FILIPINOE X PAT

I ssue 1 - 20 1 3

LI V ING IN EUROPE

The Big Move

Building your new life in Europe

Travel now

2013 is the year of Amsterdam

Plus

spring shopping guide,

hair care and
bulalo recipe with a
European twist

How to deal with DISCRIMINATION

Barangay Bed & Breakfast

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The rooms have private
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In the morning we serve a
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You get your own keys and
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In the Historic Centre of Amsterdam

As one of the first B&Bs in Amsterdam, we opened our
house in August of 1999. We give our guests a warm
welcome and if needed a little orientation of this great city.
Your friendly guesthouse is located in a typical Amsterdam
canal house built in 1777 within the UNESCO World
Heritage site.
The quiet street Droogbak connects 2 major canals, Singel
and Prinsengracht. Parallel with Droogbak is the longest
shopping street of Amsterdam.
A section of this street named Haarlemmerstraat has been
consistently voted as the best shopping street of Holland.
This former sea dike which now features good restaurants,
specialty- and local shops.
Barangay B&B is next to the famous Jordaan quarter
where you can also find Anne Frank's house and street
markets every Saturday and Monday.

We hope to welcome you soon in our tropical hide away!

Wimmo & Godwin

Droogbak 15 1013 GG Amsterdam The Netherlands

Tel +31(0)6 2504 5432 ~
rooms@barangay.nl ~ www.barangay.nl

Publisher's Note
We are all excited to present to you the maiden issue of The Filipino Expat Magazine with the theme Moving to Europe. We
feel that its the most appropriate way to start our journey - by highlighting the focal point of expatraites life and their brave act
of moving to a new place.
Recognising the fast growing number of Filipinos living in Europe coming from
diverse disciplines and background, we wanted to create a platform where
we could highlight the commitment and contribution they provide not only by
the remittances they give back to their families in the Philippines but also the
benefits the host countries receive from them. We want to harness their skills,
to encourage experts and professionals to write and share their knowledge, to
write about their life and to share their stories that they may inspire and guide
others for growth.
I believe that integration is the key to success. It is necessary for every expat
to learn to adapt so that they may reach their full potential and maximise
the opportunities available to them. May this magazine be an instrument for
everyone to become a more productive members of their new communities.
I would like to invite all of you to join us in this journey while we highlight
the stories of Filipinos around Europe, to be a beacon and voice of hope,
inspiration and growth.
Filipino expats in Europe, this is for you! Mabuhay po kayong lahat!
Chris Sta Brigida, MA
Publisher

Publishing a lifestyle magazine for Filipinos in the Netherlands has been my dream
ever since I moved here in 2009. But life took over and my plans took the back seat. Several years later, I met my business
partner Chris, who shared my ideas. Together, we decided to create The Filipino Expat Magazine.
When Europeans describe a Filipino, they would normally use words like
immigrants, au pairs, domestic helpers, nurses, engineers or wives. Its not
that there is anything wrong with that but no matter the reason, we share one
commonality. We were all uprooted from our Motherland either temporarily or for
good. We are all Filipino expats and that is what unites us.
With almost one million Filipinos living here, our presence in Europe is growing and
we are getting integrated in our host country in all levels from the houses of our
employers to the boardroom of top oil companies in the world. Some are already
involved in local politics. In small or big ways, we are affecting the future of Europe
and we should take pride in that.
The Filipino Expat Magazine is created to instill that pride in all of us living here.
We aim to inspire one another through the different aspects of our lives career,
business, academics, family and even in travel and leisure. With 50 countries in
Europe, with Filipinos living in each, we have unique stories to tell - stories that can
inspire and unite us with the same Filipino spirit
Finally, we want to empower each and every Filipino in Europe, to help them aim
higher, do more than what is expected and become better representatives of the
country that we left behind.
I hope you will support us.
Dheza Marie Aguilar
Publisher
The Filipino Expat Magazine

Contents
7 Health and Beauty
Award-winning hairdresser and make-up artist Jitty
dela Cruz shares tips on taking care of your Filipina hair
as well as the latest trends on haircuts in the spring
and summer

14 Living the European Lifestyle

Experiences, challenges and some tips on how to
survive and enjoy life in Europe

20 Expat Issues
Learning how to cope with discrimination

22 Intercultural Relationship

24

2013 Is the year of

Amsterdam
Chris Sta Brigida explains why
2013 is the best time to visit
Amsterdam

Theres no secret to a happy marriage

28 Small voices, loud echoes

Jomel Gutierrez traveled to the north of the Philippines
and discovered the heart-wrenching conditions of
education there

6
19

10

32

New Beginnings

The Filipino Kitchen

Tips on adjusting to your new

life in Europe

The story of bulalo

The Filipino Expat Magazine

34

Spring Shopping
Survival Guide - the
Netherlands
New generation takes
helm of Independence
Day organization

FILIPINO

E X PAT

Editor's Letter

LIVING IN EUROPE

Publishers

Chris Sta Brigida, MA

ChrisSB@thefilipinoexpat.com

Dheza Marie Aguilar
Dheza@thefilipinoexpat.com

Editor in Chief

Diana Uy
editor@thefilipinoexpat.com

Managing Editor

Dheza Marie Aguilar

Creative Director
Robin Kuijs

Contributing Writers
Ana Angelica van Doorn
Jitty dela Cruz
Jomel Anthoy Gutierrez
Irene Esquibil-Looze

Contributing Photographers
Ronald Pronk
Jomel Anthony Gutierrez
Robin Kuijs

The Filipino Expat Magazine

Published 6 times a year
By The Filipino Expat

The opinions expressed in The Filipino Expat

magazine do not represent the views of The
Filipino Expat Company. While we have exhausted
every effort to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained in this publication, neither
The Filipino Expat nor its editors, contributors
and staff will accept any responsibility for
any omission, typographical or printer errors,
inaccuracies or changes however caused. Our
editorial and creative teams reserve the right to
edit any material submitted at our discretion. All
texts, photos and graphics have been used with
the permission of the author or artists, unless
otherwise indicated. All rights are reserved. No
part of this publication may be duplicated or
reproduced in a whole or in part or redistributed
in any form or by any means without the
publishers prior written permission.
Comments and complaints
should be addressed to:
The Publisher
The Filipino Expat Magazine
The Filipino Expat
Kloveniersburgwal 9-HS
1011 JT, Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Telephone +31 (0) 24407692
Email publisher@thefilipinoexpat.com
Website www.thefilipinoexpat.com
Advertisement advertiser@thefilipinoexpat.com

o be honest, Ive never really thought that my good friend Dheza Marie
Aguilar would actually push through with her dream of putting up a lifestyle
and travel magazine with a website to boot. But knowing her feisty will to turn
dreams into reality, I shouldnt have been surprised.
So here we are launching the maiden issue of The Filipino Expat.
Excited is not enough to describe how we are feeling now. We are nervous, yes
very much so. After all, this is one of our most ambitious projects to date.
Through this magazine, we hope to deliver the true Filipino expat story to our
readers, primarily composed of Filipino migrants and overseas Filipino workers
(OFWs). We aim to give them inspiring, compelling and informative articles
written by fellow Filipino expats themselves. The main goal here is to help our
beloved readers to not only cope with life abroad but also get some helpful tips
on managing, and embracing a new lifestyle in Europe.
Of course, to our dear partners, we aspire to satisfy as well as attain more
fruitful collaborations together.
Read on as Dheza talks about her many realities when she joined her Dutch
husband in The Netherlands without a job, family and friends (pages 10-12). Poet
and writer Anna Angelica van Doorn shares her experiences with discrimination,
giving plenty of helpful advice to those who are going through the same (pages
20-21). Caterer Irene Looze recalls how she was able to convince her Dutch
husband how delicious the Filipino cuisine is (pages 32-33). Chris Sta Brigida
travels around Amsterdam to give us some tips on the things to discover or
rediscover in this famous city (pages 24-26). Of course, dont leave home with
a messy hair by checking out the tips on taking care of our hair this Spring by
multi-awarded makeup artist and hairdresser Jitty Vasquez Dela Cruz (pages
7-8). We have spring shopping guide as well (page 6).
I, too, have my own story to tell. A few years ago, driven by my [false] sense of
adventure and romantic dreams of Europe, I booked a flight to Spain without
knowing how and where I was going to live there. I had no friends, family
and relatives when I landed in Madrid. Through the help of fellow Filipinos,
particularly one family from Iloilo, I was able to find a job (from waitressing
to cleaning houses and teaching English), study Spanish, and survive for a few
months in the European city. There were many lessons learned, pains and
struggles that I will keep to myself. Suffice it to say, I returned to the Philippines
not exactly defeated but wiser. Thanks to that short adventure, Ive come to
realize that the Filipino spirit is resilient. And that there will always be Filipinos
who are ready to help a fellow kababayan in need wherever they are. More on
that when we have more time and space. As for now, happy reading!
Yours truly,
Diana Uy

The Filipino Expat Magazine

Flower bag - Update your wardrobe with this colorful tote

made from fabric and pu leather. Available for 29,95 at
www.lollifestylenfashion.com - the newest Lifestyle &
Fashion online store in the Netherlands.
Inspiring poems - Spring is a
symbol of hope after a long, dark,
cold winter, Warm your soul with
Rhythm of a Heart, Music of a Soul
by an award-winning Filipina poet.
Available at the authors website
www.angelicahopes.nl

SPRING
SHOPPING
Beads and jewels - Make your spring/
summer style stand out with this colorful
set of handcrafted jewerly made from 10k
gold and semi-precious stones: Available
for 25 at www.kncreations.com

The Filipino Expat Magazine

Birdhouses - What is spring without the singing of birds in

the morning? Invite more of them by hanging this bonium
shell birdhouse in your garden.
Available for 15 at www.abirdslife.nl

Themed cakes - The arrival of spring weather is all the

more reason to celebrate. Make your guests happier
by serving one of these themed cakes made by Alvin
Villareal. Contact him at +31 (0)6 38119191 or through
www.facebook.com/alvinamor

Health and Beauty

Award-winning hairdresser and make-up artist Jitty dela

Cruz share tips on taking care of your Filipina hair and the
latest trends on haircuts in the spring and summer.

Photos by Ronald Pronk

Taking care of your hair this spring

hile spring brings beautiful, blossomed flowers and

lovely temperatures, it is also the season for frizzy hair
and the drastic change in the weather can have unpleasant
effects on your hair.
Some of the main factors that contribute to hair damage in
spring, the drastic change in the weather, humidity, moisture
and heat. This is most especially true for Filipina (Asians in
general) with straight hair.
The difference between Asian and Caucasian hair
In a world where every hair care products claims to be made
for particular hair problems, it is easy to lose sight of the
fact that there are scientific differences between Asian and
Caucasian hair. Both react differently to various weather
conditions.
The presence of cuticles or the inner protein structure of
Asian hair has more solid structures. They break off in large
piles if the intercellular cement that holds the cuticle cells
together fails.
The cuticles of the Caucasian hair are smaller, finer and more
fragile, however the cement holds better but the cuticle itself
start to break first.
Therefore, Asians should be more aware that taking care of
this intercellular cement is very essential to strenghten your
hair. Proper hair care should be done to avoid breakage and
split ends.

Spring is a wonderful
season because it brings a
feeling of freshness. But like
every season of the year, it
has its thrills and spills
The Filipino Expat Magazine

Hair care for every season

Filipinas are known for their long, smooth and shiny hair. I
think thats one factor why Gloria Diaz, with her long black
tresses, together with her natural beauty and wit, won the
Miss Universe in 1969.
Spring is a wonderful season because it brings a feeling
of freshness. But like every season of the year, it has its
thrills and spills. We often notice hair loss during autumn
because our hair also has life cycles.
Like plants, hair grows more in spring and summer since
sunlight increases the secretion of hormones that promote
their growths.
Spring and summer are the best seasons to try on new hair
styles or go for short hair As you update your wardrobe for
the new season, update your hair style as well to revitalize
your tresses.

Hair care and tips

About the author

Jitty Vasquez Dela Cruz, has been
working as a hairdresser for over
30 years and together with his life
partner Ronald Pronk, has a salon in
Amsterdam. Trained in the best hairdressing
schools in London and Paris, Jitty is always passionate about
hair and make-up but feels comfortable creating avant- garde
styles. He won the last LOreal Color Competition Grazia Public
Award and has been conducting hair shows in famous clubs
and hotels in the Netherlands. Recently, he has started a blog
in his website to answer questions on hair and beauty needs
at www.jitty.nl.

ROBINKUIJS
f o t o g r a f i e

Hair and skin can mirrors of ones health.

More often than not people with nice hair
look energetic and healthier. A healthy diet
is an important part of many Asian beauty
regimens. For instance, drinking tea helps
detoxify the body and improve the look of
skin, hair and nails
Here are more hair care tips for spring and
summer:
1.Avoid split ends and hair breakage - The
change in weather can adversely affect hair
so it is best to use hat or scarf when in direct
exposure to sunlight.
2.Get a new haircut - It gives your hair a
healthy appearance and will also remove
some dead hair. Short hair cuts are more
fashionable in warm weather.
3.Give your hair some special treatment
from time to time - Apply deep conditioning
treatments like olive, Argan, avocado or
coconut oil. Use leave-on conditioner
because it penetrates deep into hair cuticles
and renew the cells more effectively.
4.Wash hair properly - Try not to wash hair
everyday because it will strip your hair off its
natural oils. Rinse with cool water to seal in
cuticles and lock in moisture.

The Filipino Expat Magazine

Corporate and portrait photography

www.robinkuijs.com

LOL Lifestyle & Fashion

LOL stands for the Dutch term lekker ontspannen leven that
means relax and enjoy life. Whether you are a stay at home
mom, have a busy job, a student or just simply being you, its
important to do the things that you love. A beautiful life is about
the laughter in the living room, the fragrance in the kitchen and
the way you feel inside.
LOL is a combination of an online journal and web shop where we
share inspiration we find a long the way and share our creativity
as it happens. We will share our inspirations and ideas about
lifestyle, fashion, trends, travel, shopping, food and career.
Join us as we guide the way towards your most beautiful life!

Lekker Ontspannen Leven

Lifestyle & Fashion
Website: www.lollifestylenfashion.com
Contact: info@lollifestylenfashion.com
Facebook: LOL Lifestyle & Fashion

New beginnings: Starting

your new life in Europe

Moving abroad is never easy especially for most

Filipinos. Being used to having our family and
friends around while living in the Philippines,
it can be very overwhelming to be suddenly
uprooted and finding ourselves in a new country
with different sets of traditions and cultures.
Text: Dheza Marie Aguilar
Photos: Robin Kuijs

s a Filipino expat who has been living in Europe for

more than four years, I can completely relate to such
sentiments.

Integration is when you have fully adjusted to your new

society. You are more confident in your new home and
opportunities are opening up for you.

The first couple of months can be either very exciting or

full of anticipation and fear. Depending on the person,
the emotional and psychological transition can start
from living like a tourist discovering your new home,
experiencing an entirely different world from the one you
grew up with and nourishing new relationships in your
new society to becoming a jaded resident in your new
country.

Finding my way in Holland

Once youve settled in, there will be times when

frustrations become the better of you. Smallest things like
not being able to read the sign boards at train stations
can make you feel utterly hopeless and helpless. The
absence of friends and family can make you cry all of
a sudden. You realize that you are actually alone in a
strange land and its entirely up to you to make things
better.

A psychological process
This process is called acculturation, a phenomenon that
started in 2370 BC Sumeria but was only identified by
American soldier John Wesley after his expedition in the
Rocky Mountains in 1880. Later on, acculturation was
established as a psychological phenomenon through the
works of American sociologist William Isaac Thomas and
Polish philosopher Florian Witold Znaniecki.
As defined by Professor David Lackland Sam of the
University of Bergen, acculturation refers to the process
of cultural and psychological change following a meeting
between cultures, usually experienced by minorities
such as immigrants, refugees and indigenous groups.
Acculturation eventually leads to changes - in behavior,
culture, customs and values - and results in an individual
or groups learning of a second culture.
In her book Living Abroad, psychologist Dr. Cathy TsangFeign enumerated four stages of acculturation that
expatriates go through when they move abroad.
Elation is when the novelty of all things new in his
surroundings stimulates the emotions and activities of an
expatriate.
Resistance is when one starts comparing between his
home country and his new home. Usually at this stage,
homesickness sets in and you develop a longing to live
your old life in your new environment. During this critical
stage, the support of your immediate family and partner
will be most valuable in overcoming the resistance to
your new country.
Transformation. At this point, you begin to acclimatize
to your new life abroad. You have your routine and
you slowly begin to appreciate the advantages of living
overseas. There is also a chance that you will feel a slight
derision towards your own culture and your countrymen.
In your transformation, you will confront the values that
you grew up with and the ones that your new country is
offering you. You will eventually find a balance between
your conflicting cultures as long as you are open to new
ideas.

I grew up in a small town in the Philippines, dreaming of

places I only read in fairy tales castles, manors, snowcovered pavements, smoke coming off the chimneys of
gable houses, and the like.
Little did I know that I would be living that dream when
I moved to Holland back in 2009, shortly after getting
married to a Dutch. It was all very exciting for me at the
beginning.
My husband and I were living with my parents-in-law for
a couple of months until we found our new apartment. At
first, I liked the solitude of being left alone in the house
for most of the day. But then I suddenly realized how very
alone I was.
I could not go out and explore my new surroundings
because of my fear of getting lost. I had so many excuses:
The houses looked the same; I did not know how to
take the train let alone get a ticket; and the thought of
having to ask directions from a complete stranger who
might not know how to speak English made me feel very
insecure. I had no friends or acquaintances to call or keep
me company. So I stayed home and tried to keep busy by
writing or cooking with very little success (at one point,
my husband refused to eat one of my prepared dishes
because he thought Filipino food was unhealthy).
My husband has a full time job and only during the
weekend can he take me places (and very seldom do they
include Filipino gatherings). Suffice it to say, I only met
one or two Filipinos during my early months here. The
one Filipina, with whom I struck up a good conversation
with once, was living two cities away from me. I did not
know how to drive.
Being jobless in Netherlands, one of my biggest
challenges back then, made me feel more depressed. I
couldnt help thinking about the great career I left in the
Philippines. I had to ask money from my husband just to
buy coffee or send money back home, which really hurt
my pride and vanity. After all, I could afford small luxuries
before moving overseas.
Needless to say, my husband and I would often fight
because of my insecurities.
After one particular fight, wherein I almost decided to go
back to the Philippines, I realized that I cannot just sit at
home and wait for opportunities to come. I had to be out
there and start building my new life in the Netherlands.
My first job paid only 1 a day. I did not complain. It was
better than sitting and sulking at home. Four years later,
I am now working for a good company and earning way
better. It would not have been possible had I let self-pity
get the better of me.

The Filipino Expat Magazine

11

Tips on adjusting to your new life in Europe

Adjusting to your new life abroad need not be difficult. Here
are ten tips:
1. Talk to your partner or your family - Talking about things
that bother us always helps to make one feel better.
2. Learn how to use the public transport - This might sound
so simple but when taken to heart, it will make a world of
difference in your discovery of your new country and even
yourself. It helps boost self-confidence and self-reliance. Ask
your partner or colleagues to teach you how to get a ticket
for trains, metros, buses or trams. Get a discount card to save
money.
Once thats done, discover your city. It is always handy to
know where the best Chinese restaurant is, the Filipino sarisari store, or the boutiques where you can buy extra small
clothes for instance.
If you have a drivers license, have it converted to the local
license so you can drive and explore more your new country.
A lot of European countries like the Netherlands, Belgium,
Luxembourg and Germany are three to four hours drive from
each other so you can easily travel around.
3. Learn the language - Being able to speak the local tongue
makes everything easier - from buying groceries to asking for
directions and talking to your in-laws. Buy language books,
surf the Internet for some practice sessions, register or
enroll in a language course and speak the language at every
opportunity. You will have difficulty at first but it will help
enormously in adjusting to your new life.
4. Live a healthy lifestyle - Experts have always said that
exercise and healthy diet are important in achieving a
happier, more relaxed life. If you dont want to spend that
much on a gym membership, try jogging around nearby parks
or taking long walks along waterfronts. Europe has many
amazing parks which are ideal for running or walking.

Below left: Learn how to use the public transport.

Center: Immerse yourself with the local cultures.
Right: Learn the local language.

12

The Filipino Expat Magazine

5. Keep in touch with the Filipino community - Thanks to

social media, you can now easily search friends and their
activities in an instant so long. This is no different if you are
living abroad, without friends and family, in search of the
Filipino community and their events. Filipinos will always
welcome a kababayan. Trust me. Just be yourself and create
relationships with people who share your interest.
6. Immerse yourself with the local cultures and traditions
- Do not limit your social interaction to the Filipino
community only. It is also important to connect and establish
relationships with the locals as they can help broaden your
perspective and understanding about foreign cultures and
traditions. Talk to your neighbors, attend the company parties
of your partner, or invite your partners family or your new
colleagues to dinner at your house. Try also visiting museums,
theaters and the like.
7. Communicate regularly to your family and friends back
home - Maintaining constant communication with your
family and friends back home is a great way to overcome
homesickness.
8. Nurture your hobby or skills - Moving abroad gives you
a lot of free time in the beginning. That is the perfect time
to start new hobbies or develop new skills. Try gardening,
cooking, writing or even photography. Who knows, your new
preoccupation can help you start a business in the future.
9. If you are unemployed, start looking for possible jobs - A
job gives you confidence and financial freedom. And finding
one abroad can be very difficult. Start the process of job
hunting right away. Register yourself in manpower agencies
or start exchanging your diplomas for the local one. In
some countries like the Netherlands, you need to have your
education and work experiences assessed to get a local
equivalent of their education. If you have documents like
these to show to prospective employers, it will be easier to
find a job when you are ready for it.
10. Volunteer - Devoting a couple of hours to helping
others will certainly give you a sense of happiness. Do
volunteer work for a church, a soup kitchen, a retirement
home or a charity event. This way, you can meet different
kinds of people and expand your network. It is also a good
opportunity to learn the local language.

Send your love from Europe to

the Philippines through Pinoy
Balikbayan Box

We offer the best price starting from the first box. Door to door balikbayan services
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Visayas/Mindano 80,00
Empty box 5,00
For pick up details and specific rates please contact us.

Pinoy-Box
Halleystraat 20 B
3112PP Schiedam
Netherlands
Mobile: +31 (0) 613183722 or +31 (0) 614486853
Email info@pinoy-box.com
Website www.pinoy-box.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pinoy.balikbayanbox

Living the

European Lifestyle
Building your new life in Europe is both a challenge
and an adventure, a journey where many Filipinos
are currently trudging along. Four of them share
their experiences, challenges and some tips
on how to survive and enjoy life in Europe.

14

The Filipino Expat Magazine

I wanted to experience how

it is to live and work in
another country
Perpetual Grace Poblador, 31
IT Specialist, World Trade Organization
Geneva, Switzerland
Why did you move to Switzerland?
Basically its out of curiosity. I wanted
to experience how it is to live and work
in another country. I was already eyeing
Singapore, Canada and New Zealand at
that time. Then one day, a family-friend
suggested that I consider Switzerland.
What are your biggest challenges? How
did you overcome them?
Id always say that my move to
Switzerland was a big leap of faith. I
hardly know anyone. I just came over all
by myself and slowly had been meeting
fellow Filipinos along the way. It came a the
point that I was giving up, contemplating
on returning to the Philippines. But an
opportunity came along. Now I would
say Im relatively lucky for meeting good
Samaritans.
What are the most important documents
that you need to have in your first year in
Switzerland?
My passport and my visa, cest tout! So far.
What do you like most about living in
Switzerland? Aside from homesickness,
what do you dislike?
What I like about living in Switzerland are:
* Swiss time, everything and everyone here
is almost on-the-dot;
* Swiss Alps, for some adventures in the
mountains;
* Swiss chocolates, cheeses and wines;
* Swiss politics, its quite unheard of; and
* Swiss quality, its proverbial.
What I dislike about surviving here are:
* Stores and restaurants closed on Sundays,
thats bad news for typical Pinoys.
* Medical services and health insurance, its
a love-hate relationship; and
* Everything goes with a hefty price here,
its outrageously expensive.
Please give three tips on living in your
country of residence.
Be flexible and adaptable. Keep an open
mind. Learn the language, and that, I am
still working on.

First, one should get his hands on

mastering the language
Kenneth Subillaga
Universidade de Santiago de
Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Why did you move to Spain?
Spain was not really the country I had in mind
when I applied for the Erasmus Scholarship Program.
But after living in Spain for a couple of years, I have
discovered so many things about Spain that made me
consider living here for good.
What are your biggest challenges? How did you
overcome them?
The two biggest challenges were just basically
things that are supposed to get me through my day
to day activities: the language and surviving school
where I was the only Asian student in the whole
program. To overcome these challenges I had to
painstakingly attend Spanish classes just to get me
started with school. Although intensive Spanish
classes played a little role in my understanding of the
language conversationally, it did not, with the mode
of instruction. I had to juggle these things along
with developing social relationships as part of lifes
challenges. But after so many months of struggle, I
finally was able to adjust with the language.
What are the most important documents that you
need to have in your first year in Spain?
Like most Filipinos living abroad, I also needed to
make sure I had my passports valid for a period of
time along with other documents provided by the
sponsoring university for processing my residence
permit.
What do you like most about living in Spain? Aside
from homesickness, what do you dislike?
What I like most about living in Spain is the fact
that initially I felt an intense connection to the culture
in general, that made me adjust easily but found the
country totally different in terms of its climate and
geographical location.
Actually I never felt homesick all throughout my stay
in Spain as I have been in constant communication
with my family through skype which made my
adjustment a lot easier.
Please give three tips on living in your country of
residence.
First, one should get his hands on mastering the
language. The more adept you are to the language,
the easier it is for you to blend in the crowd.
Second, Spaniards are generally very nice people
but they eat very late (lunch at 2 pm and dinner at
10 pm) and they love to take time out their busy
schedule so get the hang of it by joining them for an
early afternoon beer and trying to eat a bit late too.
Spanish food is a bit different from Filipino food as
they dont really like frying too much and using too
much soy sauce. So cook like the Spaniards and youll
feel like one of them in no time.

Belgians are friendly and often will

tolerate speaking English
Jerick Parroni, 26
Project Manager ZN
Brussels, Belgium
Why did you move to Belgium?
I moved here back in 2008 for an internship. After
university, I got an internship to work for Microsoft Europe
for a year and that was the start of my life abroad. And as I
was about to finish my internship, I decided that I want to
continue living abroad and Belgium was a good place to start.
What are your biggest challenges? How did you overcome
them?
Processes all sorts of legal processes. Belgium is
notorious for bureaucracy and unfortunately I was a victim
(together with a lot of people). The biggest blunder to date
was the work permit for people outside of the EU. They have
tough restrictions and need expertise in order to overcome
them. It took more than a year and a half to get my work
permit. Luckily, I have a company who had been very
supportive, giving me some flexibility to continue to work
from the Philippines while I wait. And yes I needed a lot of
patience, queueing, and smiling face.
What are the most important documents that you need to
have in your first year in Belgium?
The basics like residence card, mutualite (health
insurance), bus passes etc. Its also to good to have some
knowledge of tenant laws, a French phrasebook, and
sense of what the weather will be tomorrow. (not really a
document but its very important!)
What do you like most about living in Belgium? Aside from
homesickness, what do you dislike?
Like: Brussels in particular is a very international city
(dubbed as capital of Europe) so theres a good chance that
your circle of friends will be a mix range of personalities and
nationalities. One guy that we met in a recent trip asked my
friends how come a Macedonian, Filipino, Hungarian and
Peruvian have met and became friends its because of
Brussels.
Apart from that, cost of living is slightly lower than the
neighbouring capital cities, Belgians are friendly and often
will tolerate speaking English.
Dislike: Belgium unfortunately has gotten more dangerous
lately and unfortunately, I was a victim. And Belgian
processes and work permits as previously mentioned.
Please give three tips on living in your country of
residence.
Tip 1: Be prepared for the weather. An umbrella, coat,
sunglasses should always be at your disposal. You can
experience rain, sun, snow and cloudy weathers in a day.
Tip 2: Its not just for Belgium but in general. Its always good
to know some local language (French or Dutch in Belgium).
It helps in adapting to the community, getting things done
easily and meeting new people.
Tip 3: Patience is key for all the bureaucracy. And
unfortunately, you need a lot of it to get things done in
Belgium residence card renewal, work permit process or
even signing up for internet. So be patient and pray to your
gods that you wont get stuck too much.

Never underestimate the

importance of Filipino friends
who can guide you through the
Norwegian jungle
Macel Ingles, 43

Freelance journalist and correspondent

Drammen, Norway

Why did you move to Norway?

I did it for love. My husband is Norwegian
and he wants to study in Norway so we had
to move there after we got married.
What are your biggest challenges? How
did you overcome them?
My biggest challenges were the language
and getting a job. I enrolled in a Norwegian
language course and decided to go back to
University to get a masters degree. I am still
struggling to get a full-time relevant job.
What are the most important documents
that you need to have in your first year in
Norway?
My resident permit is what I needed
to stay in Norway, to get that I needed
my Philippine passport and my marriage
certificate.
What do you like most about living in
Norway? Aside from homesickness, what
do you dislike?
I love Norway during the summer when
flowers are in full bloom and berries abound
in the forest for picking. I hate the winter
months, it can get really lonely being
surrounded by snow and having very dark
nights.
Please give three tips on living in your
country of residence.
Learn the language. If you just moved
to the country, you need three vital words
to survive: ja (yes), nei (no) and unnskyld
(excuse me). It is essential to know how
to dress well in the winter and know
how to walk on snow. Lastly, find your
own network, never underestimate the
importance of Filipino friends who can
guide you through the Norwegian jungle.

Survival guide- the Netherlands

Basic information to survive your first year
What?
A resident permit (VVR - VerblijfsVergunningRegulier) is
required for foreign Non-EU nationals who want to stay in the
Netherlands for more than three months
BSN (Burgersservicenummer) is the equivalent of a
social security number and required for almost all official
transactions in the Netherlands.
How?
Call IND (Immigratie en Naturalisatie Dienst) within 8 days
of your arrival to set up an appointment for submission of
application (0900-1234561 or +31 20 8893045 if you are
abroad). Forms and brochures can be downloaded from www.
ind.nl and the website is available in English.
Basic requirements are valid MVV, passport and proof of
your current short-term stay. Once approved, you will get a
resident card. The process takes about 6 months.
To get a BSN number, call your municipality and set up an
appointment. Passport, resident permit, proof of registered
address, proof of employment, marriage or divorce and a
filled out application form. Application is free.
What?
In the Netherlands, a bank account is required to pay
telephone subscription, health insurance, household bills and
even groceries. The biggest banks in the Netherlands are ABN
Amro, Rabobank, ING, SNS, ASN and Triodos.
How?
Call the bank and set up an appointment to submit application
or walk in to the branch nearest you. The usual requirements
are: BSN number, passport, proof of address and resident
permit.
The process takes about one week and you are automatically
allowed to do online banking.

What?
A health insurance (zorgverzekering) is mandatory when you live in
the Netherlands and you can get fined if you dont have one.
How?
Apply online via the website of your chosen health insurer
(zorgverzekeraar). You are required to have a BSN number, registered
address and bank account details. The basic package costs about
100/month. The government can give a percentage of this back to
you.
To compare health insurers, you can go to www.independer.nl or
www.kiesbeter.nl
Once you have a health insurance, register with a reliable doctor
(huisarts) and dentist (tandarts). Choosing a good doctor is crucial
to a foreigner because some Dutch doctors do not consider cultural
differences when attending to the patient, especially when you get
pregnant. Find a doctor at www.huisartsen.nl.
Call for an appointment to register with a doctor. You need to present
your health insurance policy and proof of residence.
For emergencies in the evenings, weekend and public holidays, you
can call the central doctors services in your region Amsterdam 0800030600, The Hague 070-346 9669, Rotterdam 010-290 9888 or the
information line 0900 1515.
What?
An OV (openbaar vervoer) card is very handy and cheaper when
travelling with public transport in the Netherlands. In addition to the
OV kaart, you should also get an NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) train
card for discounts and deals.
How?
Apply for an OV card via www.ns.nl. You need your BSN number and
bank account to pay for the annual fee of 54 or more depending on
the card that you applied for.

What?
A drivers license (rijbewijs)is also very useful especially if you want to travel to neighboring countries. A drivers license is sometimes a
requirement and even an advantage for some jobs in the Netherlands.
Only foreigners from EU, EEA, Switzerland and other selected countries or expats benefitting from the 30% ruling (see http://www.
iamsterdam.com/en-GB/living/official-matters/driving-licence) are allowed a certain period of time to use their native drivers license.
How?
You need to pass a theory exam and within one half year and a half, you need to pass your practical exam. Otherwise you need to take the
theory exam again.
Both exams are conducted by CBR or the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (www.cbr.nl) A theory exam for persons auto (B)
costs 53,54 with additional 5,50 for the English exam. The practical exam costs 90,90 for persons auto (B) and 139 for people who have
extreme fear of failing.
You need to have a DigiD account to make an appointment for taking the theory exam. Register for a DigiD account via www.digid.nl
Once youve passed the practical exam, apply for your drivers license in your local municipality. You need your passport, a valid picture and
a processing fee of 37.

The Filipino Expat Magazine

19

Expat Issues

Learning how to cope with discrimination

Poet and writer Ana Angelica van Doorn talks about

discrimination in Switzerland and how fellow Filipinos
should deal with it especially in their own host countries.

ince moving to Switzerland 19 years ago, I have

experienced my fair share of discrimination: My race,
job, size and religion among others. I took it all in with
dignity, proud of my roots as a Filipino.
It was not easy. But I managed to keep my sanity by focusing
on my family, growing children, work, and projects that will
help reach out to others.
Looking back, I should say I was able to hold my ground
during encounters wherein any other individual would have
shied and ran away.

At school
When my daughters got sick for two weeks, I was deprived
of sleep and forgot to bring a document to the kindergarten
class.
Across the street, the Swiss-Italian kindergarten teacher
screamed at me in Italian, Hey, Asian brownie, what kind
of memory do you have? I heard that many women in your
country are in prostitution. Is that how you fished out your
Swiss husband?
Other mothers waited for my reaction as I fought to hold
back tears that were threatening to fall. I replied calmly in
Italian, Can I set an appointment with you so we can talk
about my country?

The Swiss Italian teacher who did not speak English was
quite impressed on how I fluently spoke Italian without any
foreign accent. I told her that her overt, hostile statement
was offensive, based on her very limited knowledge of
the Philippines no thanks to Swiss-Italian TV programs.
Aided by a travel book, I explained to her at great length
our Philippine history as well as how much we value our
education, family, strong spiritual foundation and concern
for compatriots. Needless to say, I gained her respect.

At home
The worst discrimination I suffered was with my former,
Swiss-Italian husband. He treated me like I was nothing.
For him a womans role is to obey the man, serve the man
and stay at home. As a religious woman taking seriously the
vows of matrimony, I submitted myself to his chauvinistic
demands but was treated like a slave for seven years.
Luckily, I found a good job at an aviation company, giving me
the courage to file for divorce.
Even that did not free me from more racial slurs.

Dont let any form of

discrimination lower your selfesteem. Be the better person,
exercise patience, broaden your
insights, and weigh the degree of
the circumstance. That way you
can flexibly handle the situation
with wit, humor, dignity, finesse,
wisdom and respect

Once during shopping, I was approached by an Italian

woman shouting insults at me.
Stay away from my son! Youre a divorced woman with
baggage, too young and small to be a mother! You married
a Swiss to have a better life. You come from a Third World
country, just looking for someone to lean on, screamed the
woman.

Things to do
How should you act when facing discrimination? It is wise
to reply and act in a diplomatic way with self-respect and
dignity intact. Learn to speak fluently the language of your
new country. Knowing their history, culture and social mores
will give you more confidence when talking to them.

Later, I realized that her 30-year-old son was one of my

suitors, sending me flowers. With controlled anger and a
fair amount of respect for the woman, I shot back in fluent
Italian, If you wish to talk to me, do so without prejudice.

Dont let any form of discrimination lower your self-esteem.

Be the better person, exercise patience, broaden your
insights, and weigh the degree of the circumstance. That
way you can flexibly handle the situation with wit, humor,
dignity, finesse, wisdom and respect.

I added, What is it in a Third World country that makes First

World people like you behave in the way you do? I married
because of love but was treated like a slave. My daughters
are not baggage, they are my life. Im not interested in your
son!

You have RIGHTS against discrimination

At work
While working in a law firm, I had to endure daily insults
from a lawyer.
One such encounter went this way: Didnt you consider how
lucky you are working for us and not work as a maid like your
compatriots in Italy or are you much better in cleaning toilets
than working on my court cases?
Calmly I replied, To match your provocations with anger
will only court disaster. Most of my compatriots are degree
holders too. Its the system that does not give them much
better job opportunities because companies save money on
lower salary by giving the lowly jobs to migrants.

Fellow Filipinos discriminate, too

A Filipino friend, jealous of my suitors of German, French,
Italian, Swiss, Dutch, Finnish and American nationalities,
showed her claws by spreading rumors about me to our
friends.
Shes very much a European now, so modern, so precise, too
independent. Maybe, she is collecting passports so she dated
them, remarked the friend.

Following the Amsterdam Treaty in 2009, The European

Union mandates every member state to protect your
rights against discrimination in religion or belief in school
or workplace, sexual orientation in the areas of social
protection, social advantages and access to good and
services, ancestry, skin color, disability, age, chronic diseases
and civil status.
You have a right to go court and are entitled to
compensation when it is proven that you have been
discriminated.
What you should do if you feel discriminated?
1. Be informed - know the official organizations in your
country that helps victims of discrimination, the legal and
administrative procedures, the nature of legal coercion
available, how to prove that the discrimination took place,
etc.
2. Write it down - make notes of what happened, who said
what, where did it take place, were there witnesses and why
did you feel that you were discriminated.
3. Register it with the authorities - you can go to the police,
call anti-discrimination hotlines in your country or talk to
official organizations that can help you. It is important to
make your complaint official.
For more information visit www.stop-discrimination.info

Its one of those sad realities that some kababayans dont

look at divorce with an open mind. One time, as I was going
out of the church, a lady exclaimed at me: You left your
husband! Youre doomed for life! You still go to church?
I replied, Did the church issue a ban on divorcees? Did you
see me melt to ashes when I knelt down to pray? Or do you
want to check my ticket to heaven or hell?

About the author

Ana Angelica Abaya van Doorn also
goes by the name Angelica Hopes.
She is the author of the poetry book
Rhythm of a Heart, Music of a Soul, an
inspiring collection of wisdom, inspirations, courage, love
faith and enjoying life. You can buy her book from her
website www.angelicahopes.nl

The Filipino Expat Magazine

21

Intercultural Relationship

Theres no secret to a happy marriage

Text: Dheza Marie Aguilar
Photo: Robin Kuijs
But thats already too close for us, exclaimed Bart
Wijnberg when photographer Robin Kuijs asked him
and his Filipina wife, Wads Wijnberg-Tiongson to move
closer to each other on a two-seater sofa.
There is only the two of us in this big house so when
we sit like this together, thats close already, followed
Wads.
Everybody in the room burst into laughter. And the
laughter brought about by light banters continued all
throughout the interview, giving us a glimpse into how
the couple managed to stay together for more than 40
years.
We were in the lovely home of the Winberj one
Saturday afternoon, getting to know more about the
husband and wife who have the reputation in the
Filipino community for arriving and leaving separately
a party. Sometimes they do not even sit together
throughout the entire evening.
Bart and Wads have shared 40 years of wedded bliss
and happiness and have been gifted with a son. Their
marriage is still going strong and they have remained
each others best friend since the day they met in
Canada.

22

The Filipino Expat Magazine

Moving in together and delaying marriage

They met in Montral, Canada, six months before he
was scheduled to fly back home to the Netherlands.
He was a student and she was a migrant. They had a
common Cambodian friend who, occassionally, would
use her kitchen to cook food.
It was not love at first sight, they both confessed.
Wads is seven years Barts senior but the age
difference did not hinder the two to be good friends.
When the friendship blossomed into deeper feelings,
he moved in with her. She eventually came with him
to the Netherlands to experience another adventure
in her life.
I left the Philippines because I felt constricted and
the social control was too much. Everybody meddles
with everything and I did not like that. I said, at the
first opportunity, I would go away. Montral was my
starting point, said Wads.
Wads recalled that she actually thought of not getting
married.
When I was living in Pampanga, I said I am not going
to marry a Kapampangan. Senyorito kasi ang mga yan,
nagpapasilbi! When I moved to Manila, I said, I am not
going to marry a Filipino but in Montral I said, I am
not going to marry at all, Wads fondly recalled.

I asked them when it became love, and he quipped,

Seven and a half years, maybe. The unexpected reply
gave way to another burst of laughter. There was no
courtship, it was camaraderie and we did not get married
right away. Bart added.

continued. If there is a misunderstanding, then bring it

in the open right away.

Bart explained that their decision to delay marriage was

because of their moving to the Netherlands where he is
a different person from who he was in Canada. More so,
they understands that Wads will find it difficult to adjust
to a new country at first.
Plus she didnt know the
They have to develop
language.

But not all Filipinas have the assertiveness that Wads

possesses. In an intercultural relationship that involves a
typical timid Filipina and a very candid West European,
the former can have difficulty expressing her views to the
latter.

We knew it was bound to

be difficult (moving to the
Netherlands). We thought
that if we could survive that,
thats the time we start
thinking about marriage.

On being a Filipina wife

self confidence,
look around them, be open to things.
Mingling only with Filipinos is
devastating for Filipino migrants here
or wherever you are. If you dont mingle
with others, the nationals or other expats
ang paningin mo hindi lumalawak (your
view of things would not expand).

When the couple finally

decided to get married, Bart
wrote Wads parents a letter,
formally asking for her hand. Her father was not pleased
that they were already living together but in the end gave
his blessing. They got married and went home to the
Philippines to meet her parents.
Bart became emotional while recalling the first meeting
with his parents- in-law who did not know at that time
that they have already gotten married. He was expecting
to be sent to another room separated from his Filipina
wife. It turned out that he did not have to worry after all.
He received a warm welcome as a new addition to Wads
family.

Wads has this advice for them.

They have to develop self confidence,
look around them, be open to
things. Mingling only with Filipinos
is devastating for Filipino migrants
here or wherever you are. If you dont
mingle with the loclas or other expats
ang paningin mo hindi lumalawak
(your view of things would not
expand).

While she loves being out doing things on her own or

with friends, she recognizes that many Filipinas love
taking care of their family, their children and their
husbands a trait that makes Europeans fall in love with
Filipina women.
She also emphasized on the need to be financially
independent.
You can do more things and you are exposed to people.
You are not just a housewife cleaning the house, cooking
and everything, she said.

Setting up rules in a relationship

There are no secrets to a happy marriage

You would expect that with each coming from different

cultural backgrounds, Bart and Wads would encounter
extremely difficult challenges in their married life.
Both were quick to say that they only had the usual
misunderstandings like regular couples.

The couple emphasized the importance of

communication to have a successful intercultural
relationship.

Their relationship seemed to be ideal, almost to a fault.

They shared the reason why.

Tayong mga Pilipino, we assume a lot. Huwag kang

mag-akala, tanungin mo! (Dont assume, ask!), Wads
stressed.

In their first years of marriage Bart and Wads sat down to

set the rules of their relationship.

Wads ultimate advice?

We set the rules but not during or in view of an

argument. We agreed not to go to bed if the argument
had not been resolved, explained Bart.

Talk. Communicate. Dont assume, Bart said.

Be yourself. Do not lose yourself in a marriage, said

Wads.
That is very important, Bart finished.

And dont suffer in silence, you have to speak up, Wads

The Filipino Expat Magazine

23

2013 is the year

of Amsterdam
There are a number of reasons why this year
is the best time to visit Amsterdam: The city
is celebrating the 400th year of its Canal Ring,
the Rijksmuseum is reopening after a decade of
restoration, not to mention, the Dutch people
are cheering on their first King after 123 years.
Text and photos: Chris Sta Brigida

f course, when youre in Amsterdam, you never miss

the usual tourist draws like the beautiful tulips, iconic
windmills, eclectic coffee shops and the infamous Red
Light district. More can be discovered in this so-called the
Venice of the North if you stay a while longer.
Amsterdam, one of the most important ports during the
Dutch Golden Ages and recently listed as UNESCO World
Heritage site, is the cultural capital of The Netherlands.
The Amsterdam Central Station is the gateway to the city.
From the Schiphol Airport, a train can take you there in
20 minutes. Bus and train services coming from other
European cities converge here as well.
Walking around the city can be very overwhelming
especially to first-time, Filipino tourists. For one, the Dutch
people are the tallest in the world with an average height
of 61. Two, the city boasts of a highly advanced bicycle
culture complete with world-class facilities for cyclists like
bike paths and bike racks.
The best way to start your visit is by taking a canal tour,
advises David Kopp, co-owner of Tulip of Amsterdam B&B
and a resident of Amsterdam for 15 years now. He also
recommends renting a bike and reminiscing your childhood
while exploring the city like a true Amsterdammer.

Best time to be in Amsterdam

For David the best time to be in Amsterdam is during
Queens Day (Kings Day starting next year) as the whole
country turns not only orange in celebration of the
Monarchs birthday but also into the biggest ukay-ukay hub
in the world the Dutch people sell anything and everything
on the streets. For people who want to see picturesque
landscapes of tulips, Kopp recommends coming in spring
between April and May. For those who are looking for good
bargains, he recommends visiting between January and
March as most hotel accommodations are half priced.

24

The Filipino Expat Magazine

For Arts and History

Godwin Yosalinda-Bouman, a Filipino-Dutch owner
of Barangay Bed & Breakfast in Amsterdam and
Amsterdammer for 17 years now, recommends the
following: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Anne Frank, Heineken
Museums, Amsterdam Museum, and the Our Lord in the
Attic Church.
Rijksmuseum is home to The Night Watch by Rembrandt,
The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer and the Portrait of a
Young Couple by Frans Hals. It also has a small Asian art
collection which is on display in the Asian Pavilion.
Van Gogh Museum has the largest Van Gogh collection in
the world. Van Goghs Self-Portrait, Sunflower and Almond
Blossoms paintings are just some of the 200 paintings you
will see in the museum.
Anne Frank House located on Prinsengracht, one of the
main three canals of Amsterdam, is a museum dedicated to
a young Jewish diarist lady who hid from Nazi persecution
with her family and four others in one of the hidden
rooms in the building. The museum highlights forms of
persecution and discrimination.
Heineken Museum is a former brewery and currently a
visitor center for the world famous Amsterdam grown
Heineken beer. Visitors will learn the science of beer making
and the art of beer tasting as all visitors will receive three
complimentary glasses of beers - one during tasting and
two more while socialising.

PERFECT
location

BEST
value

CLEAN and
QUIET rooms

GREAT
service

Tulip of Amsterdam B&B is a brand-new hotspot in town,

combining traditional Dutch culture with modern comfort.
Tulip of Amsterdam B&B
Kloveniersburgwal 9-HS
1011 JT Amsterdam
Tel: + 31 (0)6 3911 1030
Fax: + 31 (0)8 4874 8722
Email: info@TulipofAmsterdam.nl
Website: TulipofAmsterdam.nl

Netherlands
Tel: +31-624754820 Angelo
Tel: +31-628420963 Adam

Above: If you are missing the taste of home while

in Amsterdam, visit Toko Joyce for affordable and
delicious Asian meals.
Amsterdam Museum formerly known as the Amsterdam
Historic Museum is Godwins favourite among all.
You will learn how the city was transformed from a dump
fishing village to the leading financial centre of the world,
he says.
For Pinoys who love doing Visita Iglesia, a visit to the
Our Lord in the Attic Church is a must for Godwin. Built
during the Reformation, when Catholics in the city were
forbidden to hold public services, this hidden church
museum is definitely one of the many unique attractions in
Amsterdam.

What to Eat?
Kroket, herring and cheese are the top three must-tries
when visiting Amsterdam according to Joseph Tan, a
Filipino-American professional violinist. He has been living
in Amsterdam for more than 15 years and he loves cooking
and trying out different food choices. The best kroket in
town, he says, is in Van Dobben at Reguliersdwarsstraat
9; herring in Spuistraat near Waterstone Bookstore; and
cheese at Kaashuis Tromp at Utrechtsestraat 90.
Since there is no Filipino restaurant yet in Amsterdam,
Joseph recommends the following Asian restaurants
with budget-friendly food menu: Oriental City at
Oudezijdsvoorburgwal 177 for Dimsum; Ocha at
Bantammerstraat 1, Thank Snack Bar Bird at Zeedijk 77;
Mitzukuni at Reguliersdwarsstraat 43, or Toko Joyce at
Nieuwmarkt 38 for Indonesian.

WELCOME TO CROWN Bed & breakfast amsterdam

Housed in the centuries-old building De Kroon
(the Crown) in the centre of Amsterdam, our
rooms evoke history, elegance and warmth for a
unique Dutch experience.
Spuistraat 78
1012 TW Amsterdam
Netherlands
Tel: +31-624754820 Angelo
Tel: +31-628420963 Adam
info@crownbnb.nl
www.crownbnb.nl

Sanchez, Filipino-Dutch co-owner of Crown B&B shares.

He adds that there is a growing number of Filipino
entrepreneurs owning and running bed and breakfast joints
in Amsterdam.
Heres a list:
Tulip of Amsterdam B&B offers Dutch themed rooms
located in middle of the historic Kloveniersburgwal, one
of the oldest canals in Amsterdam. It is right next to the
charming ancient square called the Nieuwmarkt.
Website: www.TulipofAmsterdam.nl
Barangay B&B is one of the oldest themed tropical
decorated guest house that used to be a typical Amsterdam
canal house. It was built in 1777 on the former coastline of
Amsterdam. Website: www.barangay.nl
Crown B&B is located in one of the most beautiful classical
buildings of Amsterdam. The building used to belong to the
royal family as their warehouse for sugar.
Website: www.crownbnb.nl

Where to stay?
To have a complete Amsterdam experience, why not stay
with the locals? A lot of Amsterdammers are opening their
houses to accommodate visitors. You can experience
sleeping in a coverted attic like Anne Frank or in a house
boat like a Dutch sailor the choices are endless.
Aside from the personal approach and the feeling of being
at home, locals know the best deals in town, Angelo

26

The Filipino Expat Magazine

About the author

Chris Sta Brigida is a Filipino/British
national who recently moved to
Amsterdam from London. He is the
co-owner of Tulip of Amsterdam Bed
and Breakfast and also one of the publishers
of The Filipino Expat Magazine.

Subscribe now!

In the next issue:

Finding a job in Europe

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advertisements, advertorials, products and
events features. We are also looking for
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Please get in touch with us through the
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editor@thefilipinoexpat.com
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Website www.thefilipinoexpat.com

The European economy is unstable and jobs are scarce

especially for expats who did not come here with a
permanent job. Find out stories on finding a job in Europe,
tips on increasing your chances in landing one, your rights
if working illegally and more.

Focus on Spain

Our survival guide will feature basic information on

documents you need in Spain.

Travel

Discover the best of Santiago de Compostela in Spain and

find out why thousands of pilgrims troop here every year.
The next issue of The Filipino Expat Magazine will be
released on the 3rd week of July. The printed copy is
available for subscription from our website for 24/
year plus shipment and 5/issue in selected Filipino
establishments. The e-magazine version is available for
free download from www.thefilipinoexpat.com.

Giving Back

Small voices, loud echoes

Jomel Gutierrez traveled to the north of the Philippines and
discovered the heart-wrenching conditions of education there.

t was a five-hour trip going to Tineg,

Abra from the capital of the province,
Bangued. The drive to the second
poorest municipality in the entire Philippines
was made even more difficult by bumpy,
rough roads and treacherous cliffs.
It is no secret that Abra is one of the
countrys hotspots especially during
elections. We were traveling in a convoy
with 70 security escorts from the Philippine
National Police (PNP) and the military.
Social welfare and development Secretary
Corazon Dinky Juliano-Soliman was leading
our group conducting DSWDs Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
For first-timers, the sight of Tineg
particularly in Sitio Caganayan is heartbreaking: Electricity is not yet available,
proper sanitary facilities do not exist, and
people have no access to clean water. A
handful of concrete houses exist and some
have lights using solar panels. Still, majority
of the households in the community are
among the poorest in the country. The sight
of poverty is everywhere.
Tineg became a municipality in 1958. As of
today, the population there is 4,468.

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The Filipino Expat Magazine

UNFINISHED CLASSROOM. The children

of Tineg attend classes in this classroom
everyday with no concrete floors and
proper ceiling.
Previous page: TINEG HOMES. Houses
in Tined are made of wood and the
community does not have proper access to
electricity and proper water and sanitary
facilities.

I was assigned to conduct a quiz bee for the

schoolchildren of Tineg. When I entered the
classroom, I felt sorry for the kids. Mud and
rocks made up the floor. Desks that could
have been two decades old already were
still being used. Save for a blackboard, the
walls were empty of any colorful posters
or drawings to help enliven the learning
experience of the kids.
Most heart-wrenching was that amid their
squalid conditions, the kids always wore
huge smiles on their faces, looking ever so
eager and enthusiastic to learn new things.
I started the quiz bee which had easy,
average and difficult categories. To my
surprise, the Tineg kids answered every
question with such ease like they learned
their lessons by heart.

TATTERED LEARNING EXPERIENCE. These torn

education materials are the only ones available
inside a Day Care classroom in Tineg.
Another reality sunk in: Poverty is not a
hindrance to good education. Their dedication to
study, to explore and to grow inspired me.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or
Conditional Cash Transfer has been helping
these kids go to school. It also provides them an
allowance for food so they wont go to school
hungry. Its a rights-based program of the DSWD
to poor Filipino households with conditions that
they need to comply to continue receiving those
benefits. But the program can only do so much.
The children of Tineg need more help.

For more information how to help the children

of Tineg, Abra, you can contact the DSWD-CAR
Regional Office:
Department of Social Welfare and Development
Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region
40 North Drive, Baguio City
Telephone/Fax Numbers: (63) (074) 446-5961 /
(63) (074) 442-7917
E-mail ad: focal@dswd.gov.ph,
jomsanthony@gmail.com
Website: www.car.dswd.gov.ph

Still, majority of
the households in the
community are among the
poorest in the country

About the author

Jomel Anthony
Villanueva Gutierrez is a
former ABS-CBN international
news correspondent. He was based in ABS-CBN
Europe, London News Bureau for four years.
He contributed stories about overseas Filipino
workers (OFWs) in the United Kingdom, Spain
and other parts of Europe. He earned a masters
degree in Media and Cultural Studies at the
University of Roehampton in London, He is now
working as information officer II of Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Cordillera Administrative Region.
The Filipino Expat Magazine

31

The Filipino Kitchen

The story of bulalo

Caterer Irene Looze shares the joys of teaching her

husband the appreciation of home-cooked Filipino meals
in the Netherlands.

arrived in Holland in June 1989, having just married

a Dutch.
Like many expats before me, I had to learn to
adjust to the cold weather, the different language and
foreign food.
I was homesick especially during those first few trying
months. It was not because I was having a hard time
adapting to my new environment. I was missing
Filipino cuisine that I enjoyed the past 17 years of my
life before moving to this new country. Everything
was prepared fresh back then from vegetables to
seafood and meat.
I vividly remember our first meal here in Holland. We
cooked potatoes with a slice of pork chop and green
salad. Needless to say, it took all my strength not to
show my disappointment, chewing and pushing those
potatoes down my throat by drinking lots of water.
I remember staring at my food and thinking about
what my family and relatives back home were eating
at the same moment. I wanted to go home.
It was a while before I got used to the Dutch cuisine,
which, compared to Filipino food, is simple and
straightforward: Breakfast and lunch consist mostly
of bread while dinner will have boiled vegetables
(usually potatoes) and a piece of meat or pasta.

At that time, there were no Filipino stores in Holland.

There were only the tokos or small supermarkets
selling food products from Asia, South America and
Africa. If you wanted to cook Filipino dishes, you could
find most of the alternative ingredients you needed
here. (So just imagine my happiness when the first
Filipino store opened in our neighborhood.)
My husband, like most Dutch people, was not a fan of
Filipino cuisine, at first. Particularly, he could not stand
the smell of bagoong, papaitan and dried squid.

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The Filipino Expat Magazine

It was when I introduced him to my Bulalo recipe that

he came to appreciate more the Filipino cuisine.
The story goes, my husband was wondering about
dinner one fine day. To his surprise, I told him bulalo
because I was missing it. He looked even more puzzled
when I told him that Ill be using bone marrows for it.
Seeing it would be hard to convince him to try it, I
told him to buy lamb chops and cook them himself.
He did.
At the dinner table, everyone, except my husband,
was enjoying my bulalo slurping and mixing it with
rice. Even our one-year-old seemed to be having a
kick out of it.
My husband suddenly blurted, How was the
bulalo?
Why dont you try it? Nobody is stopping you, I told
him. He took one slurp and to my shock, he slapped
my shoulder and exclaimed, Why did you not tell me
how delicious it is?!
Since that day, bulalo became his favorite
Pinoy dish.

About the author

Irene Esquibil Looze owns
a catering business and has
cooked for the Royal Dutch
Airlines (KLM), C&A and other
Dutch companies. You can reach her at
iesquibil@hotmail.com or at telephone numbers
+31 (0)618193765 and +31 (0)23-5654110.

Bulalo soup with a European twist

Heres my Bulalo recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 kg beef shank or beef meat with
(chopped) bone marrow
- 1 can of white beans
- 3 pcs potatoes (more potatoes if you
got a Dutch partner),
- kilo of cabbage (chopped)
- 2 beef bouillons,
red chili pepper or sambaloelek,
salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Boil one liter of water with two beef
bouillons in a pressure cooker. Add the
beef shanks, bone marrow, onions,
salt and pepper. If you dont have a
pressure cooker, boil it for at least two
hours or until the meat is tender.
2. Add the potatoes then add more
water. Let it boil for five minutes then
taste it. Put more salt if necessary.
3. Mix in the white beans and cabbage.
Let it cook for five minutes. Its ready
to serve with rice or just like, the Dutch
way, soepmaaltijd!
4. To make the dish a bit more spicy,
put a teaspoon of sambaloelek or red
chili pepper.

New generation takes helm of Independence Day organization

Members of the SK Holland Renedor Estimada and Bryan

Mendean together with KFFN chairman Jun Ortega.

Dheza Marie Aguilar

wo years ago, a group of young FilipinoDutch formed the SangguniangKabataan,

a member organization of the Kalayaan Fiesta
Foundation Netherlands (KFFN), the main
organizer of the Independence Day celebration
in the Netherlands.
Their aim was to encourage the
youth to participate not only in the
commemoration of the Philippine
Independence Day but also to get
them more involved in the Filipino
community.

Our main focus this year is to

provide education and basic help
to poor kids in the Philippines. We
believe these kids are the future.
We need to give them a good
foundation so they can stand on
their own two feet and rise from
poverty

This 2013, KFFN announces its new

officers: Rodenor Estimada, (Chairman),
Jason Munoz, (Treasurer) Cherryl
Dalusong (Communication officer) and Bryan
Mendean (Project coordinator).

The new leaders have big shoes to fill but they

are ready to take on the challenge, inspired by
their Filipino roots.
I have been exposed to the Filipino culture
even during my younger years. We sang
Christmas Carols together. We attended Filipino
mass almost every week. Every year, we visit
the Philippines to keep in touch with family and

34

The Filipino Expat Magazine

friends there. My love for my country grew

even stronger when I joined KFFN and saw
that love reflected back to me by the fellow
members, said Munoz.
The new officers aim to improve and make
more efficient the logistical and structural
management of the Independence Day
picnic. They plan to do more charity works,
concentrating on providing education and
basic help to poor children in the Philippines.
This year, KFFNs beneficiary is Stitching Bahay
Aurora, a Dutch-Filipino foundation that
provides food, shelter and basic education to
street children.
Our main focus this year is to provide
education and basic help to poor kids in
the Philippines. We believe these kids are
the future. We need to give them a good
foundation so they can stand on their own
two feet and rise from poverty, explained
Mendean.
The KFFN Independence Day picnic will
continue to host the traditional barbecue
gatherings, entertainment activities.
competitions and tiangges.

ROBINKUIJS
f o t o g r a f i e

Weddings / Loveshoots / Portraits

www.robinkuijs.nl

RYAN SOTO
Area Manager Europe
Robinsons Land Coporation
+63.999.883.7422
ryandasissoto@gmail.com

JACK SILVERIO
Accredited International Broker

LOTISKY NIEGAS
Accredited International Broker

+31.6.14363109
wackojacko_nl@yahoo.com

+31.6.23706270
lotiskyniegas@yahoo.com

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