Vis à Vis speelt HaRT

Pentecost (Pinksteren), Whit Sunday or known in Dutch as Eerste Pinksterdag, is an important Christian Holiday in The Netherlands. It is is seven weeks after Easter Sunday which commemorates the Holy Spirit's descent from heaven onto Jesus' followers. It is generally a normal spring Sunday and a popular time for outdoor music festivals, short breaks and longer vacations.  

This long vacation is also time to relax and to do some recreational activities. For us, we were invited by our Suriname neighbour to join on his 55th birthday celebration. But on the same day, father of Dennis was also invited us to watch a theatrical show here in Almere. Thus, we decided to stay at the party for only 2 hours and went directly to the show. The show was free for all the volunteers here in Almere and Dennis' father was one of the volunteers. He got four free tickets for the show and gave it to me, Dennis and a close friend of him.

The theatrical show was played by a group, Vis à Vis and the title of the show was 'Hart'. It was a dramatic and comedy love story in a bizarre outdoor environment. They used ingenious style for their equipments and props. Mostly in the theatre, you would find some luxurious paraphernalia but  Vis a Vis used things that you could find in the garbage can. The setting of the show was an afvalscheidingsstation/waste separation station where people brought their trash there and separate the components of the waste based on their materials. The acting of the characters and the effects were really amazing and also the sophisticated musical arrangements that make up the evening a real cinematic experience. I had fun watching it! Even there were some parts of it that I didn't understand because my Dutch was not yet enough. But still, thanks for Dennis for translating it for me and the act that helped me to understand the whole picture of the story. This was also my first Dutch Theatrical show and I would never forget this spectacular show.

Another Year For Me

Last March 3, 2012 was my birthday. It just remind me that I am not a kid any more and growing up as a matured woman. Mostly, I celebrated my birthday with my family and few close friends. But this year was different because I celebrated it for the first time not in the Philippines and away from my family. But still, I am happy to celebrate it with my loved ones here in The Netherlands especially my liefe schatje, Dennis.

I didn't throw a party on the day of my birthday because we were  also invited in two different parties. We decided to attend those parties so we didn't need to make ourselves busy in organizing a party. We went first to the party of the two boys of one of the close friends of Dennis. We received the invitation letter last January and the wish list (cadeaulijst) of the kids (It is normal here to make a list of what you want as presents) so it's going to be easy for us to choose gifts for them. Few weeks before the party, we need to confirm if we were going to attend the party. Normally, Dutch don't feel comfortable to the people who are not announcing or making appointment  that they are dropping in, not only during birthdays. We arrived there around 14.00 in the afternoon and greeted the hosts through saying, "Gefeliceteerd (met je Verjaardag)" and kissing them three times on the cheek.

In a traditional Dutch birthday party, you will enter the room with the chairs and go and congratulate everybody who is already there with the birthday. You go around the circle, people already sitting there stand up, you shake hands, say "Gefeliciteerd", and if there's a female involved, kiss three times on the cheek. This means that if you come early, you'll have to stand up for every new arrival, and if you come late it'll be a lot of work to go visit everybody. Then you take a seat in the circle. Usually someone will come and offer cake and coffee. Mostly, the ratio is 1:1, meaning you will receive one cup of coffee and one piece of cookie/cake. Once offered second serving of coffee, you may get another round of cookie.  Sometimes, they offer you some finger foods like chips, mini kroket or bitterbal, toast with salad and slices of cheese cucumber , olives, sausages. Then, they will offer you  again drinks. Regarding the cake, brought in to the celebrant with a song “Lang zal ze leven”, the Dutch equivalent of Happy Birthday. People here in The Netherlands hang birthday calendars to remind them of the birthdays of all their family and friends. When a Dutch person is unable to visit the birthday party, a card is always sent to the celebrant. When you are the celebrant and received some gifts, you need to open the gifts in the front of the person who gave the gift to you and say how nice/beautiful the gift and say thank you in dutch "dankjewel".

The second party was for Rene, the boyfriend of Nanthicia, my Thai Friend. We went in their house after dinner with the host of the first party. Nanthicia lives in the same street with us so no worry for us when we go home late or drink alcohol without worrying to drive. On this party, you will also expect the same procedure of  typical Dutch birthday party but it is little bit more loose than the other one. We gave the Bacardi white rum as a present to Rene. I was also surprised that they gave me a birthday cake. How sweet of them to remember my birthday! We drinked and ate while listening to the music and watched some funny videos. Of course! A lot of conversations on that day. 

 

The next day, we invited Ton, father of Dennis to have dinner with us. Again, another surprise for me... a bouquet of flowers and gift card from Ton. Actually, he asked me what  present I want to receive on my birthday. I was thinking if I would tell him to give some personal things, maybe, he would buy the wrong thing that's why I decided just to have gift card which I could choose gift on my own. I baked also an apple tart on that day and it was nice that they loved it. In our dinner, Dennis made his specialty, lasagna and after that, we had coffee and slice of apple tart while watching TV. 

My birthday became more special when I received the greetings from Robert and Kaye-lin, the children that I am taking care of . Birthday artworks that made personally by them just for me. 

My schatje, Dennis had also presents for me. He gave me a personalised mug with a sweet message on it, solar alarm clock to wake up me early when I have school, and my advanced birthday gift, winter boots. Even I don't ask him to give me presents, he still always surprise and think of me. Being sweet and thoughtful are some of the characteristics of Dennis that makes me more fall in love with him.

You'll always be my Valentine!

Every 14th of February or Valentine's day, couples/lovers are preparing how they can make special on that day. For the reason, Valentines day is a day of love, romance and relationships where we exchange flowers, chocolates, cards, and loving sentiments with warm feelings of admiration, affection, and infatuation. In many countries, restaurants and eateries are seen to be filled with couples who are eager to celebrate their relationship and the joy of their togetherness through delicious cuisines. 

Valentine's day is not only for couples/lovers but includes everyone loved by us. It is celebrated to express love to anyone we are closed to. He/She would be our parents, siblings, children, friends, relatives or dear ones. We must take opportunity of the Valentine's Day to express our love and gratitude to all persons we love.

For those single persons, they feel that the V-day strongly reminds them of their unattached status and not having someone to spend the day in romantic and much popularized manner. But they can make the most of Valentine's Day by spending the day in the company of those they love or by indulging themselves with something luxurious.

For me, Valentine's day is just the same with the ordinary days. I never had valentine's date before or received flowers or sweet stuffs on that day. But this year was different, full of surprises and sweetness that I felt on that day. I saw a gift on our  computer chair when I woke up this morning. It was a heart-shaped pillow with I love You's on it. I felt surprised because I didn't expect it. I said to Dennis few days before V-day that it was not needed to make something special on Valentine's Day. But still, he wanted me to surprise and made me feel special.

Dennis gave me a heart-shaped pillow and blanket(with I Love You designs) to keep me warm and remind me that he always love me as said by him, and a personalized  photo canvas of us with a sweet message by him. I wanted also that I had something to return on him. I gave him a couple cute mugs where I just bought it on the same day and made a nice dinner for us.

Valentine's day 2012 was the first V-day that we (me and Dennis) celebrated together.  Being together on that day and for long time was enough for me but having with these stuffs, our V-day made more special and strengthened more our relationship. Contentedly being with him, I can say now that... Dennis will always be my Valentine!

Yim Siam for Dennis' Day

 

Simple but memorable, that's how I can describe the birthday of Dennis. A week before, we just had a little conversation how we could celebrate his birthday. Dennis always asked my opinion in everything. For this situation, I've told him that it was depend on him because that day was his day. So it's up to him what we were going to do on that day. But still, I suggested to eat in a restaurant with his father and brother because we didn't have yet dinner outside with his family. Throwing a party was a nice too but a lot things needed to prepare.So he agreed to me and asked which restaurant could we celebrate his birthday.  I suggested to eat in a Wok restaurant because I missed also eating Chinese food.  But when Dennis talked his father, he suggested to eat in a Thai Restaurant and said that it was great food there. So we were in dilemma on that time where we were going to eat but on his birthday, we ended up in Yim Siam. I wanted also to try new things for me. Me and Dennis never yet eat in a Thai Restaurant and we are curious how good the Thai food is.

 

5 February was the birthday of Dennis but we decided to do it on the evening of  4 February(Saturday) so we could have more time there and no worry to wake up early for the next day. It was nice to experience this unique cuisine that balances the flavours of salty, sour, spicy and sweet and combines the freshness of fragrant herbs such as lemon grasses/leaves. This kind of herbs is popular to put in the soup,Tom yum goong which is made of stock and fresh ingredients such as lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce and crushed chili peppers. This soup is one of my favorite Thai foods but sprinkling of fresh chopped coriander leaves (Cilantro/Chinese Parsley) on it  is not suited for my taste buds but still, this kind of leaves have bring health effects to our body. A study found that both the leaves and seed contain antioxidants and  have antibacterial activity against Salmonella choleraesuis.

My First Christmas in Holland

How did I celebrate my first Christmas in Holland?

The Christmas this year was the first time that I didn't celebrate it  in my own country - Philippines. For the whole 21 years of my life, I always celebrate Christmas with my family in the Philippines. But now, I'm living now here in The Netherlands and trying to establish my life here. I could say that it was sad to be far from your loved ones but there was also in the other side that would experience it for the first time and make you happy. So it was really mix emotions of  sadness and happiness. But still, there are some ways to ease your longingness with your loved ones such as sending mails to them, calling them on phone and the most accessible now is using the Internet- Skype, Yahoo Messenger, MSN, Facebook etc.

Last 10 December 2011, me and Dennis attended a Christmas Party here in Almere with the Samenleven ladies together with their families. I joined in Samenleven ( a group of Filipinas who got married or had relationship with a Dutchman) before I arrived here in Holland. I saw their website while searching informations about the Civic Integration Exam. I found it interesting where I could meet them here in Holland and be friends with them. Ate Ranessa was the first one I meet. She was also living here in Almere and we study in the same school. She was very kind, friendly and helpful. She gave me a lot of advices about the life here in Holland, how to study Dutch, our school and a lot of things. She invited me on the party and encouraged me to attend it. We went there where I met them all personally. We had a great time there where we ate different, delicious dishes which prepared by each of families, gift-giving and received each one of us a present, and the children practiced 'Mano po' which was the Filipino gesture of respect.

Here in The Netherlands, the Dutch people celebrate Christmas for two days: 25 and 26 December. They call it 'Eerste en Tweede Kerst dag' (First and second Christmas). These two days are spent with family, singing carols, playing games, watching movies, reading Chritsmas tales and indulging in holiday feasts.They eat a large breakfast or brunch and a special Christmas meal. Some people plan and cook a large meal with a range of luxurious foods at home. These meals could include game meats, roast pork, fondues or gourmetten (the most typically Dutch Christmas meal, a style of eating that involves a grill on the table so that everyone can cook bite-sized pieces of meat and vegetables themselves). Second Christmas Day is often spent visiting family or, weather permitting, going ice skating or on an outing. Leftovers are enjoyed on this day.

25 December 2011 - I had a wonderful Christmas dinner with Dennis, Jeroen (Dennis' brother)  and their father, Ton. I prepared Chritsmas cookies, lumpia shanghai and coffee for snack time and a gourmet schotel for dinner. For the lovely dessert, we had vanilla and chocolate nuts ice cream. After that, we exchanged gifts where we had our raffle names last time we celebrated Sinterklaas. This was the list of gifts what we received that day: Anne- small wallet and pantoffels, Dennis- a gift card worth of 20 euro, Jeroen - 100pcs of DVDs, and Ton- a Yatzee play game.

 26 December 2011- Dennis, Jeroen and I had a delicious dinner with Chicken Rollade, vegetables and baked potatoes. I made a Leche Plan for our dessert.

ONE YEAR MEMORY

Today was our first anniversary of being committed to each other. We didn't do much special but I knew that Dennis was making some plans  to do for our anniversary. Unfortunately, he needed to work yesterday. His plans was messed up and we're decided just to do the same way we loved to do- walking in the forest. But for me, it doesn't matter as long as we we're together. But before that day, I couldn't control myself to expect something special from Dennis. Maybe, because it's just normal nature of some women- expecting something romantic and special. As I said, there was no problem with that and the most important was our love to each other that I'm hoping in the following years would never be fade and get more stronger.

So, I made this video for Dennis to express my feelings to him. I was very grateful that he loved this video wherein we could get back what happened in the past year. I do really love making personalized gift to someone who was very special to me. Less expensive, but more appreciative.

Reconciliation Between Brothers

"Reconciliation means healing estranged relationships and creating new, healthier ones." This phrase was very suited for the recent situation of Dennis and his brother, Jeroen after 2-3 years they didn't talk and see each other. It was really great that they forgot what happened in the past, reconciled each other and ready to move on now. I  felt that Dennis was so glad to have his brother back. I knew that he missed him so much. It was started when their father tried to call his brother coz they heard that Jeroen was ready to have contact with them again. Jeroen told him that he was tired of being alone and wanted to get back his family. For this happening, Dennis felt so much happiness and finally, they would bring back the good relationship with his brother, Jeroen. Afterthat, Dennis´ father told him to call Jeroen so they could talk and arrange their misunderstandings. They managed it well and decided to see each other again. It was yesterday and it was also the first time I meet the brother of my love, Dennis.  I do believe that when you are really love your partner, it is your obligation to accept and treat his/her family as your own family too.So I feel great now coz even I am far from my real family, still I can have my own family too here.

From His Heart :)

Today I m feeling so low as you are not with me,
I miss u every moment wherever I may be.

My mind sets no where and just thinks about you,
I wanna talk a lot with you but our talks are due.

My lips are trembling and calling your name,
I cannot see you in front of me and I m going through this pain.

My tears are in trauma should they flow out or lay inside,
they want to roll down my cheeks but could not decide.

My one hand holds the other as it cannot hold yours,
It wanders for only your warm touch , I m sure.

My heart beats gets faster wishing you might be here,
giving me the feel of joy, love and care.

How much I love you is all i know,
i just feel it and I want to show u.

I miss you with every beat of my heart, no doubt
you are the only one of whom i can think about.....

Finally, I found Him!

Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep .Wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on.One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky his is to have you. The one who turns to his friends and says, 'that's her.

Dennis & Anne

 

Before, I never expected to have a relationship with a foreign man but I was hoping before to work or travel  in a foreign country. But I realized now  that when you are hit of what they called "LOVE", you don't care if how difficult and how far it is. Even the dissimilarities to each other, such as personality, culture and language, will not ruin your love to each other and try to make it up. But still, you need to add more elements such as communication, trust, respect and care to each other just to maintain a good relationship especially when you are too far from each other. Yes, Indeed! It's very hard to have a long distance relationship but if you have those elements of love, you can make it. Now, after all the hardships, finally we are together. I know in the future, we will encounter some obstacles in our lives but we will try to surpass all of these just to be together and make it more stronger our relationship.

September 25, 2010 - I arrived for the first time in Holland 
October 2010 - First Meeting
November 2010 - Dating every weekends
December 2010- Dating and officially had relationship
December 23, 2010 - I went Back to Philippines
February- March 2011 - I started to study Basic Dutch an about the Civic Integration Exam
March 24, 2011 - I passed the Civic Integration Exam
April 14- May 5, 2011 - Dennis had vacation in the Philippines
April 27, 2011 - We sent  all our documents to IND to ask an advice for MVV
April 29, 2011 - IND received our documents
June 24, 2011 - IND sent the letter with POSITIVE advice to us.
July 11, 2011- I went to Netherlands Embassy in Makati to apply MVV personally 
July 14, 2011 - I received my visa
July 19, 2011 - I had my flight from Manila- Kuala Lumpur- to Schiphol
July 20, 2011 - Arrived in Schipol Amsterdam Airport