A Filipino Pearl in the Dutch Crown

[j_avonni]

A Filipino Pearl in the Dutch Crown

INQUIRER.net
Last updated 05:18pm (Mla time) 04/30/2007

On her birthday, the ruling monarch of the Netherlands, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix, annually awards deserving Dutch individuals with the Order of Oranje-Nassau.

It was the Queen Dowager and Regent Emma who initiated the Order in April 1892 so that Royal appreciation for distinctly 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 with some prejudice on my part because I admire the man, pride feeds the desire to share a piece of news that promotes Pinoy pride at home and elsewhere, stimulates optimism, rejuvenates much needed self-esteem for personal progress as well as community concern, involvement and development.

On April 27, 2007, the first Filipino besides diplomats and presidents) received royal credits in the Netherlands for his active concerned citizenship, charity to his Philippine homeland, and loyal, enthusiastic support to students from every nook and corner of the globe studying in Netherlands. For over a quarter century, he has been a board member as well as advisor to the International Student Chaplency for Foreign Students.

Clad in a barong, Ruben Abellon faced the Honorable Mayor of The Hague, Dr. W. J. Deetman. As requested by Her Majesty the Queen, the mayor appointed Abellon Member in the Royal Order of Oranje-Nassau. Present was Ambassador Romeo A. Arguelles, Chief of Mission in the Netherlands, who joyously witnessed the occasion, beaming pride from ear to ear.

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

Ruben, as he is globally known, has maintained and preserved the l beauty of provincial sincerity and the spirit of bayanihan. Born and raised in Batac, Illocos Norte, where he received his elementary (Hilario Valdez Elementary School and secondary education (Immaculate Conception Academy), Ruben was transplanted to Manila for college at the University of Santo Tomas. Graduating in 1975, he taught Chemical Engineering at the same University.

His academic eagerness next brought him to Netherlands, where he claimed two Dutch degrees - in Chemical Technology and a Masters in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering.

From day one, Abellon was and still is active in the International Student Chaplency, an inter-religious student organization. He also remained concerned about his kababayan in the Kingdom as well as the ones in the Pacific Rim, and through the years has been loyal to both the Netherlands and the Philippines.

Preserving and relaying the values of both his homeland and his home away from the Philippines, he may be considered a skilled and 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 of the Netherlands, through faith in own talents, remains a dream.

Nothing comes free but he has learned in Holland through the years. Ruben wishes the home front would not adhere to illusions, as illusions become disillusions. Better to dream like a Martin Luther King whose dream came true. Some dreams surpass expectation, however, and the message to us all is to “be and remain humble, never calculate success and keep the bayanihan spirit alive!”

Congratulations are due this very special, deserving and distinctive Pinoy - a genuine, lustrous and valuable Filipino Pearl in the Dutch Crown! Mabuhay!

The writer Henk J. van der Vaart describes himself as “Dutch na pusong Pinoy.” This article was e-mailed by Filipino artist Alfredo ‘Ding’ Roces in Sydney.

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CONGRATS, Mr. Abellon!

[gearspeed]

Congrats....