These are some of the highlights as September ended and a new month began. I started the week with two (2) lectures on cultural diplomacy on a Monday morning, which were rescheduled twice because of Sept. rains and storm. This was followed by a despedida lunch for a dear former boss and mentor who is…
Category: FSO Life
Filipiniana Attire
To break my writing hiatus, I struggled to write at least a paragraph a day, choosing a light and interesting topic that will somehow keep the computer keyboard clacking. It’s been a struggle as I was unable, due to several factors including fatigue and subtle ennui, to write something (except for numerous work-related deliverables) in…
Diplomatic Anecdote 2: LO (2016 and 2017)
Being designated a liaison officer (LO) is a usual part of the work of a Foreign Service Officer. In particular, you will be assigned to visiting dignitaries and guests and your role is to make their stay as smooth as possible, from fetching them at the airport, bringing them to their hotel, ensuring that they…
Diplomatic Anecdote 1: NTD (2022)
On 30 January 2022, I was designated as my Office’s (DFA – Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy), representative to the celebration of the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, following an official invitation from Executive Director Thoko Elphick-Pooley, Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The idea was to communities light up “landmarks, stadiums and…
2025, quo vadis?
It’s the 15th of January 2025. We’re only two weeks into the new year and yet, it feels like it has been a long time. Since January 2, there has been only 10 work days and two (2) weekends! But we’re back to the same routine, and the newness of 2025, it seems, is getting…
Behind the Scenes of the Baguio Conference
I attended a conference in Baguio recently, where I was the keynote speaker on 24 October 2024. My topic was on the Internationalization of Higher Education. I appreciate this invitation from the Philippine International Friendship and Understanding Association (PIFUA) to the 5th International Conference-Training for International Students, Student Leaders, and Advisers (ICTISSLA), which gave me…
Two (2) Weeks of FSO Life
Lately, I’ve been writing about life in general, my reflections, my musings, so I thought of adding another entry to the FSO topic. What goes on at work? Definitely, it’s not your typical 8-5 job, especially in a dynamic office such as ours, the DFA – Office of Cultural Diplomacy. Allow me to share with…
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…
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 