I have been receiving requests for travel tips after the success of my last column, "Stars Exploring Japan." I was unable to write a detailed account of my trip to the Netherlands, but I can offer some recommendations on places to visit.

Last year, the Kalayaan Fiesta Foundation Netherlands (KFFN) flew me and my family so I could perform for the 125th Anniversary of our Philippine Independence in Spaarwoude Park, where 6,000 Filipinos greeted me in applause. When someone mentions The Netherlands, Amsterdam is likely the first thing that comes to mind as it is the capital city. However, like the Philippines, The Netherlands is also divided into several provinces, specifically twelve, which include North Holland and South Holland. If you're planning a vacation in The Netherlands, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

 1.    If you wish to save money while shopping or traveling to multiple places, it is recommended not to stay in the city of Amsterdam as it is likely to cost you at least 20,000 pesos for a decent room. Instead, consider renting a room in the north of Amsterdam for half the price. Hilversumstratt is a great option and is comfortable and easily accessible by bus. During my stay, I rented an Airbnb room from a friendly Filipino host named Edson Swarovski Gonzales. You can contact him via Facebook Messenger, where he has a verified blue checkmark. He has two rooms in his unit, which is perfect for my family of four.

2.     If you're planning to visit Keukenhof Gardens to see the tulips, it's best to go between April and May 12th. The Bollenstreek region is home to some of the finest flower fields, and you can also check out Tulip Farm De Tulperij, which is owned by Daan and Anja and located in Voorhout. However, if you're looking to take some truly Instagram-worthy pictures, you should head to The Tulip Barn - a Tulip Photo Garden that boasts 400,000 tulips for you to use as a backdrop for your selfies and Facebook posts. The Tulip Barn is designed to help you take the most beautiful pictures possible among the tulips, so you can show them off on social media.

3.   When visiting Amsterdam, it's important to be aware of certain things. If you are a coffee enthusiast, avoid going to coffee shops to get your fix. Instead, head to a café. Coffee shops in Amsterdam are places where legal marijuana is sold, and if you haven't tried it before, it's advisable not to experiment as you can never be sure how it will affect you. One of my friends once tried it and ended up sleeping for a day and a half, missing out on all the sightseeing. Please be aware of bike paths and do not walk in them, as it can be dangerous and you may get hit by a cyclist. There are plenty of designated walk paths, so please stay within them. Additionally, if you are in the red light district, please do not bring children as there may be individuals displaying their private parts in glass windows for commercial purposes. It's important to respect their privacy and avoid taking pictures of them. Remember, these individuals have personal lives apart from their work and deserve to have their privacy respected as individuals.

4.    If you're looking for a quick tour of the Netherlands, then you should definitely visit Zaanse Schans. This neighborhood boasts of historic windmills and unique green wooden houses that have been relocated to recreate the look of an 18th-century Dutch village. The Zaans Museum is also located here, and it displays regional costumes, traditional clog shoes, and exhibits on cheese and chocolate-making. Additionally, artisan workshops demonstrate rare handicrafts such as wooden clog carving, barrel making, and pewter casting.

5.     Volendam, located on the Markermeer Lake, is a picturesque Dutch town with colorful wooden houses and old fishing boats in its harbor, perfect for capturing lovely photos to share on Facebook and Instagram.

6.     You may want to consider visiting the Philippine embassy in Hague. The embassy's ambassador, Jaime Eduardo Malaya, did an excellent job in overseeing the renovations of the Kalayaan Hall, Bengzon Hall, and Rizal Courtyard. These halls were originally used as the embassy's offices for conducting official business with Filipinos in the Netherlands. However, the office was moved to the basement, and the interiors were beautifully decorated, creating the Kalayaan and Cesar Bengzon Halls for events. This way, expensive hotel ballrooms no longer need to be rented. The Philippine embassy is open to everyone, especially those who are of Filipino descent.