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!

Saturday, April 18, 2026

As crucial as can be

Fhei Sagaysay (left) and Shaina Nitura seek to write women’s volleyball history to the only school they have played for. —UAAP MEDIA

The sophomore duo of Shaina Nitura and Fhei Sagaysay will be spearheading the Adamson charge against Far Eastern on Saturday as the Soaring Falcons try to seal a place in postelimination round play in Season 88 of the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Teammates since high school and the big reasons why the Baby Falcons won the girls’ crown two seasons ago, Nitura and Sagaysay are hoping to weave their magic once again as this team, which they now headline, will try to make it back to the semifinals for the first time in three seasons.

“I think if you really want something, you’ll find ways to go after it,” Nitura, last season’s top rookie, said in Filipino in the lead-up to their 5 p.m. clash with the Lady Tamaraws. “With the guidance of my coaches, the people around me and God, I’ve learned that if things don’t go my way, maybe there’s a better plan.

“So I just respond well and trust God’s will. That’s what our team believes in,” she added. “If it’s not meant to happen now, then we just have to be patient and wait for the right time.”

The Falcons were in the semifinals the last time in 2023, when Trisha Tubu, now a bona fide PVL star, played her only year in the UAAP.

Running third with an 8-5 record, the Falcons can also push the 7-5 Tamaraws closer to elimination with a win. Far Eastern is tied with idle University of Santo Tomas for fourth spot, with the Growling Tigresses seeing action on Sunday against depleted University of the Philippines.

“It really comes down to who wants it more and who responds better in (pressure) situations,” Nitura added. “For us, what matters is how we respond as a team. We set aside individual goals and focus on helping the team reach the Final Four.”

Sagaysay has been very much a part of Nitura’s dominant UAAP career, being the prolific spiker’s setter since their girls’ division days.

“I’m grateful because we’ve been together since high school. Of course, no relationship is perfect. We’ve had misunderstandings, too,” Sagaysay said. “But we always try to fix things and keep fighting, not just for ourselves but for Adamson and for everyone who supports us.”

To clinch a sweep

Far Eastern, on the other hand, can secure at least a playoff for a semifinals berth with a win, even if the format for the semifinals lies on unbeaten La Salle’s final elimination game on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Spikers seek to complete a 14-match sweep for an outright Finals berth against the National University Lady Bulldogs (9-3), which would trigger a step-ladder format.

The Lady Tamaraws need to win their last two matches, including their final match against the also-ran Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday, to secure a Final Four berth. A split in those games would most likely push FEU into a playoff for the No. 4 spot.

Coach Tina Salak tries to steer her Tamaraws to a third straight Final Four berth with a squad built around Faida Bakanke, Gerz Petallo, Tin Ubaldo and Cla Loresco, who is set to face her Alas teammate Nitura.

“I feel like in our past games, I wasn’t really at my best yet,” said Loresco after scoring a personal season-high 17 points in the Tamaraws’ 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22 win over the University of the Philippines last Sunday. “I even watched my old games. How I timed my hits, how I served and how I blocked.

“Now, I just need to keep asking guidance from God because He’s always there,” she went on. “But at the same time, I also need to do my part so we can meet halfway.”

“It really comes down to who wants it more and who responds better in those situations. For us, what matters is how we respond as a team. We set aside individual goals and focus on helping the team reach the Final Four, same with the coaching staff,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ateneo and the University of the East clash in a duel of also-ran squads at 11 a.m.

Olive May reflects on body image and finding balance beyond P-pop

Olive May | Photo from Olive May/Facebook

In one particularly telling scene in “Born to Shine,” a musical drama series that explores the realities of the idol industry, an aspiring girl group member is asked to lose six pounds and is put on a strict diet plan if she’s to secure her spot in the lineup.

That hits close to home for Olive May, a former member of the P-pop group Calista. While she didn’t face the same direct expectations, the beauty standards and the inherent pressure to always look her best inevitably got to her. Before she knew it, the chicken inasal-loving, “extra-rice-kind of girl” had become overly mindful of her eating habits.

“Umabot sa point na na-co-conscious na ‘ko sa mga photo shoots. Or kapag masikip ang damit, parang ‘di ako makahinga, or naiisip ko baka may makitang kung ano. So, nag-diet ako,” she tells Lifestyle Inquirer.

Olive May | Photo from Olive May/Facebook

Not about being skinny

At one point, she limited herself to one meal a day. And some days would pass—after rigorous rehearsals and juggling her studies—only for her to realize it was already 10 p.m., and she had only had coffee. “It was unhealthy,” Olive admits. That became more apparent during the group’s workout sessions, where she would often end up completely spent.

Yes, she did lose weight, but the result wasn’t quite what she had envisioned for herself. The people around her couldn’t help but notice. “Pinagsabihan rin ako na, ‘Huy, tama na,’” says Olive, who was then also pursuing pageantry—yet another field where appearance is constantly judged.

It was one of the moments that made her realize that things didn’t have to be that way. While she believes that an idol must always look “presentable,” it shouldn’t come at the cost of health. “Being an idol isn’t about being skinny. Kailangan ding makita ng tao na healthy ka, or else, susundan ka nila.”

Olive didn’t want to set that kind of example. “Just appreciate kung paano ‘yung body mo,” she says, adding that she’s thankful that P-pop isn’t as rigid about body image as other counterparts abroad. “And if you must go on a diet and work out, do it with proper guidance. Most importantly, it should never reach the point where it starts making you feel sad or burned out.”

That’s exactly her outlook these days toward health and fitness. “Na-e-enjoy ko na mag-workout. Dapat hindi burden ‘yun; it should be something na excited kang gawin,” she says. “Sa food, ‘di naman kailangan na hindian mo lahat. In moderation lang talaga dapat.”

Olive May | Photo courtesy of GMA Entertainment

No regrets

Now, two years after her departure from Calista to pursue a solo career, she couldn’t be happier to be fulfilling her original dream of acting. On top of that, she gets to be part of a GMA 7 afternoon series that allows her to continue showcasing her singing and dancing talents. “Ayokong pabayaan ang performing,” she says.

As Megan Halari, an idol hopeful determined to prove her worth while living in the shadow of her superstar mother, all her extensive P-pop training came into full play. Scenes that required performance numbers felt second nature. The way you move onstage, the facial expressions, the aura you project—she already had them down pat.

“You need stamina for it. Hindi madali kumanta at sayaw nang sabay,” says the 21-year-old singer-actress, who has also appeared in such shows as “Maka” and “Forever Young.” “But thanks to my training, it’s now more manageable.”

In fact, her knowledge comes in handy when working with creative staff or co-stars who aren’t as well-versed in pop group dynamics. “I get to help them with execution and blocking,” says Olive. “I’m aware of other genres like hip-hop and dancehall, too.”

Clearly, her idol career, however short-lived it was, has been an instructive and foundational part of her career. And while she’s incredibly grateful for it, she has no regrets about going solo—as it has blown the doors wide open for her career. “Ang daming opportunities at ang dami kong nakilala,” she says. “I’m happier now because I get to do the three things I love most.”

And this time, without the pressure to be anything other than the well-rounded artist she wants to become.

Gets mo ba?—How we Filipinos talk to each other

Art by Tine Paz-Yap

People communicate in so many different ways. Words are one way. We can say things or write them down. If we are not that close with someone, we have to be clear and direct about what we want. But we still want to be polite, so we will say “please” or “po.” For example: “Makikiraan po!” “Paki-pasa po ng tubig.” “Pabili po ng tatlong kendi.”

A lot of miscommunication happens when expectations do not match or when communication is not as clear as we want it to be. This is why we have “mixed signals” with other people. They say one thing, but they do another. For example: “Sabi niya mahal niya ako, pero bakit may kausap siyang iba?”

There are also things that we say can “remain unsaid.” Of course, we cannot read minds as they do in the movies, but we can “feel” what other people need. This is the dynamic of pakikiramdam. In our culture, a lot of things are “hindi na kailangang sabihin.”

So, now we see that there is another kind of communication: a communication that does not involve words. It is more about reading behaviors and being sensitive to the moods of others.

Filipino forms of communication

In Filipino culture, communication is not just verbal. As writer and social anthropologist Melba Maggay points out, there are multiple forms of Filipino social communication, each showing various degrees of care and self-expression.

The most indirect form of communication is pahiwatig, which is used to express a hidden desire. This is usually only applicable when people are close enough to be aware of each other’s needs. Tampo is a kind of pahiwatig. For example: “Uy, ang sarap ng kinakain mo ah…” or “Aba, ang ganda ng damit na ito. At saka malapit na birthday ko…”

Pasabi involves an intermediary who can act as a neutral ground for people separated by distance or interpersonal conflict. A parent might also leave advice (bilin) for their child through another relative. For example: “Pakisabi naman sa kapatid mo na miss na miss ko na siya at sana naman magparamdam na siya” or “Alam kong galit siya sa iyo, kaya ako na magsasabi sa kaniya at baka mag-away na naman kayo.”

The direct expression of one’s true feelings is pagtapat, which is the revelation of a truth—usually prefaced with “Sa totoo lang…” (In truth…). The word “tapat” refers to something in front of you, but it also means “honest.” A secret admirer admits their love, or a guilty person admits their crime. “May ipagtatapat sana ako…”

And the most open form of communication is pangangalandakan, which is to spread information without care, like scattering trash (pagkalat). A frequent topic of conversation is “bukambibig,” which literally refers to something that comes out every time a person’s mouth opens up.

Why do we communicate?

The point of communication is to convey ideas and influence perceptions, and we cannot limit that to just words, whether said or written down. There are other ways people “talk” to each other—even just through their eyes! Only a few of us still remember that powerful movie scene between Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor, as they communicated just by looking at each other.

In mind science, there is a theory that says we developed consciousness and awareness because we had to learn how to communicate with each other. Our earliest ancestors had to collaborate with fellow humans to survive harsh conditions. They had to talk to each other. They had to learn who is the “I” and “me” and who is the “you” and “we” so that we can give directions to each other and take care of each other.

It is poetic, even, to think that the reason we know who we are as individuals can be traced all the way back to our ancestors, who sought ways to connect with their kapwa in order to thrive in a chaotic world.

Friday, April 17, 2026

Rebuilt and recharged: Cignal's journey bears fruit as it eyes breakthrough PVL title

Cignal's journey is far from over. (PVL Images)

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Published Apr 16, 2026 01:50 pm

But the job is far from finished. While the Super Spikers have already showcased their resilience and growth, they are now setting their sights on a long-awaited breakthrough title.

Two years into its rebuilding stage, Cignal has returned to familiar territory after securing a finals berth in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

But the job is far from finished. While the Super Spikers have already showcased their resilience and growth, they are now setting their sights on a long-awaited breakthrough title.

“It’s hard for us to answer kasi parang, we can’t explain how deep this is for us,” said Vanie Gandler, who has been instrumental in Cignal’s run including in their 25-13, 13-25, 25-16, 25-16 victory over fancied Creamline a few days back that sealed their spot in the championship round.

“Kasi we know how hard we worked for this. I just have so much gratitude for the team kasi we just want the best for each other,” added the feisty spiker, who erupted for 24 points in that match.

The road to this stage has been far from easy, marked by adjustments and transitions that proved challenging to navigate. After a runner-up finish in the 2024 Invitational, the team saw the departure of several core players, forcing them to rebuild and reinvent around a refreshed lineup.

They failed to replicate that finals run in the following conference, slipping to ninth place in the 2024-25 All-Filipino before briefly bouncing back with a fourth-place finish in the PVL On Tour.

They failed to sustain that semis run in the next two conferences, though, finishing fifth in the Invitational, and seventh in the Reinforced.

But the Super Spikers have shown that patience and perseverance can go a long way, and those efforts are now starting to pay off.

“Sobrang dami ng sakit na naramdaman namin, siguro for how many years and conferences talagang hindi kami nainip. Tinanggap lang namin yung mga bagay na kailangan nating matanggap and sobrang natuto kami dun,” said Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos.

“Good thing kasi di kami nag-give up and yeah, sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na papasok kami sa finals,” he added.

With Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos, Roselyn Doria, Tin Tiamzon, and Gel Cayuna forming the core, Cignal now awaits its finals opponent, as Creamline and Farm Fresh battle for the other berth at press time.

In the meantime, the Super Spikers aim to sustain their momentum as they take on PLDT, also as of press time.

Teachers, the hands that shape a nation

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

When President Marcos described the decades-long wait for teacher promotions as “unfair,” he did more than acknowledge a bureaucratic flaw. He was underscoring a deeper reality about how the nation has long undervalued those who build its future. The passage of Republic Act No. 12288, "Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act, signals a step in the right direction. But reforms on paper are only the beginning. Sustained support for teachers must remain a national priority, not a passing policy trend.

Teachers are not merely employees within our education system. They are, in fact, the architects of society itself. Every engineer who designs bridges, every doctor who saves lives, every entrepreneur who drives economic growth, and every leader who shapes policy begins their journey under the guidance of a teacher. Remove teachers from the equation, and the entire structure of national development collapses. Their influence is not confined to classrooms, it ripples across industries, institutions, and generations.

Yet for all their importance, teachers have often been asked to give more than they receive. Behind every lesson delivered is a quiet, unseen labor: hours spent crafting lesson plans, nights dedicated to mastering new teaching methods, and weekends sacrificed to ensure students do not fall behind. In many parts of the country, teaching is not just intellectually demanding, it is physically taxing. Some educators travel long distances, trekking through rough terrain or crossing rivers, just to reach remote schools where their presence can mean the difference between opportunity and neglect.

The Expanded Career Progression system recognizes that teachers deserve more than gratitude. They equally deserve growth. By offering clearer pathways—whether in classroom instruction or school administration—it addresses a long-standing frustration: the stagnation that has driven many talented educators away from the profession. A system that rewards competence, dedication, and innovation is essential not only for retaining teachers but for attracting the next generation to the field.

But career progression alone cannot carry the weight of reform. Support must be holistic. Competitive compensation, continuous professional development, access to modern resources, and improved working conditions are necessities they so deserved. If the nation expects teachers to produce globally competitive graduates, it must also provide them with the tools and environment to succeed.

There is also a cultural dimension that policy cannot legislate; it is respect for teachers that must be deeply ingrained in society. Too often, their contributions are acknowledged only during ceremonies or commemorations, while their daily struggles remain overlooked. A genuine culture of respect means listening to their concerns, involving them in decision-making, and recognizing their expertise as professionals.

The stakes are high. Education is not a short-term investment; it is a generational one. The quality of today’s teaching will determine the competence of tomorrow’s workforce and the integrity of future leadership. In this sense, supporting teachers is not simply about improving schools; it is about securing the nation’s trajectory.

It is easy to celebrate innovation, infrastructure, and economic growth. These are outcomes of a foundation that was developed. But at the root of every national achievement is a teacher who once stood before a student and made learning possible.

If the country is serious about shaping its future, it must remain equally serious about those who shape its people. Policies like the ECP system are promising, but they must be sustained, expanded, and matched with unwavering commitment. Because in the end, nation-building does not begin in boardrooms or government halls; it begins in classrooms, in the steady hands of teachers who carry the weight of tomorrow.

This is why we have to honor our teachers by equipping and supporting them every step of the way.

Actress Sue Prado dies at 44

By Carissa Alcantara

Published Apr 16, 2026 07:21 am

Actress Sue Prado has passed away.

She was 44.

Her death was confirmed by her sister, May Shereen, in a Facebook post on Apr. 15. The cause of her death was not revealed.

The post read:

"Our dearest Sue M. Prado has become a constant star in the night sky.

It is with profound pain that we share Sue’s passing. Sue brought light to anyone’s path throughout her life. A life lived for others, for the craft she nourished, and for those whom she loved most.

Please celebrate her in any way you know how, and honor her memory through kindness.

Viewing details will follow."

Some of the projects Sue has done include “Barber’s Tales,” “Oro,” “Area,” “Himpapawid,” “Dagsin,” “Thelma,” “Ilustrado,” and “Madrasta.”

She also appeared in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”

Apart from that, she was also part of the series “Gameboys,” “Abot Kamay na Pangarap,” “Prinsesa ng City Jail,” and “My Father’s Wife.”

The actress was also part of the jury for the 3rd Sharm El Sheikh Asian Film Festival (SAFF) in 2019.

The actress was supposed to celebrate her 45th birthday on May 18.