The Filipino Expat Magazine

25/09/2025

A farm life

Alma Luceño describes herself as somebody who is like a "busay," a waterfall overflowing with life. The same energy that rushes through her farm in Kagoshima, Japan, turning it into a beautiful mix of culture and growth.

For full story:
https://www.thefilipinoexpat.com/alma-dochi-lucenos-life-in-her-field-of-dreams/

Calm, focused and always moving, Alma Luceño shares her tranquil but fun and productive life on a farm in Japan. From being a young girl planting bonsai trees and arranging flowers at her aunt’s flower shop in Davao to growing banana trees in Japan, Alma Dochi Luceño’s knack for growing plants...

23/09/2025

🌟 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓! 🌟

As the Philippines takes its place as Guest of Honour at the world’s biggest book fair, we want our Filipino community in Germany to be part of this proud moment. 🇵🇭📚✨ The very best of Philippine literature, culture, and creativity will be showcased at the Frankfurt Book Fair, and you are invited to join us.

100 free tickets are up for grabs for the General Public Days on 17 to 19 October 2025 so our community can experience this milestone firsthand.

🎟️ How to join:

- Register through the Google Form link https://tinyurl.com/filcomatfbm25
- Upload the data page of your Philippine passport on the same form.
- Receive your free ticket code and further instructions by email.

📌 Tickets will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Need a discount for the Professional Days of the Book Fair happening on the 15th and 16th of October? Use the promo code: GuestofHonour25 to get over half off your ticket!

19/09/2025

For years, Dr. Evangeline Cua has worked on the front lines of human suffering with Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

From the war-torn landscapes of Syria and Yemen to the humanitarian crises in South Sudan and Afghanistan, she has witnessed immense misery and death.

Yet, in the midst of chaos, her work brings her a profound sense of purpose—a powerful reminder that even in the most challenging places, saving a single life is a defiant act of hope.

Read full story :
https://www.thefilipinoexpat.com/evangeline-cua-beyond-the-war-zones/

As an international humanitarian worker in war-torn areas, Dr. Evangeline Cua confronts her fears and uncertainties head-on, and always remains steadfast in her dedication to serving others. Dr. Evangeline had already heard of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) while still in med school and had been m...

26/08/2025

Book lovers and culture enthusiasts!

Get ready for an adventure! This year, the Philippines is taking the spotlight as the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

They're inviting the world to explore their vibrant culture and rich literary scene under the theme, "The imagination peoples the air."

With a bustling lineup of over 77 literary events with more than 100 authors and creatives, plus a separate cultural program with 50 artists, this is a cultural party!

At the heart of it all is the stunning Philippine Pavilion, a space designed to feel like a breezy, open "archipelagic clearing." Made with beautiful local materials like bamboo and pineapple fabric, the pavilion is split into four exciting zones. You can learn about national hero José Rizal, celebrate the country's artistic legends, and discover the deep history of Philippine literature.

The literary program itself is a fun mix of everything from traditional panels to dynamic performances like fliptop rap and poetic jousts.

The Philippines is coming to share their incredible stories with the world and make a big splash in the global publishing scene.

Read story:

https://www.thefilipinoexpat.com/philippines-takes-the-spotlight-at-the-frankfurt-book-fair-2025/

The Philippines will assume the prestigious role of Guest of Honour (PhlGoH) in this year’s Frankfurter Buchmesse, promising to bring a vibrant, multi-layered selections of literature, art, and history to a global audience. The country’s theme, “The imagination peoples the air,” borrowed fro...

20/08/2025

🌏📚 THE ASIAN LITERARY FESTIVAL BRUSSELS EDITION 📚🌏

From 3rd-5th October, Brussels city meets voices from around the world!

As one of Europe's most diverse places, we believe Brussels is the perfect stage for celebrating Asian literature and storytelling.

Join us for three days of:

✨ Author readings and discussions
✨ Poetry performances
✨ Cultural exchanges
✨ Literary workshops

FREE ADMISSION to all events!

Experience the rich tapestry of Asian voices right here in the heart of Europe. From contemporary fiction to traditional tales, discover stories that bridge cultures and connect communities.

📅 3rd-5th October
📍 Brussels

🎫 Free entry


More details coming soon! Follow us for updates and programme announcements.

https://brussels.theasianliteraryfestival.com

Reviving the Silk Route of Expression

10/08/2025

Our exclusive interview with Nida Olthof-Sicat, owner of the bestselling Filipino frozen food Nida Philippine Products. Read her secrets to success and how she remained grounded in her faith and mission.

https://www.thefilipinoexpat.com/the-success-story-behind-nida-philippine-products/

09/08/2025

At 57, she started a home business that would become the bestselling Filipino frozen food brand in Europe. Our exclusive interview with Nida Olthof-Sicat, owner of Nida Philippine Products.

Discover her secrets to success and how she lived a life anchored in faith and personal principles.

If you have ever craved for tocino or longganisa in Europe, chances are you have a stock of Nida’s Philippine frozen products. What started as a home business with two well-loved Pampanga delicacies has grown into a production of 24 different products distributed in more than 20 countries in Europ...

08/06/2025

TFEM together with leadership coach Judy Anne Santos-Sierszuła, Grupo Kudyapi and Kalayaan Barcelona organized the first Hear Your Voice empowerment workshops on May 30 and 31.

Hear Your Voice hopes to encourage Filipino expats re-examine our values, beliefs, and purpose and prosper a renewed sense of pride and dignity in ourselves and our abilities.

27/05/2025

Buying a house, sending your children to school, living comfortably, retiring early.

For Filipinos, this all means financial well-being. Dutch-Filipino financial and mortgage expert Rayon Aquino shares how the right financial decisions can help you create the life you want.

Buying a house, sending your children to school, living comfortable, retiring early. For Filipinos, these all means financial well-being. Dutch-Filipino financial and mortgage expert Rayon Aquino shares how the right financial decisions can help you create the life you want.

25/05/2025

Book launch of Pinoy author Jerihco Decano's Liame
May 24, 2025
Philippines Club
Barcelona, Spain
Organized by TFEM AND Kalayaan Barcelona

24/05/2025

Book launching of Liame in Barcelona

"...there’s very little representation of Filipinos. We’re often cast in stereotypical roles. We deserve more than the margins. We deserve to be at the center of the story. I want to create Filipino characters who are complex, vibrant, and fully human." - Jerihco Decano on what inspired him to write his first novel, Liame.

The Filipino Expat Magazine and Kalayaan Barcelona are organizing the book launching of Liame today at 5:30pm at Philippines Club, Barcelona, Spain.

Read the complete interview with Jerihco Cabanting:

Barcelona-based Pinoy writer Jerihco Decano shares with TFEM his thoughts on his new book and how his life in Spain inspired him to write his first novel, Liame. TFEM: What inspired you to write Liame? JD: We, humans are narrative creatures. We love listening, reading, and crafting stories. It’s w...

23/05/2025

Hear Your Voice, Barcelona, May 30 and 31, 2025 ! A free workshop on self-empowerment with transformational coach Judy Anne Santos-Sierzula. Get in-touch with our EIC Nats Sisma Villaluna to reserve your slot.