The Best Season to Visit the Netherlands

Me in the Netherlands last 2016

From an Asian perspective, it will always be winter, the perfect season to visit the Netherlands. How so? Let's count the reasons why.

It snows. Winter never exists in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, etc. Playing in the snow or making a snow angel is a dream for many.

You can stay in your bed for the whole day. It is cold, what else will you do then?

People are inside their homes. And because of that, commercial cities (stad), museums, and parks are so unoccupied that one can maximize his time to roam around the halls and try almost all of the park's rides. It's so worth it, I'm telling you! (That was what we actually did at Disneyland Paris!)

Dating a Dutch Guy; Common Things Dutch People Do

I've been visiting The Netherlands for some quite amount of times already and I am still amazed to see how Dutch people do things, in a fancy or very different way. Living in The Philippines, in the very own city that I grew up, and I was born in, I have not really experienced or seen a lot in my life. I am so grateful that my windows opened and I was able to have a glimpse of the other part aside from my hometown.

Now that I am married to the Dutch I dated for 3 years and celebrated our first anniversary this year, already, still, lots of things are yet to be discovered. I've decided not to change the title of this series so they will still be in place and in the same category.

Anyhow, let's not dilly dally and let's start, shall we?

Three kisses on the cheek

Greeting family and friends with kisses on the cheek are pretty normal, we also do that in the Philippines. But in The Netherlands, it is a custom to give others three kisses. I've heard that if someone did that to you, it means that they like you. There's no specific side which one to cling first, whether left or right. Some times, I just go on to a friend and let them do the thing. Hehe.

One hot meal a day

Yes, it is very common in a Dutch household. They only take bread or cereals in the morning, then a sandwich in their lunch, and in the evening, it is when they really have a feast meal. Unlike in The Philippines, we always have hot rice and ulam in all three meals to go on with the day. Dutch loves their potatoes, meat, and vegetables in their table for dinner. And that's perfectly paired with a cold glass of good beer or wine.

Crossing Oceans: Vol. 10 | Mikey & Bella

Hey guys! I am back with another guest! They're from different parts of the world and live a few thousand miles apart. But that doesn't stop them from showing affection and loving each other. Now, let's hear from them.


How did you and your partner meet?
We meet through a dating site, OkCupid.

How long have you guys been together?
Been together for 5 months.

What is your & your partner's nationality?
I'm a Filipina, he is American

What is the biggest pet peeve in your relationship?
I guess it's when we fight. I hate it because I tend to not want to talk to him and of course he doesn't want that. 😂

Another Day to be Grateful!

One of the pet peeves of being in an interracial relationship is the hassle it gives when it comes to papers and documents. For me and G, living in the Philippines is not as easy as it seems. Of course, it is a little bit stressfree but all in all, it is never like that.

Our plan is to visit my in-laws in Europe every once in a while. To make that happen, we always need to ask for a visa for me to have at least 90 days stay (within 180 days period) in The Netherlands. Preparation is doable, I've been on it three times already, but still, we do not know if they will grant me or not. Unlike G, who is married to a Philippine national/resident (that's me of course. haha), he has the privilege of getting a free year visa/stay in the Philippines. We also have submitted required papers for G to acquire a resident visa, thankfully, it was approved as well. Meaning, he has a free visa! "How generous my country is!", I realized.


Today, I received my Schengen visa and it only took 2 business days (from PH to KL to PH + processing). Although we asked for a three years visa, I think it is not yet the time for me to have one. I am more than happy having a year visa, it is really an answered prayer already. Soon enough, we will fly again to EU and I would be thrilled to see my second family there. G told me that we can go to France again, and that's another thing to look forward to.

So yeah, it is a very pleasant day, and month (we just had our 3-day convention with the theme, Love Never Fails).

You can watch here how I applied for a Schengen visa in The Netherlands.

How to Renew and Change Your Marital Status in Your Driver's License (2019)

Disclaimer: All the procedures and requirements that I will share in this post are my own experience when I changed my status. I am not, in any way, affiliated with LTO (Land Transportation Office).


I got free time last Friday since a plan to go somewhere in Manila was canceled. So before it expires next week, I had it renewed on time. Upon checking with the LTO Office at SM City Batangas (a remote office), they only accept regular license renewal. Those who need to change status like Student to Non-Professional/Professional or updating marital status shall only be done at their district office, so I headed to Conception. It took me three hours to get mine.

Here's what I did step by step.

1. Have your medical test + blood type
There are a lot of medical laboratories around LTO offices but I always prefer to do it inside their premises. It costs Php450 and blood type costs Php100. If in case you're going to have your license renewed at remote offices like SM Stores, medical examination price stays the same. Part of the exam is your height, weight, vision test and measuring your blood pressure.

2. Log in at guard then fall in line at the customer service representative
There's a logbook you need to sign before proceeding to the CSR, who'll then give you application forms based on your need. You also have to present your old driver's license and a photocopy of your marriage certificate. The CSR will give you a queue number in lieu of your application. Fill up the forms and wait for your number to be called.