Amsterdam is known for their windmills, tulips, clogs and Delft Blue decor, among many other things. But did you know that there are about 16,000 Filipinos living in The Netherlands, most of them working in hospitals, factories, oil rigs and as au pairs (nannies)?
Mabuhay Canada is kicking off its first Filipino Travel Series, with a focus on Amsterdam in The Netherlands.
Dickson Occidental has lived in Amsterdam for the past 18 years. He graduated with a degree in Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines (U.P.) in Baguio City. He taught at the U.P. Baguio campus for a few years, before working as an English teacher in China.
He shares with us what life is like for a Filipino living in The Netherlands.
Did you need to learn a new language in your country?
You don’t have to be fluent, but you do need to learn Dutch to get by in Amsterdam. Bedankt! (Thanks!)
Are there Filipino events or festivals in your city/country?
The Filipino community celebrates Independence Day festivities (annually in June).
What Filipino items/services are lacking in your city or country?
A Pinoy restaurant. (But) there’s one in The Hague.
Name at least 5 attractions or places you would take your friends to and why.
1) I would tour them around the City of Amsterdam as it is the official capital of the Netherlands (and why it’s a tourist magnet).
2. I would take them to The Hague as it is the administrative centre or seat of government in The Netherlands, and to provide contrast with Amsterdam.
3. Next I would tour them around Keukenhof, or the tulip garden.
4. For a glimpse of the old Dutch country life, I would bring visitors to Zaanse Schans.
5. I would also take visitors to Rijksmuseum as it is one of the best museums in The Netherlands.
Tell us why you love this country.
Personally, Amsterdam reminds me of Baguio City, Philippines in the 1990s. There’s just enough green to make me feel like I’m walking in a (big) park most days. There’s a sort of balance in most things: attitudes, way of life, architecture and even life’s pacing.
