Going Dutch

On online shopping: Why Net-a-porter is better than LuisaviaRoma

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:51:00 +0000

This year I discovered online shopping. I can't tell you how much my wallet, my credit card and my husband protested.. But since last year and the first part of this year had been the busiest for me (school, work, work, travel, work) the Internet had been my best friend as it allowed me to save precious time from going to the stores.

I started with outnet.com, discounted online store of net-a-porter.com and bought several items. Service was good, I enjoyed my purchases and when they go on weekend sale, I just couldn't resist buying. Here I got a beautiful red bag from Alexander McQueen which makes me swoon until now and an orange dress which turns head at parties.

There was one time that I got somehow tired of outnet.com. So I switched to its mother company for my purchases. And it had been a harmonious relationship since then. Net-a-porter is fast in approving my purchases, customer service is great and returns are not a problem.

But then the fickle me tried another online store, luisaviaroma.com. They have the same market and services as net-a-porter.com but they have more sales. And from these sales I saw another shoes which was selling from almost 80% off. Women are always excited to get new pairs of shoes and waiting for it is just painful.

Unfortunately if you use a credit card, Luisaviaroma will verify your account first through your bank which can delay the approval of your order. After exchanging emails with Luisaviaroma, with which they promise to send the tracking number right away, Im still not sure when my purchase will arrive. I've never experience it with net-a-porter and the one time my purchase was delayed, they gave me a credit note.

I guess this is something I have to get used to when buying online - the waiting time. Online shopping reduces the "instant gratification" which normal stores allow you to have.

What about you? Which is your favorite online store?

Back go blogging: The NT2 diploma

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:48:00 +0000

Ready to follow a new road in my Dutch integration

It's been a very busy year for me - juggling one full time jobs and two part time, going to school, travelling, being a wife and a trying to met expectations. I guess you notice it from the lack of blog posts. But finally I can breath again with a little free time on my hand before I start getting busy again. I miss this blog.

Pat of my crazy schedule last year and early this year was the one year inburgering cursus that I took in preparation for my Nederlands als Tweede Taal exams. I signed a one-year contract with the gemeente who gave me the free course. I was very thankful to the Dutch government of course, for that opportunity but it took toll on my energy and my time. I was stressed every week and at some point I wanted to stop already. According to my contract, I need to pass my exams before May 2013 so I didn't need to hurry. I was saying the state should cut me some slack because I've only been in the country for two years and has only started school in May 2010.

But the sooner I passed, the sooner I can concentrate on other things - for example building my career. I gave up my driving lessons and tried to concentrate on my jobs and school. And this July, I took the dreaded exam, along with hundreds of students who are required to learn the complicated Dutch language.

I was already prepared to fail at least two of the four parts - the speaking and writing. I had a terrible case of mouth sores, which manifest itself whenever I am stressed. And during exam weeks, I had mouth sore the whole month and was mostly on soup and soft diet. My concentration was not at best.

I was only thankful that finally, classes are over and I can focus my energy on other things. Fortunately luck was on my side and on August 1oth, a day before my birthday, I received one of the best gifts in my 27th year on Earth - my NT2 diploma!

Before I got the diploma, I can converse in Dutch but only to select people and whenever I am under chocolate or when I want to impress and acquittance after saying that I've only been here for two years. For usual conversations, I'd rather talk in English. I was dead afraid of making mistakes. But now I am more confident speaking Dutch to just anybody - even customers and suppliers at my office. The proof from the government gave me that freedom not to be afraid and just continue on building on my skills. In a way, it made me happier.

The last year had taught me a lot and gave me adventures that I never imagined I'd have. But that's for the next post. I can say that Im now well immersed but true to the spirit of this blog - I never stop shopping and cooking, only now I tend to overspend a little bit. Take that as a reward of all the efforts in living in my new home.

Internet shopping: trying out glasses at Zenni Optical

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:46:00 +0000

It's almost been two years since I had my glasses made. It made such a difference in watching TV and hopping on the proper bus but unfortunately, whenever I take my glasses off, I feel quite incomplete. I also noticed that my measurements might not be the same anymore, my left eye sees better than the right. I'm thinking of getting a new pair but I just don't have time to go to my optometrist. Luckily I found Zenni Optical where I can try on and order prescription glasses. How convenient!

Lately I've been doing my shopping through the internet, from clothes to gadgets (I've got tons to share but that's for another post) and so far it has been good. There were a few misses but that's because I wasn't able to try on the products I was buying. At Zennie Optical I can see how the glasses will look on me, choose colors and designs (which are a lot) and best part of it, they are affordable prescription eyeglasses. Just look at me above trying on this white and red glasses. I figured, this might be my new look soon. And look at the price just almost $30 dollars compared to the 150euros I paid for my pair here in the Netherlands.

Honestly I haven't bought this pair yet. I am still looking up reviews and feedback about the site's product and their customer service. I'd like to know how satisfied customers are and if they can really be trusted. So far, the feedback were good especially from people who joined Share your Zenni story section of their blog. You can share your story there too, if you are a customer and maybe help me decide if I should give it a go?

Planning my future in Holland

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:44:00 +0000

Two years and five months. That is how long I've already lived in Holland. A lot of things have definitely changed in my life since I came here in 2009, more notably my character as an Asian adapting to the Dutch lifestyle and culture. It doesn't look like I am living soon. But honestly, with the widespread economic problems that Europe is facing now, there is a doubt on whether I would spend the rest of my life here in the Netherlands. That's why lately I am considering getting term life insurance.

There is bezuiniging or budget cut in every sector in the Netherlands, particularly in health,education and even the pension fund. There is no assurance that the good life here will continue in the next 10-20 years. It is probably a good idea, especially for immigrants like me to already scout for life insurance quotes on the internet and start planning ahead for my future. It's better to do that while I am still young and still in the pink of my health.

There are a lot of tools in the internet to get the suitable term life insurance quotes for you. And if you are like me who is working hard and wants to be sure about here future, I suggest you start planning for your future as well. Especially if you are an immigrant in a country where rules are very strict and the economy is getting shaky.

This post is brought to you by the kindness of people at Free Life Term Quote

Free Dior Vanity pouch: Promo at Douglas

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:13:00 +0000

You get this beauty pouch with every purchase of 25euro or more at Douglas

Gratis Dior schoonheid tasje bij een aankoop van 25euro of meer bij Douglas!

Douglas, one of the two of the biggest beauty store in the Netherlands (the other is ICI Paris XL) is having a promo these days. I did not know it when I purchased a some douche creme (shower cream) later plus a Douglas card (which cost 12,50) so I was pleasantly surprise to receive a beauty pouch that has three items inside.

These are the three tiny loot inside. A five-color eye shadow with a cute mirror, a Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating liquid foundation with SPF 10 and a Dior mascara. They will probably not last that long with me but they are so adorable.

What are these freebies?

Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10
A natural hydrating liquid foundation.

What it does:
Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10 blends 100% natural mineral pigments with Dior's exclusive, active mineralized water to deliver flawless, glowing skin that actually improves over time. By using advances in mineral makeup technology, this product will take your complexion to a whole new level.

DiorShow Mascara
A cult-followed mascara that leaves lashes ultra thick, long, and curled.

What it is formulated to do:
DiorShow Mascara is Dior's original, must-have mascara that delivers ultra-glam, catwalk-length lashes. Makeup artists all over the world use this product to create the longest, thickest, curviest lashes ever.

copy from Sephora.com

I am not really a make up person so I will probably not be using the eye-shadow but the mascara and the liquid can come in handy. The tiny mirror will also be very helpful because I never had one in my bag. These items will go nicely with the Max Faxtor red lipstick that the mother-in-law gave me for Christmas. If only I can located where it is.

The best part of that sweet unexpected deal is probably the flashy bling in the zipper. It is a big gold D with tiny Dior Beauty engraved on it. My name happens to start with the same letter. Kind made the bag a bit more personal.

Specialists in recrimination art

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:41:00 +0000

Striving for global competitiveness:K+12 Proposal

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 10:51:00 +0000

In the Philippines, there has been an on-going debate whether the government should increase the country's basic education to 12 years from the 10-year system that it has now. Some say that it will help in the global competitiveness of the Filipino graduates because it is the Standard form of education in almost all nations but the opposition says that it will only cost a lot of money and will decrease the chances of kids getting an education.

One good argument of the pro's that I've heard is that students who wants to enter science and mathematics in college field should spend more time studying related subjects. She pointed out that in other countries, children already take Pre Algebra subjects in high school. But in the Philippines, students in college, which is more or less equivalent to high school in other countries, must solve the most difficult Algebra equations in the very little time that they have in college.

Those who can afford hires tutors for their Math Questions and other related topics while others make do with what they can find in the library and with the help of their professors. Personally, I think it is really time that the Philippine educational landscape should have a face lift.

Brought to you by friends from Tutornext.com

Estonian sweater: handmade winter essentials

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 20:22:00 +0000

In addition to Skype, Estonia is also known for its hand-knitted sweater made of wool. On a recent business trip in the capital Tallin, I did not pass the chance to hoard winter essentials that will be very handy in the upcoming season considering how the weather is giving all signs of being very cold in the next couple of months. I bought a wool sweater with traditional design and a very stylish red coat made of 90% wool.

The usability of the sweater was tested on a recent weekend trip to the Black Forest in Germany where temperature is freezing especially during the night. The sweater has proven to be very warm though I still have to wear an autumn coat to combat the very cold temperature of the Black Forest.

Design-wise, it is a bit Christmas-y and I really didn't notice that until hubby pointed it our in Germany. When I bought it, I was just drawn to the white and gray color combination and the cozy images of sitting near a fireplace on winter nights. What I find the cutest about this cardigan are the heart-shaped buttons.
Best paired with a solid colored pair of pants/leggings or skirts which of course I didn't combine in the photo below. I just love prints.

The disadvantage of wearing wool is that it can get really itchy especially if it directly touching your skin. It is better to wear it as top layer. It also look good with a black or red knitted shawl.

Bought for 38euros in the free market in Tallin.

Fall Dressing: Jackets, wind breakers and short boots

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 21:12:00 +0000

Scarf from Mode Lize Goes, Zeeland, sweater from promod Milan, ankle boots from Spain and skinny jeans from a store in Rotterdam and practical backpack from Lowerpro

Autumn is my favorite season. This is the time when you can put on layers, still wear open shoes and walk miles without breaking a sweat. Unlike summer which can be unbearably hot, winter which is too cold and you are buried in tons of clothing or spring which can be an annoying combination of two, fall/autumn makes dressing up a little more fun.

You can miss that red wall. Outside are items on sale.

Hats for the queen and her ladies in waiting all here in Mode Lize

It is still early autumn in the Netherlands but the weather already requires a scarf. This chic knitted scarf is from a hat store called Mode Lize in Goes, Zeeland which hubby calls "The Reform Store" because the owners are Protestants. They were very nice though and allowed me to take photos of their store/atelier. I think it's a family business and you can see two generations of women working there everyday.

I had also been using a lot of sweaters, blazers and windbreak lately. My favorites has been this blazer I got a year ago from H&M, paired below with pants brought all the way back from the Philippines when I still have a bit more fat. The pink spaghetti top is from United Colors of Benetton bought in Milan Central Station. can you believe that the bag is a 5euro steal from V&D in Rotterdam. The things that you can buy from sales.

And since Holland is known for its notoriously hard wind during the autumn, a wind breaker is a handy piece of clothing. Getting a good and affordable windbreaker can be a hard task. Thankfully one Saturday afternoon when the wind blew cold and hard in Rotterdam, I walked into Tommy Hilfiger and chanced upon a hot pink windbreaker which is 70% off. This one below I got for 30euros only from 100euros. Worn with Miss Sixty denim jeans and Mango brown shoes and a matching pink bag from Carpisa, Milan.

Soon I will b enjoying colorful Black Forest in Germany. Can't wait to dress for that.

How about you, how are you dressing this fall?

Dream escape: golfing near the beach

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:04:00 +0000

Last week was hubby's company "summer" outing. Employees were given a choice between two sports, golf and wind surfing. Hubby chose the first. And he liked it although he came home with blisters on his thumb. I haven't tried golfing yet but while he was telling of how enjoyable it was, I was dreaming of a dream escape to a beautiful beach. It has been almost two years since I last frolicked in blue waters and under warm sunshine. And then hubby can do his golfing while I basked under the sun. One place that suits our requirements is the Myrtle Beach hotel in South Carolina.

And of course, being the "wise" travelers that we always are, I will probably looking for deals and discounts. Incidentally there are Myrtle Beach vacation deals for people like myself who are looking for a great getaway in South Carolina. If golfing is not your thing and your concerned about too much sun exposure, then indoor water facilities can also be enjoyed in this part of town.

We haven't decided on any golfing vacation yet but just the thought of staying in the beach side appeals so enticing right now when the Dutch autumn is settling in and we all know that we are expecting two cold seasons. If you are planning the same vacation, you can check out http://www.grandeshores.com and let me know how it went.

Brought to you by friends from Grand Shores Hotel

Alternative career: Health and beauty specialist

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:13:00 +0000

In these times of economic recession and less job availability, everyone is looking for an alternative or an additional job which does not require long time training. What can be better than a career in cosmetology, health and beauty? For one, it caters to an industry that is getting bigger by the year because of the clamor for health. And for another reason, it caters to one biggest selling point, man's vanity. A career in this industry is surely a profitable one.

If you are looking for a spa beauty school, the internet has resources for it. But it is always easier to go to just one website that has a compilation of all the beauty schools and a close look at their services and from which one can you get the best training in cosmetology, beauty and health.

It is always good to check if your school of choice is approved by accreditation agencies like the Florida State Board of Cosmetology. Always be on the look out for membership, citations and accreditation notes on every school so that you are guaranteed of the quality of education and training that they will give you. Clients of beauty, health and cosmetology are the one who has the money to pay for luxury services but demands for the best quality for their money.

So why not undergo a short training in these fields? If not for the extra money, you can always apply these knowledge to yourself and your family or friends who needs beauty treatment once in a while

Fear of Numbers? Overcome it!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:10:00 +0000

It is amazing how time flies by. It already September, just a couple of months after classes officially began. Although I am no longer a student, I am still struggling until now with numbers. For all of my student life, Mathematics has been my constant weakness (that's why I chose a profession which doesn't involve numbers). All subjects that include counting and solving number problems like balancing equations, those chemistry exercises about homogeneous mixtures, etc. makes my head hurt. I always joke that when I hear numbers that needed to be solved, my brain closes immediately.

At one point I even hired a tutor for my algebra, science homework help and other number stuff. She gave me several good tips on how to overcome fear of numbers and doing good in science and mathematics. But it all goes down on one thing, practice. Everyday without fail.

She said that the secret in understanding numbers, chemical equations (like the content of an ionic compounds) is familiarizing yourself with the flow of the equations. And this doesn't happen in one glance or one exercise. You have to practice everyday and solve the problems in as many ways as you can so you can get a good grip of its flow even if it is arranged differently.

Well, it is a bit too late for it already. Looking back, I will still choose journalism over any chemistry job but I would have had higher grades had I heed to this advice.

Brought to you by friends from Tutor Vista

I send a greeting card

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:38:00 +0000

Dear Carlo,

Christmas in the Netherlands is not as big as it is in the Philippines. In a way, it is a breather from the chaos and stress of our Pinoy celebrations. But somehow I know, that Christmas would never be the same without friends like you around.

I hope you will have a happy one. I miss you.

Love,
DM

P.S. I still look back, once in a while, to the New Year we spent together.

Today I wrote on my Christmas cards. In my ugly penmanship that couldn't be categorized as a font, I scribbled down the words that would not be the same when written on emails or SMS.

For many years, I forgo the Christmas card tradition and replace it with gift-giving, a big part of the Filipino celebrations of the Holidays. No matter how small the gift was, I would carefully select one for each member of my family or my friends. Now that I am a thousand miles away from them, Christmas cards are the best way to send my greetings. Every message is still personalized!

There is a certain novelty and charm in Christmas cards that any electronic card would not achieve. The joy of choosing the right words to best described your greetings is like writing a love letter on a perfumed stationary to a lover far away, you have to be very careful in scribbling each word so as not to make mistake and waste the paper, at the same time, full of emotions and anticipation of how he will feel while reading it.

Clicking an email to view an electronic card, even if it comes from Hallmark, is still not comparable to opening the mailbox, finding a white envelope with your name on it , ripping it open and reading what's written on the card. No matter how sloppy or beautiful the penmanship is, seeing the curves of the letters of your name, the ink stain blotted on the paper and the warm "My dearest" "With love" is a joy that is exclusive only to greeting cards.

It reminds us of pre-email love letters, perfumed treasure boxes and signed old photographs. Of intricately designed stationary papers, kiss marks on the seal, of best friends secretly playing mailmen and phone numbers written on a tissue paper. The sort of things you can paste on your photo album and make small notes about them. It gives these things the sense of being real.

In the bookshelf of my spinster aunt, a very long time ago, I found a book of love letters. The authors are unknown to me, yet somehow, they connected with my 10-year old mind. My adoration of the written letters might have started during that time. And writing on my greeting cards today made me nostalgic about it.

Greeting cards is a way of showing our love ones that we remember them and most of all, that we took the time to let them know that we did.

Still Alive

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Hello Everyone. I know, looooong absence. Blame it to work, travel, alcohol and love....

I recently signed a writing contract, traveled to one of the most beautiful city in the world and continues to enjoy a privileged life. The universe is giving all my wishes, whims included. I couldn't be more thankful.

Now, I am having a dilemma. I got my hands so full that I am having a hard time prioritizing. It has always been like this. When my wishes are given, they all come simultaneously and as much as I want to take everything at the same time, thaere are some things that needed to be sacrificed, not for a long time. Set aside is a more the appropriate term.

I am just ranting....

Anyway, to perk up this blog, let me share with you a photo series entitled Budapest in Alcohol! Enjoy!

1. Lunch near the Magyar Church. If you must know, those wines are all mine. I initially ordered white but chose a red meat dish. I must change drinks as well. Went home tipsy.

2. A very good dessert wine they called Tokaji. Perfect with the pasta dessert

3. The most expensive glass I had for the last night. It's a local wine that cost MK EUR10/glass. I didnt order a second one.

4. Cabernet Sauvignon at the Royal Palace located on top of the hill. Great panorama.

5. Another local red, from the same restaurant as Pic 2. I will talk more about them in future posts.

Last night, there was a party in the house. Two great male friends came by. I cooked dinner and wasn't that satisfied with being a hostess. Need more training. Of course, more alcohol, one bottle of white for me (Chardonnay) MK had his 1Liter Australian Red, some Baileys-like drink from one our guests, Palinka, beer.

Is PID becoming alcohol? Your guess is as good as mine!

New Love: Francois Sagan

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:25:00 +0000

Was watching Criminal Minds tonight and I heard of this quote from French author Francois Sagan:

"I have loved to the point of madness; that which is called madness, that which to me, is the only sensible way to love."

and more of them online...

I like men to behave like men. I like them strong and childish.

Only by pursuing the extremes in one's nature, with all its contradictions, appetites, aversions, rages, can one hope to understand a little ... oh, I admit only a very little ... of what life is about.

To jealousy, nothing is more frightful than laughter.

I have loved to the point of madness; that which is called madness, that which to me, is the only sensible way to love.

Love lasts about seven years. That's how long it takes for the cells of the body to totally replace themselves.

and probably my favorite

When asked if she believed in love: "Are you joking? I believe in passion. Nothing else. Two years, no more. All right, then: three.”

Now if only somebody can tell me where to find her books, plays, novels and short stories, I'd love you for life (refer to the last quote). I think Ive found somebody who I would love more than Edgar Allan Poe, and a woman! I really love the French authors, they seemed to know a lot about love. Move over, Gabo!

Full Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:01:00 +0000

Tonight there is a full moon and I can clearly see its vastness here in the clear sky of Budapest.

Im getting nostalgic with memories of...

1. watching it in the beach after making love in Palawan
2. adoring it on top of volcano while sitting on a Harley in Camiguin
3. wishing for it atop our rusty roof in the province
4. glimpsing from my room how it lords over the smog-filled sky of Manila
5. playing patintero on a midnight with my childhood friends in the Marinduque
6. having it as a witness while kissing at the back of our house, near the fallen coconut tree
7. getting afraid with it when i was a kid as it inspire dogs to howl during the night
8. watching it from the broken window of my room and hoping that the aswangs (the local version of vampires) would not come and eat me (they are stronger during full moon)
9. having it as a light guiding me and my dad,s way while we walk back to our home whenever he gets drunk
10. falling inlove with it over and over again....

There is something unsettling about the full moon. It makes some people loose their balance. But there,s also something very calming about it, you know, like how it is after a storm. Its always a delight for me to watch it, no matter in what mood I am. And I,d do so, hundreds times over. Its one of nature,s most amazing phenomena. And I hope that the sky would not be so polluted in the near future so that we can always enjoy looking at the moon and the stars sorrounding it during a night like this.

Im thinking of love during full moon....

Im Getting Sick

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:04:00 +0000

Its sunny again outside. Unlike yesterday, it was so cold when we woke up. But I am not feeling so well. I can feel an impending colds and I think my throat is starting to get soar. It must be the sigarette. There,s too much consumption in the last two days and I found a different pack of Vogue which smells very nice but stronger than my menthol.

Last night, MK and I enoyed really good food and drinks. After a glass of cabernet sauvignon while waiting for the right light for MK,s pictures, we went down Castle Hill and straight to Abzinthe Restaurant to try out their drinks. Their absinthe is not that nice, but the aperetif is really delicious especially the pepper with a ball of cheese inside. Budapest is known for its pepper.

Afterwards we head off to the partc place at the end of the chic Andrassy utca (street), past the LV, Dior and Guess shops, and looked for a bar to hang out in. MK had a glass of Palinka Quince, the strongest Ive ever tasted while I enjoyed a glass of Baileys. We downed it together with a salad for MK and goulash for me.

I was very tired from walking the whole day so I crashed to bed quickly. Im dying to post pictures but this computer is so slow and the camera charge broke and we dont have a usb stick. so ill do that when we come back.

How are you enjoying your weekend?

The Weekend Traveler is in Budapest

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:41:00 +0000

I am now here in the center of Hungary, enjoying the huge room apartment that was for only EUR35/night. I just came back from a lovely dinner of a reallz delicious Hungarian dish of potato, sour cream and sheep's cheese, a local Merlot and a local dessert wine.

First activitis? Natuurlijk, shopping and a bottle of Apricot Palinka. I wish you all a happy weekend. Now excuse me while I am getting drunk.

Coming Home

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:52:00 +0000

photo credit

Marinduque
April 7, 2007

I had a chance of chatting with an old flame early this evening. It was so full of reminiscing. We stayed in front of my aunt’s store, looking at the old basketball court where he used to enjoy basketball fame, 10 years ago, when I was a blooming teenager and he was halfway through adulthood. He changed a bit, but still as boastful as before. But now he had this certain degree of maturity in him, and gladly, he had found a woman to love.

Nothing has really changed in our old place.

The houses are still the same, with only little modifications from how it was a decade ago. He laughed and called me weird when I said that there’s only reduction in the neighborhood, judging from the number of people who passed away already. The only addition was my best friend’s wife and his little angel. But all in all, kids around here marry each other, old classmates, old friends, even old enemies, just as expected from a rural place like ours.

On my way back home last Wednesday, I felt butterflies in my stomach and little poundings in my heart. This is the feeling of anticipation, whom you’re going to see after so many years of being away, who changed, how they did, how far behind or ahead I am. I am actually scared or excited. I don’t really know. After being stranded and standing at the dock for more than 10 hours, maybe it was just lack of sleep or hunger. Going back home is always a mix of so many emotions mostly when you’ve lots of reasons to come home to.

Marinduque is so full of many beautiful things, lots of hills, lots of mountains, rivers, waterfalls and blue seas. When you want a sunrise, all it takes is a 10 minute walk up the hill which is usually near every house, sitting on the top and a little waiting, and after a while you’ll enjoy the most spectacular view of watching the moon disappear among the little golden rays slowly peaking out from the clouds. Droplets of mists from the green grass carpeting the hill would fall in your feet, wetting your toes along with hundred more droplets from the trees warming themselves up in the rising sun. The birds would start singing along with rhythmic flapping of their wings and their little chirping would awaken the whole neighbourhood, with the cries of the pigs, the roosters and the dogs, so rural and so peaceful.

And when you want a sunset, an afternoon walk in the bay would be perfect. When you get tired, lie down on the sand, count all the shapes forming in the clouds. When you notice that the clouds seems to be sinking, get up and sit, then fall in love with the blood-bath sky, hold your breath and adore the beauty of the sinking sun, slowly descending down the horizon, taking a day off your life. Don’t blink because a sunset is momentary, a blink would mean loosing the lovely sight. A sunset is always like life, so fleeting, so ephemeral. One day you're young and careless, next day, you’ll start asking, where had everything gone?

I asked myself how am I going to respond if ask how I feel of going back to Marinduque. There are only two things on my mind, nostalgic and triumphant. I’ve missed my home so much. My childhood was spent here, my years of slow awakening to the ways of the world. And my home is an innocent little island that is so used to the old world, so traditional, so conventional. This is where I spent days climbing mango trees, shooting maya and paypago in the nearby hill of the family farm. This is where I constructed my first playhouse, made of kaimito and coconut leaves, of old palay sacks, of guava branches and so many wow’s and yehey’s from my cheering playmates. My friends and I sleep in the playhouse, pretend to cook and eat there, act out soap operas and radio dramas where I always play the villain, grabbing their hairs and shoving them to the dirty soil in the back of the ancestral house. This is where I tasted the pain of numerous whipping in the butt by my spinster aunts, just because I wouldn’t go home for siestas, for the 6 pm prayers and suppers. I’ll always reason that I was with my playmates, which is partly true since I was hunting down my Muslim crush with them, who turned out to be my cousin.

I had the most wonderful childhood and I couldn’t be more thankful that I was raised a probinsyana. I experienced everything there is to experience, climbing trees, shooting birds, bathing in the river and the seas, playing kite, brawling with other kids, kissing at the back of the house, making out and loving my first love.

Triumphant yes, because life here is so hard. People eternally plough field, raise cattles, pigs and chickens, goes to fishing everyday and do all kind of odd jobs just to send their kids to school. For most parents, having a high school graduate is an achievement already, but for some, a legacy would not be completed without a college degree, even if it would mean working their asses off till the last of their breaths. And I am one of the few who survived and meet society’s expectations. I am among the lucky ones.

Marinduquenos, like most Filipinos values education. And like most parents, they want the best for their children, for parental obligation and for society’s expectations. And most of all, for love.

There are always tears when I remember Marinduque. It reminds me that I’m growing old and it’s inevitable. But then, my heart-shaped island in the midst’s of the 7, 100 islands of the Philippines would be a constant reminder that I was and I’m still am a happy kid and I’ll always be no matter where destiny takes me.

*one of my first published articles in a national daily

Nights in Rodanthe (pls play the video while reading the post)

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:22:00 +0000

* warning! dramatic post ahead....

A romantic dance
A dinner with good wine and a bottle of whisky
Conversations
One night of passionate love making

Some love lasts forever even the other person has long been gone...

Nights in Rodanthe is a novel from the same author who gave us The Notebook, A Walk to Remember and Message in a Bottle, Nicholas Spark. The book was adapted into film in 2008 starring Richard Gere (my favorite actor since Pretty Woman) and Diane Lane.

The plot is simple, cliche'. A man devastated by a failure in his career and his fatherhood, a woman from a broken marriage, a house by the beach and a lot of hang ups kept inside their hearts. In four days they became each other's guiding light then separated to mend what was broken in their lives. During that journey, there were promises of love, of being together again and start a life together, there were plans for the future, there were so much hope...

And then Paul (Richard Gere) died and she has to move on...

Tonight, I watched this movie. With all its simplicity, it was a very lovely film. I didn't cry but while writing this, I am on the verge of tears. Nicholas Sparks knows how to pull the strings in my heart and turn me into a drama queen.

But if I hadn't been that in love, that hopeful and that devastated because of a broken heart, I don't think it will ever had an effect on me.

"Once in my life, I've let go of a man. He meant the world to me. I told him my passions and my dreams (which are the most important things in my life). Those were the period when I was very young, fresh out of college, trying hard to be someone. While I was telling him those things, he was just looking at me, straight to my eyes while running his hands through my (used to be) long curly hair. It was those days that I still don't need alcohol to speak my mind out.

He let me finished and after I said, "that's it, that's what I want to become. Right now, I don't know how, but I will be there", he said, "You deserve nothing but the best, my dear".

We couldn't be together but I hoped against hope, that maybe when things are settled, there might be a chance. But one day, on the day of my 22nd birthday, when he granted me one last time to see him over coffee, he told me that he is leaving. I did not cry until he was gone. But when his cellphone finally went out of coverage, my whole world crumbled down. Like Adrian (Diane Lane), my entire life shut down. I didn't want to go out of the house, I didn't want to eat, and I felt like a living dead.

But one day, I picked the broken pieces and decided to let go. I started my life over again and in a few years, I was able to achieve all the things that I told him I will be. I became a published writer, I worked in the biggest stations, I've held positions that during that time, I wouldn't know how to handle. I was realizing my dreams and my passions while he was gone.

There was only one thing left, that promised that I will live in Paris. One year ago, one day after my marriage, we saw each other again. He met MK, and I told him I am leaving the country as well. Im gonna be living in Europe, not exactly Paris but close to it. He said he is happy for me.

I am glad I didn't forget him.'

We all have an experience like this, letting go of a loved one, sometimes to the inevitable (like in this movie where his life was claimed by nature) but in most cases, in situations that we didn't really like to let the other person go.

Try to remember the love, the pain and then the denial. In most times, we stopped at the denial and there we start forgetting, to escape the pain.

I had this conversation some time ago where somebody asked me if there's really a need for forgetting that one person we thought we loved so much just because there was one point that everything went sour. I didn't know what to say because there had been many times that I just chose to forget. The pain is just too strong that from that, I couldn't do anything anymore but try to hide it in the deepest recesses of my heart. It becomes a habit and then one day, you'll feel yourself numb from it.

But one day, it will come back. So what was the point of trying to forget?

I actually answered after thinking for a while, that whatever I throw away, I never picked up again. But it is not entirely true. I guess, I've kept everything inside me, the pain but most especially, the love...

For all the times that we loved, starting from a teenage romances, to our forbidden trysts, to our failed relationships, to our broken marriages till the death of our loved ones, do we really need to forget those moments that we were sure that the feelings will last forever even if one day we discovered that it doesnt?

This movie reminded me that we should not. Love, no matter how short or long it had been felt, should always be treasured...

Wat Een Druke Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:26:00 +0000

Sorry for the absence of posts lately. There are a lot of things going on, work, work and work. Im concentrating on an upcoming trip and most of all, this thing that might start my writing career here in the Netherlands. Ive submitted a few samples and my story proposals. I hope they will find it great. I want the job and I want to believe that I will get it. But only fate will tell. Whatever the outcome is, I'm prepared for it. I've always believed that fate has its way of shaping my life and I will never go against it. My life is completely in the hands of my fate but of course, I am doing my best to achieve the path that I want my fate to prepare for me.

Lately though, Ive been listening to a lot of old favorites from youtube. I am an old pop girl, Bryan Adams, Air Supply, Madonna and all those Spanish love songs. I've found a video of an old theme song, for the first boyfriend really but I think more fitted for the current. Title is 'I Finally Found Someone'. I remember I was in high school, 13 years old and falling inlove to my first guy.

Like every teenager, I thought it was forever, I though that first love is hard to forget. But after few years and few other men, things took a different turn and I am glad that I finally found HIM. You are the best....

Enjoy the video above.

New Loves: Watches

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:02:00 +0000

The other day, I told MK that I would love to wear watches. I am not really a watch person. Who needs it anyway in this age of massive cellphone use? From being a necessary accessory before, I think today watches had been depreciated as a merely fashion piece. Something to show off but not really of such important use. But while looking at MK's watch, I got a little envious and wanted one for myself.

I think Ive only worn a couple of watches in my entire 25 years of life. One was an elastic watch which I bought from a local store and one red watch given to me by a former boyfriend. Both lasted at least three months of use. After that period, Ive gotten tired of wearing just because I need to remember to put them before I go out. As Ive said, I'm not very good at routines.

However when we went out today for a little walk in Rotterdam, supposedly to take pictures, we ended up at V&D after lunch, first at the Mango shop where I couldn't afford the EUR150 red coat that I had been rooting for the longest time and then lingered at the watch shop. I spotted some that are on sale, and fell inlove with one.

MK didnt like my choice, the Mexx square watch with white leather band. It was EUR69 down to EUR29,0. MK is a classic guy, he wanted a feminine style for me, gold plated, simple and slim like the Anne Klein watches. I said I couldn't afford it at the moment but he said he'll pay for it if I tell what I want.

The original choice was the gold plated but I went for the silver one. I am not really a fan of gold although the watch was mooi. I chose the silver because it's down to EUR50 and I still wanted the Mexx watch. Combined, it's still EUR5 cheaper than the other Anne Klein.

So here are my new babies. I love them both! I am reserving the feminine Anne Klein for more formal/business wear while the Mexx, is definitely for everyday use.

MK is really getting generous lately. Well, he got a raise and performing very well in his work. I am so proud of him. Part of what makes him happy is seeing me smile. Thank you Schatje. I can really get used to your being so generous.

*note

Lately, all pictures are taken using MK's Canon 40D. Did you notice how my crappy phone photos switched to sharp, well taken pictures? The magic of an upgraded camera.

Book Review: Fiesta by Ernest Hemmingway

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:21:00 +0000

If you are expecting a romance-filled book of a guy with unrequited love, forget about Fiesta. You can't find it here and you can't find it in Hemmingway. He doesn't give tear-jerking stories or amorous lines. He writes real conversations, without much reflections on the part of the characters. Just plain and simple, everyday thoughts of his characters, Jake in this particular book.

Fiesta tells of France and Spain (in that order) and how Americans tried to live up the European lifestyle. Fiesta (which was also released with the title The Sun Also Rise) is my first Hemmingway and I have never read anything like it.

Everything about the book revolves around the theme Fiesta which might not be so familiar in the western or European environment except of course in Spain or other Mexican territories where such celebrations is an annual expectation.
A Background on Fiesta

I grew up in a country dominated by the Spanish for 300 years so Fiesta is also part of our culture, though not as big or as extended as the one in San Fermin in Spain and without the bulls as well. We celebrate Fiesta as part of the Catholic religion's pageantry, commemorating the patron saints of barangays (little villages) or towns all over the country. The celebration lasts for a whole weekend, including the besperas (day before), the main day and the day after. It's a time for people to drink, visit each other, cook the most delicious food and have a non-stop merrymaking. Big part of Philippine fiestas are the processions and a mass hell in the morning signals everything to start. There would singing contests, beauty pageants, games and the Hermana or Hermano who will prepare a grand feast in his/her house and the towns folks are all invited to eat for free.

The spirit of Fiesta is really all about being gay, enjoying the good food, alcohol and being around your friends and families. It's a very Spanish tradition, hiding behind the facade of religion.

In Spain, the biggest fiesta is held in San Fermin, the breeding ground for fighting bulls. You must have heard or read it in the media, where young bulls are released in the streets while people tries to get in their way, exposing themselves to danger.

The Story

Jake the editor is inlove with Lady Brett Ashley, who is engaged to Mike (a bankrupt) who loathes Robert Cohn (the Jew writer) who is also inlove with Brett. All of them are living in France. One day, Jake and Cohn decided to go fishing in Spain before the fiesta in San Fermin. Bill, the American writer also came along. He is Jake's bestfriend.

When the appropriated time came, Brett and Mike was stranded in San Sebastian, and Robert followed them there while Bill and Jake proceeded to the fishing in Irati River. When they finally joined each other in the fiesta in San Ferming, everything got a little "tight" between Robert and Mike while the fickle Brett run off yet again with the sexy torero Pedro Romero.

The story was open ended, its finished simultaneously with the fiesta. Everyone went back to their normal lives while Jake and Brett saw each other in Madrid.
My Thoughts

Fiesta is just a period in Jake's life and everybody has this time in their lives, where you let loose and enjoy life to the extent and then smile when youremember them years after. But there were no elaborately dramatic confessions of love for Brett. Just outbursts like "to hell with you Lady Brett Ashley". The story flow was very "manly" *for lack of appropriate terms, the mindset is of and by a man.

Nonetheless, I love the story to bits. Unlike in Eat, Pray, Love of Elizabeth Gilbert, where the author used much superlatives to describe the setting, Hemmingway doesn't need that much words to be effective in his storytelling. His straight to the point approach to writing is brilliant to avoid dull moments in the story and make them exciting. The term simple best described Hemmingway and this book.

But what makes it a good tale without much grandeur in thoughts compared the writing of say, Coelho or Poe or Marquez, and with no real conflict or climax, an element that would make a book exciting?

I guess, its the setting, the aristocratic France in the 20's, the quit old town near the Irati River, the gaiety of the Spanish fiestas and how Hemmingway described them in simple terms that a normal person without a writing background or love for deep words would appreciate.

Although there are parts that I skipped because I don't think that is still necessary in the story. The book is not perfect as there are moments that the reader will feel totally alienated to what Hemmingway is talking about. A little knowledge on Spain, drinking and a little history is needed to fully appreciate this book. And of course, an open mind.

Quotable Quotes

Here are some of my underlined sentences. I started marking in the middle of the book because it's borrowed. But I hope he wouldn't mind that I return it with orange and pink marks on it.

"There is no reason why because it;s dark, you should look at things differently from when it is light. The hell there isn't"

"Women made such swell friends. Awfully swell. In the first place, you have to be in love with a woman to have a basis of friendship"

"Enjoying living was learning to get your money's worth and knowing when you had it"

"That was morality, things that made you disgusted afterwards. No, that must be immorality. That was a large statement"

"I'm damned bad for religious atmosphere. Ive had the wrong type of face"

"If you want people to like you, you only need a little money"

"Im ot going to be one of these bitches that ruins children" - Brett on affair with Pedro Romero. *he was 19 years old.

*Photo above was part of a bull fight that I saw last time I was in Madrid. I didnt stay till the end. I was disgusted by the whole thing. Will blog about it.

I was also a week late for the San Fermin fiesta. Had I know, I would have come earlier to better relate with Hemmingway. But there's always the next.

Day to Evening Wear in an Instant

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:15:00 +0000

Dressing up is not an easy thing to do. Girl's can't just slip on a pair of pants, put on a shirt and wear a sneakers like men do. We ladies spend time thinking of the clothes we're going to wear the next day. Most of us even plan for the whole week. The difference between us and men is that we are more conscious of how we're going to look. There's also more pressure from the society for girl than for men. People would forgive a man with mismatched tie but it's hard for women to get away with unflattering combination of colors.

For my guy readers, that's also one reason why girls takes too long in preparing for a date especially when she just came from work and going straight to a dinner.

Today, even with an absence of a date later in the day, I decided to experiment with my recent (and not so recent) purchases to create a day to night ensemble, something that will be acceptable in the workplace and easy to transform into a fab party attire. It was the red shoes that inspire today's How I Wear It post.

First let me just tell you how much I love my red pumps even with the usual "first bite". Surprisingly, I didn't get blisters with this one like how I would with other sexy shoes. I've been wearing it for three straight days now and I'm enjoying every glance that it gets from passerby's.

The secret in this ensemble is that shoes and the blazer. When you want to go from daywear to party wear, a jacket and a fashionable pair of footwear always does the trick.

For this one, I paired my EUR1,0 brown pants from V&D with an old spaghetti top. The black top has elaborate sequined design and a little low on the neckline, showing a bit of skin for the party scene. I threw in the H&M jacket and wore my red shoes and voila! Something that is appropriate for office and the club. And of course, I didn't forget my red bag.

I intentionally wore black and brown combination of clothes so that it will highlight the red shoes. The red bag I think is the perfect accessory for the whole thing. Though I had a smaller bag, I chose to carry the big one because it necessary to carry all my stuff, books, planner, phone and cigarettes.

The cost - EUR35,0

Pants - EUR1,0, V&D
Top - Old clothes
Blazer - EUR9,0 H&M
Shoes - EUR20,0, Xtravaganza
Bag - EUR5,0, H&M

What do you think?

Update on My Reading: Fiesta (The Sun Also Rises)

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay in Dutchland) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:42:00 +0000

I've already broken several promises in this blog and here's another addition: I haven't been reading Dutch papers lately and I opened another book again. It was lent to me by a friend, along with several other titles. This one caught my attention first because of two things 1. Spain 2. the lady protagonist

I'm halfway through the book now and I am liking the flow of the story. It's true what they say about Ernest Hemingway. He uses direct conversations, simple words and unsentimental phrases. His description are vivid yet devoid of any superlatives. But the book is very nice.

The plot is what drew me to the book. It was set in Paris during the '20s where artists and writers from America tried their craft there. But the book tells the story of a man, his friends and his society circle where he moves and the men who are inlove with the woman he loves as well, Brett.

I know Brett. I've been in her shoes and I have been hiding from her for a long time. She loves life, carefree beyond reason, loves drinking, fickle but passionate. She swore love to one man and live with another, and still go out with some. She love flattery, the good comfortable life, her title and her obvious mystique to men.

I tried to forget Brett but will I?

This book made me remember....everything that I want to bury in memories. It's scary to come face to face with them again but they were my tears, happiness, passion and my failures.

I'm feeling nostalgic. I never knew it will feel this good.