In February 2023, I had the wonderful opportunity to stay in Morocco for two (2) weeks for the  International Diplomatic Training for Senior Diplomats from ASEAN Countries. It was a scholarship program that I applied for, and thankfully, I passed the qualifications, and became the sole representative from the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines to attend that program that year.

Organized by the  Moroccan Academy of Diplomatic Studies (AMED) and fully-funded by the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), it was wonderfully-designed program that merged lectures from academics, presentations by industry experts, cultural immersion, and visits to selected establishments in Morocco, including schools and industries. We had a full schedule. In a span of 12 days, we were able to travel to several cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier., while our base remained in Rabat. The trips were well-planned–they were not just touristy visits; rather they were showcases of the best of Morocco.

How was it? It was amazing. I didn’t notice the days passing by. We were very busy, sure. But it was also a very immersive, enjoyable experience. It combined lectures and workshops on nation branding and Morocco’s systems and processes, as well as an immersive cultural experience in selected cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Tangier. Our resource speakers were knowledgeable in their respective fields. They were more than presenters; they were experts and game changers. They knew how the systems worked, how processes operate, what Moroccan principles were applied.

What were some of my conclusions after the training?

1. Morocco has a compelling and unified nation-branding campaign.
2. All the presenters in the conference/lecture/workshop (even those not related to culture or history) always mentioned the greatness of their country and their leaders. 
3. In all Moroccan industries that we visited, a lot of the trailblazers are young (20s and 30s). This is a manifestation of the Moroccan government’s emphasis on training and offering good programs for the youth.
4. The training gathered a formidable team of Industry experts – from the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE); International Cooperation of the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN); Moroccan Agency of Development of Aquaculture; Casablanca Finance City; Moroccan National Tourism Office; Economic, Social, and Environmental Council; Institute of Research in Solar and Renewable Energy; Green Park; Polytechnic University Mohammed VI.
5. ASEAN countries can cooperate with Morocco in aquaculture, renewable energy, and other technical areas.

My favorite part of the training? It’s hard to choose. I was enamored with Jardin Majorelle. The layout, the structure, the plants were marvelous! I made sure to dress in blue to be in synch with the place. I loved the souks of Marrakech. How I wanted to get lost (figuratively) in the labyrinth not so much to buy many things but just to feel the place completely. We were given a set time, however, and we weren’t allowed to wander far but to remain in one area as much as possible.

I was curious about Casablanca (with all the write-ups, movie, and more), where we visited a business center. But more than our official appointment in Casablanca, what was exciting was our little adventure with some of my fellow diplomats after our official schedule and dinner. We walked into the night while a light rain was falling, went to this area different from the modern buildings and skyscrapers (I don’t remember what the place is called but it’s similar to Quiapo in the Philippines with lots of people, sidewalk vendors, hodgepodge of stalls and souvenir shops. I got a mocha-colored luggage there plus some fridge magnets. It rained hard on our way back; good, we were able to hail a cab). I liked Tangier, where we visited the MED Port and had a city tour, in addition to the presentations on renewable energy, aquaculture, etc.

I was amazed by the Green Energy Park in Benguerir. (I think it’s a tie with Jardin Majorelle among the many places I loved in Morocco.) The sample houses featured, entries in a contest, were unique. It’s like products of art + architecture + technology + love for the Earth combined.

The restaurants we went to? Amazing! (Plus some side trips like our own O’tacos dinner on our cheat day). The hotels we were billeted in? Topnotch! We stayed in Hotel Farah while in Rabat, and being near the river allowed walks for the more adventurous members of the team (of course, that includes me). In Casablanca, we stayed in Hotel Idou Anfa. And while in Marrakech, we were booked in individual suites in Kenzi Menara Palace. The place is, (oh my gosh!) one of the best hotels I’ve been to.

What are the other things I loved? The patterns on the wall; the mosaics; organ oil with lovely, delicate scent; the food; the diversity of Moroccan culture; the zeal of Moroccan professionals, and many more.

I am, and I think all of us participants, are ever thankful to Ms. Kettani Hana, Ms. Lamiae Bennani, and Mr. Youssef Cheikhi. Ms. Hanna coordinated with all of us participants, orienting us with the program, and documents and other things we had to prepare. While there, she continued to assist us and guide us in her quiet, efficient way. Ms. Bennani infused the training room with her vivacity. During lunch, in those times we had lectures/presentations, she played Moroccan music and introduced us to Moroccan culture. She showed pictures of Fez attires. Mr. Cheikhi was our companion in our trips and visits to different cities and establishments. He was very chill, and ready to greet us with his smile. But he successfully ensured that all of us, nine (9) diplomats were on time and followed the rules (except for that evening Casablanca escapade; sorry, Mr. Cheikhi). ^_^ We are also thankful to the talented and charming Mr. Hamid Faska, who is well-versed in several languages, and translated the French lectures to English.

It was not all listening to lectures of course. We had to write outputs, share our ideas during discussions on various world issues, and present about our country to the entire group. I was ready for the last one a few days before I flew to Morocco. I was so thrilled to be accepted then, that when I saw the program, I already made an outline and presentation about the Philippines. I even got assistance from two (2) of my young staff to make the presentation more visually appealing.

During the graduation ceremony, I delivered the speech of the batch. It was truly memorable experience. The Ambassador of Morocco to the Philippines, H.E. Leslie Baja personally attended the occasion and even took our photos. I’m thankful for that and for the assistance of my DFA colleague Bea from the Philippine Embassy in Rabat.

Until now, I’m still in touch with Hagi, Aling, Nga, Najmie, Hanung, Zana, Aska, and Vissal. I am blessed to know them, young, idealistic, and talented diplomats from ASEAN countries. It would have been great if diplomats from Singapore and Malaysia were also able to participate. But as it was, the training was truly a memorable, knowledge-filled, and inspiring experience. I look forward to visiting Morocco again.

Here are some photos . Enjoy viewing! (Many photos were in my old WhatsApp acct; can’t access it anymore so these are mainly my solo photos 😦 Hope to retrieve those snaps. )

If you want to ask about my preparations for the trip, first I shouted silently and jumped in the office when I saw the approval. Just kidding! That wasn’t a part of the preparations. Haha!

I prepared my travel documents, then searched about the weather, the food, culture, and government of Morocco. Then I prepared my presentation, making an outline first, then adding a slide or two per day. I counted the days and planned what I will wear, including the shoes (I brought 4 pairs — black boots, black pumps, caramel brown high heels, and sneakers). I prepared my toiletries pack, made sure I had all my facial wash, soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, and put them in my luggage first. I counted how many participants will be and bought gifts for them (artisanal chocolate, poltroon, dried mangoes). I estimated how many main organizers there will be and prepared pasalubong for them–Filipino goodies of course. I also got a Capiz tableware for the organization.

Highlights? Aside from the presentation about the Philippines, speech during graduation, and celebrating my birthday on the 2nd day of the training, other highlights were when I was invited by Ambassador Baja (Thank you so much, Amba!) to dine at his residence together with other Embassy officers, where he showed a marvelous array of great wines. (I took a sip of only one since I can’t drink a lot.) Of course, all the restaurants, hotels, and cultural establishments we went to, the cute engineer-scientist at the Green Park, going to this mall for a bit of shopping, I guess, everyday was a highlight.

My bloopers/regrets? Well, I forgot my phone charger at home and had to buy one in Morocco. (It was left on my bed under a small bag.) Also, my Swiss Card was confiscated at NAIA, before my flight (it was placed in a small handbag in my carry-on luggage) and despite my attempts to negotiate (I said, may I leave it at the lost and found area and retrieve it after 2 weeks? Can I leave my phone and number so that I may be contacted easily? It was a gift I said, but unintentionally placed in the carry-on. Please, I said, is there no way? I didn’t want to remove the teeny-weeny knife and scissors and “destroy the integrity of the Swiss card,” so there, I just sighed and left it with the lady, who was not even looking up.) Others? Perhaps, buy more of that Argan oil with the heavenly scent of faint hibiscus scent (also smelled like the subtlest scent of ripe guava) and other essentials.

Overall, the entire scholarship program was filled to the brim with knowledge, cultural immersion, and enjoyment. Memorable Morocco indeed!