It was my first time to visit Sagada in June 2023. I was with my former high school classmates some of whom I haven’t seen for years, so it was sort of a reunion as much as it was a nature adventure and culture trip. Cel, Claire & Bryan, and Irma flew from Albay; Joy…
Author: Emi_F
A diplomat, former educator, student of life, lover of nature, literature, art and music, believer of shared humanity
Dee Apilado – An Epitome of an Empowered Filipina
I first met Dee in 2018 when I was posted in Paris as a Third Secretary and Vice Consul. Dee is a ray of sunshine; she always has a ready smile, a charming face, and a vivacious personality. Dee is currently working in UNESCO as a Project Assistant in the Education Sector. She is also…
Ma. Lovelie Albarracin – a Paris-based Filipina visual artist
As part of the celebration of Women’s Month this March, I am featuring women whom I have met and who have wonderful stories to share. The first in this series is Ma. Lovelie Albarracin, a visual artist working in a clothing department in Paris and a freelance artist. She is the Concept Creator of “One…
Poetry and Me
The other day, a younger colleague at work asked if I’m familiar with the poem “Henny Penny” from the elementary textbook. I was surprised at the question. It’s been years since someone asked me about that red hen. She was even more surprised when I recited it from memory, especially that we have a 10-year gap:…
Of Sunlight, Casual Walks and Novels
January is an exciting time for new plans and resolutions. A lot of people would usually spend the first week of the new year in the best way possible. I wanted to — meet a good friend, try a new resto, read the first book of the year, watch the first movie of the year,…
Where Could Whitey Be?
It was only during the recent Holiday Season that I saw Whitey* since I usually take another route home. He was dirty-white, emaciated, chained to the left side of the gate, with the chain not even long enough for the poor thing to lie down comfortably. 😦 He was sitting down, immobile, with the head…
Happy 2024!
This New Year, may you… have at least a full hour for yourself everyday appreciate the sky before it turns gray; do something that makes your heart sing learn something new and tantalizing; read a novel, a book or two get lost in the characters’ world for several minutes too; get immersed in a movie…
CA Confirmation
Lately, I’ve been posting travel photos with poetry ’cause I got so occupied with projects and thus, didn’t have the energy to draft an article that requires time, concentration and energy. But since my most-read posts are still those related to the Foreign Service Officer Exam (FSOE), let me add another essay tonight about diplomacy….
Beyond Routes 