growers visited Haarlemmermeer and was treated to the latest technology on flower growing.
Arts
Over the years, Cebu City's university dance troupes have been drawing crowds in Haarlemmermeer and also in social gatherings of the United Philippine Dutch Association (UFDA). This organization of Filipinos also works closely with Vereniging Haarlemmermeer Cebu. The Dutch also took delight in the artworks of homegrown Paulina Constancia who exhibited twice her unique style of paintstiching.
In the true spirit of talent exchange, Haarlemmermeer sent us a 10-piece band who performed jazz renditions of well-loved movie themes, pop jazz, and upbeat numbers.
But it didn't stop there. Two teachers and four students from the Center of Art and Culture in Hoofddorp arrived and worked together with the former Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO), that later changed its name to Peace Philharmonic of the Philippines (PPP).
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CYSO and the Center of Art and Culture (Haarlemmermeer) to the effect of working together for the next four years. Soon after, CYSO adopted its new name, Peace Philharmonic of the Philippines. And when the musicians of CYSO visited Haarlemmermeer, a program was organized especially for them with the cooperation of the School of Music in Amsterdam and The Hague.
Despite the efforts to finance the PPP, our local sources were not responsive enough to help continue this youthful and promising orchestra. With heavy hearts, six of our local musicians plus two teachers and a student from the Center of Art and Culture performed a farewell concert and a series of last engagements for more than three weeks in Haarlemmermeer. A CD of the farewell concert was produced.

Due to lack of funding, from both Cebu City and from the national government, the PPP ceased to exist and their performances are only treasured memories of music lovers. Today, if ever they perform with two concert harps, then those are the ones donated by Haarlemmermeer.
2002
Within the first quarter of this year, nine visitors arrived from Haarlemmermeer. During this visit, their swimming association touched base with five local associations. A representative of a Menonite church also indicated to a local school that his institution will assist in providing support.
Also, two projects are already slated. One is the revitalisation project of the old part of Cebu City. In relation to this project, our local representatives shall undergo training in Haarlemmermeer. The other project is the distribution of potable water to 2,000 people living in Tabaylawom, Tisa. With the fundraising machinery of Haarlemmermeer at work through the efforts of their Lionsclub, Kaj Munk Highschool, and their provincial government, and also with the technical support of USC Talamban in Cebu City, the residents of Tabaylawom will no longer have to take the long walk downhill everyday for drinking water.
The Cebu City Bridge in the Netherlands
Harlemmermeer is a small city with four major events this year: the inauguration of the Cebu City Bridge; the 10th year anniversary of sisterhood with Cebu City; its 150th year anniversary; and the world-wide flora expo known as the Floriade.
These multiple celebrations led to the invitation of a delegation of 40. Members of the USC dance troupe unceasingly drew crowds for three days at the 65-hectare Floriade, and again at the Old Town Hall for the celebration of the 150th year of Haarlemmermeer.
The dance troupe also performed the Sinulog during the inauguration of the Cebu City Bridge. The bridge is located in a major crossing of six lanes coming from all sides. It lies on the crossing of the streets Hoofdweg and Van Heuven