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!
View from an aerial inspection in Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro on February 7, 2024.
Philstar.com
February 19, 2024 | 1:38pm
Presidential Communications Office
MANILA, Philippines — Damage to infrastructure due to floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Davao and Caraga regions has reached more than P1 billion, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Monday.
The floods and landslides impacted 216 facilities, bringing the cost of infrastructure damage to P1.19 billion.
An additional 1,762 houses were also reported damaged by the NDRRMC.
Agricultural damage in Davao and Caraga, meanwhile, was estimated at P558.25 million. Around 19,000 farmers and fishers in those two regions were affected.
According to the disaster agency, over 1.56 million people from Mindanao were impacted by the floods and landslides. Of the figure, 210,740 were displaced from their homes.
NDRRMC reported that the death toll has risen to 98. It also said that 35 people were injured, while eight were missing.
However, a separate count by the provincial government of Davao de Oro showed that 98 dead bodies were recovered following a massive landslide in Brgy. Masara, a gold-mining village in Maco town. Eight individuals remained missing.
Last week, the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice called on the government to declare a state of climate emergency in Mindanao as floods, landslides and drought affect communities in the country’s south.
University of Santo Tomas began its post-Eya Laure era with a stunning straight-set victory against powerhouse National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, to pick up their opening-season win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
University of Santo Tomas began its post-Eya Laure era with a stunning straight-set victory against powerhouse National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, to pick up their opening-season win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In a battle of early contenders and last season’s semifinal pairing, the Golden Tigresses' collective effort became the key in pulling off the massive upset over their previous Final Four tormentor.
UST stuns NU in straight sets. (UAAP Media)
UST playmaker Cassie Carballo’s balanced distribution led four players to a double-digit outing with 20 excellent sets on top of six points off two blocks and four crucial services aces made in the third frame.
Rookie Angge Poyos posted a team-high 16 points built on 13 attacks and three blocks, while Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido contributed 12 markers apiece off a combined 24 kills.
Margaret Banagua provided a 10-point performance with seven points and three blocks.
Locked at 14-all in three closing chapter, the Golden Tigresses unleashed a 6-0 run highlighted by Carballo in the service area.
Although NU came within one, 22-21, through a powerful hit from the back row by Vange Alinsug, Alyssa Solomon committed an attack error off a faulty set by Camilla Lamina before Perdido and Jurado finished off the Lady Bulldogs.
Interestingly, it was UST that ended NU’s 20-game winning stretch last season in the early eliminations before they squared off in the Final Four.
Despite losing Laure and Imee Hernandez to the pro, the Golden Tigresses are in safe hands as Jurado and Perdido continued to step up.
Meanwhile, Solomon and Alinsug carried the fight on the losing end with 16 and 11 points, respectively, as NU opened its season with a sorry loss.
The winner of MUPh 2024 will succeed incumbent queen Michelle Marquez-Dee and represent the country in the 73rd edition of Miss Universe in Mexico City.
The 55 official candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2024
A record 55 beautiful ladies from different parts of the country were presented as official delegates of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 at the Grand Ballroom of Hilton Manila on Sunday, Feb 18. The number represents a 30 percent increase from last year's contestants, who totaled 38.
Previous winners of international pageants walked alongside hopeful, new faces in what pageant watchers described this early as "bardagulan" or "bloodbath" because of the expected tight race for the crown.
Dia Mate, the current girlfriend of rocker Juan Karlos Labajo, is competing in MUPH 2024 as Miss Cavite
The winner of MUPh 2024 will succeed incumbent queen Michelle Marquez-Dee and represent the country in the 73rd edition of Miss Universe in Mexico City.
This year's MUPH has a couple of firsts in its history. One is the scrapping of the age limit to reflect the decision of the parent Miss Universe Organization.
National athlete Alexie Mae Brooks is Miss Iloilo
This allowed those 29 years old and above to compete. Second is selecting the candidates through the Accredited Partners Program of the respective localities instead of the previous application and screening process. National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee remarked that the new system hopes to "even the playing field and provide women in the provinces with an equal opportunity."
The youngest candidates in MUPH 2024 are 18 years old, while the oldest is 39. Ten delegates represent several Filipino communities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Justine Tarah Marie Valencia is a cum laude graduate from the University of Baguio
Five of the beauties have placed in pageants abroad, namely Miss International 2018 first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2022 Alexandra Mae Rosales, Miss Tourism International 2019 Cyrille Payumo, Miss Intercontinental 2014 second runner-up Kris Tiffany Janson and Miss Intercontinental 2015 first runner-up Christi McGarry.
Ahtisa Manalo (Portrait images of candidates by Noli Berioso of OPMB Worldwide)
The complete list of MUPH delegates is as follows:
1. Elaine Bernales (Albay)
2. Joanna Marie Thornley (Angeles)
3. Kymberlee Street (Australia)
4. Yvonne Catamco (Bacolod)
5. Victoria Velasquez Vincent (Bacoor)
6. JustineTarah Valencia (Baguio)
7. Juvel Ducay (Bantayan Island)
8. Mariztella Ilagan Lat (Batangas)
9. Bianca Gaviola (Bohol)
10. Natasha Jane Bajuyo (Bukidnon)
11. Chelsea Manalo (Bulacan)
12. Daniella Villar (Cabanatuan)
13. Lynn Eirene Lomongo (Cagayan De Oro)
14. Stacey Gabriel (Cainta)
15. Rethiana Rosa (Camiguin)
16. Dia Mate (Cavite)
17. Kris Tiffany Janson (Cebu)
18. Maria Isabel Pelayo (Davao City)
19. Joanna Puyod Yulo (Davao Region)
20. Matea Mahal Smith (Florida)
21. Patricia Bianca Tapia (Hawaii
22. Alexie Brooks (Iloilo)
23. Natasha Jung (Kananga)
24. Alexandra Mae Rosales (Laguna)
25. Angel Rose Tambal (Leyte)
26. Rikki Mae dela Peña (Lucban)
27. Victoria Leslie Ingram (Mandaue)
28. Ysabel Macuja (Manila)
29. Elle Hollman (Mariveles)
30. Mary Yasol (Miami)
31. Mary Rose Guiral (Naic)
32. Kayla Jean Carter (Northern California)
33. Maica Cabling Martinez (Nueva Ecija)
34. Zoleil Mellane Taño (Occidental Mindoro)
35. Hershey Mhae Senit (Pagadian City)
36. Raven Doctor (Palawan)
37. Cyrille Payumo (Pampanga)
38. Grace Jineah Chua Lumague (Pangasinan)
39. Selena Alexis Antonio Reyes (Pasig)
40. Lorraine Ojimba (Quezon City)
41. Ma. Ahtisa Manalo (Quezon Province)
42. Stephanie Faye Gerona (Quirino)
43. Eunice D. Deza (San Pablo, Laguna)
44. Joshell de Ocampo (Siargao)
45. Janet Lyn Hammond (Southern California)
46. Jenina Lui (Sydney)
47. Tamara Ocier (Tacloban)
48. Christi Lynn McGarry (Taguig)
49. Mary Josephine Paaske (Talisay City)
50. Kim Irish Placibe (Toledo City)
51. Zhyra Mae Cabalza (Tuguegarao)
52. Christina dela Cruz Chalk (United Kingdom)
53. Denise Nicole Mababangloob Yujuico (Virginia)
54. Kiara Landon (Washington)
55. Anita Rose Gomez (Zambales)
Alexandra Mae Rosales
The event at Hilton Manila also saw the crowning and appointment of The Miss Philippines beauties to their respective international competitions, namely: Alethea Ambrosio (Miss Supranational Philippines 2024), Blessa Figueroa (Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines 2024), Isabelle De Los Santos (Miss Aura International Philippines 2024), Chantal Elise Schmidt (Miss Eco International Philippines 2024) and Hanna Uyan (Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2024).
Each artist brings their unique style into the spotlight, promising to make an impact in the music industry.
In 2023, the local music scene witnessed an influx of incredible music and promising artists. Some of these talented new musicians started performing at small venues. They gradually made their way up to huge festivals and arenas, providing a glimpse into Filipino music's future.
Looking ahead to 2024, we can expect the emergence of a new generation of talented artists as Yellow Room Music - led by Monty Macalino (Mayonnaise), one of the most renowned musicians in the Filipino music industry - announces the signing of new artists from various genres. Each artist brings their unique style into the spotlight, promising to make an impact in the music industry.
“Sobrang ganda ng music industry ngayon, sobrang lawak na ng landscape. Napaka swerte ng panahon ngayon because of the digital streaming. Pwede kang kumita sa maraming social avenues at marami na di-discover lalo na mga local acts, nagkakaroon na ng direct collaboration with foreign artists. Now is the time to take advantage of that availability and possibility,” Monty Macalino shared.
Yellow Room Music Philippines was established in 2013 as an independent music label by the Filipino rock band Mayonnaise. After working with bigger labels for over a decade, the band released their music independently. In 2021, the label rebranded and changed its name to YR Music. The new name was chosen to highlight exceptional talents in the music industry and expand its roster of artists.
“For Yellow Room Music in 2024, we’re definitely releasing more materials for up and coming artists as well as mga artists na meron nang pangalan na ma-solidify pa sa industriya,” Macalino added.
Be on the lookout for these local musicians, ranging from well-known names such as Sud, Autotelic, and Fiona to promising newcomers like Ultraviolet, NaÏV, and Tamara. They are all set to progress significantly in the music industry this year. Step inside their thought processes, then explore Yellow Room Music’s new roster of talents, as each story has its own sound.
Autotelic
Autotelic
Autotelic is a popular pop-rock band that has cemented its standing in the local music scene. The band debuted in 2016 with the release of the "Papunta 'Pabalik'" album under MCA Music, which eventually received a platinum record certification. This success led to the release of their 5-track EP "Takipsilim" in 2018. Both albums received accolades from Awit Awards and Star Awards for Music. In June 2021, Autotelic released their latest single, entitled "Iwan."
The band was formed in 2012 and consists of Josh Villena (guitars/vocals), Neil Tin (guitar), EJ Edralin (synth), Timothy “Pabs” Vargas (bass), and Gep Macadaeg (drums). Autotelic has become one of the most decorated outfits in the age of social and streaming, replete with citations from mainstream channels (Awit, Myx, Jam 88.3), independent critics (Vandals on the Wall), and even brands (Jack Daniel’s).
Sud
Sud
When one of the tracks from Sud's debut album in 2016, “Sila," their only Tagalog song at the time, penetrated the mainstream audience – it was one of the first local indie artists to do so. The five-piece act from Metro Manila has released music with genres ranging from alternative soul, alt-rock,
indie pop, and alt-pop/ballad. Other hits include “Dumadaloy” (2021), “Baliw” (2019), and ”Di Makatulog” (2017). The band’s current lineup consists of Sud Ballecer (vocals, guitar), Kohl Aguilar (keyboard), Carlos de la Fuente (saxophone), and Raisa Racelis (bass).
Fiona
Fiona
Fiona's musical prowess was showcased when they emerged as the overall champion of Sky Cable’s Bikes Boards Bands in 2013, proving their ability to deliver exceptional live performances.
Fast forward to 2024, and the band has just signed a deal with Yellow Room Music, to release their upcoming second EP - a fresh approach with the same distinctive intensity that defines the group.
Fiona is a power-pop alternative rock band established in 2010. They've performed with notable Filipino artists and international sensations such as Love Me Butch, Dia Frampton, Tiffany Alvord, and Tanner Patrick. Their hits include “Better Together” (2016), “Panganib,” and “Charades,” paving the way for their self-titled EP album. They've also released “Haraya” in 2019 and “Goodbye” in 2022.
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet recently released a new song called "Paraiso" via Yellow Room Music. When asked about the inspiration behind their new single, Raina, one of the band's composers, said they wrote "Paraiso" as a reminder that we can take a break from reality and escape to our paradise whenever we need it. "As a writer who sometimes experiences an existential crisis, I wanted to share this message with others. We are all human, and taking care of ourselves is important," Rayna added.
Hailing from Las Piñas, Ultraviolet comprises Rayna Dane Dela Cruz as the lead vocalist, Emman Ramos as the guitarist, Vesper Gareza as the bassist, Ronn Balmedina as the drummer, and Marco Salvacruz as the keyboardist. The band was formed in November 2022. They describe their music as pop-funk with a touch of psychedelia.
NaÏV
NaIV
On Feb. 23, dive into NaÏV's latest single with Yellow Room Music, “Ikaw Lang Talaga”-- a heartfelt expression of deep love, capturing that moment when you know someone is 'the one.' As described
by the synth-pop trio, the song is a musical journey dedicated to those experiencing the early stages of love – where logic takes a back seat, and you find yourself surrendering to the overwhelming feeling of affection. “If you've ever wondered why that special someone stands out, 'Ikaw Lang Talaga' beautifully encapsulates that sentiment. Let the music speak to the unspoken emotions of love in its purest form, “ the band added.
Naiv’s music is a unique blend of synth-pop characterized by vibrant melodies and hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Based in Metro Manila, NaÏV is a band formed by three talented individuals, Mae, Gynn, and Joe, who came from different backgrounds but shared a common love for music.
Tamara
Tamara
Tamara's career took off at 18 when she won a jingle competition. There, she caught the attention of Champ Lui Pio from the famous rock band Hale. Since then, she has performed at various events and bars, showcasing her skills as a singer and songwriter. In 2019, she debuted with the single “Ngayon,” a love song she wrote when she was 17. Tamara has collaborated with bands like Hale and Soapdish. Tamara is eager to demonstrate her musical talents whenever possible.
Earlier this month, Dua kicked off the 66th Annual Grammy Awards with an electricmedley performanceof “Training Season,” “Dance The Night,” and “Houdini.”
Dua Lipa fans rejoice! After teasing the new single on social media, and giving a powerful performance of it at the Grammys, the pop superstar has finally released “Training Season” – complete with a dance-inducing music video!
Earlier this month, Dua kicked off the 66th Annual Grammy Awards with an electric medley performance of “Training Season,” “Dance The Night,” and “Houdini.” She’s also set to perform at the BRIT Awards on March 2, where she’s nominated for three awards – Artist of the Year, Best Pop Act, and Song of the Year for “Dance The Night.”
Her comeback has given listeners a taste of her distinct sound but with new-found confidence and more spunk. “Training Season” is the perfect example of this: embracing her singlehood and dating life without feeling pressured to find the ‘right’ one.
Speaking of the track, Dua shared, “I had been on a string of bad dates, and the last one was the final straw. The next morning, I arrived at the studio to Caroline [Ailin] and Tobias [Jesso Jr.] asking me how it went, and I immediately declared, ‘Training season is over.’ And like the best ‘day after’ debriefs with your mates, we had a lot of laughs, and it all quickly came together from there.”
With lyrics such as “Are you somebody who can go there? 'Cause I don't wanna have to show ya. If that ain't you, then let me know, yeah. 'Cause training season's over,” Dua sends a message to her listeners about knowing her worth. This relatable message and an electrifying dance beat guarantee another can’t-be-missed track from the singer.
“While it is obviously about that feeling when you are just absolutely done telling people – men specifically in this case – how to date you right, it is also about my training season being over and me growing with every experience. I have never felt more confident, clear, or empowered,” Dua added.
Fans have also received another treat with this release – the official “Training Season” video, which perfectly captures Dua’s sentiments. It opens with her voicemail flooded with apologetic messages and second-chance requests. As the song continues, Dua sits alone, surrounded by men vying for her attention, and the room begins spinning into chaos. It’s the perfect balance of fun, bold, and edgy.
A highly-anticipated release
Filipino fans have eagerly awaited the release of “Training Season,” which is no surprise since the country has Dua’s largest fanbase in Asia-Pacific. The Philippines boasts aggressive streaming and fanbase growth for Dua compared to the rest of Asia. Through the years since her initial rise in 2017, the pop star's streaming volume in the country has far outpaced her streaming volume across Asia - even compared to Indonesia, which has nearly double the Philippines’ Spotify users.
Dua’s legacy in the Philippines is undeniable and was established primarily due to her success with songs such as “New Rules,” "Don't Start Now,” “Levitating,” “Dance The Night,” and “Houdini.”
Back-to-back hits
Dua’s certified platinum sophomore album Future Nostalgia solidified her position as a critical success and top radio performer. The Grammy-nominated record was the longest-running top 10 album by a female artist on the Billboard 200 in 2021. It spawned multiple worldwide hit singles, with “Levitating” earning certified diamond status and the title of Billboard’s No. 1 Hot 100 Song of 2021.
Last November, Dua returned with the euphoric club-ready track “Houdini,” which went straight to No. 1 on the UK Airplay charts drew in over 12 million YouTube views within 24 hours, and garnered immediate praise across the board – from Rolling Stone and Billboard, who said the track is “an immediate blast,” to Pitchfork and Vogue, who called it “a pop masterclass.”
“Houdini” followed Dua’s hit song “Dance The Night” from the box office sensation Barbie, which landed on the Oscars shortlist and earned nominations at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and the Grammys.
With “Training Season” joining the roster, Dua continues to prove that her journey as a global pop superstar is far from over.
