dutch my life

Een Jongen (A Boy)

2011-11-18T22:16:00.003+01:00

Praise and Thank God for blessing us with a sweet baby boy. Thank you also for my family and friends for your prayers on God's blessing when I gave birth and thank you for the support.
Above is the photo album of our baby Ian Manuel

Vastenaktie (Fasting project for Season of Lent)

2011-03-24T10:02:00.008+01:00

In Catholic tradition we are now in Season of Lent. The 40 days period from Ash Wednesday (March 9, 2010) till Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011). It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.

Like Jesus who'd been through 40 days of solitude, prayer and fasting in the dessert. Catholics have their fasting activities too on Lent season. And that is to have enough meal per day and to cut some extra chips, chocolates or something delicious we always wanten to eat and special drinks like softdrinks. But it's not only fasting, there something we should also do after fasting and that is almsgiving. That means while you do fasting you'll save some money buying those extra foods and drinks, those money we save are the money we could give for almsgiving.

The last two sundays that we went to the Catholic church here in Holland. I've heard from the priest that this year Vastenaktie is for Filipijnen (Philippines). I'm happy to hear that... I'm here in Holland and I think not everyone in Philippines or not everyone Mindoro knows that the Parishes here are busy promoting Vastenaktie for the benefits of filipinos in Mindoro.

The scan photo above is the cardboard that our daughter receives from school. Where we can make a piggy bank out of it. "Plant iets moois voor een ander" is the write up in the left side which is translated in english as "Plant something beautiful for someone else"

Below is the translation in english of the write up in dutch that you see in the photo above:

Plant something beautiful for someone else

The inhabitants of the Philippine island of Mindoro are conserving the forest in which they live. They are living out of everything that grows there. But mining and logging threaten their existence.

With the help of Vastenaktie they want to save the forest and show that you can make money without chopping down those trees. From Vastenaktie they will learn how to make baskets and jewelry made of reeds and palm leaves. And chips and tasty bananas and mangoes. And they will teach them on how these products in the market to sell and to plant new more trees so that the forest will remain. Save some and support Vastenaktie and plant something nice for someone else.

You can read more about the project in the website www.vastenaktie.nl

Tsunami aid and relief for Japan

2011-03-18T09:52:00.011+01:00

Photo above from CNN website

After Japan was hit by the destructive eartquake and tsunami. I tried to watch everyday in CNN Breaking News to see the updates on what's going on with Japan... My heart breaks over and over again to see those images and videos. But I know that it should not end with me here having tears and feeling sad for those people. I think we should do something in our own little way to help those in need.

I found out in CNN website the article: Tsunami aid and relief: How you can help. You can read there the charities helping Japan. And it is well explained on how you can donate to a chosen charity organization. Most of them are so easy just send text message with a corresponding word to a certain number then you'll be able to send $10. I'm here in Holland so I'm not really sure if it's working also here or maybe it would work only in USA.

The following charities are helping now in Japan which were mentioned also in the article on how you can help:

> World Vision
> American Red Cross
> The Salvation Army
> Americares
> Save the Children
> UNICEF
> Mercy Corps
> Convoy of Hope
> Globalgiving.org
> International Medical Corps
> ShelterBox
> Doctors Without Borders
> Americans Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
> Jewish Community of Japan
> Operation Blessing International
> American Humane Association
> Search Dog Foundation

At the end of the article it further says that "For more information, please read CNNMoney's story explaining how donors should watch the crisis unfold before sending contributions. The article also provides tips on what to give, where to give and how to avoid scams".

Indeed there are many ways to send our help or donations. My personal choice is the ShelterBox. It think in every box they send is a big help to every homeless family that is affected by disaster like the eartquake and tsunami in Japan.

The photo above is from website of Convoy of Hope. Where there's an article over 50,000 Meals expedited from Philippines to Japan.

There might be persons who could not give financial help. But I think they are still capable of giving big help by keeping the PRAYERS for the victims of this disaster. And by continuing the prayers that the Reactor no.3 of the Japan nuclear plant will not meltdown.

Mientje

2011-02-26T10:44:00.007+01:00

The second single of the band Nuchter is out and the single is Mientje. The lyrics is in gronings dialect and so is the title Mientje which is a typical groningers girl name... It's a song about the farmer and her partner whose name is Mientje

You can also watch the Mientje videoclip in Youtube below. And you can download their music via website of Legal download or this link http://www.legaldownload.net/Nuchter
Thank you very much and enjoy the music...

You are also welcome to visit their Nuchter website with this link http://www.debandnuchter.nl/

By the way, maybe some readers may wonder why I'm promoting the band Nuchter... well aside from they are a good music band... their lead singer Ron Mulder is my husband:)

Basisonderwijs (Primary Education)

2011-02-13T15:37:00.005+01:00

We arrived here in Holland from our vacation in Manila two weeks ago... Then our daughter went to school right away... The photo above show's her 1st day of school.

Here in Holland a child who turns 4 yrs. old could already enter in Groep 1 (or like Group 1) of the Basisoderwijs (Primary education) or what we usually call here as "basisschool". But 2 weeks before the child's 4th birthday she or he will have a chance to attend the Groep 1 class just to have the feeling already or sort of practice before their official 1st day of school.

Last year, our daughter does went to basisschool just to get used to Groep 1. It's amazing because she was not really so shy then. Infact, on the first day that i brought her to her class she whispered to me to go home already, haha! But on her official 1st day of school and that was two weeks ago,you can also see in the photo that she was sooo shy, her teacher had to even let het sit on her lap:)

Jet lag

2011-02-05T22:00:00.006+01:00

After 6 weeks vacation in Philippines, we left Manila last January 28. With our latest family picture in Manila with 30 degrees celsius (in the lowest photo)... Then we arrived in Holland with freezing 1 degree celsius... Which is a big difference with weather.

We left Manila noontime of 28 Jan and arrived in Holland 7:00 in the evening of the same day with 18 hrs travel air and land... I would not wonder anymore why I have jet lag for a week since we arrived here in Holland... This is my 3rd time that I arrived in Holland travelling from Manila. but it's my first time to have a jet lag that last for a week... For one week I felt so tired and sleepy for seven whole days. Then I have to go to bed every 8 o'clock in the evening, which i never did before... I tried to stay awake but it's not helping, it's like the bed is pulling me to sleep, hehe!

That was a strange week to feel tired and sleepy always but I'm thankful because it does help and gave me some rest, after our 6 busy weeks in vacation...Yes our vacation is not fully relaxation for me because 6 weeks are not enough for me to visit all my friends in Manila:) But I'm definitely thankful that we have the chance to have that wonderful holiday!

Wandelen (Walking)

2010-11-17T14:54:00.005+01:00

Wandelen or walking is one of the most common activity among dutch people here. And walking in the park or in the wood is their favorite place.

Last week we walked in the woods in Natuurpad Ennemaborg. I liked it, to walk in the wood on autumn with those orange or yellow trees and fallen leaves. But most of all I enjoyed walking together with the whole family. Gezellig!

p.s. Thank you Papa Willem for sharing some photos you made :)

Elf november (Eleventh of November)

2010-11-11T10:18:00.010+01:00

Elf november of 11th of November is one of the favorite days of the kids here in Holland. They don't have trick or treat here every halloween instead they celebrate the feest day of Sint-Maarten (St. Martin). They are doing something like trick or treat in a way that they will not really threat you instead they will sing one of the those Sint-Maarten songs. They are doing it in the evening by walking from house to house with their special lamp or what they called here lampion. Then they will receive candies, chocolates, fruits and sometimes small toys too.

The evening was a rainy one that's why our daughter together with her cousins Deniz, Tim and Jesse didn't have a chance to walk in the centrum as what we have planned. Anyway, they did walked and sang Sint-Maarten songs just in the neighbor, so they received candies and chocolates too.

Our daughter is lucky to receive a doll from our neighbor. It's not usual to give special toy on Sint Maarten but yes, she got one from Oma Lucy (our generous neighbor). She said for sure our daughter received so much candies and chocolates (which is true) so she gave a doll instead. Thank you Oma Lucy :)

U2NL Concert

2010-11-07T21:20:00.005+01:00

\

"Het Grote U2 Muziekfeest" that's the title of the concert that we've watched last night. It was U2NL's concert, don't be mistaken because they are not the original U2 that is well known in USA, they are the famous U2 band here in Netherlands, yes the U2 version here in Netherlands that's why they are called U2NL.

Me and my husband together with one of my filipina friend here Aileen and her husband Alex went there and enjoyed the music. I've heard that the tickets were sold out and there were about five thousands U2NL fans came and watched the live concert. They played so good. And one more nice thing is that it was at the same time a benefit concert for Unicef.

More power to U2NL and we'll be watching again your show next year in Excloo.

Ruben's 65th & Berta's 70th Birthday Slideshow

2010-10-12T23:48:00.002+02:00

Today is my mother's 70th birthday and yesterday was my father's 65th birthday. Like what i wrote yesterday, my brother's, sister and sister-in-law organized a special birthday party for our parents. The youtube video above was made by my brother Jon and was shown in a projector then. I've heard Jon received compliment from some relatives because it was well done. But for me, the first time i've watched it, tears came out in my eyes.... there's no question with the photo slideshow, it's so beautiful and a bit funny in the first part with some old photos of my Papa and Mama... but when the photos for Family was shown... I just felt how i miss all of them sooooooo much... How I wish my father is in Manila to celebrate with family, relatives and friends... How I wish my husband, our daughter and I was there too... Actually that was our plan since last year, that we will all be in Manila on their birthday celebration, but due to circumstances beyond our control it didn't happen.

But of course, I'm happy that my Mama enjoyed the party together with all the visitors. And my Papa was happy too that with Jon's help he was able to record his telephone message for Mama. Yesterday we did a long distance call for Papa in Saudi and our daughter sang "Happy Birthday Lolo" to him and that made him so proud too..
Thank you Jon, Happy, Alvin, Roshel for helping each other that made the birthday party a happy and successful one. I've seen the video clip of Red and Steph for their Lolo and Lola, that is also so sweet and so nice of both of you. I like it!
And thank you to all our relatives and friends who came and danced in the party.

Happy Birthday Papa en Mama

2010-10-11T11:47:00.004+02:00

Today is the 65th birthday of my father and tomorrow is the 70th birthday of my mother. My brothers, sister and sister-in-law helped in preparing the birthday celebration which was held yesterday. I'm a bit sad because my father is in Saudi, so he was not there in Manila to celebrate together with Mama their birthday. My husband our daughter and I prepared a surprise video greetings for my Papa and Mama.

I thank God for blessing us with wonderful, cheerful and loving parents like my Papa and Mama. May God continue to bless both of you with good health, love and happiness always. Keep smiling and stay sweet and young at heart.

We miss you and we love you!!!

Bloemenmeisje (Flower Girl)

2010-09-11T01:41:00.004+02:00

Last Monday (September 6) was the first time for our daughter as Bloemenmeisje or flower girl for the wedding of Leo and Diana (dutch-filipina couple)... Weeks before the event i felt so excited already for our daughter... I let her watched the videos of flower girls who usually will throw the petals after the wedding ceremony so she will be familiarize on what she should do then...

I become excited too in looking for a dress and shoes she should wear then... But it's not so easy to look for a flower girl dress here that's why Diana (the bride) made the dress for our daughter. (Thanks you Diana for the lovely dress). Looking for a nice shoes is not so easy too unlike in Manila where you can find in the shopping malls more choices of different style and nice shoes for little girls...

The wedding party was such a nice one.. with Chinese, Thai and Filipino food we've definitely enjoyed eating as well :)

To Leo and Diana, Gefeliciteerd! God bless your family.

Geweldig Huldiging voor Oranje (Wonderful Tribute for Dutch National Team)

2010-07-13T23:58:00.008+02:00

Dutch celebrates 2nd place in WK 2010 (World Cup)which was held in South Africa.

There was a Tribute for Dutch National Team today.. I've followed the program almost the whole day in NOS (Ned 1) and tried to watched some in internet in www.nos.nl for the some parts that i've missed to watch...

It was a wonderful tribute for Dutch National Team in The Hague and in Amsterdam...Supporters wears orange again and they have a big party especially in Museumplein in Amsterdam.

Feels like Champion!!! Hup Holland Hup!

Oranjekoorts (Orange Fever)

2010-07-13T00:01:00.006+02:00

Last sunday (July 11) we've watched the Final of 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa between Netherlands and Spain in the big screen, in Marktplein here the centrum... Since June 26 or the openning matches for the said world cup, here in Netherlands seems to have Oranjekoorts or Orange fever... This is to show support to the Netherlands National Football Team, whom they call here more as the "Oranje"... It was a nice experience for me to come out there and give support too.. We're about 1,000 oranje supporters who watched there in the big screen...

I liked it really to see everyone on his own style wearing something orange.. As for me, i'm thankful that i have this special Holland t-shirt which i received from Aileen, one of my filipina friend here... It is a personalized t-shirt for me, there in front is a picture of windmill with name "Holland" and at the back you'll see "Dutch my life, Manila girl in Holland" named after this personal blog of mine... Then I made my orange costume complete with an orange crown... ) In the photo above you can see me with my husband with orange t-shirt as well.

We went home sad because Holland lost the game... But of course, it's not bad at all... Out of 32 countries who played for World Cup to reach the Final is something you could really be proud of... For the dutch people the orangekoorts stayed longer... Since the openning of World Cup 2010 till Finals, it's worth it to have those orange flaglets in the streets and in front of the houses, orange displays in the house and orange stickers in the windows (like what we have, hehe!), orange collectibles from supermarkets which our daughter enjoyed playing with... I've seen how dutch people become one in supporting the Dutch football team by having the oranjekoorts... Hup Holland Hup!

Gefeliciteerd Oranje! (Congratulatons to the Nethelands National Football Team!)

Mañana de band Nuchter (official videoclip).mpg

2010-07-05T10:24:00.001+02:00

Just want to share the MTV of the song "Manana" by the band Nuchter. It was launched in RTV Noord (Noordclips XL) last July 3, then featured De Weekclip on July 4... By the way the lyrics is in Groningen dialect so just enjoy the music and video which shows the meaning of Manyana or Mamaya na habit :)

Lieveheersbeestje (Ladybug)

2010-06-22T23:33:00.007+02:00

Last Sunday was Vaderdag or Father's day. It's the first time that my husband received something from our daughter as a gift for vaderdag (father's day)... It's a stone painted as lieveheersbeestje or ladybug. Our daughter had painted it herself and she was so proud of her gift for her Papa... so sweet.

I've read in Wikipedia that in Dutch, the ladybug is called lieveheersbeestje, translating to "Our Dear Lord's little creature". It is also common to ask ladybugs to bring fair weather the next morning by saying "morgen mooi weer" upon encountering them...

Before I came here in Holland, I used to be afraid with so many insect like those ladybugs, but my husband told me that they are really sweet and will not bite you. I don't have a courage yet to put them in my hands but for our daughter that's not really a problem, she knows that they are indeed sweet and not biting:)

Belated Happy Father's day to my Papa and to my father-in-law
and belated Happy Father's day to all the fathers in the world!

Zwembad (Swimming pool)

2010-05-11T23:02:00.006+02:00

Since we came here in February 2008, today is the first time that we went to Zwembad (Swimming pool). My husband is not fond of swimming so we forgot to make a schedule for it... But this time, together with my 3 Filipina friends named Ate Josie, Ivy and Rhoda, we made some schedules for swimming. Actually, it was me who initiated in organizing it... I don't know how to swim but I like it.. And taking a swimming lesson is still in my agenda...

It's the first time that we brought our daughter to the zwembad or swimming pool so at first she was so afraid of the water. But I encouraged her by first just playing her feet with the water, then sitting in the water, and then walking till the water level reaches her neck. I'm happy to see how she finally enjoyed playing with the water. She was even crying when I said that we're going home, hehe! But I said that for sure there will be next time :)

De Ketting (Necklace)

2010-05-09T16:53:00.005+02:00

As early as 27th of April, I received already from our daughter her Mother's Day gift. In the Peuterspeelzaal or school where Mireille is going, she made this beautiful ketting (necklace)... As you can see in the photo above, it's made of macaroni pasta which she painted and used it as beads for the necklace, funny!... But I"m proud of her artwork.. I know she made it with all her heart and that she made it especially for me... Normally everytime she'll came home with her artwork, she'll always say that it's for Mama and Papa but then it would end up that she'll be playing with those artworks anyway.. But this necklace since the day she gave it to me, she never ask for it anymore to play with even when she'll see me wearing it... She will just say to me "Wat mooie ketting!" (What a beautiful necklace!)... Indeed it's beautiful and special :)

My husband surprised me too with a bath set mother's day gift.. sweet ha:)

Happy Mother's Day to the best Mama in the world, my Mama
en Fijne Moederdag aan mijn schoonmoeder Mama Gea

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers in the world

Lege Batterijen (Empty Batteries)

2010-05-08T21:46:00.006+02:00

Lege batterijen? Lever ze in en WIN! (Empty batteries? Send them and Win!)... That's the campaign motto of Stichting Batterijen (Stibat).

Just put 10 empty batteries in a small plastic. Write your name, address and telephone number on a paper and put it there. Then send it to the nearest drop box near in your area. Then you'll have the chance to win the first prize of € 2,000 reischeques (travel check) and 50 VVV irischeques worth € 50. Every month you'll see the list of winners on their website. And for April 2010 VVV irischeque (€50) winners....

I won!!! Yes, today I received a letter from STIBAT together with the enclosed VVV irischeque (€50) as my prize... I'm so happy, thanks to Mama Gea (my mother-in-law) who told me that instead of throwing those empty batteries, I could keep them and send together to the contest of STIBAT... Last March (2010) I have at least 10 plastics with 10 emtpy batteries each and I drop them to the drop-box in the Lidl. I never thought I would win right away...

Thank you STIBAT and more power!

Bevrijdingsoptocht (Liberation Parade)

2010-05-06T22:40:00.005+02:00

Yesterday (May 5) was the Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day) here in Holland. But it's non-working holiday, only every 5th year like this year the 65th Bevrijdingsdag. We went to Oude Pekela to watch the Bevrijdingsoptocht or Liberation, Parade. We saw military vehicles, tractors of the farmers, antique cars and some Veterans as well. The parade was organized by 50 Pekelder associations and organizations in cooperation with the Stichting Oranje Bevrijdings Comité Pekela (OBCP).
It's the first time that I saw this kind of parade... I like it!

Kikkerdril (Frogspawn)

2010-04-18T23:02:00.005+02:00

Most part of Holland is very flat and they say it often as lowland. With some land that is below sea level and almost half of the land is about a meter above sea level. It happens to be the perfect place for the frogs to increase their population.

Way back in Manila, I happened to be so scared of frogs and thoughts that they are so dirty. But I discovered here in Holland, they treat frogs as special animal. I came to know more how kids are interested with frogs. I saw the movie Kikkerdril (Frogspawn or frogs eggs) about the young boy who tried to have kikkerdril just to give it to his older brother.

Anyway, today we went to my father-in-law. There were some kikkerdril in his fishpond and my husband wanted to have some too. We brought it home in a flower vase. My husbands just wanted to show me how they grow each day from een egg into a frog. At first we tried to put them in our aquarium but the fishes seemed to be aggressive against the kikkerdril so it would not even be possible for them to reach their todpole stage... Anyway, we put them back in flower vase so we could really have a better look for the frogs life cycle.

Filipinos in Walk for life 2010 Groningen

2010-04-17T19:19:00.011+02:00

Today we walked for life.....

Together with my 2 pinay and pinoy (Filipino) friends named Aileen,Lea and Kim, we joined the "Walk For Life 2010" in Groningen. It's a walk for a cause against cancer. Especially for UMCG Kanker Researchfonds.. And you can choose where to join to. There is Recreative Run, Wandelen (Walking), Nordic Walking (Ski Walking) and Kids Run. For us, we joined the Wandelen 10.8 km. We are all first timer in joining this kind of activity here in Holland that's why at first we didn't know what to expect... Like we didn't know that we can bring food and stop along the lake side to eat, anyway we did take a break in one of the restaurant on the way, hehe! Before the walking, we thought that maybe 10 km is a long walk, we're afraid if we can really do it, but then we said to ourselves "okay we'll just stop if we can't walk anymore till the finish line"... The funny thing is, with walking and talking we didn't noticed that we are walking near to the Finish line already. We found that 10.8 km is so easy, we walked for about 2-1/2 hrs (i think)...

So now we are planning that next year, we'll be joining the wandelen for 28 km... :)

I did have a nice day today with Aileen, Lea and Kim in Walk for Life... This is what I always wanted to do joining a sort of Fun Run though we just walk... The last 3 years in Philippines before I came here in Holland, I did became part of Fun Run activities 2005, 2006, 2007 in the Parish we're I'm active with in Parish of the Holy Family in Valenzuela City. It's a fun for a cause especially for the Construction of the parish church... But I never have a chance to really join and run because for 3 yrs. i was always in-charge in Registration Area, they thought my knowledge in Excel program in computer is a big help to have a fast and well organized registration records... So I always stay behind with all my pleasure of course :)

I'm thinking maybe here in Holland is MY MOMENT TO RUN, hehe! Calling Pinays here in Groningen, please check the website of Ladies Run 2010 (www.ladiesrungroningen.nl). Het lijkt me leuk! (sounds cool!)

De Band Nuchter 1st single cd "Missing You"

2010-04-13T22:42:00.005+02:00

A year ago I wrote over The Winner of Popcircus Award 2008. And the winner is De Band Nuchter (where my husband is a lead singer). The prize is CD recording for their first single.

Today they released their first single in cd and digital format. It has two songs, 1st is "Missing You" which is the title of their single in cd, the song let them won the Popcircus Award 2008. It is in english language which was composed by my husband (Ron Mulder) and of course dedicated to me. The 2nd song is "Manana" which is in Gronings dialect and was composed by Fred Jager Sr. (the father of their guitarist Fred Jager).

By the way the cd cover was designed by my brother Jon Debulos (www.jondebulos.com), who's at the same time maintaining the website of the band www.debandnuchter.nl. Dont'ask me anymore who's the girl in silhouette...ahh she happens to be my younger sister, hehe!

To everyone who's interested to buy their single... You can buy it in legal download with this link http://www.legaldownload.net/Nuchter .

Congratulations to the nuchter boys Ron Mulder, Fred Jager, Dick van Huit and Harm ten Hoove. God bless your music.

Again thank you to the supporters of the De Band Nuchter.

Egg-hunting or Toy-hunting

2010-04-05T08:58:00.007+02:00

Today is the 2nd Easter or Easter Monday. Here in Holland today is official holiday so considered also as non-working holiday.. Our daughter receives baskets of egg chocolates with chocolate hen from our neighbor... She don't need to search for it anymore... But then in the afternoon we went the house of my classmate Michael Najar (from USA), together with my classmates Tithirat (from Thailand) and Ahua (from China), we were invited to eat dinner there with our husbands and kids. Michael prepared some toy-hunting for Mireille and Eddy (baby of Ahua).. That's why in the 2nd photos, you'll see Mireille and Ahua (for her baby) searching toys at the backyard of Michael..

We did have a nice Eater Monday at Michael's house. Thank you Michael also for delicious dinner and drinks you prepared..

HAPPY EASTER!!! to everyone

Autorace (Car Race)

2010-04-04T08:11:00.007+02:00

That was the first time I've watched the Autorace or Car Race live... They call it here Oval racing.. De Band Nuchter (where my husband is lead singer) sponsors the RACE TEAM HIGLANDER (the nice black and red car)... And the race car driver is Gerardus Zuur, who is also the co-worker of my husband. We came there, De Band Nuchter boys Fred, Dick, Ron (my husband) and I to give support to Race Team Highlander... The most thing I like was when I have the chance to sit in his race car too... More Power Gerardus Zuur and Race Team Highlander!

For more information over the schedules, you can visit the www.ovalracing-terapel.nl

Kruisweg (Way of Cross)

2010-04-03T09:04:00.007+02:00

Good Friday is observed here in Holland in different ways compared to Philippines... Here in not a non-working holiday so everyone spent this day as ordinary day... But in Philippines, Holy Thursday and Good Fridays are two of the National Holidays so everyone has the chance to observe and participate in church activities among the Catholics...

I do miss the holy week activities in Parish of the Holy liked Pabasa, Kumpisalang Bayan, Senakulo, Visita Iglesia and Daang Krus ... Here there are different activities too, so yesterday we went to Sint Vitus Parochie (St. Vitus Parish) in Winschoten and attended the Kruisweg or Way of the Cross to meditate with every Station of the Cross over the scene of Christ's sufferings and death... I think with our busy life it's important for at least once a year to commemorate The Passion of the Christ....

The Kruisweg or Way of the Cross here is the same as in Philippines only it's in dutch language.. It's like a pilgrimage in every station to meditate and pray... But I've noticed here after the 12th Station (Jesus dies on the Cross) they offered flowers to the Holy Cross (as you can see in the photo above, The Cross with flowers) but in Philippines they don't usually decorate flowers during Lenten season, except the Pink Sunday (Laetare Sunday)... So yesterday we didn't brought flowers, I didn't know that it's how they do it here... I like it, a simple offering of flowers to the cross. It's a way to express yourself that if only I'm there 2000 years ago when Jesus was crucified I could have given him flowers too... but then I could be those sinners too , to whom Jesus offered His life.... Thank you Lord Jesus for being my saviour.

Bakit Pa Ba? English Translation

2010-04-02T23:31:00.003+02:00

Last year, I have the same YouTube video in my blog for Good Friday... I'm re-posting it again... but this time, I tried to put some english translation for some of my blog followers who don't understand tagalog...

Beschuit

2010-02-22T08:28:00.006+01:00

I thought winter is over because last week I have a chance already to go on bicycle... But last night it had snowed again.... Snow is really nice for the first few weeks but actually it's not really so easy when there's snow... Like today, I didn't noticed yesterday that we don't have bread anymore. So I can't just go out with bicycle and buy bread.... Anyway, every Sunday normally stores are closed here and every monday their openning time is 1:00 in the afternoon.... So it doesn't matter too. So instead of bread we ate beschuit for breakfast...

In Manila, bescuit is like a toasted bread that we normally eat on snack time but here yes, it's really for breakfast... It's light for me to eat beschuit for breakfast but it's okay than not to eat breakfast at all... I like it with strawberry jam but my daughter likes it just plain :)

Kleuter

2010-02-11T11:23:00.005+01:00

Kleuter is a dutch word that means children with age between 3 to 6 yrs. old. Last 24th of January my daughter celebrated her 3rd birthday, that's why she's now considered kleuter. And last year when Mireille turned 2, she was then considered as peuter.

She had a simple birthday celebration but for sure a nice one... In the first photo above you'll see how shy she was to blow the candles although we did already have some practice, nights before her birthday on how she will blow her candles... Then on the 2nd photo, was in the morning of her birthday, her sisters Sharon en Nienke were not here but they gave a call to Mireille... And you'll see in the photo how she enjoy talking with them then :) Nice!

Mireille's 3rd birthday

2010-01-24T23:20:00.003+01:00

Sneeuwpop (Snowman)

2010-01-21T10:00:00.004+01:00

I always thought that building a sneeuwpop (snowman) is easy... But it depends how big or how beautiful you want to build... Before Christmas last year, we went again to Het Winschoter to build a snowman... Actually my husband is the one who build the snow. And my daughter Mireille with her cousin Deniz tried to help by giving him every now and then small snow ball. As for me, Ron (my husband) asked me to help him carry the 2nd big snow ball to put it on the second level of snowman, but it's too heavy and big, I can't even help him to carry it together with (just imagine carrying a big ice block), so he made it a bit smaller then.... You can see in the photo that he really made a big sneeuwpop (snowman), it's even bigger than him :)

Gelukkig Nieuwjaar (Prosperous New Year)

2010-01-01T23:33:00.006+01:00

Gelukkig Nieuwjaar (Prosperous New Year)!!! to everyone
__________________________________________________________________

Thank you to our family and friends who gave help and support in the ups and downs of our life... I wish you all happiness, good health and a blessed new year....

Thank you also to all who remembered to send cards, e-cards, emails and sms greetings during this holiday season...

Have A Blessed New Year!

Prettige Kerstdagen (Merry Christmas)

2009-12-25T00:53:00.003+01:00

We celebrated the christmas with Papa Harry and Hanneke (my father-in-law and his girlfriend)... We did have a nice evening... Delicious food were prepared by Hanneke and her daughter Angela, "Dank je wel voor het lekker eten".... And my daughter and her cousin Deniz have the floor and enjoyed much the dancing... Gezellig! (nice and pleasant evening).

Merry Christmas!
Prettige Kerstdagen!
Maligayang Pasko!

Sneeuw (Snow)

2009-12-17T23:47:00.005+01:00

This is the first time for me and my daughter to experience walking and playing in the sneeuw (snow) . My husband said that it was few years ago the last time they experienced the same heavy snow, normally whenever there will be snow it's always light and not getting thick like what we have now... We have the chance to walk in the "Het Winschoter Park" and Mireille enjoyed riding in the sleigh... My favorite part is when me and my daughter lay down in the snow... such a nice experience....

Kerstfeest op school (Christmas party in school)

2009-12-15T22:08:00.004+01:00

We have our Kerstfeest op school (Christmas party in school)... It's the first christmas party for me here in Holland... I'm really soooo happy!.... Way back in Manila, every christmas season I'm attendting to at least 3 christmas parties a year... At work, at the Parish church, then separate christmas party in the organization where I'm a member too.... Then sometimes there will be some invitation from christmas party of some friends, then there are christmas party for relatives which usually considered as family reunion.... Yes, December is always a busy month so much activities so many parties to go to... Last year, I'm kind a miss the christmas party, I thought there will be at least a christmas party at my husband's work but I just heard then that it's not common here to have company's christmas party....

I would like to thank Michael our classmate, for leading the organizing of christmas party... At first this was suppose to be only in our class, then we invited the students of our teacher from other class she have... Then our contact persons and volunteers from Stichting Welzijn Oldambt came as well to join the party... Anyone can bring food or drinks, so there were really so much food and drinks.... As for me, I was so busy then so I just prepared a fruit salad... We did have exhange gift too...

We have a sort of Recognition day too... We prepared a special kind of Certificate of appreciation for our mentors... Lineke, Lijla, Paul, Christine and Josefa.... Gefeliciteerd!

It was such a nice kerstfeest before our christmas vacation in school...

Pakjesavond 2009 (Gift-giving)

2009-12-07T22:59:00.008+01:00

In celebration of Sinterklaas or feast day of St. Nicolas every 5th December, this is the time that they celebrate at night the pakjesavond (evening of gift-giving). Mostly kids receive kids as well as adults and normally every gift will be considered from Sinterklaas though the parents or grandparents bought and gave those gifts...

As for me I received a big milk chocolate letter M and a flower vase with a poem in it from Sinterklaas...

Together with the flowe base that I got from Sinterklaas, there is an attached poem from him as written below....
__________________________________________________________________

Spanje 5 December

Lieve Marge,

Sint was in het magazijn aan het zoeken naar een kado voor jou.

Ja,.... wat wil ze nou.

Een kop en schotel of een flesje parfum
Sint raakte langzaam uit zijn hum.

Ik wil haar graag iets geven naar haar zin maar....
zit dat er wel in?
Ik ken haar niet als kind, dus moet ik maar gokken
Misschien wel een set mokken.

Oh, daar staat iets moois voor haar
vooruit, dat doen we maar.

Niet mooi? ruilen kan niet meer
misschien een tip voor de volgende keer
zet onder je naam een paar wensen op papier
dan kan Sint dat kopen en heb jij plezier.

Tot volgend jaar

Sint en Piet

___________________________________________________

Dank je wel, Sinterklaas and Piet voor het mooie cadeau. :)

Tot volgend jaar,
Marge

Gedicht (Poem)

2009-12-03T23:13:00.008+01:00

Today we received from "Sinterklaas" in school a letter milk chocolate and gedicht (poem)... It's usual during gift giving on Sinterklaas to have a gift and poem with it... and the gedicht (poem) that we received is the one written below... it's in dutch so I think it's more for my dutch readers and for my classmates too...

********************************************************************************

Lieve cursisten!

Een paar dagen geleden, ja donderdag vorige week
was het Sint die stiekem door het raam van het klaslokaal keek.
Hij zag jullie zitten en hard werken... zonder dat de "juf" erbij was!
Tjeeminee....... jullie zijn dus echt wel een heel bijzondere klas!
Goede, vlijtige studenten met culinaire kwaliteiten... en wat de eigenaardigheden zijn?
Dat vertelt de Sint jullie op rijm!

De grote ster der NT2
is MARGARITA.... nul fout in het dictee!
Dus binnenkort staat er bij jou misschien in de schuur een nieuwe fiets??
Jammer voor de anderen, want zij krijgen helemaal niets.
Maar ach, het is altijd feest,
vooral als MICHAEL geweest.,
Erg snel naar school vanuit Bellingwolde met zijn nieuwe auto
met de wens nu "Let it snow" !!!
Hij verzorgt ons met veel hartigs en zoet,
ook zijn prijsgunstige aardappelsalade Najarstijl viel erg goed!

DAVID zit nog niet zo lang in onze klas,
Maar aan zijn gewoontes te zien zou je denken dat hij een echte Nederlander was...
"Koffie? eeh... moet ik zelf betalen?,"
"Nou als het gratis is, ja dan wil ik het wel gaan halen." :)
MEHRAN is nu ook bij ons en is erg blij
want de tijd dat de lessen "rampzalig" waren, is nu voorbij
Jouw specialiteit uit Iran...
Een echte Iraanse kotelet die laat je niet staan!

KADER is in onze klas ook nog niet zo lang
En hij zeker niet bang.
Is de docent te laat?
Docent Kader zorgt ervoor dat de les gewoon doorgaat!
AMINA heeft het druk druk druk
en haar Marokkaanse sigaar met vis kan bij ons niet meer stuk.
Zelfs met haar baby (erg lief... maar wel veel werk) haalt ze alles met gemak
Het diploma "Staatsexamen" heeft ze al voor de helft op zak!

Kijk daar is onze TITHIRAT
Ze maakte voor ons "Lapkai".... wat is dat?
Zij wil graag in een koor zingen
Misschien als ze wat ouder is...? Ze heeft al zoveel andere dingen!
Laten we ORHAN niet vergeten.
Van zijn lekkere Turkse sigaar boregi hebben we erg veel gegeten.
Hij houdt echt niet van huisdieren,
Maar gelukkig wel van mensen , als ze maar niet klieren!

DIMITRI is er nu gelukkig ook weer bij
en we worden allemaal zo blij
van zijn lieve wensen:
"Prettige dag verder, groeten aan familie" voor alle mensen.
KONSTANTIN zien we op heel veel dagen...
Altijd vriendelijk en vol vragen.
Dat doet de goede Sint veel plezier
Daarom is er ook voor jou een cadeautje hier.

Onze "gouden" JOSEFA hebben we vandaag nog niet gezien
Komt ze maandag dan misschien?
Ze is de rots in de branding en de rechterhand van de docent
Altijd vriendelijk , vol vuur en zeer actief op elk moment!

Ach lieve studenten, jullie moeten weten
Dat de goede Sint jullie nooit zal vergeten.
Jullie maken de Sint gelukkig en blij :)
Dus......... is er een pakje voor jullie allemaal bij!

Veel liefs van Sint en Piet!

*********************************************************************************
We're really glad to receive the letter chocolate gift we received with the poem above... It's so special how Sinterklaas mentioned each one of us in it... The first four lines written in bold letters were meant for me, about having no wrong spelling in dictation that will give a chance for me to win a bicycle... (i hope)....

It's timing that I have my camera with me so I made some photos... In the photo above you'll see (from left to write) Dimitri, Tithirat, Lineke (our teacher, who probably wrote this poem, hehe), me, Michael, Orhan, Mehran and Kader.

"Dank je wel Sinterklaas en Piet"

Sinterklaas Party

2009-11-28T10:01:00.002+01:00

We went to Ron's work today to attend the Sinterklaas party in their work... Especially for the kids... Last year, Mireille was so shy and just got busy eating candies... But this time she watched the program while sitting and eating pepernoten and candies... But the nicest moment for the kids was when they received their gift from Sinterklaas...

Zwarte Piet, the assistant of Sinterklaas gaved the gift for Mireille and he helped her openning the gift as well... that's why if you will ask Mireille from who is the gift? Instead of saying from Sinterklaas she will always answer from Zwarte Piet.. This year, she got a house toy with many functions like telephone, counting and puzzle... She likes it and started pretending that she's calling her Oma or her cousin Deniz in that telephone house :)

Het Groot Dictee der NT2 (The Big Dictation of NT2)

2009-11-23T23:55:00.007+01:00

Six years ago when Thieme Meulenhoff launched the first Het Groot Dictee der Nt2- Nederlands als tweede taal (The Big Dictation of NT2 (Dutch as 2nd language)... The dictation/spelling is annually given to all foreiner students here in Holland Nationwide... with four different levels: A1, A2, B1 and B2/C1... or simply level 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively...

Last October 30, we took the dictation and for me, I took the A2 because I'm now in Level 2 with my dutch language in school... Today, we received the result... I'm think I'm guided with angels during the dictation, I don't have any mistake... I didn't expect this, way back in Manila, my weakness in school were the spelling quizzes. I always failed with spelling quizes then... But today, it's true, my teacher gave me a copy of my paper and at first I'm a bit afraid then that maybe she made mistake in checking my paper, I was afraid that maybe I have a mistake and she doesn't noticed... but yeah, I guess that could really happen to me... :)

The Het Groot Dictee der Nt2 will give 1 bicycle per level as a prize, but of course I'm not the only one who have a perfect score in A2 level, so what the teacher will do is to submit my paper to the Thime Meulenhoff (the organizer), then they will do some lottery to get the name of the lucky winner of bicycles ( 1 bike per level) ... As for me, I will have that chance to win bicycle but I'm more than happy already to receive the souvenir mug (as shown in the photo)... that's a special prize a got from my teacher... Denk je wel Lineke!

My classmate Titirat from Thailand brought her camera that's why we have a chance to make some photos together with our classmates.... :)

11th November

2009-11-21T22:35:00.005+01:00

Last week, 11 November we have a chance to walk in the Centrum near to our house for Sint-Maartenfeest (St. Martin of Tours feast day). Here in Holland in the evening of November 11, children walk house to house with their paper lantern and sing Sint Maarten liedjes (St. Martin songs) then after singing they would receive candy's, chocolates or fruits.

Last year, I wrote also about Sint-Maartenfeest and showed some photos too... But last year my daughter was a bit young, so she doesn't really sing any song then. All she does was to get the candy and gave it to me, hehe!

This year, it's the first time that we walked in the Centrum, it's nice that those stores which are normally closed at 5:00 in the evening, stayed open till evening to give candies to those kids that will come to their stores... My daughter was a bit shy to sing, at first three stores she doesn't really sang any song, she just proudly showed to those persons in the store that she has a very nice lantern... After that, she does other way, she doesn't want to sing in front of the stores it's good that her cousins Deniz and Tim are with her to sing but after she got the candies then that's the moment that she will sing while we are walking going to another store.... But there are stores where she sang Sint-Maarten song but it was with soft voice as if she's whispering. By the way, this is the song that she sang then....

Sint-Maarten, Sint-Maarten
De koeien hebben staarten
De meisjes hebben rokjes aan
Daar komt Sint Martinus aan

In the photos you'll see her with her cousin Deniz and with their Opa (Grandfather).

Nacht Van De Nacht (Night Of The Night)

2009-10-26T00:27:00.007+01:00

At the beginning of spring time here in Holland, we changed our time into DST (Daylight Saving Time) where the clock jumps forward from 02:00 standard time to 03:00 DST and that day has 23 hours.

And now it's autumn and yesterday the clock jumps backward from 03:00 DST to 02:00 standard time, repeating that hour, and that day has 25 hours. There is an organization here in Holland that since 2005, are busy every year organizing activities for this especial night nationwide.. They called the event Nacht Van De Nacht (Night Of The Night). They say over 18 thousand people, including children went out and enjoys in the dark of the 5th Night of the Night. They took part in a record of 300 'dark' events, spread over all provinces. There are also 120 Municipal offices who turn-on tens thousands of lights or lamps together. Also companies named De Dom, Euromast, de Zaanse Schans and all branches of IKEA stood in the dark, along with hundreds of offices, churches, bridges, towers and monuments.

Sad... we didn't have the chance to go out and look for the fireworks in the Centrum near to us, because it's late for my daughter to go out and also my husband then went to the house of his bandmate for their band practice... Here in our place, I heard the main event was the cycling and walking at around 9:00 in the evening.... Maybe next year I could join those bikers and walking activities as well and enjoy "the night of the night".

Paddenstoelen (Mushrooms)

2009-10-23T11:31:00.009+02:00

The Herfst (Autumn) season here in Holland officially begins last month (September 22). With my family here we have the chance to walk then in the woods of Drenthe and I made some pictures of Paddenstoelen or Mushrooms. Every Autumn season, kids are busy collecting fallen leaves, nuts and some cute things that can be well used for Autum decorations...

Mushrooms are popular also during autum, as you walk in the woods then you'll see different kinds of mushrooms are growing out... And making photos of them is nice too like what I did... I remember last year in the television program i've seen a documentary about Mushrooms, what are different classifications of them, their human uses like for eating, for medicines, etc.. But there are also poisonous mushrooms, like the first photo of mushroom you see above the red with white spots, according to Wikipedia they are called Amanita Muscaria .

By the way, today is the last day of our Herfstvakantie (Autumn vacation), a one week school vacation nationwide here in Holland during Autumn season... So back to school again on Monday... dutch! dutch! dutch!

Debulos Family

2009-10-12T21:35:00.008+02:00

I just received from my brother the photos from yesterdays birthday celebration of my parents... Yesterday was my father's birthday and today is my mother's birthday... Just made me happy to see them celebrating together... It's a bit like a reunion because almost all the brothers and sister of my father came there with some of my cousins and their kids...

They use to make a joke with each other... Debulos is my maidens surname and we call ourselves "Pamilya Dimagiba" (family that can't be ruin). Actually it's the expression that we've seen in old filipino movies before, where ther are about 9 or more brothers... I don't remember anymore the title of the movie but it's simply shows that with big family especially more brothers that's not really easy to break them ha... By the way, in my father side, they are 12 siblings (8 brothers and 4 sisters)... We don't really came from rich family but for sure, we feel good under our skin... One thing I noticed, my Tita and Tito's have a sense of humor as well as my cousins...
In two photos you see above, those photos were taken in summer 2007, that's really like a reunion in a resort... The two youngest brother of them are in Bicol that's why you can just see ten of them.. I like this photo and I'm happy to see how they are close to each other even they are a bit old already...

And for me, my Papa is number 1 with great sense of humor... very funny and cheerful to be with. Whenever he's in the house, there is always a moment where we have to Laugh Out Loud.... I miss them...

Mijn Vader en Moeder (My Father and Mother)

2009-10-11T09:38:00.006+02:00

Last year, I greeted my father and mother's birthday, but my father was in Saudi Arabia then and mother was in Philippines, so I wrote my wish that they will be together on their birthday (dutch my life: Happy Birthday Mama and Papa!). My wish came true... Today is my father's birthday and tomorrow is my mother's birthday... And they are together now in Manila, my father came for a vacation in Manila last month and he will be staying there till first week of November... Oh! now, i have a new wish that on their next birthday (next year) I wish that we could have a chance to have a vacation too in Manila, so that we are all together. That would really be like a reunion ha.

I would write it again... "I thank God for giving us a parent like them kind hearted, generous, responsible, cheerful and loving mother and father to us... They've shared to us everything they could give... And I thank them for upbringing us with FAITH in God, because that's a treasure that would always stay in our hearts and they share it with all their LOVE... We are really blessed to have a parent like them. "

WE LOVE YOU MA and PA
May God bless both of you with love and happiness you truly deserve always.

Last but not the least, I appreciate how my father and mother bring music in our family and in our hearts.... I think that's what also make our family more lively and cheerfully... I'll never forget how we enjoy singing karaoke together and how my papa and mama dances on ordinary sunday by hearing oldies love songs in Radio... soooo sweet!

We miss you......
Big kisses from Ron, Marge and Mireille

K2 zoekt K3 (K2 search K3)

2009-10-09T23:12:00.007+02:00

For a few weeks we tried follow and watch every saturday night the Reality show "K2 Zoekt K3" (K2 search for K3).. K3 is a Belgian singing band that become famous in Holland for about 10 yrs... K3 came from the original name of 3 singers Karen, Kristel and Kathleen, their main audience were children... But last March, Kathleen (the old blond member of K3) quit the K3.. So the two old member Karen and Kristel (named as K2) tried to search for new member to become K3 again thru the Reality show "K3 zoekt K3"...

Last Saturday, was the Final show where among thousands who auditioned, 3 candidates were left to the final episode named Josje, Noa and Madelon.... It was reported that about 2.4 million televiewers in Holland watched it and we are one of them...

And the winner is Josje Huisman, the blond girl you see in the photo above.... If Karen and Kristel were Belgian, this time they have a dutch member now with Josje.. She deserves it, she's good in singing, good in dancing and with charisma too... Gefeliciteerd Josje!

Now Mireille and I will be watching K3 TV shows and i hope in the future we'll have a chance to watched their concert as well... I see my daughter is encourage to sing and dance everytime she watches them on TV... Mooi zo!

Overstroming in Filipijnen (Flood in Philippines)

2009-10-03T08:41:00.006+02:00

Please Help Ondoy's Victims from Godz on Vimeo.

Last week Saturday evening here in Holland, when I first heard the news over the typhoon named "Ondoy" or the international name "Ketsana" hits Manila on that day (September 26). It flooded almost 80% of Manila, the Capital Region in Philippines... It breaks my heart to see in internet news on how many people were stranded, became homeless, injured, died and missing. They say almost one month worth of rain fell in just six hours over Metro Manila and was the worst in recorded history of floods in Manila after 40 years...

Sunday Morning I have a chance to chat with my family and Thank God, everyone is safe and our house doesn't reach the flood. Over a week, I tried to send sms and messages to all my family and friends to ask how are they? I heard stories how some of them got stranded, like sleeping in jeeney, reaching the roof of the building to avoid flood water and sad stories of those who died in about few streets away from our house in Karuhatan.

As of now Philippines declared In State Of Calamity, yes for the entire country. Declaration designed for worst-case scenario. In Malacañang, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said: “The President agreed to declare the archipelago under a state of calamity for two reasons -- for local government units to have access to calamity funds and [subsequently] be more prepared, especially in areas threatened by Pepeng (the next typhoon after Ondoy), and to address rampant overpricing.”

Flooding is not really new in Philippines but the last one really affects the country because this time it hits the National Capital Region (Metro Manila)... Big companies were affected, millions of properties were damaged and it would take time to recover everything back in businesss. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo this morning asked even thousands of people to stay longer in evacuation centers in view of next Typhoon "Pepeng.''

I'm here in Holland and married to a dutch man...
But I'm still a Filipina who's asking Please help victims of typhoon 'Ondoy'.
You can visit Google's Typhoon Ondoy Donation Web Page for information.
And watch some captured video at youtube or read articles at gmanews.tv.

Thank you in advance for your help.

And please let us continue to pray for the victims of typhoon "Ondoy".

Dierencrematorium (Crematorium for Animals)

2009-09-26T00:45:00.004+02:00

Last year I made a video of Mireille offering noodles pack for "Droopy", the pet dog of my mother-in-law.... I look back again to this video which i posted in Youtube last year.... "Droopy" was such a nice and sweet dog... But now she's gone already... Last week she just got an injection to die... She is about 9 years old i think... And since January, she got sick and the Veterinarian found out that she had Ovary cancer... Last February, she already had a schedule for injection to let her die, to avoid her from suffering with pain, but it was cancelled and after that she seems to get a bit strong but the last few months seems to got worst so there's no choice but to give her injection to die... sad...

By the way, the photos you see were the document of the Cremation of Droopy. She was cremated in the Dierencrematorium (Crematorium for Animals) in Delfzijl... and the ashes were in the jar as you can see in the photo....

We'll miss you Droopy....

Schilderij (Painting)

2009-09-07T07:15:00.008+02:00

After showing photos of our house, some gave compliment for the paintings that hang in the wall. Well actually we have four paintings and each one came from different person, as a gift. The first painting above where you can see there is written Azian dream, that was created by Daniel Stuttje, he made it especially for us... Last year, he gave that painting as birthday gift for me and my husband... Daniel is a good friend of Ron for about 20 yrs. already. Mijn compliment to other paintings he made... and you can see more of his works at www.popcircus.nl and click the Schilderijen Daniel on the right side among the headings.

Then 2nd 3-pcs. painting is from Ivy Tan, a filipina friend of mine, she created and gave it to me last Chrirstmas as gift.... The first time I came to Ivy's house, I saw that 3 pcs. painting and I said right away that I like it. That's why she gave it to me... nice!

Then the 3rd 2-pcs painting was given to me by another filipina friend I have here named Tessie Spelde... Actually that 2-pcs painting was created by Raimunda Spelde, the daughter of her...

Finally the 4th photo of painting was given to us from Josefa Katuin or "Ate Josie", she's also a filipina who came and live here in holland for about 20 years already, that's why she's like a filipina mother here for me.. And that painting, she said was the first painting she bought here in Holland 20 years ago...

Thank you Daniel, Ivy, Raimunda and Ate Josie for giving those paintings for us.

De Jurk (The Dress)

2009-08-27T16:12:00.006+02:00

Last Saturday, my filipina friend Cathy who is living in Schiedam (about 3 hours drive away from us) came to our house with her Dutch parnter, to bring some pasalubong... She just came back from Holland after her 2 weeks vacation in Philippines... And my family in Manila sends some small things for us here especially for Mireille... It made me proud that now, Mireille have her first jurk (dress) made by my Mama (as you can see in the photo)...

My mother is a dressmaker eversince and we grew up wearing clothes made by her, all our school uniforms from kindergarden to college level. And even on our teenage days when wearing casual dress or bestida (in tagalog) is not usual, she never get tired making clothes for us... not to mention all the dresses she made for me and my younger sister on special occassions like birthday, graduation day, recognition day or if we are going to attend special occassion.. And one of the special dress she made for me was my Wedding Dress...

As of now she still likes to make clothes and this time those are for her grand children like my nieces, Red and Steph... And the jurk (dress) for me daughter could just be one but for sure it's a VERY SPECIAL ONE... My daughter didn't realize yet that it was made by her Lola Berta but to see how proud she is when she wears it, could mean that for her it's also her special dress...

Boodschappen Cadeau Pakket (Groceries Package Gift)

2009-08-26T13:23:00.006+02:00

Last year in August I wrote about spaarzegels (dutch my life: Spaarzegels (Trading stamp)) where I did tried to save stamps and if I'll be able to complete the spaarkaart then I'll get special prize...

In January this year, I did completed the whole spaarkaart of C1000 Supermarket and I received a Boodschappen Cadeau Pakket (Groceries Package Gift) worth 50 euro...

Then this Summer the C1000 supermarket once again had a promo on Spaarzegels (Trading stamp). Of course I get busy with it again, why not? We are regular customer of C1000 and everyweek we did our weekly shopping there... It's the same last January, for every 10 euro you'll get 1 spaarzegel but this time it's not much... S0 last Saturday, I claimed again a Boodschappen Verrassingspakket (shopping surprise package) worth 20 euro... This time I did not really have the complete stamps needed, my filipina friends here Ivy and Rhoda and Tina (from Indonesia), share some of their extra stamps... Dank je wek! (Thank You!)

NT2 Niveau 1 (A1) - Dutch as 2nd language Level 1

2009-08-20T21:24:00.007+02:00

Today is the first day of school... Yes, I'm not yet done studying dutch language... With my status here in Holland, normally I'm required to take Inburgering Course and pass the Inburgering Exam before I could apply for Dutch passport...

But then I have another option and that is to take Staatsexamen NT2 course and pass the Staatsexamen exam... I choose Staatsexamen... Inburgering is much easier and more on studying culture, but with Staatexamen is to really study the dutch language till Level 4... It's a bit harder and higher level so if I will pass the exam (please pray for me) then I don't need to take Inburgering exam anymore... And with Staatsexamen I could go to school here to study another course or better maybe to refresh Accounting course, but if it would be hard then I have option to study Boekhouding (Bookeeping) here... I hope I could really do it so I could have a good job in the future...

By the way, the photo above was taken last March 2009 with my Verklaring (Testimonial) on NT2 Niveau 1 (A1) - (Dutch as 2nd Language Level 1). It's like a certificate and I'm really excited and proud that I'm done with Level 1, as of now I'm preparing to take exam for Level 2... :) Succes to me!

De Band Nuchter in Apeldoorn

2009-08-16T22:54:00.009+02:00

Yesterday we went to Apeldoorn and attended the BBQ Party... De Band Nuchter (Ron, Fred, Dick and Harm) went there also and gave live performance... it's the first time I've watched them live, I saw them performing only on practices but everytime they have a performance I can't be there because I have to stay home with my daughter... It's good, last night we can sleep there too so there's no problem... We did enjoyed the night even Mireille every now and then dances with other kids there... and the BBQ food were delicious :)

Ahh, Summer vacation is over, back to school again... the past weekends were such busy days... 1st weekend we attended a birthday party, then on 2nd weekend we went to BBQ party here in Winschoten, then this 3rd weekend BBQ party in Apeldoorn... the coming weekend, no schedule yet, maybe it's time then for us just to stay home and relax, but for me it's time to give full attention again with my dutch lessons... party is over!

Filipijnse Lerares en Klasgenoten (Filipina Teacher and Classmates)

2009-08-14T22:02:00.008+02:00

Last Wednesday, my Filipijnse Leraares en Klasgenoten (Filipina Teacher and Classmates) came to our house for a visit... In the photo you'll see me, Rhoda (my classmate), Ate Josie (assistant teacher), Ivy (my classmate) and Inday... It may seem funny to see Filipina studying dutch language but for me I'm proud in school, that at the same time, it's possible that a Filipina like Ate Josie could also be a teacher of dutch language...

Today, we did have a nice day... Ivy brought Binagnit (especially made by her with coconut milk) in Manila this taste like Ginataang Monggo... Then we ate Macaroni cooked by my sister-in-law Marjan... And because I'm so busy and don't have time to cook... I just prepared fruit salad... easy and delicious! lekker!

Mabuhay!

Corazon Aquino, Filipinos Tita ng Bayan

2009-08-05T23:07:00.009+02:00

Last Saturday, i first heard from my husband that Corazon Aquino, the Ex-President of the Philippines, died... Actually I was not yet even a teenager when she lead the PEOPLE POWER and became President of the Philippines... so I don´t really have a chance to go out and participate in political activities like the People Power...

She´s known as `Tita Cory´ among Filipinos... or Tita ng Bayan (Aunt of the Nation) with that we felt close to hear almost like a relative to her... That´s why now, it´s no wonder why thousands of Filipinos did fall in line for 3 hours just to have a chance to see her in her coffin, pay respect and offer prayers...

Today, the holy mass offered for her at 9:00 in the morning in Manila Cathedral then thousands of Filipinos went out to look as it travel going to Manila Memorial Park ,Paraňaque for Burial Internment which was held at 8:00 in the evening... My brother gave me the link for livestreaming of Cory´funeral... I did cried and cried and cried while watching.... just sad that we lost our Tita Cory, our Tita ng Bayan... the person that leads people for revolution by holding on candles and rosary beads with the power of prayers in it, she's our true icon of democracy that's shows the world that Peaceful Revolution is possible... A simple housewife that became the President... She was even became the cover of Time Magazine and hailed as Woman of the Year in 1986...

Goodbye Tita Cory and Rest in Peace...

Photo from Inquirer.net

Fotolijst (Photo Frame)

2009-08-03T23:14:00.007+02:00

I'm always fond of photos that's why our house will never be complete without fotolijst or photo frames in the wall... The first photo was in Mireille's bedroom, the photo of my family in Manila which you can see before the window so my daughter will be familiar with my family even they are in Philippines...

Then the 2nd fololijst (photo frame) is hanging above the computer with all the Grandfathers and Grandmothers of Mireille. Also her cousins are in the photo...

Then the 3rd photo is in the Living Room... the Mulder Family, Ron, me, Mireille end Sharon en Nienke... Also our wedding photos are there too...

Openbaar Vervoer (Public Tranportation)

2009-07-27T22:23:00.005+02:00

I've been here in Holland for one and half year already but it's my first time now to take an Openbaar Vervoer or Public Transportation... Normally, everytime we have to travel we are with the car so we don't really need to take a train or a bus to go somewhere... And of course, I have my bicycle to go with if i have to go to the center to buy something and if i have to go to school as well... But this summer vacation, I got a chance to have a Summer job, just for 3 weeks working in the Canteen in one of the Company in Nieuwe Pekela, that was about 10 km or more away from here in Winschoten, so going with bicycle is not possible for me that's a bit far...

I have no choice but to take bus going to work because my husband this week have early work and there's no chance for him to bring and get me from work.... Anyway, I'm thankful, it's not really so hard because there's a website here www.journeyplanner.9292.nl that could guide you if you want to take an openbaar vervoer or public transport.... Just fill in the address where you will leave then the address where you will arrive, then the time and date you want to leave from your place or fill in the target time you want to aarive in particular place.. then choose if you want to travel with the bus, train, tram or taxi then click the Admise me to get the result... It's easy, you will even be guided if you need to walk in some particular place and could even show the duration of your travel also the estimates of how much it would cost you the bus ticket. I think this website is even useful for foreigners as well... try it!

In Philippines, I began travelling with public jeepney when I'm just 11 yrs. old and together with my 2 younger brothers and younger sister. Oh! what a responsibility I have then, my parents were working that's why we travel alone... Anyway, that was a nice experience of us too, imagine 4 of us kids travelling together, that's fun! Travelling with public jeepney in Manila is not really a far drive maybe just about 4 to 10 km in distance...

But I began travelling with the bus when I started working because taking public jeepney is not enough anymore... That was so different with my experience here in Holland.. Here was so easy, not so loaded with passengers and you can only take and leave the bus only in bus stop station, and you have to look good with the schedule because if you miss the bus, the next will come after an hour... Unlike in Manila, hahaha! you have to be strong and firm during rush hour, you have to learn how to run tried hard to be in front of the door of the bus when it arrives so you can get in or else you will be left because it's fully loaded already with passengers as in jam pack, that was an experience!

At Home

2009-07-24T21:52:00.007+02:00

It's a month ago since we moved to another house... The photo frames to be hang on the wall are not yet ready but some of my friends wants to see some photos already so here are the photos inside the house... It's not so big, but big enough for us...

It's true what they say there's no place like "Home"...
Just feel at home.....

Blogger

2009-07-15T23:30:00.007+02:00

Exactly a year ago, I began writing blog.... I'm glad there's Blogger website that is for free and ready-made template, so having a blog is not really creating a website, but just writing and re-arranging the contents or gadgets you put in your blog...

After the 1st week in writing, that's the time I sent email and informed some of my friends to please try to visit my blog if they have time... I was so consious then if i'm doing it good or not? If my english grammar are right or wrong? Do I have interesting topic or not? Anyway, I did received some feedback then like don't be afraid if the english grammar is wrong or right after all it's just a blog, just writing anything you want... At first, I wanted to write my blog in Tagalog language because for sure I could make it funnier or with some humor in tagalog but I have readers who can't understand tagalog, so I chose english so most readers around the world could understand, although lately writing in english is giving some complict already with my stuying dutch language... especially English and Dutch have different rules in grammar to each other....

By the way, last year I received also a feedback from my officemate before in Tariff, Kuya Eric said to me "Wow! Marge I did not know you have TALENT in writing".... At first I did not gave attention, I thought with my writing was just writing, I did not see any talent... I just wrote down what I want to say, simple as talking.... Then lately I realized, that Kuya Eric is right... it's not just writing, because for me, I need so much thing like some inspiraTION, motivaTION, lots of concentraTION and most of all internet connecTION, hehe! Anyway, I know there are days, weeks and month that i don't have blog, but it doesn't mean I don't have ideas or topics to write about because that's what I have a LOT... I have topic in my mind everyday, I even made some pictures for blog still save in my computer with different topic to write on... but there are more than those -TION I needed in writing blog and those were TIME and ENERGY...

I don't know... I'm just really a BUSY PERSON, it's like I always have something to do and most of the time I'm giving the time for myself to write my blog at night before going to bed but then I would always find myselft so tired already for the whole day activities so I cannot concentrate anymore to write...

But this night, I did reserved my time in writing for my 1st year Anniversary as Blogger.
I do enjoy blogging, anyhow my blog is the best way for me to update all my family and friends about what going on with "dutch my life"... with smile always -marge

Verhuizen (Moving into Another House)

2009-07-13T23:44:00.007+02:00

Three weeks ago, we moved to another house, here in Holland the dutch term is "Verhuizen"... It was such a very important day here, some people who are working has even a right to have a free day like vacation leave for that day....

As for me, this is like the first time experience of moving to another house... Way back in Manila, since I was born our family just moved to another place just once. I was 7 years old then, so I was so young to learn things about moving to another house...

Anyway as early as first week of June, we did signed the contract already with the renting of house effective July 1, so at that moment we are sure already that we got that house, then on that day we have the chance to go again inside the house and walk around.... It's one month preparation and somehow it's good... We have a chance to plan on how and where are we going to put the furnitures in the house. I also made a list of the things we needed in every part of the house like in the living room, dining room, bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and toilet. Then two weeks before we move, my husband brought from his work some "verhuizen dozen" or boxes used especially for those moving to another house. We used about 20 boxes, and I made it organized by labeling the box per room.

After we received the keys, we cleaned the house right away and we did the moving on the following day. Actually we are just about 100 meters away from the old house where we live in going to the new house so we don't really need to rent a truck for the transportation of our things... We thank Papa Willem, Greg, Mama Gea and Marjan for helping us with moving....

I've realized that it takes time before you can put everything in it's proper place especially you have to clean first every part of the house before you put things in it... On the first week the living room and dining room were ready plus of course the bedrooms... Then on 2nd week I made sure that everything in the kitchen was ready. And the clothings were already in the clothing cabinet. Now is the 3rd week, I make it sure that the curtains are complete. This time I used my talent in sewing clothes, I did gave my time in repairing the curtains, somehow it's nice you can buy curtains here that are like ready-made so it's easy to repair and cutting it in its right lenght... Then my husband became busy hanging the things that should be hang in the wall like those three paingtings we received from Daniel, Ivy and Raymunda.

Next week we want to make sure that the photo frames for hanging in the wall will be ready too...

Sleuteks (Keys)

2009-06-25T22:24:00.003+02:00

I haven't mention yet here in my blog, but most of my friends knew that for the past few months already, we're busy looking for another house.... It's not really so easy especially in the first Realty office where we are looking for a house, every week we have to register to the house we like, but it's a Lottery system, we have to be lucky because it's the computer who will choose who's in the 1st place or in other words who got the chance to rent the house...

Then my husband tried to put a post in the internet that we are looking for a house here in the Winschoten... Although every now and then we did tried to apply also for house in another place... As for me, I asked my family and friends to please pray also for us that we could have the house... We did prayed and I told my husband that when we will have it, for sure the blessings will be with it...

So after few weeks that my husband posted in internet that we are looking for a house... Suddenly an owner of the house for sale here in Winschoten wrote email to Ron... Supposed to be it's for sale but for us she's willing to let us rent her house... Anyway, this is not yet the moment for us to buy a house...

Actually on my birthday, that was 22 of May, we did have a chance to visit already and to look inside the house... I feel like it's like a birthday gift for me... It's an apparment style and we are going to live in the 2nd floor... Then on 1st week of June we met the owner already and we did signed the Contract...

Finally we got today the SLEUTELS (KEYS) of our new house....
Thank you to all my friends and family who prayed for us to have the house...
and we Praise and Thank God for this blessing....
______________________________________________________________

About the photo, I want to acknowledge the source of the photo... (of course I cannot post here the real photo of our keys for security reason, hehe!)... But I got this photo from this link of www.accessibility.nl ... But i did saw this photo also in this link of www.schoolmetdebijbel.com...
And also in this link of www.dag.nl - a news website here in Holland... they used the photo with the news titled "Software vervalst sleutels" or "Software forged keys", it's in dutch but somehow the summary is be careful in showing the photo of your keys in the internet because there are software that can copy the details of your key. I did thought about it that's why I tried to search photo online... Make sense ha!

De Band Nuchter in Zwembad Hoogkerk

2009-06-19T11:19:00.005+02:00

Today, Ron with their band Nuchter just have a performance in the Zwembad Hoogkerk for Dorpsfeest Hoogkerk (Hoogkerk Village Party). Normally, me and Mireille could be with Ron to watch because it's a nice time 5:00 in the afternoon... But I have schedule to work in the afternoon too so that's not possible... maybe next time... Ahh, Ron knows I have my full support to his music and to their band... De Band Nuchter...

Filipijnse Buurvrouw (Filipina Neighbor)

2009-06-14T10:35:00.007+02:00

Today, we have a sort of BBQ Party at the house of Klas and Ivy... They are living in another street near to where we live, but I always say that Ivy is my Filipina Buurvrouw (Filipina Neighbor) or kapitbahay here... We have another Filipina kapitbahay here named Rhoda, she is living with Pim (dutchman) in few streets away from us... Tina came also with her kids, she is an Indonesian friend of Ivy... Today was such a good weather and we really have a nice day at BBQ Party...

Ivy and Rhoda were not only my filipina kapitbahay here, they are also my klassmates in the Dutch language lessons in the school, but they sit now in another group... I'm in Level 2 group, Ivy in Level 3 and Rhoda in Level 4 group... Sometimes, mostly on Friday we make schedule to eat lunch mostly at Ivy's house... The typical food for lunch here is bread... but whenever we made the schedule to eat together in lunch, then for sure it will be Filipino food, like rice with sinigang na isda, dried fish, pusit, adobo or nilagang baboy... sarap!

I'm glad I have Ivy and Rhoda as my filipina neighbors here... talking tagalog, eating filipino food, talking over bringing-up the child in dutch and filipino way, talking about the reality that filipino culture runs in our blood and sometimes we have to combine it with the dutch culture that is around us.... of course, we are inbracing dutch culture the way we embrace our dutch husbands... Still, we may be streets away from each other but we are neighbors in a filipino way....

Influenza Pandemic alert raised to Phase 6

2009-06-12T09:45:00.008+02:00

Influenza Pandemic alert raised to Phase 6

11 June 2009 -- On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6. "The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic," she said at a press conference today.
Read Dr Chan's statement to the press
-WHO (World Health Organization)

____________________________________________________________________
Lately, I didn't noticed any Swine flu update here in TV News... But I know exactly how it's spreading fast, almost 1,000 per day were infected around the world... I know it, because my husband is informing me, every day or at least 2 times a day, his checking out in the internet particularly in the website of WHO (World Health Organization) about the updates of Influenza A(H1N1) known as "Swine Flu"... He's informing me the updates of how many were in infected around the world, how many in Netherlands, then in Germany, because we are living near to the boundary of Germany... And then how many were infected in Philippines of course...
I'll admit, I'm so busy lately with my own health situation, busy with studying dutch languange, busy preparing for moving to the new house, busy everyday here in the house... busy writing in my blog, busy in facebook account..... but later, I will really try to search more about Influenza A (H1N1)...
___________________________________________________________________

Influenza A(H1N1) - update 47

11 June 2009 -- As of 14:00 GMT, 11 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 28,774 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 144 deaths.

Click this link -Influenza A(H1N1) - update 47 -To see the table with the breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases, commulative total and deaths by country as of June 11, 2009, 14:00 GMT.

Mastopathie (Fibrocystic Breast Condition or Fibrocystic Changes)

2009-06-11T22:40:00.003+02:00

Yesterday, I got right the result of my Breast Biopsy last tuesday... The Surgeon, named Dr. De Vries of St. Lucas Ziekenhuis (Hospital) where I have my breast biopsy, said... it's "Mastopathie" or known in english as Fibrocystic Breast Condition or Fibrocystic Changes)... He told me there's nothing to worry, it's normal for many women... it's just because of changes in hormones every menstruation... or As for my case, it could be possible that those were still the milk that was left in my breast after i stop giving breast feeding to my daughter, 3 weeks after I gave birth or way back 2007... I asked the doctor if I still needed to undergo operation for them to remove it.. but he said, it's not necessary, no medication needed as well... But I have new appointment for Ultrasound afte 6 months or November 2009, for control....
__________________________________________________________________

I PRAISE AND THANK GOD for blessing me with result of the breast biopsy I have... Thank you also to all your prayers.. May God continue to bless us all.

___________________________________________________________________

As usual, I tried to search again about Mastopathie (Fibrocystic Breast Condition or Fibrocystic Changes)... and the MedicineNet.com, have it well explained again...

Fibrocystic breasts are characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one or both breasts. The condition is very common and benign, meaning that fibrocystic breasts are not malignant (cancerous). Fibrocystic breast disease (FBD), now referred to as fibrocystic changes or fibrocystic breast condition, is the most common cause of "lumpy breasts" in women and affects more than 60% of women. The condition primarily affects women between the ages of 30 and 50 and tends to become less of a problem after menopause. ... read more - MedicineNet.com

Borstbiopsie (Breast Biopsy)

2009-06-09T21:35:00.003+02:00

Last May 20 or about 3 weeks ago, I went to the St. Lucas Ziekenhuis (Hospital) and have a mammogram and ultrasound of my breast, because since February I always have breast pain everytime my monthly period will come... Actually my only appointment on May 20then was to have Mammogram but after it, the doctor requested me to stay and have directly the ultrasound, because they saw something in my breast... The doctor then said, I have cyst in my right breast but at the same time, she wanted to investigate the spots they saw from my mammogram in the side of my right breast... Then the doctor recommended me to have an appointment for Borstbiopsie (Breast Biopsy), that was today...

Yes, I've waited for 3 weeks since then, oh! deep inside I really got worried, and I know my family too... but for three weeks i tried to avoid to give so much attention about the word "Breast Cancer"... I did not even had the courage to write it here in my blog last May 20... I did not even write emails to my girl friends about my situation then... I just don't want to talk or write about it... But of course, I started to ask my family to pray for me for the coming biopsie then... But I heard my name is sometimes included in the Mass intentions for the sick to get well in holy masses in Parish of the Holy Family (in Karuhatan)...

It's only last night before I went to bed that I tried to search about the biopsie, and the youtube video i attatched here somehow gave idea for me on what's going to happen...

I think the doctor uses the Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) to me...

I did some research and the MediceNet.com had well explained the Breast Biopsy...
_________________________________________________________

A breast biopsy is a procedure in which part or all of a suspicious breast growth is removed and examined, usually for the presence of cancer. The growth sample is suctioned out through a needle or cut out using a surgical procedure. The sample is then examined and evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist to identify non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tissue.

Words used to refer to the abnormal area or growth before and after diagnosis may include lump, mass, lesion, and tumor.... read more (-MedicineNet.com)

Pinksterdag (Pentecost)

2009-06-01T23:36:00.006+02:00

Yesterday was Pinksterdag (Pentecost)... If there is Easter Sunday and non-working holiday here on 2nd Easter day (Easter Monday).... Today is non-working holiday too because it's Tweede Pinksterdag (2nd Pentecost day)... Even they say there are not really so much Catholics here in Holland, I just noticed they still have some non-working holidays here that were related to Catholic Feast day..

Anyway, in the evening after eating dinner, Ron went to the Stadspark (near to our house) and do the fishing there... But it was not really a success because of the birds that fly around and tried to get the bread that Ron throws for the fishes, hehe (as you can see in the 1st photo)...
Me and Mireille went there and stay for few minutes... By the way, I just noticed Mireille likes to carry her Hello Kitty bag today as you can see in some photos too in Slide show below... :)

Dag van het Park (Day of the Park)

2009-05-31T10:57:00.007+02:00

Ook weer zo’n zin om lekker naar buiten te gaan? Soms hoef je helemaal niet ver weg om leuke dingen te doen. Laat je verrassen in een park bij jou in de buurt tijdens de Dag van het Park op zondag 31 mei. Het is al de vijfde keer dat de ANWB dit groene evenement samen met verschillende gemeenten in Nederland organiseert. Het belooft weer een leuke dag te worden vol culturele, sportieve, culinaire, groene en andere activiteiten in het park...(lees verder) -www.dagvanhetpark.nl

English Translation: Again some good sense to go out? Sometimes you are not far away for fun things to do. Let yourself be surprised in a park near you during the Day of the Park Sunday, May 31. This is the fifth time that the ANWB this green event together with various municipalities in the Netherlands organizes. It promises a great day to be full of cultural, sporting, culinary, green and other activities in the park.... -www.dagvanhetpark.nl ____________________________________________________________________

Winschoten, our Gemeente (Municipality) is one among the participating municipalities... The activities were held at the Het Rosarium and the Stadspark (City Park) from 1:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon... Actually the the Stadspark and Het Rosarium were just walking distance from our house... so even there's no special occassion we always go there by walking around the Stadspark... The weather is nice.... we walk around, we ate poffertjes (like small pancakes) and ice cream, the kids have special shape balloons, they don't have a chance to have face painting, because there are so many kids falling in line..we thought those parachuters will have their landing in the Het Rosarium, but then it was in Stadspark, so we didn't see them close... Then we went straight to the house of our Filipina neighbor here Ivy, and drink koffee and eat delicious cassava cake made by her...

Anyway, here are some organizations here in Winschoten that joined the activities and invited everyone who wants to join their organization...

1) HCK - Hockey Club Winschoten
2) True Flight Archery
3) Goochelaar Jasper Gray (Magician, actually he's the one who's makes different shape of balloons as you can see in the photo).
4) Vita Nova Toneelvereniging (Drama Club)
5) Hengelsportvereniging Excelsior Winschoten (Fishing Association)
6) Winschoter Kunstrolschaats Club (Skating Club)
7) Golfclub Westerwolde
8) ClubWinschoterGroen
9) Gewichts en Conditiecentrum Winschoten (Weight and Fitness Center)
10) Stedelijke Muziekvereniging Nieuw Leven Winschoten (Urban Music New Life Winschoten)
11) Sportcentrum Nico Jager Winschoten (Sports Center)
12) Damclub Winschoten (Dams)
13) FlyingBirds Winschoten (Cross Biking)
14) Sla Raak Tennisvereniging (Tennis Club)
15) Prenger Hoekman (Physical Therapy)
16) Schaakclub Van der Linde (Chess Club)
17) Kinderboerderij Winschoten (Children's Farm)

Actually there are more organization or sports club here in Winschoten that were not written above, like the table tennis club, runners, wandelen (walkers), swimmers and others. I just wrote here those information from pamplets that were included in the free bag we received from the organizers of Dag van het Park... Mooi zo!

Barbeque Party with my Classmates

2009-05-28T23:42:00.007+02:00

Today, was such a nice weather... I did enjoyed the Barbeque Party together with my classmates under the Staatsexamen traject in Noorderpoort College where we study Dutch language... All of us were foreighners of course from different country...

Every pauze or break time the boys normally go outside to smoke. Last month, they came out with the plan to have a Barbeque Party among our classmates and language teachers... Michael (from USA) leads the organizing of the BBQ Party activities, then Halil (from Turkey) volunteered to prepare the meats and to do the grilling... David (from Dominican Republic) together with Fahrat (from Iran) volunteered to help with assisting Michael... Yes, you read it right, ´Men` organized the party... with the consent of course from our Teachers....

And today, the grill party goes well and `gezellig` (enjoyable)... and of course, we ´Ladies` help also in the actual preparation of the food in the table, Titirat (from Thailand) with our Dutch teacher Layla together with our two pregnant classmates, Amina (from Morocco) and Ahua (from China) also help... Then Jhoana (from Venenzuela) and our Dutch teacher too, Lineke en Josefa (from Philippines) who help us with the cleaning at the end of the party as well...

I really enjoyed the day, and I eat a lot... so delicious the meat prepared and grilled by Halil, the Mexican beans made by Michael, Pansit cooked by Ivy (also Filipina), and like a Suman -rice with meat wrapped in banana leaves brought by Ahua... thanks!

Turned 35

2009-05-22T23:14:00.009+02:00

Vandaag ben ik jarig! (Today is my birthday!) I just turned 35... Last week, I was asked by my mother-in-law, When or what is my plan for my birthday celebration?... i just answered in dutch "Ik heb geen zin in viering mijn verjaardag... gewoon" (I do not want to celebrate my birthday ... just)... But of course, I expected that the whole family will be here, Mama Gea (my mother in law) and her boyfriend Papa Willem, who's birthday was yesterday (Happy Birthday Papa Willem!)... and my two sisters-in-law and their family with all the kids... At first i want to cook Filipino food, but my husband decided to just order in Chinese Restaurant so everything will be easy especially for me it's my birthday...

Oh! Thank you Mama Gea, actually, she's the one who pays for the Chinese food as her birthday gift for me... My husband surprised me with a bouquet of pink roses as you can see in the first photo... Thank you also to my sister-in-law Marjan who gave me bouquet of flowers as well. I received a special and beautiful drawing from my nieces in Manila, Red and Steph, as you can see in the 2nd photo... Then my cousin in Manila, Aldrin made a special birthday greetings too with my photo in it as you can see in the 3rd photo... Thank you Kuya Aldrin, Red and Steph, I like it and they are so special for me.... Thank you also to my step-daughters, Sharon and Nienke who made drawings as their birthday greetings and they gave me parfume too, sweet ha! Thank you also to everyone who greeted me in Facebook, Friendster and Hyves... and Thank you to Mireille my sweet little girl who send e-card with YouTube clip of "Mama" by Kus as you can see in the video below... (of course it's Ron who really send the video for me, hehe!)

Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension of Jesus)

2009-05-21T23:32:00.003+02:00

Here in Holland, the Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension of Jesus feast day) is Official Non-Working Holiday. So we decided to walk in the Park near to our house... There was a lake there, so my husband planned to give food for the fishes, but suddenly the group of swans from the other side of the lake came to us... At first my daughter was afrad, but later on she learns how to give food then for the swans... It's fun!

Vrouwlu & Kerels Run 2009

2009-05-16T23:47:00.006+02:00

In Zuidhorn part of Groningen the Vrouwlu & Kerels Run 2009 (Vrouwlu and Kerel are Gronings dialect which mean Woman and Man) was organized by Sportgebeuren Zuidhorn en World Runners... It's like "run for a cause" whose main goal is to help the children from 3rd World Countries...

The registration was at the pool side of the Waterborgh, Zuidhorn and where was also the start and finish line. De Band Nuchter, whose members were Fred, Dick, Harm and my husband Ron, they perform there in pool side too of Waterborgh to give them live music and enjoy the event at the same time.

For more photos you can visit the website of Stichting Loopgebeur'n Zuidhorn and click the foto's in 2009... And the 1st and 2nd photos above were from the website VrouwluRun 2009.

Oh! I really wish to join the running activities like this or walking activities as well...

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T09:25:00.005+02:00

Happy Mothers day!!! to every mother in the world...
Fijne moederdag toegewenst voor mijn schoonmoeder "Mama Gea"!

and Happy Mothers Day to the
BEST MOTHER IN THE WORLD... my Mama
I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU EVER KNOW and
I MISS YOU SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH

Parish-homesick

2009-05-08T10:14:00.007+02:00

Congratulations! to all the Parishioners of The Holy Family Parish in Karuhatan, Valenzuela City in Philippines for the Consecration of The Holy Family Parish church.

In the morning, I go online and waited for any news and updates about the Consecration of the Holy Family Parish church in Philippines, then... It's good that my sister-in-law Happy go online so I got as many information and as early as possible... I was really so excited to know on those moments about the ongoing consecreation then... I've heard it was so solemn that it's not possible to just make photos during the consecreation... The Bishop lead the consecration together with the priests... Seminarist choir came also to sing the Litany of the Saints... Grand Chorale sing for the Holy Mass... And those who attended the consecration especially members of different organization of the parish wear Filipino Costume.

I feel "parish-homesick" as I called it... The parish of the Holy Family is like a home for me way back in Manila... I started to join the Holy Family Choir and the Ministry of Lectors & Commentators in 1997 and became member till i went here in Holland last year... I've learned a lot when I become the Chairman of the PCY (Parish Commission on Youth) in 2000-2001. I was there from the very start that the church become under construction... And I became a member of the Finance Committee, of the Parish Construction Committee with helping in organizing the different fund-raising activities...

Today is the moment that we've been waiting for... the Consecration of the church... I wish I'm there.... tears came out from my eyes, when I saw the photos.... I miss everyone there in parish... but of course deep in my heart, I feel joy knowing that finally the The Holy Family Parish church was Full-Pledged JMJParish (JMJ-Jesus, Mary and Joseph)...
God bless us all.

Happy Fiesta!!! for tomorrow
May 9 - Sto Cristo, Sto. Rosario Fiesta or "Karuhatan Fiesta"

Mireille sings and dances as K3

2009-05-06T10:34:00.004+02:00

Few weeks ago, I took a video of Mireille as she sings and dances to the tune of "Frans Liedje" song of K3 - the singing group composed of 3 female singers from Belgium named Karen, Kristel and Kathleen. Eventhough they came from Belgium they are famous here in Holland especially for the kids. It's just sad that after they stay together for 10 yrs in music industry, last March 2009, Kathleen (the blond singer) decided to leave K3... I hope there will be a new singer to replace her and K3 will still go on because for me, I like the group and their songs as well.

Mireille likes K3 too. I remember, one time I tried to sing a Tagalog lullaby "Sa Ugoy Ng Duyan"... ahh she don't like it because she is so sensitive with mellow music. She can easily get emotional with teary eyes, everytime I will sing any song with mellow music... Anyway, lately whenever I will sing "Sa Ugoy Ng Duyan", she will always say "Nee, K3" - "Nee" in english "No" and with K3, she wants me to sing any K3 song instead. Of course I didn't sing K3 for lullaby or else she will not sleep, she will be more awake and will be eager to sing and dance as you see in the video ha... hehe!

Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day)

2009-05-05T12:05:00.003+02:00

Every 5th of May, is a National holiday here in Holland to celebrate the Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day). Holland was liberated from Nazi (German) occupation in World War II with the help of Canadian troops with British and American armies too... I've seen in TV here some of the old videos during World War II... it's sad...

Today, I did not have a chance to watch in TV, the particular activity for today. I just tried to browse in the Nationaal Comite 4 en 5 mei. I told my husband that if the Liberation Day here in Holland was during World War II and ends in 1945... In Philippines, the Independece Day which is celebrated every 12th of June, ends the Spanish colonization for 300 years in Philippines in 1898.

Nationale Dodenherdenking (Remembrance of the Dead)

2009-05-04T20:31:00.008+02:00

Every 4th of May, Dutch people commemorates all civilians and military forces of Holland who died in World War II. They let the flag hang half-staff. And at 8:00 p.m., two minutes of silence are observed throughout Holland. Public transport is stopped, as well as all other traffic.

I've made some photos while watching on TV the traditional ceremony at the National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam. The program was orgnanized by "Nationaal Comite 4 en 5 mei". It was attended by Queen Beatrix with Royal family, members of the cabinet, military leaders, social groups and people who gather around the monument to listen to speeches as well. They offered wreath and flowers... And at the end of the ceremony some people lay down flowers too.

Godchild

2009-05-02T22:36:00.010+02:00

Last year on May 17, 2008, I've got my first "inaanak" or Godchild here in Holland. He is Morten Benedict "Moby" Kruisenga, son of Mary Ann and Jerone... I remember when I met Mary Ann in Sint-Jozefkathedraal, she was then still pregnant with Moby... Then on baptismal, Moby was just 2 weeks old then... Today, I've seen Moby again his a big boy now...

We've attended his 1st birthday celebration in "Apekooi"... it's nice, the kids have chance to play around and enjoy! I met some filipinas too, hehe! there are lot's of Filipina here in Holland.

Happy Birthday Moby! en
Gefeliciteerd Jeroen en Mary Anne

Jesse was born

2009-05-01T23:24:00.007+02:00

Today, Jesse was born...

My sister-in law Marjan gave birth to a lovely baby boy. Before she gave birth, she don't want to tell us the name they will give to their coming baby... But somehow we have a chance to hear it from Deniz, her 3 yrs old son. The name will be "Jesse", what a nice name ha... Marjan don't want to believe in my husband that actually that was the name we plan to give to our baby if we will have a baby boy...

Wayback in 2006 when I'm still pregnant and we don't know yet whether we will have a girl or boy, we choose names already for a boy and for a girl.. because we have a girl then we named our daughter Mireille and her 2nd name Frances because she was born on feast day of St. Francis de Sales.... But if it happened that we have a boy, then for sure the name will be Jesse along with 2 other names we choose because Ron wants to give 3 names, but for Mireille i told him that 2 names are enough...

The baby name Jesse is a biblical name means "God's gift" and some defined it as "God exists". Indeed, Jesse is such a nice name for a cutie baby boy of Marjan and Greg. Actually on the day of Marjan's giving birth we are all hoping that everything will be okay with her and her baby, because she has Diabetic pregnancy... Now, we Praise and Thank God. Marjan is okay and the baby is better than what we are first afraid of... Marjan is home now but baby Jesse has to still stay in the hospital for some medications especially he was born 3 weeks earlier...

Gefeliciteerd Greg en Marjan for your lovely baby boy en
Gefelicitieerd Deniz,
I've seen in the photo how excited and proud you are to see your little brother ha...
May God continue to bless your family.

Koninginnedag (Queens Day)

2009-04-30T18:57:00.006+02:00

Today is Koninginnedag (Queen's Day), one of the official national holiday here in Holland. The present queen now is Queen Beatrix who's birthday every 31st of January. But she chooses to keep on the Koninginnedag or Queen's Day every 30th of April which is her mother's birthday Queen Juliana.

Normally, it's always a big feast here in Holland. The Royal family walks in some places and went on parade... Earlier, while I'm watching live on TV, the Dutch Royal family in the bus for a parade, an accident happen when suddenly a car drives to spectators and bumped into the monument, his intention was to bump his car into Dutch Royal family while having their parade. The bus was not hit but it's sad that there are some injured and 6 watchers died... It's really sad. Before it happened, I was so excited to go to out and to go to vrijmarkt (freemarket), it's once a year only on Queen's day that people are allowed to sell their old things in the street.... And normally, it's like an "Orange Craze", they wear their orange clothes in combination with orange hat or any orange ornament they can wear...

Anyway, we still went to freemarket, I still let my daughter to wear her orange t-shirt... But it's not anymore as festive, as i've seen in past years Queen's day... I even forgot to make photos when we walk in the freemarket, I just remember to make a photo when we are about to go home as you can see in the photo....
_____________________________________________________________

For more photos on what happened Queen's Day here, you can visit Yahoo News with this link:

Car plows into Dutch parade, killing spectators

Familiepark Nienoord

2009-04-28T00:00:00.006+02:00

Last Sunday (26 April) we went to Familiepark Nienoord in Leek, Groningen. It's nice there especially for all the kids because of the very big playground. But every now and then we have to go on separate playing station because the interest of Sharon and Nienke are different from Mireille. Of couse Mireille want's to try to play everywhere but that is not possible because she's too small with some playing station. I remember in the climbing balloon, as you can see in the 2nd photo Mireille can reach as far as the half of that mountain (balloon). I have to say to her to stop or else I have to climb too to get her. Ahh, I have fear of height that's why I cannot assist her in climbing, hehe! but she know's how it works after climbing, she's letting herself slide down. Good ha?
I know for sure the kids have fun!

Dag van de Aarde (Earth Day)

2009-04-22T11:26:00.004+02:00

Happy Earth Day!

You'll see different activities in website www.earthday.net and here in Holland in the website www.dagvandeaarde.nl.

And for me, I just joined the Earth Day Network today.

De Band Nuchter in Martiniplaza

2009-04-20T16:41:00.005+02:00

De Band Nuchter where my husband was also a singer have their recent performance in Martiniplaza in Groningen last April 16, 2009 (Thursday). I put here in my blog one of the videoclips from YouTube of Fred who is also bandmate of Ron in De Band Nuchter. You can watch for 3 more videos of their performance in his YouTube with this link jager023.

Enjoy!

Paasmaandag (Easter Monday)

2009-04-13T14:51:00.004+02:00

Today, it's Paasmaandag (Easter Monday) also known as the Tweede Paasday (2nd Easter day). It's considered as special holiday also here in Holland. That's why there's no work, schools are closed and like sundays the stores are closed as well... But I've heard from my language teacher that some dutch people wants to buy a new furnitures on this Easter Monday that's why usually the furniture stores are open today...

For us, we went to attend Holy Mass in Groningen in Sint-Jozefkathedraal. It's like Easter sunday holy mass too as you can see in the photos.

Happy Easter!!!

Vrolijk Pasen! (Happy Easter!)

2009-04-12T10:47:00.004+02:00

Powerpoint to Video

2009-04-11T10:11:00.005+02:00

In 2004, the Infomation System Division of Tariff Commission where I'm working then gave special lessons on "How to make powerpoint presentation?" This is the first Power Point Presentation I made titled 'Bakit pa ba'... I used the song "Bakit pa ba?" by Jay R, then I put the lyrics in the animations then I put photos as well from the movie "The Passion of the Christ"... The song "Bakit pa ba?" was supposed to be like a love song but then if you'll listen to the lyrics you can really coordinate it with the photos from "The Passion of the Christ".

I've search in the internet on how can I convert the Power Point Presentation into Video, then I found the "Moyea PPT to Video" converter. Then I used it to convert "Bakit pa ba" powerpoint presentation into Video that's why "I'm sorry if it bothers you to see in the upper left side of the video the Moyea watermarks.... Still Thank you Moyea.

On this Lenten season, I thought maybe it's nice to convert it into video, so I could upload it into YouTube at the same time so I could put it here in my blog too.

Happy Easter to everyone!

Palmzondag (Palm Sunday)

2009-04-05T01:18:00.008+02:00

Yesterday, we've attended holy mass for Palmzondag (Palm Sunday) in Sint-Jozefkathedraal in Groningen... We received this plant (as you see in the photo) from the church as our palm leaves.

I remember in the Philippines, on Palm Sunday holy mass, catholic church goers didn't want to miss this holy mass because it is only once in a year for the special blessings of those palm leaves. Somehow, I miss the Holy Week activities in Parish of the Holy Family, in Karuhatan, everyday there's activity beginning Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, like Pasyon/Pabasa, Washing of feet on Maundy Thursday, Senakulo, Easter vigil and some other holy week activities in Philippines

Here in St. Vitus Parochie (Parish) there are activites too, but I'm not yet good in dutch language, so for sure I can't understand everything or every part of the activities then...

Anyway, while searching with some tradition here in Holland during Palm Sunday, I've read this part in Wikipedia -

Palm Sunday tradition in Netherlands

In the Saxon regions of the Netherlands, crosses are decorated with candy and bread, made in the form of a rooster. In the diocese of Groningen-Leeuwarden a great procession with oil lamps is held the night before Palm Sunday in honour of the Sorrowful Mother of Warfhuizen.

_____________

I've seen this kind of tradition last year when we've attended Holy mass in dutch language here in St. Vitus Parochie, in Winschoten.... Indeed, Palm Sunday commemorates an event mentioned in the the Bible. Especially the Reading (Jn 12:12-16) during the Procession with Palm leaves...
_____

Jn 12:12-16

When the great crowd that had come to the feast heard
that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
they took palm branches and went out to meet him, and cried out:
"Hosanna!
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,
the king of Israel."
Jesus found an ass and sat upon it, as is written:
Fear no more, O daughter Zion;
see, your king comes, seated upon an ass's colt.
His disciples did not understand this at first,
but when Jesus had been glorified
they remembered that these things were written about him
and that they had done this for him.

MYMP "Make Your Mama Proud"

2009-03-30T10:06:00.006+02:00

Last week, I received photos from Manila, the graduation day of my niece Red. I'm happy to see those photos.. When I saw the first photo, in which my sister-in-law walks with Red going to the stage... I remember one of my favorite acoustic bands way back in Philippines the MYMP... When I saw the first photo I saw the true meaning of MYMP which is "Make Your Mama Proud", see how happy my sister-in-law then while walking with Red? My sister in law named "Happy" is really happy then... I like that photo...

Red just graduated from Kinder school (Mother Sheperd Academy). She graduated with 2nd Honor and got the First Place award in Reading and Spelling bee contest last October 2008...

Congratulations! Red
Congrats too to your Papa and Mama too.

May God continue to bless you to be a bright girl for always...

I guess I could say it MYFP too - "Make Your Family Proud"... See the smile of my brother in the 4th photo?... for sure the whole family is proud of you Red, especially your Lolo's and Lola's as well... Keep up the good work!

DST - Daylight Saving Time

2009-03-29T23:15:00.006+02:00

Last midnight, we have adjusted our clocks by advancing 1 hour. So at 12:00 midnight (28 March) we've adjusted our clocks to 1:00 a.m. This is for Zomertijd (Summer time) or more known as DST, Daylight Saving Time. Funny, it was called Zomertijd (Summer time) even though the Spring season had just began.... Anyway, I've noticed that the sunlight is staying longer now, like today, at 8:00 in the evening the sun still shines...

Nederlands time

Philippines time

Mini Playback show

2009-03-28T11:42:00.005+01:00

We've attended the Mini Playback show in the school of Sharon and Nienke (daughters of Ron)... It's nice, kids did the lipsinging... Sharon as Amy Macdonald and lipsings "This is the life". And Nienke as Grabrielle Cilmi and lipsings "Sweet about me". I've enjoyed the night... I've enjoyed watching kids doing the lipsinging of their favorite singers...

Verblijfsdocument (Residence Permit)

2009-03-28T10:28:00.008+01:00

Yesterday, before we went to Amersfoort to attend the Ceremony for receiving Gold Medal of Papa Willem. We went first to IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) in Zwolle. I just got my renewed Verblijfsdocument or Residence Permit ID here in Holland. This is an Identification card for foreigners like me. Last year, I applied for it and have it good for 1 year. So I applied for renewal this year. And now, my new Verblijfsdocument is good for 5 years. I'm still alien here, even though I'm married to a dutch man and even we have a daughter already. It's not automatic here to get right away a dutch passport then... I still have to pass the Inburgering Exam or Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal (Dutch as second language). That's why I have to go to school for at least 1 year to study dutch language. I'm required under Dutch government to go to school. It's good for me too because I'm learning and understanding dutch language now... And trying to talk in dutch as well... so far...."gaat goed" (doing well).

Koninklijke Landmacht (Royal Netherlands Army)

2009-03-27T23:52:00.008+01:00

We have received an Uitnodiging (Invitation) from Koninklijke Landmacht (Royal Netherlands Army)... Papa Willem is the boyfriend of my mother-in-law. Today he received a Gold Medal for 36 years fair and loyal service for Royal Netherlands Army. It was such a special ceremony.... We have the chance to go inside the Military base and I've seen some Army vehicles too... In the photo, you'll see Papa Willem, Mama Gea, me and Mireille, in the background you'll see an army truck. My husband told me that he once drove that kind of truck during those time that he was in service too in Army somewhere in 1990's...

Gefeliciteerd Papa Willem!
May God bless you with strenght and good health.
Gefeliciteerd ook aan Mama Gea!

Spring hairstyle

2009-03-26T00:30:00.007+01:00

Last September, I have my hair curl and I even wrote a blog about it dutch my life: Krul haar (Curl hair) . Then just a month ago, Marjan (my sister-in-law, who's a good hairstylist and the one who curl my hair) was trying to convince me that my hair is getting long and it's time to cut my hair... But I really like long and curly hair at the same, so I always said "No"...

Then just yesterday, I just mention quick to Marjan, that I'm already thinking that maybe it's really time to cut my hair short... just for a change.... Anyway, it's not so cold anymore, normally, my long hair helps to keep me warm especially to cover the back of my neck... Oh! it was so cold the last months, whenever I would go on bicycle, you can really feel the cold wind then.... Now, it's Spring time... I've tried already to go on bicycle with a pony-tail hair.. ahhh, not so cold anymore...

Wow! Today, Marjan came in our house carrying her "hairstylist tool box", ready to cut my hair, hehe!... So, yes i just said goodbye to my long hair as you see in the 2nd photo.
Now, I have new short and still curly hair.... This is the first time that i have this hairstyle... and I would call it "Spring hairstyle".

My husband said "It looks good!"... Of course (he is my husband e)... hahahaha!

1st day of Spring season

2009-03-23T16:27:00.003+01:00

Here is the photo album I made, when we walk in the park last Saturday (March 21), the official 1st day of Spring season here. Then we went also to the Kinderboerderij (childfarm) Winschoten, where there is also a speeltuin (playground). Actually, the park and the Kinderboerderij is just walking distance away from our house... Nice ha!

Laetare Sunday

2009-03-23T00:38:00.006+01:00

Yesterday was the 4th Sunday of Lent and called Laetare Sunday. "Laetare" is a latin word which means "Rejoice" a word which is always first proclaimed in the holy mass of Laetare Sunday. Like the 3rd Sunday of Advent which is called "Gaudete Sunday", the priest can wear vestment in "pink" and you'll see flowers too in the altar pink as possible, that's why some say it's "Pink Sunday"... Normally during Lent season the priest wears purple vestment and there are no flowers in the altar.... Some does penance, fasting and almsgiving... the preparation for the coming Good Friday seems to give sadness in the air, but the Laetare Sunday is like a pause... and the word "Rejoice!" reminds us that the good news of Easter Sunday is coming too...

"Verheug u" (Rejoice!)

Lente seizoen (Spring season)

2009-03-21T10:08:00.009+01:00

The Lente seizoen (Spring season) officially begins today here in Holland... I know for some of my Filipino reader or Christian reader, who will read my blog first thought, I mean "Lente" means Lent season, in catholic tradition the forty days of fasting, prayer and penitence before Easter Sunday... Well, so as now it's spring season and lent season at the same time...

I made some photos of krokussen (crocus) flowers today. Those purple and white flowers in the photos. Actually those flowers bloom already maybe 2 weeks ago... But I've heard in the news, the blooming of flowers this year were a bit later than last year.... Maybe because last year we have some snow also. Normally the winter here in the past few years don't really give so much snow that's why it think the flowers bloom also earlier than spring season...

Anyway, I made some photos of those yellow flowers and trees which appear to have color green.. It was such a nice weather today... We walk in the park.... And I can feel that "the spring begins".

Dora the Explorer

2009-03-20T09:36:00.009+01:00

Last Christmas (2008), Mireille receives a gift from my family in Manila, it is Dora doll...

Since we came here last year February, I let her watch Dora the Explorer every now and then on TV which is in Dutch language. But sometimes I let her watch also Dora DVD but only in English language...

Last month, she don't have a chance to watch Dora because I just don't see the Dora DVD around here anymore and I always forgot to put the chanel in Nickelodeon everytime there's Dora... Aside from the past few weeks, her favorite was Bambi -a young deer from Walt Disney.

Then last week, my daughter had a chance again to watch Dora DVD in (English)... Wow! I've observed how Dora film fits for viewing now with my daughter (who is now almost 2 years and 2 months old)... I've observed how she tried to answer Dora as interaction in watching her... For a week, my daughter was so fond of watching Dora. Before I turn-on the TV, she is requesting me already "Boots, Boots, Boots"... Aahhh yes, she mean `Boots` the monkey and best friend of Dora who is most of the time with her on most of her adventures... So yes, as for now, my daughter´s favorite was Boots than Dora, hehe!

Anyway, I´ve heard from my brother that my niece named Red, who was fond of watching Dora too, is now 5 years old, she´s going to school already and she can really speak english with a slang accent... but the problem is it´s a bit difficult now for her to speak some Tagalog words... It´s nice Red can somehow understand and speak english in early age, but there´s a bit problem with tagalog language, which is main language in Philippines.... So now, I should make a decision in what language should my daughter watch Dora, in english or dutch? I think better for her to watch it in dutch, so she would not have problem with communcation here and she would not have a problem when she starts to go to school... because last night, I´ve heard her already, speaking some english language which for sure she learn from watching Dora in english language...

For sure, she will still learn some english words from some english animated movies she sometimes watch here... And as of now, I´m trying to teach her some tagalog words as well, one word at a time...

Mireille in Nuchter band practice

2009-03-19T16:22:00.003+01:00

On 08 March 2009, the Nuchter band had their practice in our house... It's funny because while Ron (with beat box), Fred (in lead guitar), Dick (in piano) and Harm (in base guitar), position themselves here in our living room, our daughter, Mireille suddenly got busy and finds her place too... She carry by herself her own piano and then carry her own chair too.... Then there it goes, she try to join the practice as well, hehe!

Popcircus Award 2008 - De winnaar (The winner)

2009-03-13T00:50:00.013+01:00

I just listened over Radio Winschoten....
the result of Popcircus Award 2008 was announced...
and the winner is........ Ron Mulder

Congratulations! Ron with your Nuchter bandmates, Fred, Dick and Harm.

I Praise and Thank God for this blessing...
Ron Mulder got 405 votes, then the 2nd place Sharp band got 209 votes... They will have a CD recording as their prize award...
Thank you to all of you, my family, friends and relatives who voted for Ron, even though I know because the www.popcircus.nl is in dutch language, it's a bit hard because you have to know first the english translation then. Or follow the step by step procedure I wrote in my blog dutch my life: Popcircus Award 2008 - Radio Winschoten.

again, Dank je wel! (dutch)....
Thank you! (english)....
Maraming Salamat po! (tagalog)
from me and my husband Ron Mulder for all the support and votes....

Deniz Jarig (Birthday)

2009-03-08T13:56:00.008+01:00

Happy Birthday Deniz!

Today is Deniz's 3rd birthday. He is the son of my sister-in-law Marjan. Maybe some of my friends will still remember. In 2006, after Deniz was born, that's the only moment the doctors discovered that her mother was diabetic then. So they found some problems regarding Deniz' health condition. Infact in the evening after he was born here in St Lucas Ziekenhuis (hospital) here in Winschoten, he was rushed going to the Hospital in Groningen because of the emergency case he had then. So when I learned from Ron about what happened, I suddenly sent text messages to all my friends especially my co-choir members to pray for Deniz, for him to get well soon...
Thanks for those prayers they offered, I'm sure the doctors were guided to give Deniz the proper medications he needed then.

Now, Deniz just turn 3 yrs. old, strong and healthy... Since we came here in Holland, he became also the constant playmate of Mireille. Infact they have in Youtube, Mireille en Deniz with Kabouterdans.(May 18, 2008)...By they way in 3rd photo you'll see how Mireille tried to give a silly face to Deniz to make him laugh or at least smile... But of course, when they play together, I see how Deniz could make Mireille laugh too. They are funny!

I wish Deniz good health for always.
And may God continue to bless him.

Gefeliciteerd Marjan en Greg!

Eucharistieviering (Holy Mass)

2009-03-01T13:33:00.005+01:00

Since my husband got sick last December 24, we didn't have a chance to attend Holy Mass in the Sint-Jozefkathedraal in Groningen and Sint-Vituskerk here in Winschoten. But i tried since then was to at least watch the Eucharistieviering (Holy Mass) in TV, every 10:00 in the morning in the Chanel - Ned 2 (KRO-Katholiek Radio Omroep)... And the holy mass is from RKK Mediapastoraat (Katholiek Nederland).
Last Sunday, I just noticed they did also the tradition of Ash Wednesday on this Sunday...