entire Watermelon cast was required to perform original Pilipino music (OPM). “’Watermelon’ is like an eternal summer party,” added Castro. “Also, while ‘watermelon’ sounds fresh, it’s also the symbol of Palestine. Mz. Chronicles did a performance carrying the theme, ‘Free Palestine,’ and it brought people to tears.”
Drag trio Divine Divas: Brigiding, Precious Paula Nicole and Viñas DeLuxe
“Drag is a powerful tool for storytelling, especially for the young generation. They have a lot to say and they are able to express these through drag as an art form,” Castro pointed out. “That’s what’s amazing about these kids. They’ve all turned into well-rounded artists. Not only can they lip sync, they can also do super dance, theater productions and even spoken word.”
Zymba Ding
Rampa’s home-grown artists are Kiari, Katana, Zymba Ding, Felicia Ding and Bomba Ding; as well as Neenja and Kieffy Nicole, who are tagged as “AFAB Queens,” and Eeygatha, who is a transgender woman.
AFAB means assigned female at birth (as opposed to AMAB, or assigned male at birth), said Castro.
Drag kings
“As drag became more mainstream, people’s minds became more open to the idea that drag can be for anyone. You can be born female and still do drag. As of now, our AFAB Queens are still doing ‘hyperfeminine’ drag, meaning, they put on makeup and hair to look hyper feminine. But for our lesbian party on Sept. 19, they debuted as ‘drag kings’ and presented a more masculine type of drag.”
Drag trio Divine Divas: Brigiding, Precious Paula Nicole and Viñas DeLuxe
Rampa was the first to hire AFAB performers, added Castro. “We will feature AMAB artists, too. They’re already in training. I still don’t know yet what type of drag they will be producing, but it’s safe to call everyone now as drag artists—not queens or kings. Your body is your canvas. It’s up to you what you want to do with it as you perform.”
As for Francisco, he said he is still discovering so much about the drag scene because of Rampa. “I grew up during the era of ‘girl, boy, bakla, tomboy’ and the term ‘ACDC.’ Also, I realized that there’s a lot more to learn about the Sogie (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression) bill and the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. I admit to not knowing a lot of things, even though I’m already a part of the community, what more for those who aren’t? That’s why we are welcoming everyone to Rampa. Here, you will learn a thing or two about respect, kindness and compassion.”
The San Miguel group—Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (Naia) new caretaker—and the government are already drawing heavy flak after hiking parking fees on Oct. 1.
But this may just be the start.
New Naia Infrastructure Corp. general manager Angelito Alvarez told reporters on Thursday that they might introduce before the year ends a new fee to ease the flow of traffic at the crowded airport.
Alvarez said they were studying the possibility of imposing a penalty for vehicles overstaying along the terminal driveways to encourage quicker movement in and out of the airport.
San Miguel chief Ramon Ang earlier broached this idea because he observed that some family and friends picking up and dropping off their loved ones at the airport took a long time to move their cars, thus were causing traffic.
Should this new fee be approved, it will be implemented during the holiday season when passenger volume goes up—which also means more people waiting for their loved ones to arrive.
I believe that it is an opportunity to begin turning at the forefront of my thoughts to the likelihood of progress through engaging in the present moment and dealing with external and internal conflict.
I’ll often observe my own particular emotions and practices without a moment 's hesitation, if I can utilize care to stay in that time and appreciate it, I know I will have the capacity to translate things in an unexpected way.
Being present means being fully engaged and aware of your environment, body, and mind in the here and now. It’s known as mindfulness, and it can enrich your life, helping you benefit in all kinds of ways.
Being present nurtures richer, more meaningful connections with the people who are important to you. It allows for active, empathetic listening and deeper understanding, cultivating stronger bonds and mutual acceptance of each other’s flaws.
Being present helps to alleviate tension from overthinking or fretting about the past or future, reducing overall stress.
Being present strengthens our ability to concentrate, filtering out distractions. It allows us to focus fully on our tasks, enhancing productivity and creativity.
Embracing the present enables you to distance yourself from overwhelming worries and fears, thereby lessening the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
When you’re in tune with the present moment, you can become more aware of your emotions and reactions, enabling you to navigate your feelings more effectively and relate better to others.
Living in the moment can encourage a deeper connection with yourself, fostering self-compassion, self-esteem, self-acceptance, and a renewed appreciation for yourself.
Another day. No, this isn't just another day. This is today. This is also tomorrow, if we talk about the whole weekend. It might be the most important time of your life. It's the only time that you can do something about.
Just for now strive to do God's will, remembering that the failures of yesterday are behind you. Live this day as though you would meet your Maker at the end of it.
Yes, is there an end to the storm? Tough times pass, but tough people endure. Tough people - those who are focused on what God says about their lives!
Your life may seem like a catastrophe, but your story is not yet finished. Lean on God and say, "I trust you Lord, please walk with me today, the whole weekend and also this coming week.
Another sea vessel indicative of the existence of a strong and developed maritime tradition in the Philippines even before the point of contact with our colonizers is the balanghai.
ANCIENT TRAVELERS Scholars believe the existence of a maritime tradition practiced by early Filipinos to get around the archipelago (Source: Tadhana Vol. 1 Abridged Edition 1982)
In my previous article, I talked about the Austronesian Migration Expansion and how maritime technology increased our ability to sail longer and farther. The Austronesian-speaking people settled in and around China about 6,000 years ago, then about 3,500 years ago, groups started to migrate to the Philippines (as a jump off point), then to other islands in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This maritime culture came with a rich boat-making tradition, even observed by colonizers upon the point of contact, as documented in Maximilianus Transylvanus’s book De Moluccis Insulis, a compilation of accounts by survivors of the Magellan-Elcano expedition (1519-1522), Italian scholar and member of the expedition Antonio Pigafetta’s journals, now known as A Report on the First Voyage Around the World, among others.
Not long ago, I was introduced to the many modes of watercrafts found in the Philippines by Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division senior museum researcher and officer-in-charge Bobby Cuaton Orinllaneda. You see, I was reading old correspondence of my great-grandfather Daniel Arcilla Romualdez to his relatives regarding booking safe passage back to Leyte for his three sons Norberto, Miguel, and Vicente Orestes, who were stranded in Manila during the siege of Andres Bonifacio on Intramuros in 1896.
Norberto, Miguel, and Vicente Orestes were studying at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila and, as the school shut down because of the siege, found themselves stuck in Manila. It took a few months before the boys were able to book a passage to Negros and then, finally, to Leyte. Bobby pointed me to the article “Types of Watercrafts in the Philippines” by Ricardo E. Galang, where he enumerated and described the different types of watercrafts that had been used in the archipelago since the point of contact with Spain.
Based on the article, my lolo (Vicente Orestes) and his brothers would have taken a schooner to get back home.
On one of my proxy duty trips for my cousin Senator Imee Romualdez Marcos, I was sent to Negros. At the event I was attending, I told a Negrense about how my lolo and his brothers had to flee Manila during the siege of Manila. I asked him why it was necessary to book a boat bound for Negros instead of going straight to Leyte. He explained that in the middle of the 19th century Negros saw a period of rapid economic expansion on account of the widespread cultivation of sugar. There was a lot of traffic of trade goods and, because of the booming economy, many were migrating to the island. Negros had a bustling port with a lot of vessels coming in and out from all parts of the archipelago. Just to note, two years after my lolo and his brothers boarded their boat to Leyte, Generals Aniceto Lacson and General Juan Araneta joined Aguinaldo’s revolutionary army and laid a successful siege on the Spanish garrison in Negros.
Another watercraft mentioned by Galang was the karacoa, the largest locally made vessel at the time made for war and raiding. They were owned by chieftains and when decked up could carry as many as 300 warriors. Spanish accounts would describe the sight of at least 50 or so karacoas at a time attacking settlements along the coasts of Leyte and Samar and at times going head on with Spanish fleets. What a sight that would have been!
Another sea vessel indicative of the existence of a strong and developed maritime tradition in the Philippines even before the point of contact with our colonizers is the balanghai, described as “beyond 30 meters long, with squared keels and edge-pegged planks.” The balanghay or balanghai is also where we get the word barangay from.
Today the barangay is known as the smallest political unit or “administrative division” in the Philippines. As it was when the barangay was first observed by Spanish colonizers to be “well-organized independent villages serving under a chief,” the barangay today is the “primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in the community.” Also, it exercises judicial powers to settle disputes between and among neighbors. In simple terms, the barangay is tasked to address the immediate concerns of members of its community and cater to their wellbeing.
The late President Ferdinand E. Marcos (PFEM) believed that the barangay system could restore power to the people, “where it properly belongs.” PFEM believed that the barangay provided the humble citizen who could not be heard and who seemed powerless with a ready access to political authority through his barangay. This political authority is the barangay captain, who is accountable to his constituents on “a daily basis and (is) the people’s link to government,” he explained.
Voter’s registration in the Philippines ended on Sept. 30, 2024 and the filing for Certificates of Candidacy has now begun (Oct. 1 to 8, 2024). Participatory democracy is still in its infancy in the Philippines whose independence has been regained only in 1946, only to be succeeded by a number of republics (five total in nearly 100 years!). We are still learning but as Plato in The Republic is quoted as saying, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
In 2023, "All I Want For Christmas is You" remained at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It achieved 48.4 million streams, 31.7 million radio airplay audience impressions, and 7,000 downloads inthe U.S. from December 15 to 21 of that year, as reported by Luminate.
Mariah Carey (Facebook)
It's the "Ber" month, and fans of Mariah Carey believe it's time to start playing her timeless Christmas song "All I Want For Christmas Is You."
However, the Grammy-winning artist believes it is too soon to take that action.
On social media, Mariah shared a post related to her hit song.
"This is your captain speaking; welcome aboard, Mariah! We are headed for the North Pole," said the voice-over as the intro to her holiday song rolled in.
Then Mariah dubbed Queen of Christmas said in a whispering voice: "They always rush me."
Mariah captioned her post: "To those asking ... Not yet!!!"
Fans believe Mariah would give the go-signal to play the song on Oct. 30 when the classic Christmas song turned 30.
In September, Mariah kicked off the Christmas season with her Filipino fans.
Mariah shared a website dedicated to the Philippines, which includes links for fans to play her song "All I Want For Christmas Is You."
“Philippines, it's time (only for you!!) I hope you're all safe and well. Let’s celebrate together,” Mariah wrote in the caption.
On Nov. 6, Mariah will kick off "Christmas Time" concert visiting Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia and more before wrapping up on Dec. 17 in her hometown of New York City.
In December 2023, The pop megastar logged 13 weeks on the top of the chart since its release in 1994, making it the biggest holiday song ever.
In 2023, "All I Want For Christmas is You" remained at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It achieved 48.4 million streams, 31.7 million radio airplay audience impressions, and 7,000 downloads in the U.S. from December 15 to 21 of that year, as reported by Luminate.
