The author of this blog was born in 1970, grew up in Münster, Westphalia (Germany), and used to work as a photographer and hotelier. Today, he lives a quiet, multi-culinary, and multicultural life together with his husband as a “Privatier” in Manila, Philippines.
Why did you leave Europe and Germany ?
Starting around 2019, more and more of our employees were harassed and insulted by racists. When my Asian partner was physically attacked by a racist in 2022, we immediately closed our company, took our money, and left Europe.
And no — we will never return.
What do you eat for breakfast?
Three slices of brown, crispy whole grain toast with salami, cheese, and jam, plus a cheese omelet, a small bowl of kimchi, and a strong coffee… I need at least an hour for that in the morning — a good start to the day!
Breakfast is the holiest meal for me. Holy – never hurried! The Chinks could already be at the door, and I’d still calmly finish eating.
Where do you buy your clothes?
Clothing means nothing to me except for “not being naked.” I only wear simple clothes, all bought online.
I own 5 white dress shirts, 5 white polos, 1 sweater, 3 pairs of pants, 5 pairs of shoes, 10 pairs of underwear, 10 pairs of socks, 1 swimshort and 1 Barong Tagalog. I wear the same outfit every day. No time to think about clothes, not willing to think about it.
I’m a minimalist — everything I own fits into one suitcase and one flight case. And I never have to think about what to wear… the less I own, the less stress I have.
What’s the oldest piece of clothing in your closet?
A very fine and comfortable pair of Italian leather shoes — over 30 years old and still in excellent condition. They just don’t make them like that anymore…
Your favorite piece of clothing?
A very fine and elegantly simple Barong Tagalog. Pure handcraft, simply beautiful. I admire the artisans who make it. It fits any occasion.
When did you last handwrite a letter?
I handwrite one or two letters every week, using a good fountain pen with real ink and fine paper. Writing a personal letter by hand on quality materials honors the recipient. It’s a beautiful and relaxing ritual. I even seal my envelopes with wax.
Which book impressed you most in your life?
A children’s book — “Arabelle and Mortimer” — about the adventures of a little girl and her clever raven. For me, that’s world literature, because it still makes me laugh out loud every time!
Or the books by James Herriot — especially the story about Cedric, the farting boxer dog.
How do you keep up with world events?
I don’t anymore. I only care about our lifes, about our personal peace. My husband and i – we are our world. The rest is nearly not existing anymore.
What’s your best small talk topic?
Food, drinks, and good cigars. Sometimes I also bore people with photography.
Which movie last made you cry?
Boys don´t cry… naahhh… maybe sometimes…
Are you superstitious?
There are things between heaven and earth… I’m sure of that.
What makes you laugh?
Simple, natural things — and my own mishaps. Humor helps. Also Monty Python’s Fawlty Towers.
Your favorite first names?
Catherine and Jean-Luc.
Do you take a afternoon nap ?
Yes — at my age you need a 30-minute power nap after a delicious local lunch.
In which country would you most like to live?
In the Philippines — where I already am. The wonderful food and these incredibly strong people have impressed me deeply. It takes a little time to get close to them — but once they accept and like you, they’ll never let you go! I could hug them every day; they’re that warmhearted.
What’s never missing in your fridge?
A good cold Riesling from the Palatinate, a tasty Pinot Gris, and a bottle of sparkling wine. The main thing is: it bubbles and makes you tipsy.
Your favorite food?
Dinuguan and stuffed squid… I was born in the countryside near Münster — we always had Münsterländer Töttchen until the EU “castrated” that Westphalian national dish… I also love a hearty Sizzling Sisig. Or grandma’s “exploded chicken”. Honestly, I just love eating way too much…
Your favorite drink?
A perfect dirty vodka martini — stirred for two minutes, with two olives. Although it’s only three ingredients, very few people get it right.
Do you feel freer with or without a car?
Definitely without.
Your greatest talent?
Being absolutely talentless — and being totally fine with that.
What do you do even though it’s unreasonable?
Smoke cigars and drink rum… But whoever among you lives without alcohol — throw the first glass!
Which historical person would you like to meet?
Harald Juhnke. A brilliant entertainer who perfected the art of day drinking (“I hate New Year’s Eve — that’s when the amateurs drink.”)
Do you wear jewelry or a watch?
A watch is the only acceptable jewelry for men.
I’m obsessed with Bauhaus design and top-quality products — so I’m a huge fan of Nomos mechanical watches from Glashütte. I have 4 of them — my favorite is the Nomos Zürich World Time in white. Maybe one day I’ll add a Tetra.
Your favorite scent?
The smell of roasted meat and old red wine.
Seriously though — I wash with a simple bar of soap and don’t wear any fragrances. No aftershave or eau de whatever… total waste of money and resources.
Your best vacation memory?
Spending a whole year (2006–2007) discovering the Philippines with my husband. That was real life!
Which concert did you last attend?
I’m not really a concert-goer — too crowded. But the last one was late 2006: Bamboo, live at Magsaysay Park in Kalibo. Fantastic show!
What do you need to be happy?
I live in the here and now. I lack nothing. I have the best husband one could wish for. Everything is fine. The secret of happiness is to count the highlights of life instead of birthdays.
What do you drink with dinner?
Water or red wine. And definitely a glass of Don Papa later in the evening — with a cigar.
Someone once said, you hate children. Is that true !?
No, definetely not. I love children. When they´re on my plate, medium-raw…
Do you have a favorite quote?
Yes…
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did. So cast off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.”