By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 06/18/2010 1:22 PM | Updated as of 06/19/2010 12:12 AM
HOLLAND - This year’s biggest gathering of Filipinos in Holland took place yet again on the 112th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day.
“Ito’y talagang kahanga-hanga sapagkat akalain mo pwede pa lang ipunin ang ganitong karaming Filipinos nitong Independence Day, 12 of June. Alam mo naman dito, ang mga Pilipino kalat-kalat pero pwede naman pa lang ipunin,” said Philippine Ambassador Cardozo Luna.
In fact, Philippine Independence Day is the only day when Filipinos coming from the different parts of Holland flock to the Spaarnwoude Park to see each other.
This year, more than 7,000 Filipinos came to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day. Filipino families set up tents and held barbeque picnics in the park. Bigger stalls also offered almost everything from food to clothing to bags and fashion accessories.
A cultural show entertained Filipinos and guests and even earned the admiration of the Mayor of Haarlemerliede and Spaarnwoude.
“We really see that Filipino people in Holland, not only in Holland but also in Germany or Belgium, they are really part of society and still they are keeping their culture without any problem,” said Mayor Bruijn.
Pinay diva of Holland, Nhelly dela Rosa, was the event’s emcee. “Nage-emcee ako for nothing. Ito na lang ang pwede kong maitutulong sa mga kababayan natin. So I actually encouraged each and everyone lalo na yung mga sikat dito na tulungan natin ang community natin,” she said.
Dela Rosa is a well-known singer in Holland, having won a national singing competition here.
Meanwhile, the highlight of the celebration was the concert of Randy Santiago which produced a pack of swooning Pinays.
At the closing of the celebration, current organizer United Filipino Dutch Association (UFDA) passed on the torch to Baranggay Sa Holland after 2 years of service.
UFDA had been organizing the event under the Kalayaan Fiesta Foundation (KFF) and its term has ended this year.
According to UFDA, there would be a lot of changes and improvements, such as a bigger involvement of the youth that will be seen next year.
“Introducing the youth, step-by-step, one-by-one they will be taking charge…maybe after two years. We will see how they will go,” KFF outgoing president, Jimmy Munoz said.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/06/18/10/araw-ng-kalayaan-brings-dutch-pinoys-together
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
'Father Cool' gets a surprise party from Pinoys
By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 06/11/2010 12:23 PM | Updated as of 06/11/2010 12:23 PM
THE HAGUE - A Dutch pastor dubbed as “Father Cool” by the international community in The Hague received a big surprise from Filipinos and expatriates.
Father Sjaak de Boer has been serving for 13 years as pastor of the Church of Our Saviour, the English-speaking church of Filipinos in The Hague.
Because the international community loves “Father Cool” so much, they gave him a big party for his 50th birthday, which the Dutch calls Abraham.
“He’s the longest priest that we ever had since I joined the parish so ibig sabihin he has really contributed a lot to the growth of the parish and that’s the reason why we are all very grateful to his leadership,” said Manuelito Tomas, who has been going to the same church for 26 years now.
Fr. Sjaak has a very strong charisma and his cool style is embraced by people of all ages.
“I try to talk about things that matter in the world so that they can identify themselves with what’s going on. I try to connect faith to solidarity and spirituality to something that gives hope and has meaning. Then the prayer, the heart, the hands, the head, they go together,” Fr. Sjaak said.
His Mass is so unique that every Sunday, the church is always jam-packed.
“It’s good to include as many people as you can [in the Mass] so it’s not just the priest and altar servers but it’s also many groups, many volunteers so everybody feels this celebration is their celebration, that they’re not just looking at it, they’re participating in it,” said Fr. Sjaak.
Many Filipinos are inspired to join and be active in the church service like Ernie Pineda. Since 1992, Pineda has been assisting in the Mass every Sunday.
“Matulungin siya [Father Sjaak], kahit anong kailangan mo palagi siyang nasa sa iyo, spiritual or whatever, nandyan siya kaya mahal siya ng tao,” Pineda said.
But the Pinoys, too, are very close to the priest’s heart.
“They eat well, they cook well, they like to party, and it’s all good Catholic living,” said Fr. Sjaak.
He regards the Filipinos as a big gift to the international community because of their never-ending service and undying dedication to the Church.
“The Filipino people take with them all over the world that gentle atmosphere of their country, the music and their faith, which is contagious,” he said.
The priest hopes that with the help of Pinoys and expats, he will be able to maintain his mission of making Christ visible to the world.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/06/11/10/father-cool-gets-surprise-party-pinoys
Posted at 06/11/2010 12:23 PM | Updated as of 06/11/2010 12:23 PM
THE HAGUE - A Dutch pastor dubbed as “Father Cool” by the international community in The Hague received a big surprise from Filipinos and expatriates.
Father Sjaak de Boer has been serving for 13 years as pastor of the Church of Our Saviour, the English-speaking church of Filipinos in The Hague.
Because the international community loves “Father Cool” so much, they gave him a big party for his 50th birthday, which the Dutch calls Abraham.
“He’s the longest priest that we ever had since I joined the parish so ibig sabihin he has really contributed a lot to the growth of the parish and that’s the reason why we are all very grateful to his leadership,” said Manuelito Tomas, who has been going to the same church for 26 years now.
Fr. Sjaak has a very strong charisma and his cool style is embraced by people of all ages.
“I try to talk about things that matter in the world so that they can identify themselves with what’s going on. I try to connect faith to solidarity and spirituality to something that gives hope and has meaning. Then the prayer, the heart, the hands, the head, they go together,” Fr. Sjaak said.
His Mass is so unique that every Sunday, the church is always jam-packed.
“It’s good to include as many people as you can [in the Mass] so it’s not just the priest and altar servers but it’s also many groups, many volunteers so everybody feels this celebration is their celebration, that they’re not just looking at it, they’re participating in it,” said Fr. Sjaak.
Many Filipinos are inspired to join and be active in the church service like Ernie Pineda. Since 1992, Pineda has been assisting in the Mass every Sunday.
“Matulungin siya [Father Sjaak], kahit anong kailangan mo palagi siyang nasa sa iyo, spiritual or whatever, nandyan siya kaya mahal siya ng tao,” Pineda said.
But the Pinoys, too, are very close to the priest’s heart.
“They eat well, they cook well, they like to party, and it’s all good Catholic living,” said Fr. Sjaak.
He regards the Filipinos as a big gift to the international community because of their never-ending service and undying dedication to the Church.
“The Filipino people take with them all over the world that gentle atmosphere of their country, the music and their faith, which is contagious,” he said.
The priest hopes that with the help of Pinoys and expats, he will be able to maintain his mission of making Christ visible to the world.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/06/11/10/father-cool-gets-surprise-party-pinoys
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Dutch Pinoys ask Aquino to extend envoy’s term
By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 06/09/2010 8:05 PM | Updated as of 06/09/2010 8:05 PM
HOOFDDORP, The Netherlands – Filipinos in Holland appealed to proclaimed Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to extend the tenure of the its envoy assigned in The Netherlands.
Ambassador Cardozo Luna is a political appointee of President Arroyo. He arrived in The Hague in August 2009. His stint as envoy is co-terminus with President Arroyo’s term which ends on June 30.
“The president has the prerogative whoever he/she wants to represent him and the new president has the new prerogative to choose his representatives in the different countries where we have posts,” Luna said.
Luna could not say yes or no to the Pinoys who are imploring him to stay longer. He said it is only up to the new president to extend his appointment.
“Ako naman sanay na ako sa magsilbi sa gobyerno. For the past almost 40 years, I have devoted my productive years in serving my countrymen. Kahit saan ako ilagay whether in diplomatic post, whether in local positions back home in our country or even as retired private citizen. As I have said, we serve at the pleasure of the president,” Luna explained.
Filipinos first felt awkward at Luna’s appointment because he is a former general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. There were also suspicions as to his appointment as ambassador in a country where Communist Party of the Philippines’ founding Chair Jose Maria Sison, National Democratic Front staff and other political refugees reside.
But after close scrutiny, Luna immediately received the Filipino community’s stamp of approval and even became close to the Pinoys.
“Nakita namin mas naging malapit siya sa mga tao dito sa mga Filipino at nakikita mo ang kanyang humility, nakikisama siya. Kahit galing siya sa mga top guns sa Pilipinas, nandoon pa din siya sa mababa at kasama ng mga tao dito kaya napamahal siya ng husto sa mga Filipino dito,” said Jun Ortega, a Pinoy from Hoofddorp.
Even the Dutch love him and his family.
“Talagang pagnakausap mo siya parang kaibigan lang. Pati yung asawa niya ang bait din. Pag tawag mo siyang madame, sabi niya di ako madame, Joyce lang. Sayang lang kung wala na si Ambassador Luna dito eh,” said Tagalog-speaking Dutch Peter van Overbeeke said.
The Pinoys are asking the new government to prolong Luna’s service to his countrymen here in Holland.
For them, Luna is God-sent and they consider his political appointment as one of the good and meaningful deeds that President Arroyo accomplished during her regime.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/06/09/10/dutch-pinoys-ask-aquino-extend-envoy%E2%80%99s-term
Posted at 06/09/2010 8:05 PM | Updated as of 06/09/2010 8:05 PM
HOOFDDORP, The Netherlands – Filipinos in Holland appealed to proclaimed Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to extend the tenure of the its envoy assigned in The Netherlands.
Ambassador Cardozo Luna is a political appointee of President Arroyo. He arrived in The Hague in August 2009. His stint as envoy is co-terminus with President Arroyo’s term which ends on June 30.
“The president has the prerogative whoever he/she wants to represent him and the new president has the new prerogative to choose his representatives in the different countries where we have posts,” Luna said.
Luna could not say yes or no to the Pinoys who are imploring him to stay longer. He said it is only up to the new president to extend his appointment.
“Ako naman sanay na ako sa magsilbi sa gobyerno. For the past almost 40 years, I have devoted my productive years in serving my countrymen. Kahit saan ako ilagay whether in diplomatic post, whether in local positions back home in our country or even as retired private citizen. As I have said, we serve at the pleasure of the president,” Luna explained.
Filipinos first felt awkward at Luna’s appointment because he is a former general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. There were also suspicions as to his appointment as ambassador in a country where Communist Party of the Philippines’ founding Chair Jose Maria Sison, National Democratic Front staff and other political refugees reside.
But after close scrutiny, Luna immediately received the Filipino community’s stamp of approval and even became close to the Pinoys.
“Nakita namin mas naging malapit siya sa mga tao dito sa mga Filipino at nakikita mo ang kanyang humility, nakikisama siya. Kahit galing siya sa mga top guns sa Pilipinas, nandoon pa din siya sa mababa at kasama ng mga tao dito kaya napamahal siya ng husto sa mga Filipino dito,” said Jun Ortega, a Pinoy from Hoofddorp.
Even the Dutch love him and his family.
“Talagang pagnakausap mo siya parang kaibigan lang. Pati yung asawa niya ang bait din. Pag tawag mo siyang madame, sabi niya di ako madame, Joyce lang. Sayang lang kung wala na si Ambassador Luna dito eh,” said Tagalog-speaking Dutch Peter van Overbeeke said.
The Pinoys are asking the new government to prolong Luna’s service to his countrymen here in Holland.
For them, Luna is God-sent and they consider his political appointment as one of the good and meaningful deeds that President Arroyo accomplished during her regime.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/06/09/10/dutch-pinoys-ask-aquino-extend-envoy%E2%80%99s-term
Pinoys join dance for a united Belgium
By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 06/04/2010 7:24 PM | Updated as of 06/04/2010 8:18 PM
BRUSSELS, Belgium – The youth in Belgium sent a strong message for their countrymen to think about before the general elections on June 13.
The young people in Brussels are already frustrated at the lack of a solid direction for their country as their government collapsed for the third time.
Hence, the high school students of Sacre Coeur de Lindthout organized “A Dance For A United Belgium” in order to ask that the Francophone and the Flemish to unite.
For so long, Belgians have been “linguistically” divided, but the separation has become far more serious now when the country is left without a government for quite some time.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/06/04/10/pinoys-join-dance-united-belgium
Through dance, the young Belgians, including Pinoys, showed that it is possible to cooperate and unite regardless of the color of one’s skin.
Filipino Louron Adrian Paras choreographed majority of the dance numbers.
“By dancing with other cultures like Turkish people, African people, American people, I want to show that different cultures can make beautiful dances. They can cooperate. It’s a great way to show cooperation between the countries,” said Paras, a 5th year high school student.
Paras showcased the inherent Pinoy talent in dancing as he strutted and “moonwalked” to Michael Jackson’s songs.
Other Filipinos from different classes also participated in the dance. One number which the non-Pinoy Belgians loved was the “Nobody, Nobody But You”.
“It’s magnificent to see them dance before a multi-cultural audience because the Korean and Philippine dances are not known here and it also allows others to show these cultures which are not otherwise very known here,” teacher Isabelle Gomand said.
Paras gained a lot of fans and admirers including Pinoys.
“Proud po ako kasi Filipino siya. Para pong nasa dugo natin na may kaya tayo na gawin. Creative po ang Pinoy and pwede tayong sumali sa kahit saang competition,” Bonbon Romero said.
“Ang Pinoy kahit saan the best talaga kahit saan sulok ng mundo dalhin, the best talaga,” said John Fhermyl.
For these young citizens of Belgium, it is their dream to have a better and peaceful world but it can only be achieved if unity will start right in their own country.
Posted at 06/04/2010 7:24 PM | Updated as of 06/04/2010 8:18 PM
BRUSSELS, Belgium – The youth in Belgium sent a strong message for their countrymen to think about before the general elections on June 13.
The young people in Brussels are already frustrated at the lack of a solid direction for their country as their government collapsed for the third time.
Hence, the high school students of Sacre Coeur de Lindthout organized “A Dance For A United Belgium” in order to ask that the Francophone and the Flemish to unite.
For so long, Belgians have been “linguistically” divided, but the separation has become far more serious now when the country is left without a government for quite some time.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/06/04/10/pinoys-join-dance-united-belgium
Through dance, the young Belgians, including Pinoys, showed that it is possible to cooperate and unite regardless of the color of one’s skin.
Filipino Louron Adrian Paras choreographed majority of the dance numbers.
“By dancing with other cultures like Turkish people, African people, American people, I want to show that different cultures can make beautiful dances. They can cooperate. It’s a great way to show cooperation between the countries,” said Paras, a 5th year high school student.
Paras showcased the inherent Pinoy talent in dancing as he strutted and “moonwalked” to Michael Jackson’s songs.
Other Filipinos from different classes also participated in the dance. One number which the non-Pinoy Belgians loved was the “Nobody, Nobody But You”.
“It’s magnificent to see them dance before a multi-cultural audience because the Korean and Philippine dances are not known here and it also allows others to show these cultures which are not otherwise very known here,” teacher Isabelle Gomand said.
Paras gained a lot of fans and admirers including Pinoys.
“Proud po ako kasi Filipino siya. Para pong nasa dugo natin na may kaya tayo na gawin. Creative po ang Pinoy and pwede tayong sumali sa kahit saang competition,” Bonbon Romero said.
“Ang Pinoy kahit saan the best talaga kahit saan sulok ng mundo dalhin, the best talaga,” said John Fhermyl.
For these young citizens of Belgium, it is their dream to have a better and peaceful world but it can only be achieved if unity will start right in their own country.
Aquino-Roxas win in OAV results in Holland
By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 05/13/2010 7:39 PM | Updated as of 05/13/2010 7:39 PM
THE HAGUE, The Netherlands - At the closing of the Philippine Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) period in The Netherlands, it became obvious that postal voting may not be an effective means to get a huge voter turnout.
Pinoy Ronald Gavino is a prudent businessman, and when it comes to his vote, he said he will not take any risk.
Gavino was the last Filipino to hand in his ballot on May 10, just minutes before the 7 p.m. Manila time deadline (1 p.m. in Europe).
Gavino went to the Philippine embassy in The Hague to personally hand in his ballot despite the postal voting for OAVs here.
“Mas sigurado pa rin na dalhin ko personally compared na i-mail ko na baka mawala, kaya dinala ko na ngayon which is the last day of the voting,” Gavino said.
Gavino said he does not trust postal voting because of risks such as delay in delivery or mails lost.
The Filipino businessman may have a reason because even the embassy is starting to worry about the small turnout of votes ever since postal voting replaced personal voting here in 2007.
Only 33% of the 637 who registered for OAV voted.
Postal vs personal voting
More alarming is the more than one hundred “returned to sender” ballots that the embassy received.
“Whether we need to continue with the postal voting or get back to personal voting, we need to assess that and we need to consult the community about it. Kasi we have observed in the past elections that the percentage of voter turnout is lower than the first absentee voting in 2004 wherein we adopted the personal voting. In the last two elections, we adopted postal voting, so now, we have lower voter turnout,” Minister Counsellor Frank Cimafranka said.
Even if the valid ballots were a little more than 200, the manual counting still lasted from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Compared to the senatorial elections held in 2007, many Pinoys came from different parts of Holland, like Utrecht and Amsterdam to watch the counting.
“I would like to be a witness of the historical changing of the Philippines that to win or lose I’m hoping this will be a victorious change for every Filipino, na magkaroon po ng pagbabago sa Pilipinas,” Rachelle Joy Roxas-Perez, a member of the Bagong Pilipino Bagong Pilipinas Movement (BPBPM) which supports Bro. Eddie Villanueva, said.
Aquino-Roxas tandem
The Liberal Party tandem of Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II swept the votes for President and Vice President.
Aquino received 110 votes while Roxas got 112.
This came as a big surprise because Nacionalista Party bet Manny Villar, who received the support of Migrante, which has about 100 members in its Netherlands chapter, only came in fourth with only 16 votes.
Gilbert Teodoro of Lakas-Kampi CMD came in third with 21 votes.
Another shocker was the inability of activist Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo to make it to the Magic 12 here when he received only 38 votes.
Ocampo has a lot of supporters from activists, party-list members and the Left organizations here in Holland.
‘Magic 12’
Those who made it to the Magic 12 were: Franklin Drillon, 123; Ralph Recto, 108; Miriam Defensor-Santiago, 100; Pia Cayetano, 96; Teofisto Guingona III, 91; Risa Hontiveros, 89’ Sergio Osmena III, 75; Katherine Inocencio, 62; Francisco Tatad, 58; Juan Ponce Enrile, 54; Ferdinand Marcos Jr., 53 and Alexander Lacson, 52.
Citizens Battle against Corruptioin (CIBAC) received the most votes with 32 for the party-list system of elections. Many voters apparently disregarded the party-list vote.
The only result consistent with public expectations is the vote received by the Eddie Villanueva/Perfecto Yasay tandem.
Villanueva and Yasay came in second in the results for President and Vice President, with 50 and 42 votes respectively.
Villanueva has a big following here from the members of the Jesus Is Lord and the BPBPM.
Listening to the counting of the ballots, there were also “fantastic” combinations in the votes for president and vice president such as votes for Teodoro/Roxas, Aquino/Legarda and Aquino/Gordon.
The Pinoys really took time to think who they will vote for, not necessarily adhering to straight party voting.
And those who voted made sure that their efforts did not go to waste.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://rp1.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/05/13/10/aquino-roxas-win-oav-results-holland
Posted at 05/13/2010 7:39 PM | Updated as of 05/13/2010 7:39 PM
THE HAGUE, The Netherlands - At the closing of the Philippine Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) period in The Netherlands, it became obvious that postal voting may not be an effective means to get a huge voter turnout.
Pinoy Ronald Gavino is a prudent businessman, and when it comes to his vote, he said he will not take any risk.
Gavino was the last Filipino to hand in his ballot on May 10, just minutes before the 7 p.m. Manila time deadline (1 p.m. in Europe).
Gavino went to the Philippine embassy in The Hague to personally hand in his ballot despite the postal voting for OAVs here.
“Mas sigurado pa rin na dalhin ko personally compared na i-mail ko na baka mawala, kaya dinala ko na ngayon which is the last day of the voting,” Gavino said.
Gavino said he does not trust postal voting because of risks such as delay in delivery or mails lost.
The Filipino businessman may have a reason because even the embassy is starting to worry about the small turnout of votes ever since postal voting replaced personal voting here in 2007.
Only 33% of the 637 who registered for OAV voted.
Postal vs personal voting
More alarming is the more than one hundred “returned to sender” ballots that the embassy received.
“Whether we need to continue with the postal voting or get back to personal voting, we need to assess that and we need to consult the community about it. Kasi we have observed in the past elections that the percentage of voter turnout is lower than the first absentee voting in 2004 wherein we adopted the personal voting. In the last two elections, we adopted postal voting, so now, we have lower voter turnout,” Minister Counsellor Frank Cimafranka said.
Even if the valid ballots were a little more than 200, the manual counting still lasted from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Compared to the senatorial elections held in 2007, many Pinoys came from different parts of Holland, like Utrecht and Amsterdam to watch the counting.
“I would like to be a witness of the historical changing of the Philippines that to win or lose I’m hoping this will be a victorious change for every Filipino, na magkaroon po ng pagbabago sa Pilipinas,” Rachelle Joy Roxas-Perez, a member of the Bagong Pilipino Bagong Pilipinas Movement (BPBPM) which supports Bro. Eddie Villanueva, said.
Aquino-Roxas tandem
The Liberal Party tandem of Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II swept the votes for President and Vice President.
Aquino received 110 votes while Roxas got 112.
This came as a big surprise because Nacionalista Party bet Manny Villar, who received the support of Migrante, which has about 100 members in its Netherlands chapter, only came in fourth with only 16 votes.
Gilbert Teodoro of Lakas-Kampi CMD came in third with 21 votes.
Another shocker was the inability of activist Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo to make it to the Magic 12 here when he received only 38 votes.
Ocampo has a lot of supporters from activists, party-list members and the Left organizations here in Holland.
‘Magic 12’
Those who made it to the Magic 12 were: Franklin Drillon, 123; Ralph Recto, 108; Miriam Defensor-Santiago, 100; Pia Cayetano, 96; Teofisto Guingona III, 91; Risa Hontiveros, 89’ Sergio Osmena III, 75; Katherine Inocencio, 62; Francisco Tatad, 58; Juan Ponce Enrile, 54; Ferdinand Marcos Jr., 53 and Alexander Lacson, 52.
Citizens Battle against Corruptioin (CIBAC) received the most votes with 32 for the party-list system of elections. Many voters apparently disregarded the party-list vote.
The only result consistent with public expectations is the vote received by the Eddie Villanueva/Perfecto Yasay tandem.
Villanueva and Yasay came in second in the results for President and Vice President, with 50 and 42 votes respectively.
Villanueva has a big following here from the members of the Jesus Is Lord and the BPBPM.
Listening to the counting of the ballots, there were also “fantastic” combinations in the votes for president and vice president such as votes for Teodoro/Roxas, Aquino/Legarda and Aquino/Gordon.
The Pinoys really took time to think who they will vote for, not necessarily adhering to straight party voting.
And those who voted made sure that their efforts did not go to waste.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://rp1.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/05/13/10/aquino-roxas-win-oav-results-holland
Dutch-Pinay moms sweep Mrs. Philippines Europe 2010
By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 04/22/2010 12:37 PM | Updated as of 04/23/2010 11:56 AM
LISSE, The Netherlands - It was a clean sweep for Dutch-Filipina mothers in a beauty pageant held recently in Lisse.
In the dressing room, 12 Pinay mothers from Germany and Holland scrambled to perfect their make-up and hairdo to look their best for their walk on the ramp. These mothers are not models for a fashion show but contestants in the Mrs. Philippines Europe 2010.
It was a grand slam for 36-year-old Maharlika Lopez from the Netherlands who bagged about a dozen of the special awards and the most coveted crown.
The divorcee, who is a mother of 2, was unanimously picked by Dutch judges to be crowned as Mrs. Philippines Europe 2010.
“I am privileged to have joined the competition and I have a lot of respect for Mia Van Eendenburg [organizer] for organizing this event, and most especially, it’s for the goodwill,” Lopez said.
Chosen as Ambassador of Goodwill 2010, from votes via the Internet, was 4th runner up Dutch-Pinay Suzette Charambas, who was also the crowd favorite.
The rest of the finalists were also Dutch-Pinays: 3rd runner up Alma Zoleta, 2nd runner up Helen Ligutom,
Even if the pageant was open to all married Pinays in Europe, the event became a battle between Holland and Germany.
The competition gave a rare opportunity for Pinay mothers, regardless of age, to show their never-fading beauty and talents.
In fact, one contestant was 52-year-old Merl Mayr, a mother of 2 and a nurse in Germany. In introducing herself, she said she is proud that she has reached the golden age and just loves joining beauty pageants. In fact, Mayr has already joined quite a few in her lifetime.
Ambassador Cardozo Luna’s wife, who believes in the power of women, was so impressed with the event and the organizer.
“We have self confidence and we should show it that’s why I like being in a community like this, at shows, programs and pageant like this, with these kababayans showing their sense of pride,” Joyce Luna said.
The event was a tremendous success with more than 600 tickets sold that Pinay organizer Mia Van Eendenburg became emotional when she delivered her opening speech.
She was overwhelmed by the warm reception and the big support from her kababayans in Europe.
She said the event proved that Filipinos in Europe can indeed unite and help each other’s causes.
“Ang unang obheto namin eh ma-connect sa Filipino community within here in Europe,” Van Eendenburg said.
The beauty pageant was attended by Pinoys and Europeans who came from the different countries in Europe to support their candidates.
“This pageant can bring the people together. There are people coming from Holland but also from Germany. They’re putting together their efforts. This is a good sign,” said Pinay Connie Kinkel.
After the event’s huge success, it is expected that more married Pinays in Europe will join next year’s contest.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/04/22/10/dutch-pinay-moms-sweep-mrs-philippines-europe-2010
Posted at 04/22/2010 12:37 PM | Updated as of 04/23/2010 11:56 AM
LISSE, The Netherlands - It was a clean sweep for Dutch-Filipina mothers in a beauty pageant held recently in Lisse.
In the dressing room, 12 Pinay mothers from Germany and Holland scrambled to perfect their make-up and hairdo to look their best for their walk on the ramp. These mothers are not models for a fashion show but contestants in the Mrs. Philippines Europe 2010.
It was a grand slam for 36-year-old Maharlika Lopez from the Netherlands who bagged about a dozen of the special awards and the most coveted crown.
The divorcee, who is a mother of 2, was unanimously picked by Dutch judges to be crowned as Mrs. Philippines Europe 2010.
“I am privileged to have joined the competition and I have a lot of respect for Mia Van Eendenburg [organizer] for organizing this event, and most especially, it’s for the goodwill,” Lopez said.
Chosen as Ambassador of Goodwill 2010, from votes via the Internet, was 4th runner up Dutch-Pinay Suzette Charambas, who was also the crowd favorite.
The rest of the finalists were also Dutch-Pinays: 3rd runner up Alma Zoleta, 2nd runner up Helen Ligutom,
Even if the pageant was open to all married Pinays in Europe, the event became a battle between Holland and Germany.
The competition gave a rare opportunity for Pinay mothers, regardless of age, to show their never-fading beauty and talents.
In fact, one contestant was 52-year-old Merl Mayr, a mother of 2 and a nurse in Germany. In introducing herself, she said she is proud that she has reached the golden age and just loves joining beauty pageants. In fact, Mayr has already joined quite a few in her lifetime.
Ambassador Cardozo Luna’s wife, who believes in the power of women, was so impressed with the event and the organizer.
“We have self confidence and we should show it that’s why I like being in a community like this, at shows, programs and pageant like this, with these kababayans showing their sense of pride,” Joyce Luna said.
The event was a tremendous success with more than 600 tickets sold that Pinay organizer Mia Van Eendenburg became emotional when she delivered her opening speech.
She was overwhelmed by the warm reception and the big support from her kababayans in Europe.
She said the event proved that Filipinos in Europe can indeed unite and help each other’s causes.
“Ang unang obheto namin eh ma-connect sa Filipino community within here in Europe,” Van Eendenburg said.
The beauty pageant was attended by Pinoys and Europeans who came from the different countries in Europe to support their candidates.
“This pageant can bring the people together. There are people coming from Holland but also from Germany. They’re putting together their efforts. This is a good sign,” said Pinay Connie Kinkel.
After the event’s huge success, it is expected that more married Pinays in Europe will join next year’s contest.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/04/22/10/dutch-pinay-moms-sweep-mrs-philippines-europe-2010
Pinoy Hitmakers' Amsterdam concert a hit
By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 03/20/2010 10:27 PM | Updated as of 03/20/2010 10:27 PM
AMSTERDAM - The recent Pinoy Hitmakers’ concert brought back nostalgic memories of the Philippines to Dutch Pinoys.
Despite the very strong wind and rain brought by a violent storm that hit Western Europe, Dutch Pinoys from different parts of The Netherlands flocked to Amsterdam to watch the very first concert of Rey Valera, Jessa Zaragoza and Renz Verano.
The singers entertained the audience with their songs that became hits during the 80s and the 90s.
“Hindi ko inaasahan na maraming darating dahil umuulan,” Valera said.
In fact, the artists themselves did not expect such a big turnout because of the very bad weather.
Each song, particularly those of Valera’s, reminded the Dutch Pinoys of the
Philippines.
“Talagang we feel like home. Nadala nila dito ang spirit ng pagiging Filipino. Maraming salamat at congratulations sa mga organizers at sponsors,” Ambassador Cardozo Luna said.
Overall, the Dutch Pinoys proved to be a very warm and receptive audience that impressed the singers.
“Napakaganda. Masayang-masaya. Ibang-iba po ito. Ang mga tao ay feeling the warmth of being together na kahit umuulan nandito pa sila. I can feel the warmth, love and unity of the Filipino. Napak-importante po yon,” Pinay Rose Ann Esquibil said.
Luna congratulated the organizers and sponsors for the huge success of the event.
Organizing a concert is always a big gamble. Promoter Danny Sabio said it’s not about the money, but more of making his kababayans happy.
“To give them some form of entertainment. Work, work lang sila lagi. So ‘yun ang pinaka-motivation lang siguro. Ganun lang basta sama-sama mga kababayan,” Sabio said.
"Basta sama-sama lang mga Pinoy dahil may mga iba dyan puro trabaho. At least nandito kami. Hindi lang para magkaron ng pera. Para lang sa kasayahan," said Grace Van Overbeek.
The Dutch Pinoys hoped to see more concerts like this in the future to ease their loneliness of being far away from home.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/03/20/10/pinoy-hitmakers-amsterdam-concert-hit
Posted at 03/20/2010 10:27 PM | Updated as of 03/20/2010 10:27 PM
AMSTERDAM - The recent Pinoy Hitmakers’ concert brought back nostalgic memories of the Philippines to Dutch Pinoys.
Despite the very strong wind and rain brought by a violent storm that hit Western Europe, Dutch Pinoys from different parts of The Netherlands flocked to Amsterdam to watch the very first concert of Rey Valera, Jessa Zaragoza and Renz Verano.
The singers entertained the audience with their songs that became hits during the 80s and the 90s.
“Hindi ko inaasahan na maraming darating dahil umuulan,” Valera said.
In fact, the artists themselves did not expect such a big turnout because of the very bad weather.
Each song, particularly those of Valera’s, reminded the Dutch Pinoys of the
Philippines.
“Talagang we feel like home. Nadala nila dito ang spirit ng pagiging Filipino. Maraming salamat at congratulations sa mga organizers at sponsors,” Ambassador Cardozo Luna said.
Overall, the Dutch Pinoys proved to be a very warm and receptive audience that impressed the singers.
“Napakaganda. Masayang-masaya. Ibang-iba po ito. Ang mga tao ay feeling the warmth of being together na kahit umuulan nandito pa sila. I can feel the warmth, love and unity of the Filipino. Napak-importante po yon,” Pinay Rose Ann Esquibil said.
Luna congratulated the organizers and sponsors for the huge success of the event.
Organizing a concert is always a big gamble. Promoter Danny Sabio said it’s not about the money, but more of making his kababayans happy.
“To give them some form of entertainment. Work, work lang sila lagi. So ‘yun ang pinaka-motivation lang siguro. Ganun lang basta sama-sama mga kababayan,” Sabio said.
"Basta sama-sama lang mga Pinoy dahil may mga iba dyan puro trabaho. At least nandito kami. Hindi lang para magkaron ng pera. Para lang sa kasayahan," said Grace Van Overbeek.
The Dutch Pinoys hoped to see more concerts like this in the future to ease their loneliness of being far away from home.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/03/20/10/pinoy-hitmakers-amsterdam-concert-hit
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