DIPLO+GLOT: April 2016

Class of 2016

9:33:00 AMAdam Pascual

Manila, Philippines -- "An encounter with a smaller door after crossing the main entrance. A prerequisite to a new chapter." All photos are from the official page of LPU Manila and Ina Bernabe. All rights reserved.

foster japan jenesys

JENESYS: What is it like to live with a Japanese Family

6:51:00 PMAdam Pascual

Sendai, Japan -- "I found myself in a delusional position -- thinking that it's odd to call a person you just met 15 minutes ago, your father. Yet it felt natural I guess, it just felt natural."

We arrived at the JENESYS hall in Miyagi prefecture -- 20 minutes late --which was quite unusual in Japan. I saw people staring outside from the window. We rushed upstairs and catched our facilitators apologizing.

"Suddenly I was nervous."

T'was like waiting to be adopted and you don't have a clue of who your parents might be or would be like. I reached the number and saw their names. I was quite fidgety that night.

"Hello!" "Ah! Konbanwa!" I don't know why I said that but I just did. She said to call her Ka-chan or mom. Too cute! Trophy (from Thailand) and I formally introduced ourselves and had some few talks.

Ka-chan (mom) said that To-chan (dad) was at work and he'll arrive at the evening. The ceremony didn't took that long and we had to leave soon.

cheonggyecheon coffee globalhcamp

Coffee and Cheonggyecheon

11:24:00 AMAdam Pascual

Seoul, South Korea -- Started the Sunday morning near Hongdae. Nothing beats a strong americano in an energetic city like Seoul. We were in for a treat when we found oursleves on the middle of the Cheonggyecheon stream.

Until it was restored in 2005, Cheonggyecheon Stream existed only as a neglected waterway hidden by an overpass. Today, it has been transformed into a haven of natural beauty amidst the bustle of city life.

Narae Bridge, representing a butterfly in flight, and Gwanggyo Bridge, symbolizing the harmony of the past and future, are just two of the more than twenty beautiful bridges that cross the stream. The Rhythmic Wall Stream, lined with fine marble and sculptures, and Palseokdam adorn Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Cheonggyecheon Stream passes close to Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, the Sejong Center, Insa-dong Street, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace, allowing visitors to easily visit major tourist sites after a leisure stroll along the stream. (Source: Official Korea Tourism Organization)

A bunch of students approached us and told us about a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They're UNESCO Youth Ambassadors as well! Fortunately, were an officer in a UNESCO Club in the Philippines (LPU UNESCO) and exchange contacts with them. Talk about earning new friends!

hk hongkong key

Adam's Key | Hong Kong

1:27:00 PMAdam Pascual

Hong Kong, Hong Kong -- "My first travel was light, vivid and crowded with unfading scenes of discovery"

Welcome to Adam's Key. A collection of random theories, introspection and soul-searching thoughts that eventually led me to places.

I was just a normal kid; expected by many to wonder. I asked God why I wasn't allowed to see the world. He replied, "humble yourselves, so that I may exalt you in due time." I never spoke after that.

Sometimes in life you see yourself wandering in the maze of inequality and left in awe with the concept of "privilege." Yet, great things are bound to yield in due time. My family was generous enough to let me glance through the few things that this world could offer at the age of 19. I was delighted; enlightened. I knew it was only the start.

Yet I felt worrisome, I felt doubtful. Not realizing the things God prepared for me. I think I had the best vacation in my life. Only to find out it was only part 1 out of 5 of His plans.

Looking back, I was that normal kind. Expected by many to wonder. And so I did.

almendrala ambassador ambassadors

College of International Relations; Home of Excellence

11:40:00 AMAdam Pascual

Manila, Philippines -- So, you want to enter the premier school of foreign service in the country housing 9 retired Ambassadors of the Republic of the Philippines that had diplomatic missions and posts across the globe? A faculty from top universities and a student body that competes and excels, both in the national and international arena? Up to date we had 6 Foreign Service Officer Exam (FSOE) passers in the past 6 years with less than 1% passing rate, making it the most difficult governmental exam in the Philippines. It's difficult, yet it's definitely possible.