"Life is what we make it"

Milk is color white it symbolize peace and no worries. Honey is sweet it means no bitterness and always happy. Some people think that living abroad is like Milk and Honey. What a terrible mentality! The only thing they know is how much the value of money and how beautiful is the place. There's no difference between living abroad or not. You have Dollars and Euro's, but you have to pay everything in the same money. "Life is what we make it" We are responsible for our own life. It's up to us to make our life be peaceful, no worries and to be happy.

Our own swimming pool

Summer is here in Netherlands and everybody  enjoying  it. This time is one of the warmest summer here. Since we've been in the Philippines lately, we don't have vacation anymore. We bought zwembad (swimming pool) not so big, but it can  freshen up. Bert me and Michelle had so much fun we did barbecue and it's like a vacation outside our  house.  What a nice feeling to relax.

Rest In Peace Father

Finally, I am able to open my blog and update it. I was busy this passed months like doing our garden, a lot of homework at school and Bert got operated. One day my sister phoned me with a very low voice. I knew that something bad happened. She told me that our father died. I was shocked. That moment, only Bert gave me comfort. I cried because we were planning to have vacation in the Philippines and give something for my father on his birthday. That will not happen anymore now that he's gone forever. We went to the Philippines not for vacation. It was not a good time and only one week. My grandmother is living with my father and she is 85 years old. We cannot show our emotion because if we will cry, she will cry as well. My brother said  that my father bothered a lot of pain even before. Even though we cannot see him anymore and that is so sad for us, but in other hand he finally rested.

We love you tatay..

Claiming my victories this 2010

I don't want to wish this year, but I want to claim as it will be done through my faith.

 Top 10 things in life that are important for me:

1. I can speak well dutch, write, read and listening.
2. Have my healthy handsome and beautiful baby boy or girl.
3. Have a good job here in Netherlands.
4. Pass the Staatexamen and have my Dutch passport.
5. Good health for Bert, family and me no one will be sick.
6. Good life
7. Have a nice garden.
8. Our plans will be done.
9. Our relationship will be more stronger.
10. Happiness, wealth, knowledge and wisdom.

My official day at school

I'm happy that I have this opportunity to learn the dutch language. I met my classmates came out from other countries like Romania, Poland, Africa, Czech Republic, India and China. I felt out of place at first  because I'm the only one new in the class. Some four months, six months and others were almost ready to do the exam. I can speak dutch, but just a little bit. My teacher Sophie was so good she let me feel at home. She gave me some books that I could read and try to answer. I'm at peace and calm now that I started my schooling at last.

Contract

My first day at Friesland college was just introducing myself getting to know about the school and my classmates. They put me first in Inburgering group the A2 program of dutch language. Right after class, the teacher told me that they will transfer me in Staatexamen group the B1 program it's a higher level people who's taking up are professionals and educated. I'm a bit nervous that I have to introduce myself again in dutch. The second day, it was the last day and we had Christmas Party classes will resume in January. I felt strange that I haven't received the result of my toets (test) that I did. The teacher told me about it, but not in details.

I got letter from the Gemeente (city hall) here in Drachten. The city in charge gave me the result of my test and I was happy about the outcome. Jan said that not a lot of people gotten the result like mine. I was flattered of course, but I'm not so in believing myself. I still have to eat a lot of rice and burning my eyebrows to study. He wants me to read the contract and Bert too it was about my schooling. Supposed to be if  I will pay for myself, it will cost 3,000 to 4,000euro, but the Gemeente is willing to shoulder the entire expenses. All I  have to do is to attend classes I chose at night twice a week. It stated also that there will be consequence they will charge me 70% of all costs  if  I'm not consistent, no valid reason and when I suddenly stop or make problems.

Some people don't want to go to school immediately they waited until five years, but I don't want to wait that long. I have to do it anyway it is opportunity and it's my own benefit. I signed the contract it will last until July 2011 and it depends on how fast I'm ready for my examination.I'm looking forward to my first and official day at school.

filipina friend

We went to crisanta's birthday last saturday. Bert and Api the husband of her are good friends since they were teenagers. I'm happy that I found a Filipina that I could talk in our own language. My brain is almost drain of talking english or dutch. At home, Bert wants me to speak dutch so that my dutch vocabulary will increase. Krissy can  speak dutch already and living here for nine years she's 30 years old and has two kids elsa and melany.

with melany and elsa

SNOW!!

It was Wednesday night when we came out from Friesland College so prachtig! (beautiful). They said it was five years ago that they experienced like this heavy. I wish it so much before even just a little bit,  but my wish was more than I've expected. Never felt such a wonderful feeling that I've seen it in real.! Maybe some people will think, hey..what she's doing playing in the snow.? I don't care! I took pics of course Michele was so kind she bought me new shoes for snow. She said it's so dangerous to walk with normal boots. I tried to make a snowman outside I enjoyed it a lot it's my first time,  but I didn't endure the cold. This morning, I have a bit cough,  but still I want to go outside to take a walk and capture more pictures. IT'S SO AWESOME!

Our house

Bert was divorced last 2005, he left everything to his ex-wife. Here in Netherlands, all the properties are for women when they want to seperate. Bert was totally zero that time. I'm so happy that little by little bert get his life back with me. We just finished our house new laminaat, new wallpaper and we painted the windows. It's not so big but, i can call it our new home so peaceful and full of love. We have three bedrooms on the second floor. Michele living with us too the youngest daughter of Bert.

Our Car Chevrolet V8 5.7

Dutch santa claus

Roxanna the eldest daughter of Bert celebrated sinterklaas ( Santa ) every 5th of  December. It's an honor of the life of saint Nicholas and stands for generosity. The American version of Santa Claus derived from the dutch legend of sinterklaas. The legend of Sinter Klaas was brought by settlers to New York therefore, it was originated here in europe. Bert, Michele and I were there it was my first time to celebrate this feast day here in Netherland. They believed that saint Nicholas is not just a saint he is a kindly old man spending his life giving away his money to the poor people and doing well deeds especially to all children. It's so funny that I felt like a child and got excited also although I knew that this men were hired and just wearing costumes. The children Melissa and Wesley got a lot of gifts and they were very happy. Pic together with sinterklaas with his assistant Zwarte piet.

verblijfsdocument

Yippee!..I am so happy atlas! I'm officially living here in Holland. I still can't believe it that all things going so smoothly. I took an entry test at Friesland college and it came out good. The docent (teacher) let me chose the A2 level of dutch lesson or B1.If I will choose A2, I still have to do Inburgering exam, but since I came here not  through MVV, I can choose B1 program of learning dutch and do not have to take the Inburgering. It's purely dutch lesson for me to speak, read and write in dutch. If  I'll pass the levels, then I could go for a course. The teacher said, it will take one and a half year, but it's up to me I chose at night. I will go to school five hours a week it will be two and a half hours a day  twice a week. The weather here is not good as of now and it's so cold  if  I will go to school with my bicycle. Bert will bring me every night at school. Yesterday, I got my verblijfsdocument until 2014, then we went to Germany to fix some papers.

Me

My father was a supervisor  in a company. We had a very nice life I can say. Mandug Davao in Mindanao I was born.  If you will go to Mindanao, particular in Davao and ask where's mandug?  That place was a very critical area.  A lot of people were scared in that place. In 1980s  I've seen it with my own eyes,  the helicopters above our house and military soldiers were everywhere firing the rebels. My mother was so brave that we  never moved out from that Village. I was raised to be brave in life.  My grandfather was a Musician. He was a leader of Rondalla Club  and my grandmother was a midwife. My father  was a Valedictorian got high medals and honors in his time and had a wonderful job. Since my father got high position in a company, In that village where we lived, everybody knows us. I can still remember the time I was baptized I was five years old.  I have 36 sponsors and we had feast in our house. 4 pigs were killed and a lot of  food. The problem began when I was seven years old. My father and mother were separated . My sister was almost a teacher and my brother an engineer. All of us finished high school fortunately. Leah my sister went to the ministry and did theology course.  She's 40 years old now and has four kids. Al my brother wants  to work  than to be an engineer. He worked at my aunt's printing press, bakery and restaurant.   He is 38 years old now and has three kids.

 My mother did a lot of work for us to finish our studies. She was a choir member , Beautician, Seller, Worker in any kind of work. She has to earn  money for us to survive for the day.  That time I told myself that all men are like my father, I don't want to have any relation.  If only he didn't  left us, we had an individual careers now. My mother was always on my side.  She taught me how to be tough in life. I didn't have  luxurious things while studying. I have to walk to go to school 1 kilometer everyday.  I didn't have fancy things what the girl wants. The money was enough for food and some other things that most needed. As what I've said, we're living in a scary and critical area.  I was immune about fighting and surviving. When I knew that my mother entered as a Chef  Cook in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ I was alone after I graduated high school.  She waited until that moment. She was assigned before in Manila, but now in Dubai. I was in Davao that time.

 I followed my sister and did also Theology Course and became a Crusader  Musician when I was 17 yrs. old. It was fun! We went to many places included abroad. We did a lot of Concerts  I was a traveller. I went out when I was 27 years old and decided to start a new life. I decided to do business with a friend  buy and sell. I chose shoes and bags from Korea a slightly used things. Okay Okay in Visaya. 'Twas a big hit! Filipinos loved it because it was durable, branded and most of all very low price. We  have four  helpers in our  two places in Cagayan De Oro Divisoria  Nightcafe had an apartment, my dog lucky, complete appliances and a Multicab. After five years, I felt bored in my life. One day I thought about  having  kids and a good husband.

One time, I opened my PC and started to be curious in Dating Sites. I just registered on Meetic.com. I put my profile there. I was very serious of  searching someone that was not Filipino. It was almost five months had talked  a lot of men in the site.  1,400 men visited my page, but still I could not fInd someone that even through writing we can connect each other. I've almost deleted my profile and thought that no one were serious on net. If I knew that they just want to have fun or do dirty deeds I cut it immediately. Early morning 5am, I opened my PC again and Bert finally made me fall in love. We talked five hours a day.  I like his point of views his smart, gentle and most of all he has respect. I felt his sincerity and passion that's why he got my respect too. He showed me  his tattoos, but  it's Ok.   The most important  is inside not the outside.  I left everything to a close friend the business and my lucky.  A soft coated terrier dog. I went to manila and Bert and  I finally met.  Now, we're happily married and hopefully our baby angel will come soon.

This is My LucKy Dog

Hate and Love

Why did people hated someone? Basically if that someone did something wrong on him/ her. If that person got jealous about what the other has more than what they've got. There's saying same feather pluck together they just like who are the same as them and hate those who are not. They are so denial in the fact that, there are also so many people has more advantages than them. What are the advantages?  Oh.. for example the neighbour has a nice house, clothes, cars, toys, etc what the world can give. The same also if someone they know that much more brilliant and know so many things than them. The point is, jealousy is a combination of hate so many didn't notice that they've got that feeling. What about love? Love is unconditional what is unconditional?  True love that don't have agenda like, you can better be good to me so that I will love you, better listen always what I'm going to say, like all that I  like, please me and praise me always. That is some kind of a selfish behavior. That's why for me..?  hate me if you want, Love me if you can.

GRANTED!!

Last Friday I got the letter from IND  (Immigrate en Naturalisatiedients). I was nervous and so excited that I opened it immediately and translated it through dictionary. What a big surprise! My application for residence permit was granted. We applied it Oct. 21,2009 and the confirmation letter was only one week. The following week after,  I got the decision. The IND gave me from 21st of October 2009 until 21st of October 2014 the RESIDENCE PERMIT. I'm so happy we're back here in Holland! It means that schooling will start. I will go to school to learn dutch , but  because I have status in Germany the Gemeente will not oblige me to learn dutch. I can choose what kind of school and what kind of lessons I'm going to take. It's up to me the city in charge said in five years, I have to do dutch lessons and they will shoulder my schooling if  I want and get diploma to have a better work. I like it also if  I know how to speak dutch it  makes my life easier to communicate. Hopefully, I can get dutch passport. It will be so tough,  but there's no glory without sacrifice. We can't get everything what we want in just one snap of our fingers. God Jesus Christ is always there and of course faith with work.

What I observed

Many people asked how's Holland? Well,  in almost eight months living here. It's really different it's a twist from the country where I've been. Wind mills and landscape are unique Tulips flowers are one of their pride and cheese. The houses are so organized and almost the same the landscape designed like a picture painting. Friesland part of Netherland where we live and it's so peaceful here there are no gates in every house the windows are made of glass, mostly people have their own car. A lot also using bicycle for its so handy because you don't have to park and pay for parking fee. Even you forgot your personal things nobody will  take it. It's a rich  and expensive  country  I can say.

As what I observed, dutch people like eating and drinking always a cup of coffee and cookies or cakes on sidings.The social aspect, the togetherness is more important than the food itself. While eating or gathering, they like to talk about personal topics and do not have specific to be discuss. Whatever comes up that's it. Most dutch people like meat and pork they don't like fish and vegetable so much. Filipino eat always rice, but dutch people eat potatoes and bread. I used to cook meat w/ vegetable and spices together, but here they like it seperately. In the Philippines, we have ate for the older sister and kuya for the older brother,  but here only calling on your first or last name even little kids. Greetings should be three times and saying doei (bye) before you go and hoi (hi) when you arrived.

It's a custom on birthday party to give presents. The people will not be curious anymore what you give because the birthday celebrant will open it directly in front of you. No malls here in our place only shopping store and it's nearby. When I arrived here, am always looking for bargain clothes 10 euro still 600 in the philippines,  but  now I'm almost used to it. Not expensive clothes will not last actually,  much more money I spend for I have to buy again and again. Doing transactions, meetings and appointment are so quickly here they are used to getting to the point straightaway no long time of waiting and done is done. The traffic rules so strict and so high when it comes to penalties. The people here have  freedom what they want to do. A christian and democratic county.

little bit facts about me

I'm emotional today I think because of my menstrual period. Am always have discomfort every month and try to ease through writing. I just want to say something about my observation, but it doesn't mean that I'm pointing to someone. Generally speaking, so that my friends will know what are the few facts about me. I'm easy to be handle, one of my closest friend said and of course my husband Bert. I can be a good friend too, but I am always putting a gap in between. Not that it will come out to be more on familiarity. To have friends are good, but be watchful best friends can be your best enemy. It's so difficult to please everyone.

What i like and don't like

The days are going so fast I'm almost eight months here in Holland. It's not easy to live in  the culture that I didn't used to.I have to learn Dutch so that I can communicate to people. But I'm living in Friesland part of  Holland and the family of Bert talking fries. It's so hard to understand because I know only basic dutch language. We have different personal characters and attitudes. My parents raised me to be frank and not to backbite. I'ts better to tell  in front of me than to know it from the others. Don't start to be nice if you don't like and stay who you are. The thing is, why it's like there's nothing wrong and trying to be nice. Being nice in outside it's nothing for me. I'm not saying that I am perfect, but I will not do some efforts just to please everybody. Whatever you've seen on me that's me and I'm not hiding anything. I'm ok if I'm alone and not bothering others. I can say that there's no such a true friend living in this world. The less you talk, the less mistakes. Me and Bert understand each other we know our likes and dislikes. The relation is going stronger and that what matter most.

WRITING

Way back the good old days, some people also like to write in Diary.  Each day what happened in their lives and have memory what  God Created. Today in this generation, the technology increased a lot of people doing it through computers. In my way of thinking, it's Ok to do it online while I am here  far away from my family that they can still update some details what 's  my life here in Holland  through reading my Blog. To those people  that can relate my life story and can pick up some ideas. I learned also through net and like to read forums and blogs. Blogging is my extension to express what's in my mind. It's like an outlet for every word what I want to say. I want to exercise my writing skills although I'm not so fluent in English. I have to write it in English because some people can't understand. The most important is to treasure each day together with my husband.

6 months permit

Today, Bert has to go to work.  Last week he had a  week  free off. We did a lot of things we painted the walls and changed the floor in our house. We went also to IND Zwolle  and applied for my  resident permit. It was good we have all the authenticated papers and we answered some question very good .The IND gave me a temporary stay for six months here in Netherlands I can work too if I want. Hopefully by three months maximum of waiting, I can get the residence permit.

autom

Autom is here in Netherlands it started a month ago 21st  of September. The cold days will start again. Bert strolled me around the woods yesterday. I've seen different kinds of leaves that fell into the ground. A lot of colors everywhere like a picture painting. 'Twas so beautiful the trees has to survive and could not get leaves anymore. Rainy days and long nights again it was only 4:30 in the afternoon, but it was dark when we took this pic. The winter is so near I'm looking forward to see the snow for the first time.