From Philippines to Holland

The sun is up and so am I!

2011-05-22T16:12:00.000+02:00

It was months ago the last time I visited my page. Been busy lately with my job, whom I enjoyed so much despite how hard it was to adjust during the first few months but I managed to get along with my colleagues from different nationalities. Aside from work day to day, I go to school during the night twice a week. Until now, it is so difficult for me to do both things at the same time but I can't give up my studies. I want to finish what I have started and hoping all things go well by this year for my Staatexamen (It is the highest exam to take for a dutch language course where the certificate you get out of this exam is necessary not only to get Dutch passport but also if you plan to enroll courses in a Dutch University). My friends cannot even figure out and even asking if I still have time for myself. Work, school and even sporting twice a week. Yes, I do still have time for myself. What I am doing is giving time for myself. This is what I like, and this is how I give time for myself. I would rather say that I have more time for myself than spending time for some friends. Having this hectic schedule changed me a lot. I learned to manage my time, efforts able to appreciate all the outcomes, and wishing all plans come in a way I expect them to happen.
Now that I am back, I can't promise to blog as often as I like but I can assure to give help and answers for those who wants to know something about The Netherlands.

Shoot Me! 13 of 52

2010-05-06T19:17:00.003+02:00

It's thursday again and it's time to share another photo. I know it's been awhile that I wasn't able to post this meme but this time, I have no reason not to post. In fact I get too excited to share this since I spent my day with a friend Fe whom I met here in blogging. We always chat before and so we decided to meet finally at Den Haag centrum. And as expected for "girls out", a little shopping, eating, and of course...a never ending chit chat as if we were old friends but since we have some in common (same school in college, almost same age, and also a bisaya/cebuano)then it's easy to get along. Anyway, I just want to thank Fe for the time and indeed, I really enjoy.

I love Walking

2010-04-27T11:30:00.000+02:00

This morning, I get up too early than my normal waking time because of my neighbor banging doors as they rushed for work. But it doesn't annoy me this time though, I thought of last night to get up late today to spend more on sleeping before I start an early habit of getting up early in few weeks from now. So rather than spending my morning staring at my ceiling for minutes of thinking nothing, I went out and took a long walk with a little running at the park(at Haagse Bos)which is just close to where I live. It is a very nice park with a big lake at the middle.

For me, walking is the simpliest exercise I can do. I don't have time going to a gym, so by walking for just few minutes it helps. Before, almost everyday I tried to take at least 1 hour of walking. If I go to the main shopping center in Den Haag, I prefer to walk than taking a tram. Aside that I save money from that, also it's good for my body as an exercise. I'm not in a hurry to loose weight, but just for the purpose of being physically fit.

-the green area is the Haagse Bos-

Some Useful Dutch Phrases

2010-04-22T15:11:00.000+02:00

The following are some useful Dutch Phrases:

(Abbreviations: inf = informal, frm = formal)
English                                      Nederlands (Dutch

Welcome                                Welkom
Hello                                       Hallo / Goededag / Goeiedag (inf)
How are you?                           Hoe gaat het met jou? Hoe gaat het? (inf)
                                               Hoe gaat het met u? (frm)
I'm fine, thanks. And you?        Goed, dank je. En met jou?
Long time no see                    Lang niet gezien
What's your name?                   Hoe heet je? Wat is jouw naam? (inf)
                                               Hoe heet u?Wat is uw naam? (frm)
My name is ...                         Ik heet ... / Mijn naam is ...
Where are you from?                Waar kom je vandaan? (inf)
                                              Waar komt u vandaan? (frm)
I'm from ...                              Ik kom uit ...

Pleased to meet you                 Aangename kennismaking
                                               Aangenaam kennis te maken
                                               Aangenaam kennis met u te maken
                                               Prettig kennis te maken
Good morning                          Goedemorgen / Goeiemorgen
Good afternoon                        Goedemiddag / Goeiemiddag
Good evening                           Goedenavond / Goeienavond
Good night                               Goedenacht / Welterusten/Slaapwel
Goodbye                                  Tot ziens, Tot straks (see you later)
                                               Tot gauw (see you soon), Dag, Doeg, Doei
                                               Bon voyage Goede reis!
Good luck                                 Succes! Veel geluk!
Cheers/Good health!                Proost! Op je gezondheid!
Have a nice day                        Nog een prettige dag

                                                Nog een prettige dag toegewenst
                                               Een goede dag verder
Bon appetit                              Smakelijk eten! Eet Smakelijk!
I don't understand                    Ik begrijp het niet
Please speak more slowly        Kunt u wat langzamer praten, alstublieft?
Please write it down                 Zou u het voor mij willen
                                               opschrijven,alstublieft? (frm)
                                              Wil je dat even opschrijven alsjeblieft? (inf)
Do you speak Dutch?             Spreekt u Nederlands? (frm)
                                               Spreek je Nederlands? (inf)
Yes, a little                              Ja, een beetje
How do you say ... in Dutch?   Hoe zeg je ... in het Nederlands?
                                               Hoe zeg ik..... in het Nederlands?
Excuse me                               Neem me niet kwalijk

                                               Neemt u mij niet kwalijk
                                               Excuseert u mij
                                               Sorry Het spijt me! Sorry!
Thank you                                Dank U / Dank U wel (frm)
                                               Bedankt, Dank je wel (inf)
                                               Dank U zeer (thank you very much)
                                               Duizendmaal dank (thousand times thanks)
                                             Graag gedaan,Geen dank
How much is this?                   Hoeveel kost dit?
Where's the toilet?                    Waar is de WC? Waar is het toilet?
I love you                               Ik hou van je (inf) Ik hou van jou/Ik hou
                                                 van u (frm)   (used only by lovers)
Get well soon                           Beterschap!
Leave me alone!                       Laat me met rust!
Help!                                       Help! Hulp!
Fire!                                        Brand!
Call the police!                         Bel de politie! Haal de politie! Roep de
                                                  politie!
Merry Christmas                       Prettige kerstdagen
and a Happy New Year            en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
                                                Zalig kerstfeest en Gelukkig Nieuwjaar
Happy Easter                           Vrolijk Pasen, Zalige paasdagen, Zalig Pasen
Happy Birthday                        Gelukkige verjaardag
                                               Gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag
                                               Fijne Verjaardag
                                               Van Harte Gefeliciteerd
                                               Van Harte Gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag
One language is never enough Eén taal is nooit genoeg
                                               Een enkele taal is nooit genoeg

Shoot Me!12 of 52

2010-04-15T20:00:00.002+02:00

I was invited for my friends' Recognition Day last friday held at Den Haag Stadhuis or City Hall. She finished her Inburgering/ Dutch Course few years ago but only this time that she got her diploma. Normally, the Geemente will just send the Diploma through post or send a letter to the person who finished the course to pick up the diploma in a certain office. But this time, Geemente Den Haag will hold a special event for this and the official/s(that time with Rabin Baldewsingh, deputy mayor of Den Haag) personally congratulates the person or should I say, the graduates.

SMC School Alumni Homecoming

2010-04-10T23:03:00.000+02:00

It's my school alumni homecoming today and wishing I was there. Since I graduated high school way back 1998, I can only remember two times that I attended the said gathering. It is not scheduled every year but every two years. During the last alumni in 2008, It was also the first time I went home to the Philippines but was too busy with other things that's why I felt so sorry to my batchmates for my absence. And now I realized, it's nice to attend again. Crazy, isn't it?Now that I am far, I feel that I missed them. Anyway, I'm so proud to be part of Stella Maris College Batch 1998.

Happy Easter Everyone

2010-04-04T23:29:00.000+02:00

It's unpleasant to say but I get used to it since the time I moved here when most people around the world are observing the solemnity of the Holy Week, but here in Netherlands is an ordinary working days. Most shops were open. I guess only the government offices were closed. I felt a little guilty that I even didn't went for a mass in any of the days of the Holy Week because of my work. But Sunday is a usual day for me to attend mass so I went to attend this morning. The celebration was nice that it lasted for about 2 hours. Only at first that I was scared before the mass started when someone came in front of the altar and say something in front of the many people in a language most of us we can't understand and others said he is out of his mind but something crossed in my mind about terrorist story that happened before in the Philippines in a certain celebration like this wherein a church was bombed. So I don't know why I though of that. Good thing some police were outside the church who managed and so the mass ended successfully. The rest of my Easter Sunday specially this afternoon was spent chatting with my family in the Philippines. And since tomorrow is Second Easter( or Tweede(2e) Paasdag), it is still holiday but I have no special plans. I hope most of you had a great Easter celebration. Again, Happy Easter to all.

A Holy Sad Thursday

2010-04-02T15:58:00.000+02:00

Holy Week is a time to commemorate the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. In the Philippines, it is also an occassion where families get together. I was talking to my cousins few days ago and after hearing their excitement of spending Holy Week in our place makes me jealous. But yesterday afternoon we heard a bad news that my grandfather(we call tatay) died after suffering a lung illness. I feel so helpless now that I wanted to go home but I can't. I don't want to face this kind of situation. It is so difficult being far away from my family specially when someone dies. But anyway, I must accept and treat it on a positive way that my grandpa is now at peace after suffering that illness for more than 15 years.

Shoot Me! 11 of 52

2010-04-01T20:11:00.002+02:00

It's thursday again and good thing I remember to update my blog.

Last sunday, a friend of mine from Belgium came to visit me together with her family . We spent the day in Den Haag and showing them nice places like Binnenhoff(where meetings of the Dutch Parliament is located), some museums, and the city itself. Here are some of the photos.

Back to School

2010-03-27T15:04:00.002+01:00

I'm happy to know that finally the government arrange my dutch course which to start on May 3. I had an appointment with them yesterday to test how far I know of the language. I thought at first it's going to be a 1 hour exam but then it was just an overview about what an inburgering course is all about and the staff asked me of what level I want to take either basic or intensive course. But the overall evaluation put me to an intensive course since they consider also that I have a new job on May. Intensive course also have two choices, three times a week on a day class which this is only good for those who have no work and two times a week on a night class for those who work during the day.

There are so many issues regarding inburgering course (which one to take,basic or intensive; or as requirements in getting a dutch passport; etc.) but whatever it is, the bottom line is to know the language. I'm crossing my fingers now hoping the City Hall (Geemente) will put me to a good direction.

Being Part of SocialSpark

2010-03-20T15:56:00.001+01:00

SocialSpark

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

I've been starting blogging not long ago through a friend but had no idea of some benefits in blogging until I found this site SocialSpark and with no doubts, I registered as a blogger. It is also open for advertisers so both bloggers and advertisers will meet in one site. The nice thing is that, I can add my fellow bloggers. It is very easy to register and so simple that in few minutes after you meet all the conditions, you can then socialize and make friends but at the same time you earn money. Cool!!Isn't it? They have 3 types of Opportunities to choose at SocialSpark Marketplace wherein, a blogger in a Sponsored Post Opportunity will create a unique sponsored post on their blog based on the guidance the Advertiser provides. On the other hand, Blog Sponsorship Opportunity is when the Advertisers utilize SocialSpark's unique technology to create a 'welcome mat' and persistent sponsorship banner on blogs. Lastly is Spark, a free Opportunity that serves as ideas for blog posts. It is ulitize by Bloggers, but can also be used for Advertisers. The site is so friendly to use. No hassle for beginners but instead, they will surely enjoy the site. Since opportunities are paid, payments are made thru Paypal but needs to accumulate $50 to cash out. Since we are free to write or say whatever we want in Socialspark, always remember to be honest and always review blogs before posting.

So what are we waiting for?Blog now and earn money.

Shoot Me! 10 of 52

2010-03-18T15:44:00.000+01:00

I went to visit my friend who is now a mother of a 2 month old baby named Luke Anthony. I am so proud of my friend after trying her best to get pregnant for about 4 years until finally she is blessed with a healthy baby boy.

Shoot Me! 9 of 52

2010-03-11T17:33:00.006+01:00

My friends always challenge me to cook because they know I'm not good on it. Everytime we hang-out from one house to another friends' house, we usually set it on lunch time. That is the time we can eat our favorite Filipino foods. I always get on time so I can help in preparing the foods and they love to see me when I'm in the kitchen trying my best stirring even as simple as onions and garlic. But lately, I've been learning some basic cooking. I hope I can share it soon.

From Russia With Love

2010-03-10T17:43:00.000+01:00

I was roaming around the city when someone handed me a leaflet, and was surprised that it's about the incoming opening of the famous attraction, the Keukenhof. And I get so excited to be back again and see this big, beautiful garden full of flowers specially tulips. Last years' theme was about Beijing Olympic, and this year is "From Russia With Love". I can't wait to see this spectacular floral displays planted in so many varieties with its beautiful works of arts. It's a good place to hang out with family or with friends. It is scheduled to open on March 18 until May 16. So I better invite my friends now so we can spend one weekend in Keukenhof.

A Day With Your Family

2010-03-07T20:49:00.000+01:00

It was a nice saturday spending the nice weather with my honey(my boyfriend) despite the incident that I almost broke my ankle after I jumped and lost my balance. We went to his family for his uncle's birthday, then visit his youngest brother and bringing some grocery for him, dropping by at his father's place to personally give the CD I burned for him, and lastly visited the grave of his mother. It has been 1 year and 3 months since his mom died but until now, the pain is still there. He is very emotional everytime we visit the grave of his mom but I can understand his difficulties of accepting it knowing he had a good relationship with his mom. Yet I'm thankful that I met her before she died. So it was obviously a busy day for us visiting one family to another and trying my best to communicate with them with my poor dutch but after all, I am more than happy having the same warm welcome I got from his family until now. I hope they will never change.

Shoot Me! 8 of 52

2010-03-04T20:57:00.003+01:00

It's thursday again and it's time to share more photos. This time, i'm sharing a photos showing my support for my favorite football team, PSV. It's a team from Eindhoven(NL). I love watching football, also known as soccer since my brother is also a very good player in our town. Hopefully I can bring him soon to a live football as he visits here one of this days. The only thing, he hates my team.

PSV vs AJAX

Such A Blessing

2010-02-27T15:40:00.000+01:00

Just this week, I received again an email from the company where I work soon and I'm so happy they announced it's not a part time job. They decided to let me work in full time by May. I am so glad to have this opportunity because I know it is not that easy to find a job here considering my dutch language is really poor but having this is really such a blessing. After the self-pity and frustration of waiting when I can get a proper job, but blessing comes when you least expect it.

Shoot Me! 7 of 52

2010-02-25T21:59:00.001+01:00

The legal status of prostitution varies from country to country and in Netherlands, prostitution is legal and regulated and even operating a brothel is also legal. The area is commonly known as red-light district and famously located in Amsterdam. Out of my curiosity, me and my friends went last year to see this place. And to make this visit complete, we went to the famous Sex Museum. So here are the pictures from last years visit.

with sex goddes, Marilyn Monroe

Good Times With Good Friends

2010-02-23T23:18:00.000+01:00

It's another free day for me so I went out with friends. This time not on shopping or lunch date with them, but we went to visit a friend who is now a new mother. Though not all friends were there yet the day was well spent talking as if we never seen each other for weeks. And since I'm the only single friend of them, I enjoyed listening from their tips and advices as a wife and as a mother. I feel jealous and wanted to be like them also. But the nice thing is that,they are not pushing me to marry. Instead, they are very supportive of the kind of life I have now. Being here and have no family, I feel so grateful to have a friends like them.

A Dream Come True

2010-02-21T22:07:00.000+01:00

I have been searching lately of something to make me more busy the whole week since I'm free every tuesday and thursday. Doing volunteer job for an organization came out of my mind and even looking for more extra or part-time job is one of the choices. After I had my interview last week with the organization, one company called and offered me a job. It was just a short interview over the phone and asked me if I can visit their office the following day. And right then I got the job which I will start by the end of april. Though starting it as a part-time job which will become a fulltime job by June, but with no doubts I accepted the offer even if it takes me two months to start working because this is what I've been looking for. I used to worked in an office back in the Philippines and after being here, everything changes with my work environment. I was able to learned from taking care of a multiple sclerosis to cleaning houses just to make extra money. I'm not shy to say it because I know, i'm not the only person doing this. In fact, it gives me motivation to strive hard. And now that I have this real job, I become more optimistic to face my future in terms of my career.

Shoot Me! 6 of 52

2010-02-18T21:59:00.001+01:00

Looking at this photo reminds me of the happy moments we shared working as Au pair with the same boss/host family here in Netherlands. We know each other(except Gladys,the one sitting in the floor) even before we became Au pair since three of them are cousins and me as ex-girlfriend of their cousin. :)..After each contract is finished,one will recommend to replaced the other and because of that, my host mother can't even enumerate all the names of their Au Pair. You know why??Because they have a total of 18 Au Pair and mostly comes from the Philippines. It's very lucky having a host family who takes all the expenses in coming here and giving us this chance to see and experience life in Netherlands.

Though most of them now are back in the Philippines, still they continue to send emails to my host mother and sharing their new life in the Philippines.

Naar Nederland Book for Inburgering Exam

2010-02-14T15:47:00.000+01:00

Coming to Netherlands for a long stay visa(Machtiging Voorlopig Verblijf or MVV) is not that simple because the rules are getting more strict compared years ago. To apply an MVV specially if you are from the Philippines, you need to take the inburgering exam as one of the requirements from your country of origin. Some friends are asking me what the inburgering exam is all about and asking for tips of what to study. Well, I can only share according to my experienced since I don't have idea if all sets of exams are the same. The most important is that you have the book Naar Nederland as one of your guide to study. As far as I know, you can only buy this book here in Netherlands. I bought mine at Selexyz bookshop in Den Haag Central. But that book will cover only the first part of the exam. By the way, it has two sets. And the second part is the test of dutch language. In this part, you have to reseach about repeating sentences, answering short questions, indicating opposites, repeating sentences, repeating two different short stories. As you have the book Naar Nederland, there are 3 free test included (via telephone) so you can practice up to 3 times. But use this only after you have done some reviews since you can try each test only at once. After taking the actual exam at the Netherlands Embassy, you will know the result right after the exam.
So to some friends who are taking this exam soon, GOODLUCK.

http://www.naarnederland.nl/documentenservice/pagina.asp?metnaam=naarnederland
http://www.ind.nl/

Shoot Me!! 5 of 52

2010-02-11T21:31:00.001+01:00

I'm sharing a photo taken yesterday at my boss place. Glad to know she have a sewing machine but funny to say, she don't know how to use it. Luckily my parents taught me how to run a sewing machine. I mean not taught but somehow, I know since my parents was into a tailoring business. Now I can use that talent I got from my parents like making my pants shorter. By the way, I better do it myself than bringing it to a tailoring shop because the cost itself to make a pants shorter is very expensive that it cost me almost the same price when I bought most of my pants on sale. Well...well..well...this is always my problem because I'm small..:)

Extending My Time For Free

2010-02-07T22:45:00.000+01:00

Im looking forward on tuesday, not because I have no work for that day but because I have a special interview for a voluntary job in the City Hall. I planned it long before to join this organization but preffered to wait the schedule of my inburgering/dutch course. But it's already more than half year of waiting and I haven't heard any news of my dutch course, so I decided to make a move and make my vacant days to a productive way through volunteering in the organization. This organization helps people who are new to Netherlands whether they are working here in an expatriate assignment, recently relocated,studying or made Netherlands their new home. I know that being part of this organization will somehow helps me to know the country more and perhaps will give me the answers why I don't have the Dutch course yet. So wish me luck for tuesday.

Shoot Me! 4 of 52

2010-02-04T21:07:00.001+01:00

Time go fast and now I need to post my entry for this week. I was quiet busy since last weekend from a short trip, sending resume to some company, and arranging free time for next week for my interview for a voluntary job. Those are few to mention but anyway, I'm sharing now some photos we had last weekend in my surprised visit to a friend in Belgium.