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!

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Sunday, March 16, 2025

Phivolcs to unveil Central Digos Fault atlas to mitigate earthquake risks in Davao Region

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will launch the Central Digos Fault Atlas on Monday, March 17 to provide detailed maps of the fault and identify areas at risk of group rupture to aid in earthquake preparedness and disaster risk reduction.

The atlas offers high-resolution maps of the Central Digos Fault (CDF) in Digos City, Davao del Sur, which highlights vulnerable infrastructure, including commercial, residential, and industrial areas.

“The release of this atlas will empower communities, particularly the local government units, residents, and stakeholders of Digos City, to prepare for earthquake hazards. The Central Digos Fault Atlas will serve as a guide for science-based land use planning, zoning ordinance formulation, and disaster risk reduction,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said.

Mapped as part of Phivolcs’ Sigma Project, the CDF spans 18 kilometers through several barangays, including Goma, Dulangan, and Ruparan.

The fault, identified in 2019, has the potential to generate a magnitude 6.6 earthquake, which could cause destructive ground shaking (Intensity VIII on the Phivolcs Earthquake Intensity Scale) in Digos City and surrounding areas.

The Sigma Project, a Department of Science and Technology Grants-in-Aid initiative under the Accelerated Earthquake Multihazards Mapping and Risk Assessment Program (ACER), aims to identify the location and subsurface features of active faults, assess potential earthquake magnitudes and recurrence intervals, and produce active fault maps and databases to support earthquake hazard mitigation efforts for various stakeholders, including the scientific community, engineers, urban planners, and government units.

When is a film festival successful?

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPEVINE

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Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and Toronto – these are considered the big four film festivals; and what’s important to note, is that the awarding, gala nights, and celebrity sightings are just the public face of these festivals. What truly drives these festivals are the deals, the negotiations, the distribution and/or co-producing agreements, that are threshed out in private meeting rooms, and at behind the scenes tableaus. These are the real lifeblood of any decent festival that’s out to make its mark, because the festival should be the medium to conduct and achieve business goals. If not, what are the metrics for deciding whether a film festival was worth mounting, or can be called an unqualified success?

I’ll be honest, these thoughts ran through my mind as I saw the social media feeds of the many who attended the recent Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles last week. It preyed on my mind because the photos were all glam and happy faces, and uniformly, they were shots of the Filipinos who had travelled to join our First Lady, and the “usual suspects” of Filipino-Americans and Canadians who call Hollywood home – from Tia Carrere (a blast from the past), to Apl.de.ap, Manny Jacinto, and JoKoy. It was “dinner hosted at the residence of…,” Gala dinner at the Beverly Hilton, and “the premiere screening of…” – in short, the shiny tinsel and glittery sequins that accompany these festivals. 

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MIFF BIG WINNER Song of the Fireflies, and I’m praying it has secured a global distribution deal, or is in the process of doing so.

And so, I was looking for the “meat and potatoes” photos that would point to how gears and wheels were grinding and turning, to address the business side of festivals. Photos of the bigwigs of the major Hollywood studios, executives of the new players like streaming giants Netflix, Disney, Apple, HBO Max, and Amazon, heads of the dominant talent agencies, of movie brokers who could forge distribution deals for our Filipino films. To prove to me that connecting with trade was happening. 

Sure, one would have to caption each of these photos to identify these “players,” but at least I’d know that the effort was successfully made to bring these Hollywood movers to our Filipino celebration – the second year this particular festival is happening in Los Angeles. For me, it would be proof that we weren’t just turning the weekend into a giant Filipino party – which I know we would be great at mounting, but misses the point. 

Who did I see on the MIFF social media posts that wasn’t Filipino (or Fil-Am), and could be relevant for these business metrics I’m harping on about? There’s David Shim, a Korean movie producer, who lists Oscar-winner Parasite among his credits. He spoke about current projects that he’s involved in here in Manila; and has been throwing his support to our First Lady Liza A. Marcos and our local film industry, since April of last year. So the current MIFF was not our introduction to David, and he’s not a new contact.  

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THE POSTER for the MIFF Gala Night. Wondering how many seats/tickets were purchased. 

Author Kevin Kwan of Crazy Rich Asians was in several of the feeds, and it’s nice to see he was around, showing his love for things Philippine. But does he qualify as “trade”? I don’t think so.

The Philippines as a film location site, signed co-productions, international distribution deals for our films, or global representation for some of our creative talents – in my estimation, these would be the low-hanging fruit that a legitimate and successful Festival should generate. Am I asking for too much? I really don’t think so, as we constantly turn green with envy watching what happens elsewhere and nearby, and then sour-graping. 

Who is watching The White Lotus Season 3, as filmed in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui; and isn’t internally wishing it was shot at Boracay, Coron, or Siargao? Thailand already leads ASEAN countries in foreign visitors, so you can imagine how this will only further boost their Tourism figures over the next two to three years, minimum. 

And we’ll say our beaches are nicer, our people friendlier, plus we speak English – and I keep saying that last argument of speaking English should be thrown out the window forever. For several decades now, it’s something we keep bringing up when it’s obviously not the deciding factor for direct foreign investment, or for decisions like where to shoot The White Lotus. 

Please don’t call me a party-pooper or killjoy for today’s column. I know money is being spent to make this festival happen, and I do want it to work – but I also want it to work along specific business parameters and goals; and not just making it a weekend of Hollywood happiness for the Filipino community of Los Angeles, and a La La Land adventure for those who flew in from Manila. Those should be the bonus values for mounting the festival. 

Just saying… as it would be such a waste of time and effort to have our First Lady supporting this initiative, and not producing substantive results. Let me know “good” things were happening in LA, and I’ll be the first among those shouting it from the proverbial “top”!

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Celebrate Women's Month with Summer Komikon 2025!

Mark your calendars and join us for a day full of comics, creativity, and celebration at Summer Komikon 2025! 🎉

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The highly-anticipated Summer Komikon 2025 is set to take place on March 15, 2025, at the Bayanihan Center, Unilab Compound, Pasig City, from 10 AM to 8 PM. This year's event promises to be an exciting celebration of comics, creativity, and community.

 

In honor of Women's Month, Summer Komikon 2025 will feature special guests who are independent female comics creators. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet Chocnut-San (I Ship Everyone Except for Me?!), Mitzi Bajet (The Nowhere Tree, Karnaval), Hans Dimapilis (Baby Butterfly, On Being Quiet), and Steph Bravo (FullHouse).

 

An informative talk on the Do’s and Don’ts of Portfolio Submissions will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM in Conference Room F. The Next Comic Art Crew will share their expertise, including insights from experienced international homegrown artists Harvey Tolibao (Marvel, DC, IDW, DarkHorse, Valiant, Zenescope) and Roi Mercado (G.I. Joe and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Armageddon Game - The Alliance), with Jiggy Cruz (Next Comic Art). Limited seats are available for this exclusive session.

 

Visitors can also discover hidden gems and support local artists as they showcase their work and latest releases. Renowned artists Jonathan Lau, Jomar Bulda, Jerico Marte, and Don Tantiado will be available at the KomiksKalye for live sketching and signing sessions, offering a unique opportunity for fans to have their comics signed and sketches drawn.

 

Interactive activities will abound, including exciting contests, game demos, and art jams, ensuring a fun-filled day for attendees of all ages.

Tickets for Summer Komikon 2025 are available at the venue on arrival. A 1-Day Ticket is priced at ₱150 and includes a P100 Comic Odyssey voucher that can be used to purchase selected items from the Comic Odyssey table. Special rates of ₱100 are available for Senior High Students, Senior Citizens, PWDs with valid IDs, and Komikon Shirt Wearers. Additionally, children below ticket table height will enjoy free entry.

 

The event is proudly sponsored by Comic Odyssey, National Book Store, The MANILA BULLETIN, Quantum Amusement Corporation, Famous Amos Philippines, Kwentoon, Kartuns at Komiks Cafe, Coffee and Comics, JAM 88.3, and student organization UP GRAIL - Graphic Arts in Literature.

For more details, please visit Summer Komikon 2025 on Facebook or email inquiry@komikon.org.

Nikki Glaser to return as host of Golden Globes in 2026

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Nikki Glaser (AP) 

NEW YORK (AP) — After a well-reviewed emcee debut, the Golden Globes are bringing back comedian Nikki Glaser to host the 2026 ceremony.

Dick Clark Productions, the producer of the award show, announced Thursday that Glaser will return for the 83rd Globes next January. Glaser, the first woman to host the show solo, successfully shepherded a ceremony she called “Ozempic’s biggest night.”

“Hosting the Golden Globes this year was without a doubt the most fun I have ever had in my career,” said Glaser in a statement. “I can’t wait to do it again, and this time in front of the team from ‘The White Lotus’ who will finally recognize my talent and cast me in Season Four as a Scandinavian Pilates instructor with a shadowy past.” 

The Globes, in which the top awards went to the films “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez” and the TV series “Shōgun” and “Hacks,” drew 9.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen, a 2% dip from the year prior. Like this year’s broadcast, next year’s Globes will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

“Nikki Glaser brought a refreshing spark and fearless wit to the Golden Globes stage this year,” said Globes President Helen Hoehne. “Her sharp humor, and bold presence set the tone for an unforgettable night, making the ceremony feel vibrant and most of all fun.” 

A German expat in the Philippines (XIV): Many unbelievable surprises but also a sad one

 


Friday, March 14, 2025

The STANDS - An Inquirer Sports Newsletter

 

 

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March 14, 2025

 

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It's going to be another tough encounter between Barangay Ginebra and TNT.
(PBA IMAGES)

 

Hey there sports fan,


Later tonight, Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup gets going. Let's unwrap all the storylines for this Finals showdown.


For Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang Giga, this championship battle is another chapter in their growing rivalry. These two powerhouses have met in high-stakes matchups before, and once again, they clash for supremacy in a best-of-seven series. Ginebra, known for its massive fanbase, seeks redemption after previous heartbreaks against TNT. 


The Tropang Giga, despite missing key veteran Jayson Castro, remain confident in their ability to challenge the Gin Kings with their deep roster and experienced play.


The Finals schedule is set, with every game expected to be a test of endurance, adjustments, and sheer willpower. For Ginebra, this series represents an opportunity to finally break through against TNT, a team that has often had their number in recent years. Their passionate supporters, known for their unwavering belief, are hoping this time the magic works in their favor.


For TNT, this is a chance to reinforce their dominance, even in the absence of a key leader. The team has thrived under pressure, proving that their depth and versatility make them a formidable opponent. While Castro's absence will be felt, the Tropang Giga have weapons that can exploit Ginebra’s vulnerabilities.


Beyond just a title bout, this duel is a renewal of a rivalry that will be long remembered. Both squads have championship pedigrees, and this latest collision will add another compelling chapter to their history. Who will seize control in Game 1 and set the tone for the rest of the series? Basketball fans are in for a battle worthy of the biggest stage.


 

Like this email?

Forward it to your friends and let them know that they can sign up here.

 

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ZUS Coffee is through to the quarterfinals. (PVL IMAGES)

 

Meanwhile...


Here's a trivia question: Which UAAP women’s volleyball star is currently undergoing an internship as a teacher of Grade 3 students?


I'll give you the answer later.


Speaking of volleyball, brace yourselves for the biggest game in the first round of the UAAP women's volleyball tournament. Season leader National University hopes to keep its record spotless and will face a chill University of Santo Tomas on Sunday.


And oh, the PVL All-Filipino Conference now has a complete set of quarterfinalists and guess what? ZUS is part of that field. 



What we're up to next:


The knockout rounds are done and the PVL All-Filipino heads to its quarterfinal round with some surprising and intriguing matchups. We don't expect Barangay Ginebra to fumble in the semifinals anymore so we're focusing now on how the championship of the PBA Commissioner's Cup will shape up. And, of course, we will keep track of the UAAP women's volleyball tournament. 



Number of the Week: 1


NBA players who have scored at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists in a single game: Nikola Jokic.

 

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK


“Hopefully, we can win at least one against Belen. Please [Belen], let us have one.”


—Detdet Pepito, UST captain, joking about how she has yet to beat goodfriend Bella Belen in the UAAP. 


 

Hi Klaus,

Have feedback? We're happy to hear it. Give Suggestions

 

68. That's the answer to the trivia question above. Think you can ace the rest of our weekly sports quiz? Head over to our Viber community and try the test out!


Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read.


See you next Friday!


Francis



Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).

Opera Belles: A new generation of classical crossover stars


 

Meet the new Opera Belles — Sheena Bentoy, Nicolah Lim and Daniella Silab.

Carlo Orosa - The Philippine Star 

March 14, 2025 | 12:00am


The Philippine Opera Company (POC), headed by its artistic director Karla Gutierrez, has officially launched the latest batch of Opera Belles, an all-female singing group that merges operatic vocals with theatrical and pop influences.

The newest members — Nicolah Lim, Sheena Bentoy and Daniella Silab — took the center stage, performing a three-song set that highlighted their rich classical timbre, their ability to blend genres seamlessly, and their stage presence and movement that exuded both elegance and charm.

What makes the third batch of Opera Belles particularly exciting is their shared passion for the performing arts. Beyond their collective ambition as singers, each of these women harbors dreams that extend into various facets of the industry — be it opera, Broadway, creative direction or film directing.

Their aspirations reflect the evolving landscape of the performing arts, where versatility and adaptability are just as crucial as raw talent.

For now, however, Nicolah, Sheena and Daniella are dedicating themselves to mastering the art of performance under the prestigious Opera Belles banner. The unique ensemble challenges its members to not only sing but also to embody grace, personality and movement, making them well-rounded performers.

To mark the beginning of their journey, the group also introduced a brand-new original song, titled In The Mood, composed by Nicolah and produced by Paolo Zarate, along with an accompanying music video — a bold step in establishing their identity in the Philippine music scene.

The Opera Belles concept is not new to Philippine audiences. The first batch of performers set the foundation for what would become a celebrated group known for blending classical opera with contemporary showmanship.

Over the years, different iterations of the group have showcased an impressive roster of classically trained singers who have embraced the challenge of making opera more accessible to modern audiences.

The previous batches of Opera Belles gained recognition for their ability to make classical music more appealing to younger listeners by fusing it with elements of pop and musical theater. Their performances have graced both local and international stages, proving that opera is not limited to the grand halls of Europe but can thrive in mainstream entertainment.

However, as Karla Gutierrez candidly admitted, forming and maintaining a group like this is no easy feat. “It is so hard to find the right set of girls,” she shared. “It took us six years before we could start training this new batch. An Opera Belle must possess a classical timbre, look good and be able to dance very well.”

Her years of experience in developing previous groups have taught her valuable lessons. “Most of the time, young artists tend to rush things,” she observed. “They want immediate success, but growth in this field takes time. When they begin to peak, suddenly, a dip happens. That’s why patience is crucial.”

She also noted another challenge, the internal competition among members. “Sometimes, the girls compete with each other instead of focusing on their strengths,” she said. “The learning here is that they should highlight what makes them unique rather than dwell on their weaknesses. I’m glad that with this new group, there’s a strong sense of sisterhood and cooperation.”

More than just a singing group, the Opera Belles represents a movement — one that aims to reintroduce classical singing to the mainstream. In an industry dominated by power belters and pop idols, Karla hoped to inspire a new generation of artists to explore different vocal styles and embrace their own unique identities.

“The competition is stiff,” she acknowledged. “What we hear nowadays is mostly birit — big, belted notes. While that has its place, we want to introduce audiences to something different. We want young singers to find their own voice, their own style, rather than just copying what’s popular.”

With this philosophy in mind, Opera Belles is not just about showcasing talent — it’s about nurturing artists who can sustain long and fulfilling careers. Through rigorous training in vocal technique, stage presence and movement, Karla and her team ensure that each member is prepared for the challenges of the industry.

Following their official debut, Nicolah, Sheena and Daniella embark on an exciting new chapter — not just as individual artists but as part of a group that carries the legacy of those who came before them. They are stepping into roles that require more than just skill; they must embody discipline, perseverance and an openness to learning.

As the latest Opera Belles, one thing is certain: they are not just performers, they are pioneers in a genre that continues to evolve. With the support of their mentor, their training and their undeniable passion, the three young women are poised to carve out a space for classical crossover music in today’s entertainment landscape.

Their story is just beginning, and the world is eager to see where their voices will take them next.



Clearing the air

BY REY ILAGAN


EDITORS DESK

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IQAir recently released its 7th annual World Air Quality Report on March 11, shedding light on the most polluted countries and areas in 2024. The findings highlight concerning trends in global air pollution, with most regions failing to meet recommended air quality standards. 

The Philippines ranked 74th worldwide, with an average US AQI of 62 and a PM2.5 concentration of 14.82 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) average of PM2.5—three times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual guideline value. This marks a decline from 2023, when the country ranked 79th with a PM2.5 level of 13.5 µg/m³. Pasig City emerged as the most polluted city in the country, recording a US AQI of 89, while Carmona, Cavite was named the cleanest city with a US AQI of 41. 

This year’s report analyzed data from more than 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across 8,954 locations in 138 countries, territories, and regions, providing a comprehensive look at global air pollution trends.

The report noted that only 17 percent of global cities meet WHO’s air quality guidelines. Seven countries—Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Estonia, Grenada, Iceland, and New Zealand—met the WHO’s recommended annual PM2.5 level of 5 µg/m³, while the most polluted were Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Congo, and India. 

“Air pollution remains a critical threat to both human health and environmental stability, yet vast populations remain unaware of their exposure levels,” IQAir Global CEO Frank Hammes said.

“Air quality data saves lives. It creates much-needed awareness, informs policy decisions, guides public health interventions, and empowers communities to take action to reduce air pollution and protect future generations,” Hammes continued.

We all know that health declines when people are exposed to poor air quality. Exposure to PM2.5—fine particulate matter linked to air pollution—can contribute to serious health conditions, including asthma, cancer, stroke, and lung diseases, according to IQAir. Studies also associate prolonged exposure with congenital heart defects, allergic diseases, cognitive impairments, neurodevelopmental disorders, and mental health issues.

With the Philippines highly vulnerable to environmental risks, local governments like Makati and Quezon City are stepping up efforts to improve air quality monitoring and policy interventions.

Makati has installed real-time air quality monitoring systems in key barangays to provide accurate pollution data. These sensors track various indicators, including heat index, temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and particulate matter.

“With these sensors, we are able to zero in on areas in the city where poor air quality poses serious health hazards,” Makati Mayor Abby Binay said during the 2024 Taal Volcano vog emissions. “These smart devices also help the city government monitor compliance with the Clean Air Act and related regulations, particularly among businesses.”

The city then posts regular advisories on social media, informing residents about pollution levels and necessary precautions. In 2024, the city had 824 indoor air quality monitoring devices and 200 outdoor units equipped with solar panels. 

Quezon City has also expanded its air quality monitoring network last year, with 40 non-reference air quality sensors and one reference station tracking pollutants such as PM2.5 from vehicle and industrial emissions. The data collected informs local policies and environmental projects.

“Guided by the city’s air quality management plan, which identifies mobile sources as the primary contributor to air pollutants based on the city’s Emission Inventory, we are actively pursuing measures to meet the more stringent air quality guideline values set forth by the World Health Organization,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte explained. “These efforts involve evidence-based policy interventions and projects aimed at achieving even better air quality for our constituents.”

To keep residents informed, Quezon City publishes real-time air quality index updates every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on its official website and social media pages, including the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department Facebook page.

Improving air quality across the Philippines will require stronger policies and sustained efforts like these monitoring systems in Makati and Quezon City. With air pollution remaining a major public health risk, everyone must stay informed and do their part in reducing it.

(Rey Robes Ilagan is the editor of Manila Bulletin’s Environment and Sustainability section.)