Dutch treat.

I posted a status on Facebook about April Fool's Day and how the expression Op een april verloor Alva zijn bril.



"On April 1, 1572 Dutch rebels captured the town of Den Briel from Spanish troops led by Lord Alva. This military success eventually led to the independence of the Netherlands from Spain. A Dutch rhyme goes: "Op 1 april/ Verloor Alva zijn Bril." This translates to: "On April 1st / Alva lost his 'glasses'". "Bril" means glasses in Dutch, but is also a pun on the name of the town, Den Briel. It is claimed that the tradition of pranks on April 1st arose to commemorate the victory in Den Briel and humiliation of the Spanish commander."



I got some reactions from friends who were inquiring about the origin of the phrase GOING DUTCH. So I googled and here's what I found:



A Dutch door (American English), or stable door (British English), or half door (Hiberno English), is a door divided horizontally in such a fashion that the bottom half may remain shut while the top half opens. The initial purpose of this door was to keep animals out of farmhouses, or keep children inside, while allowing light and air to filter through the open top.

It is said that it was from this concept that the phrase "going Dutch" originated, a term that indicates that each person participating in a group activity pays for himself, rather than any one person paying for anyone else, particularly in a restaurant bill. It is also called Dutch date and Dutch Treat.




In the United States, during the advent of second wave feminism, 1960s and 1970s, the Women's Movement encouraged women to pay their own way or to pay for men's meals. It is accepted by some that, on a date between a woman and man, the man takes initiative when it comes to paying the bill, meaning he is the one to pay


In the Philippines, it is referred to as KKB; an acronym for "Kanya-kanyang bayad" which means "pay for your own self".

Wil je met mij trouwen? (Will you marry me?)

While waiting for my turn at SPAR Supermarket today, a five-year-old kid was delaying everyone. He can't take his eyes off the 17-year-old cashier. He was about 3-feet tall and had his chin resting on the counter. He was sighing and sighing... and sighing, and was just staring intently at her.

Finally, there came a loud and very determined voice. The boy blurted out, "wil je met mij trouwen?" (Will you marry me?) He was still staring at her, and was waiting for her reply.

The cashier somewhat amused, played along and said without thinking, "wanneer?" (when?)

The boy replied quickly, "achtien mei" (May 18).

The young mom, all red and somewhat embarrassed, apologized and said in an irritated voice, "wat zei je nou?" (what are you talking about?)

They left the supermarket hurriedly.... leaving everybody with big smiles and a very good story to tell when they all go home.

Spring 2011.

Some things are better left unsaid .....

April Fool's Day.

Everyday passes away just as quietly as it had come, and we don't even question where it goes. As the famous song goes: Day is done... gone the sun.

Meanwhile, we try to do something in between... sort of to fill-in the long hours; the emptiness of our very existence.

Ironically, we don't think of day and night as The Beginning and The End of another day. We simply assume that tomorrow morning will be just like yesterday. The sun will be out and will quietly go, and we'll continue doing (building) what we were trying to finish yesterday. After all, it goes on. Life, that is.

Yes, that's what we call LIFE. Crawling from cradle to grave. Trying to build something.. Trying to do something "good" and worthwhile. Trying to make a difference. Trying to be a responsible individual. Such a cruel joke, don't you agree? But think about it....

Happy April Fool's Day, Everyone!

A Mother's Love.

Today, I'm happy. I received a very nice card from my mother and I want to share it to the world. HAHAHAHA

She said:

Dearest Daughter,

Lots of nice surprises are waiting for you; it's not you, waiting for them. You're very, very, very special..... Trust me!

Lots of love (oh?)... Hectares of love (huh?).... Archipelago of love (what?).... Continents of love (hmmmmm) ... WORLD OF LOVE (Guess, I'll settle for that)...

Mamma alias Momsie / Mother Pearl