As emailed to MN by Ricky Tuazon

Pilipino Pearl in Dutch Crown

Annually, on the occasion of her birthday, the ruling Monarch of Netherlands, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix awards deserving Dutch the Order of Oranje-Nassau.

April 1892, Queen Dowager and Regent Emma initiated the Order so that Royal appreciation for distinct exemplary citizenship could be made both visible and public.

Royal tradition demands total secrecy towards the nominees until the day of ceremony, making this yearly event a genuine Royal Surprise, considered both honorable and prestigious.

Admittedly some prejudice on my part perhaps, as I admire the man, pride too feeds the desire to share this news with you Promoting Pinoy Pride back home and elsewhere. Stimulating optimism, rejuvenating humble self-esteem much needed for personal progress as well as community concern, involvement and development.

April 27, 2007, Ruben Abellon, the first Filipino in Netherlands (aside from Diplomats and Presidents) received Royal credits for his active concerned citizenship, his charity to homeland Philippines and his loyal enthusiastic support to Students from every nook and corner of the globe studying in Netherlands. Over quarter century board member, as well as advisor to the International Student Chaplency for Foreign Students.

It was Abellons' second first! Migrated to Holland in 1980 to expand his academic interest, he too became the first Filipino to graduate at prestigious Delft Technical University. The Dutch rightfully recognized humble Abellon, they, the Dutch, after all benefited from his unassuming charitable character.

Ruben, as he is globally known, maintained and preserved the provincial beauty of sincerity and spirit of Bayanihan. Born and raised in Batac, Illocos Norte where he received his elementary (Hilario Valdez) and secondary (Immaculate Conception Academy) education, transplanted to Manila for his college years at UST (University of Santo Tomas). Graduating in 1975, he taught Chemical Engineering at the same University. His academic eagerness brought him to Netherlands, where he claimed a Dutch degree Ir. in Chemical Technology as well as a Masters in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering.

Abellon, from day one, was (still is) active in the International Student Chaplency, an inter-religious student organization. Too he remained concerned with his kababayans in the Kingdom as well as the ones in the Pacific Rim, throughout the years loyal to both, Netherlands and Philippines.

Preserving and relaying the values of both his homeland and homeawayfromhomeland, he may be considered a sincere skilled zealous cultural bridge-builder. Ruben has impressed and inspired many, yet his major dream for his Philippines to prosper and bloom like the tulip fields in Netherlands through faith in own talents as tool and guideline, remains a dream.

Nothing comes free but flue he learned in Holland through the years! He wishes the home front would not adhere to illusions, as illusions become disillusions. Better still dream like Doctor Martin Luther King, as his dream came true. Some dreams surpass expectation like Royal Dreams, I agree! Message to us all: "Be and remain humble, never calculate success and keep the Bayanihan spirit alive!" Congratulations with this very special deserving distinctive Pinoy.

A genuine, shiny and valuable Pilipino Pearl in the Dutch Crown! Mabuhay sa iyo!

Henk J. van der Vaart

Dutch na pusong Pinoy

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