A German Expat in The Philippines - Ein deutscher Auswanderer auf den Philippinen

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!

Thursday, January 9, 2025

THE WORLD NEEDS EMPOWERING WOMEN

Servus! Pilya Blog Magazine would like to thank Klaus Döring, our regular writer and contributor for his articles with us. Klaus Döring is a German expat and Former Office Head/German Honorary Consul to the Island of Mindanao, Philippines. He has wonderful media credentials that we cannot resist but it is his charm, humor and how he shares his personal life experiences in the Philippines that we really find amusing. We’re hooked! Klaus Döring is married to Rossana Balcom-Döring for 39 years now. That is HIS idea of “HAPPILY EVER AFTER” indeed! Let’s cheers to that!

Now is the time to read without missing Home.

THE WORLD NEEDS EMPOWERING WOMEN BY KLAUS DÖRING

Important: The World Needs Empowering Women is published in “Spring Mein Ding” April 2023.

“Karisma, Kagandahan at Kagalakan” is our theme for August 2023 (Buwan ng Wikang Filipino) 2023. it is coming soon! Abangan!

That’s really Pilyamazing! Tangkilikin po natin ang sariling atin. Follow Klaus Döring on his amazing journey with Pilya Blog Magazine. SUBSCRIBE NOW Vielen dank. Maraming salamat po..

The Feast of Jesus Nazareno: A marathon of faith

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jan 9, 2025 09:05 AM

E CARTOON JAN 9, 2025.jpg

Today, Jan. 9, a massive number of devotees will flood the streets of Manila to honor Jesus Nazareno, formerly known as the Black Nazarene. This centuries-old devotion reflects a collective belief in the power of faith to overcome adversity.

The feast, a vivid tapestry of prayer, sacrifice, and fervor, attracts more devotees every year because of gratitude for answered prayers and hope for miracles to overcome adversity. Families pass down the tradition through generations, instilling in their children the belief in the statue’s miraculous powers.

The story of Jesus Nazareno began in 1606, when an ebony statue of Christ carrying the cross was brought to the Philippines from Mexico by Augustinian Recollect friars. Its darkened hue, attributed to either the wood used or the passage of time and constant handling by devotees, became a powerful symbol of suffering, humility, and resilience. Initially enshrined in Intramuros, the statue found its permanent home in Quiapo in 1767.

The rituals that surround the devotion have blossomed and start many days before the actual feast. Various replicas of the image of Jesus Nazareno which are venerated in churches and chapels are paraded around the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene Parish, or simply known as the Quiapo Church. Followed by a number of mostly young devotees, the parades further snarl traffic but motorists patiently wait out the familiar scene of devotion. But that does not compare to the actual day of the feast when many roads are closed and Manila literally pauses to allow the devotion to reach its crescendo in the annual Traslacion, the re-enactment of the image’s transfer to the Minor Basilica of Jesus Nazareno.

This is no ordinary parade — it is a marathon of faith that once took up to 20 hours. Walking barefoot as a sign of humility, millions of devotees jostle to touch the image or the ropes of the andas (carriage), convinced of its miraculous powers. There are shouts of “Viva Señor Nazareno!” and devotees pray, sing hymns, and recite the rosary, wearing the maroon and yellow hues of Jesus Nazareno.

The Traslacion draws a staggering number of participants — this year authorities estimate that crowd to reach millions. The procession is tightly managed with the deployment of over 14,500 security personnel, along with “no-fly” and “no-sail” zones to ensure safety. Despite minor injuries and challenges such as dehydration or exhaustion, the event is marked by a collective spirit of resilience and unity.

The devotion to Jesus Nazareno is more than a religious ritual; it underscores the value of perseverance, community, and faith in times of trial. The barefoot procession, the long hours, and the willingness to endure physical discomfort symbolize the Filipino spirit — resilient and hopeful even in adversity.

This devotion is a call to humility and solidarity, reminding us that our faith can be a source of strength and healing.

In the end, the Feast of Jesus Nazareno is not just a commemoration of Christ’s suffering; it is a celebration of hope. This enduring tradition, now over four centuries old, is not just about touching a sacred image; it is about touching lives and inspiring souls to believe in miracles amid life’s storms.

This collective faith should also provide inspiration that we can work together beyond religious settings — and political and social issues — to build a better nation.

FEAST OF JESUS NAZARENO

Catholics celebrate today, January 9, the Feast of Jesus Nazarene.
For the first time apart from the usual celebration of Quiapo in Manila, the Feast of all dioceses in the Philippines will again be held as a national liturgical feast.
One of the highlights of the Feast is the "Traslacion" procession or the transfer of the replica of the Beloved Jesus Nazarene.
In Davao City, Traslacion will be held from San Alfonso Maria de Liguori Parish in Mandug to Our Lady of Peñafrancia GKK Chapel in DECA Tigatto. This will be followed by the 'Misa Nazareno' to be presided by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao.
VIVA, POONG HESUS NAZARENO!

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Many Filipino celebs are devotees of Jesus Nazareno

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Jan 8, 2025 05:44 PM

Every January, hundreds of thousands of people from various backgrounds gather to see the ebony statue of Jesus Nazareno.

Among the devotees are several well-known personalities from the entertainment industry. As the image of Jesus Nazareno celebrates its 419th year, these celebrities, each with their unique stories of devotion, provide insight into how the Nazareno has influenced their lives.

Noli De Castro

Former vice president and veteran news anchor Noli de Castro, 75, believes that the Jesus Nazareno intentionally guided him in his journey of faith. Since his college days, Mr. De Castro had a habit of making a quick trip to Quiapo Church and saying his prayers.

For many years, during the Traslacion, he actively participated in the procession, carrying the image of the Nazareno and offering prayers for his intentions.

Although he has not joined the procession in recent years, Noli shows his devotion through his reporting of the live happenings of the parade at the Quiapo Church.

Angeline Quinto

Spending her childhood in the bustling streets of Sampaloc, Manila, Kapamilya actress-singer Angeline Quinto, 35, grew up with the tradition of participating by carrying an image of Jesus Nazareno during the procession to Quiapo Church together with her adoptive mother, Sylvia Quinto, whom she lovingly calls Mama Bob.

“Nag-start siya kasi lumaki po ako sa Sampaloc. Ang Mama Bob ko at yung buong street namin sa Marzan, may imahe po kami na every year dinadala sa Quiapo Church (It started because I grew up in Sampaloc. My Mama Bob and our entire street in Marzan, have an image that is brought to Quiapo Church every year),” Angeline recalled in an interview.

Angeline won in 2011 on ABS-CBN’s “Star Power: Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar,” marking the beginnings of her beautiful journey through singing.

“Every Friday and Sunday, andoon po ako sa Quiapo nagdadasal. Bago ako sumali sa Star Power, dasal ko talaga magkaroon ng regular na trabaho sa pagkanta. Nag-try lang ako, hindi ko in-expect na magtutuloy-tuloy. Alam ko po na galing sa Kanya (Every Friday and Sunday, I would be in Quiapo praying. Before I joined Star Power, I really wished to have a regular singing job. I just tried, I didn’t expect it to continue. I know it’s from Him),” she said.

Coco Martin

Coco Martin, 43, also known as “Batang Quiapo” is another example of a Jesus Nazareno devotee. Since 2007, Coco has participated in the procession of Jesus Nazareno, asking for guidance and blessings.

As a testament to his deep devotion, Coco received blessings and recognition when he started to make a name in the entertainment industry. It can be recalled that during the last Jesus Nazareno celebration, Coco did an actual scene at the parade filming for his series “FPJ’s Ang Batang Quiapo.”

“Walang hanggang pasasalamat sa Poong Jesus Nazareno sa lubos na biyaya, pagmamahal, at paggabay sa akin at sa aking pamilya. Higit pa sa hiniling ko ang binigay Niyo sa akin (Eternal gratitude to the Lord Jesus Nazareno for the grace, love, and guidance for me and my family. You gave me more than I asked for),” Coco wrote in an Instagram post.

Sam Versoza

Growing up on the streets of Sampaloc, Sam Versoza is affectionately referred to as “Batang Sampaloc” in his hometown. Since the Feast of the Jesus Nazarene is widely observed annually throughout the City of Manila, it is not new to him.

It was in 2009 when he first participated in the procession of the Jesus Nazareno. Since then, Sam worked hard to give his family the life they deserve.
Sam is known as one of the co-founders of a successful marketing company in the Philippines, he also gives back to his community through various outreach programs.

As part of the devotion, Sam walks the streets of Manila barefoot along with the other devotees during Traslacion.
One of the biggest influences for his unwavering faith in the Lord was his late father, Samuel Verzosa Sr.

McCoy De Leon

Actor Mccoy De Leon, 29, is another devotee of the Jesus Nazareno who actively participates with his family. His devotion has been credited for his being blessed with a good career in showbiz, and building a family with Elise Joson.

McCoy introduced the tradition to his daughter Felize with the chant, “Viva Nazareno!”

On Instagram, De Leon shared his gratitude:

“Nasaan na siya (Poong Nazareno)?

“Yan ang linya lagi para makita mo siya at nung oras na nakita ko siya’t mahawakan ulit matapos ng maraming taon, wala ako masabi kundi ‘Salamat Poong Nazareno.’ Tanging nasa isip ko lang nung kaharap ko siya ang mga mahal ko sa buhay at ang pamilya ko (That’s the line you say to see Him and when I saw Him and held Him again after many years, I couldn’t say anything but ‘Thank you Jesus Nazareno.’ My only thoughts while I was facing him were my loved ones and my family).”

“Sa mga kapatid ko na deboto saludo ako sa tindi ng pananampalataya niyo, walang nagbabago. Viva Poong Nazareno (To my devoted brothers and sisters, I salute the intensity of your faith, nothing has changed. Viva Lord Nazarene)!”

Renee Salud

Renee Salud, 77, a well-known fashion designer, attributes his perseverance and ultimate success in life to his faith in the Jesus Nazareno.

“Parang may feeling ka na nandiyan Siya palagi at ibibigay Niya sa’yo,” Salud said, recalling how he would visit Quiapo Church every Friday to give thanks (You have this feeling that He is always there and He will give you what you ask).”

Rene also recalled how he used to go to Quiapo Church on his knees as a gesture of faith and devotion.

Giselle Sanchez

Comedienne-host Giselle Sanchez, 49, has been a devotee of Jesus Nazareno for more than 15 years. In an interview with TV5, Giselle said that she was an accidental devotee at first.

“Parang pumasok ang Holy Spirit sa akin. Nakaramdam ako ng kagalingan (It was like the Holy Spirit came to me. I felt well),” Giselle said.

In a 2016 interview, Sanchez said she recovered from an illness after praying to Jesus Nazareno in 2009.