Might I tell you that, in the foreign service, those who are assigned to North America or Europe would rarely want a transfer elsewhere; some of them have even obtained green cards for residence in the United States or Canada. I had also a tour of duty in each of the two regions; but my wish was to retire in East Africa.
Let me tell you about an uncommon love affair—an unforgettable man-machine interface, in diplomacy.
There was solemnity then jubilation in Malacañang on that fateful day in October. A framework agreement was signed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to bid farewell to arms after 40 years of conflict, and to establish a new political entity called “Bangsamoro” which would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The occasion was graced by local and foreign dignitaries led by President Aquino, MILF chief Murad Ibrahim and the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
