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…
Category: FSO Life
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….
Kapurpurawan
Saan ka ba papunta? Ano ang mahalaga? Ihakbang ang mga paa, Isa, dalawa… Tatlo, apat, lima, Basta magpatuloy ka, Dala ang aral at sayá ng nakaraan, Buhay at pagkakataon ng kasalukuyan, At pag-asa at pananalig sa kinabukasan. (Ika-2 ng Disyembre 2023 sa Kapurpurawan Rock Formation sa Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Bahagi ito ng tour na sinalihan…
Calle Crisologo
Takatak ng kalesa, Tawag ng “Sakay na po sila!” Sari-saring paninda, T-syert, bag, ref magnet, empanada, sorbetes, atbp; Mga gusaling sinauna, Napipilas na ang pintura, ngunit may angkin pa ring ganda; Masayang kwentuhan at kodakan, Ng magkakapamilya at magkakaibigan. Halina sa Calle Crisologo, Pumarito at ito ay pasyalan. (Ika-3 ng Disyembre 2023 – Bumisita ako…
Sunday Thoughts
I got ill for over two (2) weeks. During that span of time, I still reported for work 7/10 days because well…there were many things to be done –there was a courtesy call, meetings, project planning, and well, I am programmed that way. I meant, being sick is like so far in my mind and…
Wika, Atbp.
Sa pagtatapos ng pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa sa Pilipinas ngayong Agosto, nais kong ibahagi ang ilang mga kaganapan, bagay, at mga pagmumuni-muni tungkol sa wika. Una, nag-organisa ang aming opisina ng storytelling event na pinamagatang “Samot-Saring Hiraya: Imagination through Filipino Stories” noong ika-22 ng Agosto 2023. Nagkwento ng folktales na nagpahiwatig ng kulturang…
Gzhel
“Yes. The energy level is beyond the ceiling. 🤩 Amazing performance!” That was my first reply to a work colleague’s and friend’s message as I went home at past 11 p.m. after the Moscow Gala Concert featuring the Moscow academic dance theatre, “GZHEL”, held at the Aliw Theatre (Elizalde Hall) on 30 January 2023. She…
Weaving Words
A fellow participant in a recent training for ASEAN diplomats asked me how long it took me to draft the “Thank You” message of the batch, which I delivered that afternoon during the closing ceremonies of our diplomatic training. I said, “15-20 minutes, around that time.” She was amazed and asked how I did it….
Beyond Routes 