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!
The Philippines is moving forward with plans to explore and drill for oil and gas in the Liguasan Marsh, one of the country’s largest and most ecologically significant wetlands, as part of efforts to address the ongoing energy crisis.
Liguasan Marsh, spanning approximately 288,000 hectares across Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato, is believed to hold substantial energy reserves. Studies conducted in the 1990s estimated recoverable resources of at least 202 million barrels of crude oil and 6 billion cubic feet of natural gas, with some assessments suggesting even larger potential deposits.
The push to develop the marsh’s resources has gained renewed momentum following the declaration of a National State of Energy Emergency, exacerbated by global supply disruptions.
The greatest irony about the “change” narrative in the Philippines is that it has not changed. It has become a seasonal product repackaged every six years. Every election, we search for who has the best “change” packaging—a leader with political will, a strong reformer to fix the system, a powerful personality to impose order.
We keep waiting for a messiah.
But countries rarely transform because of political superheroes. They transform because of strong institutions. These are the silent, technical, and often invisible systems that shape norms and incentives, constrain power and influence, and allow progressive reforms to withstand challenging political climates.
This is not speculation. In “Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty,” economists Daren Acemoglu and James A. Robinson argue that nations prosper not because of leadership, but because of consistently inclusive institutions—systems that distribute power, enforce rules across the board, and align incentives toward set goals.
On the other hand, where institutions are extractive—concentrated in the hands of a few, highly politicized, and unfairly discretionary—growth and reforms collapse along with expiring political superheroes. That diagnosis sounds uncomfortably familiar.
If real change has to come in this country, we need to face the reality that not one superhero could single-handedly fix all institutions at the same time. Instead, we need many committed Filipinos to work in our various institutions, each doing their part to make the system work.
One of those institutions is government. Its agencies and offices shape how public services are actually delivered.
Let’s take, as an example, the government agencies involved in personnel administration. These offices have the mandate to set the tone for government workers. They are meant to build a culture of merit, performance, and accountability. That tone matters. But too often, the focus is elsewhere.
These agencies spend time and resources policing administrative compliance—tardiness, lunch breaks, submission of routine forms, and attendance to flag ceremonies. Anyone who has worked in or with government offices has seen this firsthand. Meanwhile, bigger questions that actually shape the performance of workers get less attention—how to deal with chronic understaffing, mechanisms for genuine professional growth, and objective measures of real office performance.
In that kind of system, innovation dies quietly and miserably inside government offices. This is not simply a human resource problem. It is an incentive problem built into the institution itself.
Here’s the thing. Whether it’s personnel administration or any of the many agencies that shape how public service is delivered, reform in government is not glamorous. It is slow, technical work.
It requires rethinking how the bureaucracy operates—what it values, how reforms are implemented, and how performance is measured. And it must do two things at once: make public service responsive to citizens; and make it sustainable—not sacrificial—to those expected to deliver it.
And yet government is just one institution; civil society organizations (CSOs) and the media are equally important. We often see both as watchdogs critical of the government, but they are powerful institutions in their own right. Their strength determines the quality of public discourse, and that shapes policies.
I recall a public protest I witnessed in Australia opposing an infrastructure project. The placards did not read “Scrap the project.” They read: “Release the feasibility study.” “Show the cost-benefit analysis.” The battle cry was not ideological. It was institutional. Protesters were not rejecting the government solution being offered. They were demanding transparency, procedural integrity, and data instead of template rhetoric. Imagine if our public debates—with the help of CSOs and the media—moved in this direction.
That shift—from emotional mobilization to institutional accountability—is also part of the boring road to change.
None of these are likely to deliver quick fixes, generate trending headlines, or inspire mass mobilization. But without these collective institutional reforms, we remain trapped in the vicious cycle of waiting for the next political superhero. One who may never come.
Political superheroes are not the problem. Having more of them doing an “Avengers assemble” is not wrong. The problem is thinking that they are enough. Until our institutions are strengthened, reforms will always stand to be episodic rather than sustained.
The road to real change is slow. Technical. Incremental. Boring. But maybe that is the point. This “boring” collective work is what could finally deliver the real change we have been waiting for. In a country built on bayanihan (“communal unity”), perhaps the work of real change was never meant for a single hero.
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Jeffrey Manalo is a career public servant with an interest in governance and institutional reform and a master’s candidate at the Harvard Kennedy School. He writes in his personal capacity.
Everyone talks about the foundation, the concealer, the skincare underneath. The tools, meanwhile, are often treated like an afterthought, something picked up at the checkout counter or included in a starter set you quickly outgrow.
But after years of trial, error, and far too many disappointing purchases, I can confidently say this: Tools matter just as much as the formulas you use.
The right brush can make an average foundation look expensive. A well-designed sponge can turn a heavy-handed blush into something soft and seamless. Even the simplest tool can improve how makeup sits on the skin, how long it lasts, and how effortless the entire process feels.
But it is not about owning more. A drawer overflowing with brushes you never reach for is not the goal. A well-edited collection of tools that genuinely perform is far more valuable. These are the pieces that have earned a permanent place in my routine. Some are investment buys, some are wonderfully affordable, but all of them work hard.
Makeup By Mario F4 Foundation Brush
Make Up by Mario F4 Foundation Brush
This brush completely changed the way I apply foundation. The bristles are densely packed yet still soft, allowing the product to be worked into the skin without streaks or visible lines. The finish looks even and refined, never heavy or overly done.
What I appreciate most is how adaptable it is. You can lay the foundation down in thin, even layers, almost like painting across the skin, before blending it in. When more coverage is needed, a pressing motion builds the product exactly where it should sit—around redness or areas that need extra attention. It gives a level of control that makes the difference between a standard base and a more polished one.
The weight and shape also add to the experience. It sits comfortably in the hand and makes the process feel quick and precise. If you tend to prefer brushes over sponges, this is one that earns its place.
PICCASSO Makeup Spatula
The humble makeup spatula
Not every useful tool needs to be expensive. A basic makeup spatula from any online shop for less than P100 can easily become one of the smartest additions to your routine.
I originally bought mine for mixing foundations and adjusting shades, but I now use it mostly for application. I take a small amount of product, spread it across the spatula, then glide thin layers onto the skin before blending with a brush or sponge. It sounds simple, but the difference is noticeable.
Applying foundation this way keeps layers sheer and controlled, so you end up using less while achieving a more natural result. The skin still looks like skin, just more even. It is especially helpful with fuller coverage formulas that can look heavy straight from the pump.
There is also less waste since you are managing exactly how much goes onto the face. For something so inexpensive, the payoff is surprisingly elevated. Sometimes it really is about small adjustments in technique.
Dala Hydrocloud Arc Blender
I’ve always believed you don’t need to spend a fortune on a makeup sponge, and this local gem proves exactly that. I reach for it just as often as—and sometimes even more than—my beauty blender. It gives that same seamless, skin-like result, but with a design that feels more considered.
The multi-surface shape is what makes it especially functional. The curved side softens blush and bronzer, while the angled edge offers better control for contour along the hollows and jawline. The flat surface presses foundation and concealer into the skin, helping build coverage exactly where needed.
It also feels comfortable to hold, making it easy to move across different areas of the face. It reaches tighter spaces like around the nose and under the eyes without difficulty. When damp, it works through cream and liquid formulas with ease, leaving a smooth, even finish. Supporting a local brand while getting this level of performance only adds to the appeal.
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech™ Concealer Brush
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Concealer Brush
Precision matters when it comes to concealer, and this brush delivers. The tapered shape allows you to place the product exactly where it is needed, under the eyes, around the nose, or over blemishes, without disturbing the base underneath. It glides across the skin easily, which makes it especially effective with creamier formulas.
I also appreciate how intuitive it feels, particularly under the eyes. The shape works naturally with the contours of the face, and it feathers liquid formulas out cleanly without spreading them too far. Coverage stays exactly where you want it, with edges that look soft and seamless rather than overblended.
I’ve become a powder puff convert. There’s something about pressing powder into the skin rather than sweeping it on that keeps everything in place without disturbing the base. It changes the finish in a subtle but noticeable way, making everything look more set without feeling heavy.
I like using this with powder foundation. The soft, velvety texture picks up just enough product and distributes it evenly, helping smooth and refine the skin without adding buildup. It works especially well in areas where makeup tends to move, like around the nose or under the eyes, keeping everything in place while maintaining a natural look.
It is a simple switch, but one that makes the entire base feel more controlled and long-lasting.
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
This has been a cult favorite for years, and for good reason. It remains one of the most reliable eyelash curlers out there, especially for Asian eye shapes. The curve sits close to the lash line, lifting from the root without creating harsh bends or crimped sections.
It gives a smooth, even lift across the entire eye, catching even the finer lashes at the corners. If you’ve struggled with curlers that pinch or leave sections untouched, this feels like an immediate upgrade. It is simple, but it makes a clear difference in how open and defined the eyes look.
Sephora Collection Matte On the Go Blotting Paper Compact
Sephora Collection Matte On-the-Go Blotting Paper Compact
This isn’t doing anything revolutionary in terms of function—it is still blotting paper at its core, but the format changes how and when you use it. Having it housed in a compact, complete with a mirror and a proper slot for the sheets, makes touch-ups feel more considered rather than rushed.
The adhesive-backed papers are a thoughtful detail. Instead of loosely pressing a sheet onto the skin, you get more control, especially around areas like the sides of the nose or the T-zone. It keeps the process neater and more precise, which helps avoid disrupting the makeup underneath.
It is a small addition, but it shifts how you approach midday touch-ups. Used before powder, it keeps excess oil in check and prevents buildup, so the skin stays fresh without looking cakey.
The City Government of Davao is pushing for the revival of direct flights between Davao and Manado, Indonesia, following a series of business and tourism engagements in North Sulawesi aimed at strengthening cross-border ties.
During the visit to Manado, Davao representatives met with local government officials, tourism authorities, and business leaders, including the chamber of commerce, to explore opportunities that could support the reopening of the Davao–Manado air route.
Leading the tourism presentation was Willenito Tormis Jr., officer-in-charge of the city’s tourism operations office, who showcased Davao City’s key attractions, investment potential, and role as a gateway in Mindanao.
Officials highlighted that restoring direct flights is a priority outcome of the engagement, seen as a critical link to boost tourism arrivals, trade exchanges, and people-to-people connectivity between the two cities.
The proposed route is expected to reconnect Davao with North Sulawesi, opening travel opportunities for leisure, business, and education. It also aims to position Davao as an accessible entry point for Indonesian travelers while encouraging more Dabawenyos to explore destinations in eastern Indonesia.
Local tourism stakeholders said discussions in Manado also included possible joint promotions and travel packages that could increase passenger demand once flights resume.
The initiative forms part of broader regional cooperation under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, which promotes connectivity and economic integration across neighboring ASEAN areas.
While no timeline has been finalized, city officials said the engagements in Manado are a step forward in securing partnerships needed to bring back the direct air link.
If realized, the Davao–Manado flight is expected to strengthen Davao City’s position as a regional hub for tourism and business, while enhancing its connectivity with Indonesia.
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.
