Apr 15 2006
Do You Want to be a Foreign Service Officer (FSO)?
Toe’s note: I have a written a follow-up on this topic on this page in my blog. I have also started a series on the Realities of the Foreign Service here.
Are you below 36 years old by December 2006 and a college graduate? Are you knowledgeable in the economic, political, and social conditions of the Philippines? (Well, maybe not so much that one… didn’t know much myself at first). Are you willing to accept assignments and represent the Philippines to foreign posts? (yes! yes! yes!) The Foreign Service may be the right career path for you.
The Board of Foreign Service Examinations (BFSE) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced the holding of the FSO examinations to recruit candidates for appointment as FSOs. You may get your application form from the DFA at No. 2330, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City or you may download it from the DFA website.
What exactly does an FSO do? Well, according to the announcement of the BFSE,
“The duties of a Foreign Service Officer include: gathering information, analyzing and reporting political, economic, technological, cultural and other events and developments; drafting diplomatic notes and other forms of diplomatic correspondence, preparing briefing papers…” etc., etc.
Sounds pretty boring? Okay, it goes like this (more or less). After you pass the FSO exams, the President of the Philippines will sign your appointment papers, after which you will take your oath of office. Then, together with your batchmates, you will take a cadetship course at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) which would probably take around six months. There you will learn all the tools that you will need to help you become a career diplomat. You’ll take subjects like economics, economic diplomacy, diplomacy, negotiating, Philippine culture, diplomatic correspondence, and other esoteric stuff. There are also some fun stuff like ballroom dancing, Philippine foods, team-building in Tagaytay, VFA-monitoring in Clark, and others. You’ll also need to take a language class like Bahasa or Mandarin or French.
After the cadetship, you’ll get assigned to one of the different offices of the DFA. You could go to one of the geographic offices (Europe, America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa), or one of the administrative offices (personnel, finance, administration), or you could be assigned to policy, ASEAN, consular, protocol, etc.. Myself, being a lawyer, I was assigned to the Office of Legal Affairs. Honey, who was my batchmate, got assigned to ASEAN where he was lucky enough to get work-related travels almost every other month (well, lucky for me too because I got the pasalubongs).
After three years in the Home Office, you would get assigned to one of the Philippines’ more than 80 posts abroad. If you get assigned to a consulate, you’re first position abroad would be as vice-consul. If you get assigned to an embassy, you will be third secretary (your political and diplomatic position) AND vice-consul (your consular position).
What do you do in your foreign post? Well, generally and depending on what desk is assigned to you, you represent and promote the political, economic, social, and cultural interests of the Philippines. You also issue passports, visas, notarial documents, and others. And of course, you promote the welfare and interests of the Filipinos within your jurisdiction.
Your tour of duty in your foreign post is six years (with an option for cross-posting depending on need and availability). Then, you go back to the Home Office for two years, then get posted again for six years and the cycle goes over and over again until you retire at the age of 65, by which time, hopefully, you’d have been ambassador for several years.
So you think life as a career diplomat is for you? It’s very interesting, really. You get to represent the Philippines by living and working in another country without having to migrate. You’re abroad for a fixed period of time, yet unlike contractual overseas workers, you have security of tenure and other benefits that go with it. You get to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and tradition of different countries without having to sacrifice your Filipino identity. Within a 20,30-year career, you’ll have plenty of experiences in policy-making, negotiating, drafting international agreements, protocol, administration, etc..
Some people think that diplomats don’t do anything but attend social functions. That’s just part of it, actually, and to tell you the truth, the part I like least as I mentioned in this post. Standing all night on my pointed high heels while eating cold food on a heavy plate isn’t exactly my cup of tea. I’ve been in the DFA for six years and my social life so far reached its culmination when His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni was coronated King of Cambodia in 2004. Honey was lucky enough to get invited to the coronation itself. We were both invited during the coronation ball where we danced all night with royals and ambassadors and their wives. One of the princes, knowing that Filipinos are good dancers (that’s what he thought before he met me), asked me to dance with him. Naturally, I stepped all over his feet. So you see, together with the sosyalan also comes the kahihiyan 
.
Anyway, here’s a little brief about the FSO examinations. First, you have to submit your application form with the other requirements (e.g. transcript, birth certificate, etc.) to the DFA not later than May 12. Then, you have to take the Qualifying Test on 28 May in a testing center to be assigned to you. The Qualifying Test is an NCEE-type of exam where you tick off the box pertaining to a, b, c, d, or e. It covers English, reading comprehension, logical reasoning… it’s like an IQ exam. You need to have a rating of at least 80% to be able to move on to the dreaded FSO Written Examination. This is the real killer! It’s probably one of the most difficult government exams… it’s like the bar, some people say it’s even more difficult. The difference though with the bar and the FSO exam is that in the bar, you have four years of law school to study for it. In the FSO exam, you need to rely on stock knowledge. The subjects cover English, Filipino (quite difficult… like translating the Constitution), Philippine Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Conditions, International Affairs (with international economics), World History, and a Foreign Language. This will be held for three days from the 23rd to the 25th of August. All tests are in essay-form. Those who get a passing grade of 75% can move on to the 3-day spine-chilling FSO Oral Examination. On the first day, you are interviewed by a panel of ambassadors about practically anything under the sun. On the second day, there’s group dynamics. On the third day, you have to attend a formal dinner dressed in filipiniana where you need to deliver an impromptu speech on a topic that you pick out from a fishbowl. The jurors, basically, would assess you on your oral expression skills, logical thinking and values and attitude. Sounds challenging? Yes. But if you pass, it would be one of the most memorable and satisfying experiences of your life. So what are you waiting for? Get your application form now and GO FOR IT!
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!
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- Realities of the Foreign Service (Part 1)
- Realities of the Foreign Service (Introduction)
- Philippine Flag-Raising and Filipino Breakfast in Cambodia
- My Blog is Alive!
- Independence Day Reception in Cambodia
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Thanks Toe. Dont you think the age limit should be increased? Maybe you guys should suggest that.
Is this Mabelle? Abot ka pa so exam ka na!
If you start older in the Service, you’d have to retire with a lower rank. Also when you’re at post, you’re counterparts would be younger than you.
Nope, that wasnt me.
-Mabelle
Ummmm, Patty?
Greetings! I’m a third year college student studying at De La Salle University and me wanting someday to become a Foregin Service Officer and you having already accomplished that, greatly interests me in whatever you have to say about life in the Foreign Service. If I may ask what age did you pass the Foreign Service Exam? And what preparations did you take for the exams? If it is acceptable and convenient for you may you please send me through e-mail your answer? My e-mail address is frost_zime@yahoo.com. I am extremely anxious to hear from you. Thank you.
Hi! Thanks for this blog. I’ve been wanting to take the exams, but i don’t know what to expect, since i don’t know any people in the service. I want to ask further questions (this is my email – leafybee@gmail.com). If you reply, it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
jeez, now i know how tough the fso exam really is.. this blog gives a clearer picture of how one should prepare for the exam.. the oral part is terrifying, something that aspirants should really get prepared for.. before getting there though, the written exam is something that i am really bothered about (i’m taking the fso exam this year, by the way).. aside from having to know the subjects covered, how can we best maximize our time in getting ready for the written exam? i mean, are there some frequently asked questions to at least start with? it’s quite difficult for me (and for most aspirants out there for sure) because there’s no one i know personally who has at least taken the exam whom i can inquire with.. HELP!!!
thanks for this blog nga pala, it’s helpful indeed:)
Cristy, thanks for visiting my blog.
Frostzime, Leafybee, and Cristy, here are some tips for studying for the exams.
QUALIFYING EXAMS: Buy those NSAT reviewers in National Bookstore and just answer the English, Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Math, etc. parts. I think that would be enough review. Remember that this is a multiple choice exam. Always ANSWER EVERYTHING! DO NOT LEAVE ANY BLANKS. Do not spend too much time on one question, especially the Math questions. If you do not know the answer, tick the letter A. If you have no more time and you’re not yet finished, just tick all the As and don’t tick different letters randomly. Your chances of getting a few correct answers would increase.
For the written exams, first of all, read newspapers, and Time and Newsweek magazines regularly. Brief yourself on current issues like terrorism, charter change, impeachment, etc.. For specific subjects:
ENGLISH -again those NSAT reviewers on the English parts
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS – I forgot the title of the book but the cover is silver and the title is “International Economics.” Just check it out in National Bookstore. Always read and watch the international news.
FILIPINO – Practice translating parts of the Constitution. Review your balarila. I read high school textbooks for this one.
PHILIPPINE CONDITIONS – Current events; know your National Artists (they usually come up).
WORLD HISTORY – the most difficult part! Review your high school World History. You don’t have to start from the pre-historical time. You can start from maybe the Middle Ages. Study Europe and Asia mostly.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE – I chose Spanish. It was quite easy really even if I don’t speak Spanish at all. What is the feminine of amigo? Amiga. Things like that. Just look for very basic Spanish textbooks.
OTHER TIPS:
1. Write neatly, clearly, and legibly. Even if you get the answer right, if the examiner cannot understand your handwriting, he or she will give you an automatic low score. Remember that the examiner is correcting hundreds of papers.
2. Write in correct English – correct grammar, correct punctuations, correct capitalizations (NO TEXT-SPEAK!) , correct spelling, etc..
3. Sometimes, it’s not whether your answer is right or wrong but HOW you answer the question. I remember one question in World History was about the Treaty of Nanking. Duh! I had no idea what that was so I wrote the entire history of Western Europe. It was my longest answer. Nanking is in China but I’m sure I got some points for that.
4. Read the DFA website.
5. Oh, I forgot to put in my previous comment, but brief yourself on the WTO for the International Economics part.
6. Bring a sweater. For some reason, they make the DFA auditorium very cold for the FSO exams.
7. During the exam itself, do not listen to other examinees talking about their answers during break time. It’s very depressing when your answer is different from theirs. You’ll NEVER know who got it right.
8. The written exams are very taxing. It’s 8-5 for three straight days. Make sure you get enough sleep.
9. Pray.
Good luck guys! And do update me about what happens!
thanks for the tips! but you’ve got to admit, the exam does cover a lot of ground. and considering the qualifying exam result is not even out yet, i really feel like groping in the dark. could you please email me some sample questions (or something similar just so i would know how they are worded) so i would at least have a specific mindset come exam time? i would really appreciate it, this exam means a lot to me. thanks! you can email me at fauve_axelle@yahoo.com
Hi! I took the pre-qualifying exam last May 29. Unfortunately, I didn’t pass. One of the reasons, i think, is that I didn’t prepare well-enough. I used gmat, gre and other foreign standardized exams but i think it didn’t help me well enough. I had a hard time with logic, management concepts and I totally skipped the math questions. I hope you could further helped me aside from NSAT questions through what are the other books I could use for self-review. Here’s my email address: norhalisa@yahoo.com. Hope you could really help me out.
http://www.csc.gov.ph/qtfsoe052806.html
Check out the abovementioned link for the 2006 FSO Qualifying results.
To Toe, your blog really helps. Thank you for the tips for the written exams. I’m going to UP today for some materials that could help in my review.
Hi Fauve. I’m sorry this is so late. I didn’t realize there was a new comment for this entry. But I’m glad my tips helped you. I do hope that you passed the pre-quals. For the written exams, as I said, all the questions are in essay format (except perhaps English and Foreign Language). I really don’t remember the questions in my exams. But for practice, try explaining terms like globalization and terrorism. Or maybe, try explaining the implications of the nuclear missile testing of North Korea and what do you think would be a good solution to ensure world peace.
Hi Norhalisa. I suggest that you read Time, Newsweek, Far Eastern Economic Review, etc.. For Math, just review your high school algebra. As I said above, never ever skip any questions in the pre-quals. Just mark all the As if you either don’t know the answers or if you run out of time. I hope this helps. Don’t give up. I know a lot of people who took the exam several times. Treat each time as a review and preparation for the next. Good luck!
Elektra King, thanks for the info about the results of the pre-quals. I wish you all the luck and I hope you could be my colleague soon!
Thanks toe, your website really got me interested in the job. Can you please explain more about group dynamics? Also, what kind of questions are used for the impromptu speech? How can we prepare for this? Thanks!
Merlin, I think you should concentrate first on the written exams. The oral exams really takes more mental preparation more than anything. The important thing there is confidence and more or less correct grammar.
Thank you so much! I’ve been searching for tips all over net, finally i found it. A virtual goldmine. Please continue writing about the fso exams, i’m about to take it this august, and i am scared as hell… if ever i don’t pass it this year (knock on wood people!), can i take it again next year? Thanks.
Hi David. Thanks for visiting this blog. Oh, the written exams are this month na pala. Good luck! Don’t be nervous. Relaxing is very important. You can absorb what you read more and you could write better if you’re not stressed out. And yes… you can take the FSO exams as many times as you like (not suggested though)
.
Question… I know that the exam for this year had already passed. When’s the next exam? When is the appropriate date to submit the application form? Thanks!
Hi Tin. The exams are more or less on the same months every year. So perhaps, the BFSE would announce it around February next year. Just check the DFA website once in a while at http://www.dfa.gov.ph.
Thank you very much. Will do that. This thread has been encouraging and helpful. Thanks again.
Okay Tin, good luck next year!
hi…
i took the exams last year. i just thought i’d spread some good karma around and post it online (i remember searching for the questions before and i was so annoyed nobody blogged it)
http://www.crusadingcynic.blogspot.com
– i missed a couple of questions (honeslty can’t remember — must have blocked it out!) so for those who took it last year as well, just please add to it via comments if you remember those 2 missing filipino bits. or if you’ve taken a different language and the format’s different.
cheers
Crusading Cynic, I didn’t know how to blog yet last year.
interesting article! do you know a review ctr for the exam? do you had any problem with the “palakasan” system? you know our gov’t has a lot of that =) how do you get around the politics and red tape? i’m thinking of pursuing this career but a bit hesitant cos of the corrupt practices. i’ll be waiting for your reponse! Thanks!
Hi Cate. To become a foreign service officer, there’s actually no palakasan system because the only basis would be the FSO exams and nothing else. I don’t know of any review center right now.
Hi Toe! I read the responses to your blog & your response as well, and WOW! I say, you are a very helpful person. I appreciate that you were very generous to share these information to everybody interested to be an FSO. I am sure, you were with luck all this time because of your good nature. I had an offer for the same career, and will start looking into the process. Your blogspot came up at Google, and thank you, I am so lucky to have seen this site.
Good luck to you and the best of health! Let us keep on helping each other. Bless you!
hi! your article is of help. at least now the puzzle about this whole FSO exam is taking form piece by piece. i hope you will answer questions that i may post in the future. i am planning to take the exam next year, God willing. i am preparing now. by the way, do you know of Mr. robert borje and marime lavilla pando? they are already FSOfficers. regads me to them! tnx. and long live!
Hi!
I’m a former journalist (tv and print) and now a court attorney. i passed the first round. what are myt chances? i took the second round last august. will they consider my being a lawyer and a seasone reporter even if i barely passed the written exam? tnx.
Corrine and Borge… shucks! I’m so sorry… didn’t realize there were comments here so I wasn’t able to reply right away.
Corrine, good luck! The Foreign Service is definitely worthy to be checked out.
Borge, sure I’ll answer your questions when you start reviewing. I just hope I could answer them.
You don’t really have to start studying… but at least you could start reading up on current events, economic magazines, etc..
Hi Oliver, I do hope that you passed the second round. I’m sure that you’re being a lawyer and seasoned reporter would help a lot in the writing since all the questions are essays. Do update me.
Hey, I’m a graduating HS student. Yeah, sure a little too early to think about a career eh?
First, I want to give you props for an awesome article. It informed me so much about the career I wanted to take on in the future… though…
Well, I’m VERY VERY interested in Foreign Service… and I’m not sure if I should take BA Linguistics to help me qualify. My father said it would help, but recently I feel like I’m not sure that he’s right about that. Do you think its advisable? If not, can you recommend one for me?
I’m not much in Math (good at Algebra though) and my forte is Languages. (hence why my dad wants me to take Linguistics.
>
Gah, the post didnt seem to continue my message so… if you can help me, feel free to tell me what to do in this email : Seishounohana@hotmail.com
or Iya515@gmail.com
Thanks again
Hi Marianne. It’s good that you’re thinking of your career this early. It means that you’re passionate and driven and I’m sure that with a lot of hard work, you’re going to be successful in whatever you do. As for your course in college. Do whatever interests you so that you’d be inspired to study.
FSOs come from all sorts of backgrounds. There are FSOs who are economists, linguists, administrators… and there’s even a vet, a nurse, and a priest.
Guess what’s my course in college? Music!
So follow your heart. It will lead you where you want to go.
Hi Toe! Your blog is very helpful to FSO aspirants! Thanks for the info! Would you happen to know when are they going to release the results of 2006 FSO Written exams? Do they post the results in the DFA website just like the qualifying test? I think the examinees have suffered enough waiting for the results of the test…
Take care! Cheers!
Hi Rainman. I think that if you’ve passed the written, they would call you. I’m not sure when it would come out but I suppose you could call the Foreign Service Institute to ask. Oh… I remember the torture of waiting… it’s part of the fun.
Good luck Rainman! 
Hi Toe! This blog is an oasis. I’ve been going mad searching for anything, anything at all that would give me an insight on this whole FSO exam hoopla. Thanks so much for all the info. It’s clearer now, in a dreadful way. Hehe.
Hi! I read through the application for FSO exams and am just wondering if I need to take the civil service exams first. When I read the required attach documents, one of them is certificate from PRC and included in the form is a table for Civil Service/Board/Bar Examinations passed.
I’m a double major degree graduate of International Studies and Accountancy. I’m supposed to take the CPA exams right after graduation however, I was so burned out from my Accounting subjects that I immediately joined the work force. My heart was not on the CPA Board Exam and just to get through it, I crammed for two weeks and failed (as expected).
I’m currently evaluating my career options and wanted to change my current field of work. Hence, would like to clarify first whether it is needed to take any exams by PRC before taking this particular exam.
shss, good luck! I hope this helps you when you take the exam.
Tin, you don’t need to take the civil service or PRC… I didn’t. I took the bar on the same year but it was a few months after the written. You just need to attach the certificate ONLY IF you’ve taken it. All you need is a college degree. The Foreign Service is always a good career option. It wouldn’t hurt at all to take the exam and see if it’s for you.
Sorry to unburden you with my horrific “accounting” experience. It’s just that, I’m stickler for procedures that I have to make sure I have the necessary documents completed before submitting to a specific org.
Thank you very much for being so patient with all our questions.
Tin, you’re very welcome. It’s quite a pleasure answering all the questions – I feel quite like an expert… hehe!
It’s good to be a stickler for procedures. No matter how good you are, you could get into trouble by not following instructions. Good luck with the exams next year and do update me about what happens.
Hi,
Im a senior political science student at up diliman and currently taking polsci 185 (diplomatic and consular relations). My professor in this course is Dr. Natalia Morales and Ive told her about your blog. Do you happen to know her personally?
Thanks a lot for this brilliant blog!
I’ve been reading it for quite some time and just this time I decided to post a comment.
I could’nt wait to graduate and take the FS exam. But I was horrified to learn that this exam is probably the most competitive and arduous in the land! Is it true that only about 1-2 aspirants get qualified every examination period? And is it advisable to take the exam after finishing graduate studies like master in international studies or foreign relations? Were there people who are bachelor’s degree holder who passed the exam? *sigh* I’ve been daydreaming about this job.
Anyway, I just learned from my class that ANGELS were the first diplomats..(insert smiley here)
In case after reading this comment you felt how desperate I am to get this kind of job, please do send me an email at advillota@gmail.com. Thank you very much again!
Hi Allen, thanks for visiting my blog. My husband is a bachelor’s degree holder and we took and passed the exam at the same time so don’t worry about it. I do advise however, that you get yourself work experience before you enter the DFA. It’s hard to handle the problems of a consul when you’re abroad without any experience.
In my batch, most of us were working when we took the exam. If we didn’t pass, we all had something to fall back to.
Youth is at your side. Remember that you could take the exam as many times as you want.
There are years when only 3 passed the exam (I don’t know if there was a year when only 1 and 2 passed). But we were lucky in our batch. We were 28, with myself I think, being the 28th. It’s not the number of people that’s important — it’s the cut-off grade of 80% in English and 75% in all other subjects.
We’re the same. I was dreaming of this job too. I didn’t think I could pass because there were many law students and lawyers who didn’t. I noticed that that those who had the passion were the ones who passed. Just keep on reading and studying. It’s the stock knowledge, your command of English, and the way you take the exams which you would be relying on.
Good luck Allen!
Hi Toe! Thanks to the wealth of information you have here (and all in one place!), I now have a pretty good idea of what the FSO exams are all about. An ambassador/diplomat has always been a dim notion for me in the past, although I’ve always had the feeling that it would be a really great job, what with being given the chance to immerse oneself in different cultures and all, but now I think I might just give the FSO exams next year a try. I’m a fresh Public Administration grad, and groping doesn’t even begin to describe the frustration and confusion that come with trying to figure out what it is that I’m actually supposed to do with my life. My heart tells me to serve the country, at the same time my feet are so infected with wanderlust that I don’t know how to reach a compromise. : ) I am indebted to both you and google (for bringing fruit to even the most incoherent of search strings, thus bringing me here), for giving me the idea, and hopefully, my life’s direction. God bless you! : )
Hi Lay! I’m glad to be able to help… even just a little. I felt the same frustration before I took the exam. I had no idea what it was. But believe me, what I’ve written in this blog isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. You have to get in there to know. And the adventure of knowing is part of the fun! Good luck and I hope to be your colleague someday.
I encourage you to take the FSO exam. ^_^ It is so far the most exciting exam I have ever taken. The Qualifying Exam is fun since there are only 15 questions for Math which are all just practical questions (ex. Pie chart of the world’s annual crop production, with the percentages given, compute for the number of crops produced by the Asian countries annually, etc.)
But wait there’s more!!! The Written Exam is even more fun! I thought I would need to summon the gods of multiple choice but fortunately, we were just given blank sheets and a piece of paper containing just 3-6 questions. More room for intellectual stimulation. But the questions are practical questions concerning governance, history, and current events so for those people who read the newspaper and magazine on a daily basis, they already have an edge in formulating critical opinions.
My favorite questions:
1. (not verbatim just simplified) Given that revolutions are led by the middle class population, why is our government still led by the upper class, elite people? Trace our history and deduce reasons for such gap.
2. Bayani ba si Manny Pacquiao?
3. All questions except World History questions. (Naman, ipa-trace ba naman from cradle of civilization to present! Buong book na yun e!) Pero masaya siya talaga. ^_^ Sana pumasa ako para maenjoy ko rin ang ORAL EXAMS.
I turned 36 last september 2006, can I still take the FSO exam? thnks
Hi Toe. It’s been quite a few months since I last communicated with you. Anyway, I took the written exams last August 23-25. After the last subject (Foreign Languages), I headed straight to the spa for a much needed hand and head massage! My right hand hurt with all the writing, and I was a “brain wreck” with all the thinking and everything. But I really enjoyed the experience, especially the sections on world history and foreign language. I’m still waiting for the dreaded results…. For those wondering when it would come out, I was informed by the BFSE guy over the phone that results will be published 2nd week of January 2007. So let’s keep our fingers crossed and pray… If I don’t make it this year, well I still have two chances left. And my current work allows me to be a pseudo-FSO, I get to travel all over Europe for 6-8 months of the year. A big consolation if I don’t make it this year hehe. Take care, toe. You’ve been a valuable resource and friend. I hope that I could meet you in person sometime soon. Ciao!
By the way, since Toe’s blog has been the virtual meeting place for would-be FSOs, I would be glad to share with you the questions of all subjects in the Written Exams last August. Seems like my photographic memory isn’t rusty yet and I got to remember almost everything. Feel free to email me at elektra.cute@yahoo.com
Toe, thank you again for this wonderful blog. This is virtual convergence at its best.
Pau D., hahaha! Thanks for giving out some sample questions. It was a terrific experience diba? Although as much as possible, one would only want to go through the experience once.
I like that question whether or not Manny Pacquiao is a bayani? So what did you write down? 
Good luck and I hope that you make it through to the Oral Exams.
Adelainne, that’s too bad you just missed it. I think your last chance was last year. You have to be 35 by December 2007 in order to take the 2007 FSE.
Elektra King… wow, what job do you have? You get to travel more than I do!!!
You probably get to travel business or first class too. We’re only allowed economy class. 
Anyway, I’m glad to hear from you again. During my time, I don’t remember them publishing the results of the Written Exams. They called us one by one. That call was so unforgettable.
Thanks for offering to give sample questions. Those would be invaluable references. Would-be examinees could practice answering those questions.
Virtual convergence huh? I really really like that.
Good for you… you deserved that hand and head massage.
Tell me if you’re ever in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Good luck! I really wish that you could be my colleague soon.
Hi Toe,
Very informative and helpful tips. Actually, your blog encouraged me to pursue the FSO exams. I am now waiting for the result of the written exams and nervous on the possible outcome. (And as Pau, I find the experience very enriching.) Anyway, there is one thing I wanted to ask (and I hope you won’t mind) how’s the financial aspect of foreign service? I am married with two kids and my husband has a very good career in the Philippines (and so do I – I work as a consular assistant in one of the Embassies here.) My intention in taking the FSO exams is more on wanting to help our citizens overseas. However, if/if I pass the exams and pursue this career, I will be the sole breadwinner when posted in another country. My husband might or might not be able to land a job so I am not really counting on it. Alhtough he is very supportive of my decision, I really don’t want to put our and my kids future at stake, if you understand what I mean. Please/please enlighten me on what is really the lifestyle of a family in foreign service. Thank you so much.
PS: My husband won’t qualify anymore to take the FSO exams because he is overage.
I’m planning to take the FSO exam this year. Thanks for the tips, now I have a clearer picture on how it really goes… Thanks again!
Good luck Nina! I’m glad this helps.
Thanks…
I learned a lot from this blog…
Being an FSO is my life-long dream…
Hope this won’t only be a dream…
Hi Ulysses. Good luck with your review. It was my dream too and I know that dreams do come true.
Hello Ma’am!
I stumbled into your blog a few months ago and I guess that’s serendipity if there ever was one. I was in the middle of the whole application back then. Your blog certainly is a big help for anyone interested in this life path.
On a side note, your blog helped greatly in explaining to my girlfriend just exactly what career I’m trying to enter into. She got a nice grasp of things when I showed her your blog. Thanks!
P.S.
I’ll be taking my oath of office tomorrow. Hope to see you in the Department someday.
Jojo, I am so happy! You’re the first one who’s ever read my blog who has actually given me good news. BTW, my blog may have helped, but it’s still you who took the exams. Naku, kung magkatuluyan kayo ng girlfriend mo, I’m sure she would like going with you to your foreign postings.
Congratulations! I do hope that we’d get to meet sometime soon.
Hi,
I just read your blog today by searching on the net regarding Foreign Service Institute (FSI). I have been jobless since Nov. last year since the co. I used to work for was closed.
Anyway, I happen to receive an email today inviting me for a pre-employment examination in Foreign Service Institute on January 26, 2007 for an Administrative Clerk position. However, I do not recall ever applying for any position in DFA. I know that it is not a bogus email bec. the pre-employment examination is in DFA.
I am a graduate of B.S. Computer Engineering and travelling is my passion but I am not an expert in Philippine History, Culture and Politics. Do you think I could stand a chance to be an SFO? And is there a possibility that the pre-employment exam mentioned in the invitation I received is pertaining to the FSO pre-employment exam as well?
Please send me your thoughts. My email address is loidavt@yahoo.com. I would really appreciate your feedback.
Hi Toe!
Nice nick!
Anyhow,I’ve been contemplating on taking the exam but the oral part really scares me. “Give a toast to the President of RP for the successful ASEAN Meet blah…WOW! How do you toast a person who sometimes annoy you?? LOLS
Thanks for the blog. I want to try this year’s round. Now I have a clearer picture on what to expect in the exams. It will be my first try and hopefully, sana pumasa…so I can start traveling without the hassles of visa applications!!! LOLS
Ingat po kayo dyan sa Cambodia!
Results of the 2007 FSO Written Exams:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/news/fsoexam/written2007.htm
Hi Toe and to aspiring FSOs! To Kate, Pau D, Rainman, Oliver Delfin (hey guys, I just saw your names sa thread) Click on the link for the dreaded results of the written exams last Aug 23-25, 2006. Twenty-six (26) examinees are happier than the rest cuz they passed it. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them, hehe. It’s “hehe” instead of “huhuhu” cuz it’s not the end of the world. Passing the pre-quals was already a feat in itself. And I still got two more chances with the written exams. Hmmm, I’m still thinking if I am going to subject myself to another round of torture. Will update you soon! In the meantime, take care and back to the real world!
Ngek! I forgot to congratulate the 26 happy people who passed the written exams! To you “Alphabet” (cuz there’s 26 of you) guys and gals, CHEERS! We’ll be praying that you all do good in the Orals!
Hello. I have studied French and Italian in College. I am a UP graduate major in Marketing. I really want to pass the fso exam. What usually comes out in the foreign language section? Also I am planning to study German coz I might go to Germany in March. I’ll stay there for a week. Well, what do you think among the 3 langauges should I choose for the fso exam???? What are the basis in choosing a foreign language??? Thanks so much! Kudos!
Hi Toe,
Greetings of Peace and Success!
Thank you so much for this superb blog. Indeed, “this is virtual convergence at its best” for those who are interested to serve the country and be part of the diplomatic sphere.
Very informative site! I learned a lot about the life in the foreign service and some salient tips to ‘taking and passing’ this tough government examination.
In fact, through this blog’s links, I also learned that some of my former classmates at the graduate program in UP Diliman are now serving as FSOs. Congratulations!!!
Keep up the good work.
Teng Catong
wow i didnt know a lot of people talk about the foreign service exam. i’ve been scavenging for tips and infos reagrding this exam since last Jan 26 after i got the results of the written exams. I’m preparing for our orals this March. Yes, I got lucky enough to pass the written along with 25 other passers(thanks for the congrats electra king). I never thought that preparation for this part of the exam would make me more nervous than i was when i was preparing for the written. Not much is written about the oral exam. And that adds to the unwanted mystery chlling my spine. For those who didn’t make the orals, never worry. You have another try. I myself am a repeated of the written. I almost passed last year when i first took it. But faling that exam was part of my preparation for passing this year. So keep on trying, people. And TOE, thanks for starting this blog. Very valuable.
It’s quite amazing I chanced upon your blog at the time I’m contemplating on what path I would take for my career. I took up two majors in college one in economics and international studies. I’m currently taking up law but it seems that law is not for me or should I say I’m starting to get burned out. My original plan was to be a lawyer first then go on and take the FSO exmas but now I’m thinking and praying hard if I should pursue first a career as FSOfficer since law school can wait. I have submitted myself that I would take the exams this coming May (if it would be given at that month) and I would just like to ask a few questions:
1. Do I need to take up a foreign language for the written exams?
2. What books should I read in order to prepare for the political and economic portion?
3. What english books or language books did you use as a refresher before the exmas?
I’m really hoping I get to qualify for the first round of the exmas. Thank you for shedding light to the FSO exmas because you help a lot.
super duper thanks, toe…your blog is very informative…i have always wanted to be a diplomat but i had no idea how to pursue this career until i read your blog…thanks so much…hopefully, i can take the fso exams someday…
for the moment, i have a few inquiries regarding the requirements:
1. transcript and diploma: must it be an original copy? authenticated copy? photocopy? certified true copy?
2. birth certificate: must the copy be a new original from the NSO? will a photocopy be okay?
thanks for your help…
feel free to email your response at pinkpassion82000@yahoo.com
hi toe,
i’ve been reading your blog for almost a year now. i took the written exam last august. i got a 74 while the passing mark is 75.
do i have any other options aside from retaking it? i heard something about an fsso? or perhaps if somebody backs out will i be reconsidered? whehe. can i appeal the results?
i honestly do not want to go through the same ordeal again…
d.
Thanks for giving such a clear picture of the process of becoming a foreign service officer. The exams sound very challenging especially the oral part but it seems like it’s worth it. Life as an FSO sounds very exciting.
Just a few questions though on how to prepare for the exams.
- Are there review materials for the FSO exams similar to those for the CPA boards or Bar exam?
- Would you have any idea if there are review courses for such an exam?
- How many takes/chances can I have if I fail (hopefully, I’ll get it in one take)to pass on the first try?
Hopefully, I’ll be able to take the exam in a couple of years. Still have to polish my foreign language. Hehe…
Again, thanks for the inspiring blog. God bless always!
Hi Toe, Im Patrick from U.P. Diliman, im a fresh graduate of history and anthropology (with some polsci background). any way, im preparing myself to take the fso exams this May 6, 2007. Im only 21 yrs. old and yet so ambitious to have this career. Your blog helps me a lot to become determined enough to pursue my dreams, although it is challenging but still to become a FSO is something and life changing. I wish you could send feedback to my email (patrickclaudio@yahoo.com). Thanks a lot for sharing this information.
Thanks Tonette, i want to be a Diplomat someday!
Hello Toe! Like many others, thank you for maintaining this blog. I’m planning to take the FSO exams this 6th May 2007 and did wonder what sort of materials are out there to help with the review.
Any suggested material RE: the management questions?
Thanks for the tips.
Cheers
Piggy
Hi Toe! I’m also scheduled to take the pre-quals on May 6. This is actually my 2nd time to take the pre-quals. The first time I took it (which was years ago), I was fresh out of school, found out about the FSO exams from an ad in the newspaper, thought it was a cool thing to do so I passed the requirements, got a sched and actually went to the texting center without a bit of preparation. Needless to say, I failed (70 instead of 75, the cut-off score at the time, not nearly as heart-breaking as the 74 as one of your fan er, readers got).
This time, I am more resolved to pass this so, I really hope I would pass it. I now have a copy of a review book. I am online looking for free resources in that can help me…then, I stumbled upon this blog. What a relief it is to know that a lot of people is making a big deal about it! I am beginning to think that I am the only one obssessing about it!
Anyways, I just wanted to thank you for the NSAT tip. I really need to brush-up on my test-taking skills (you know, keeping a clear head, controlling one’s heartbeat, etc)…tomorrow, I’ll be hitting the bookstores for a copy of that reviewer. Or, if somebody here is willing to lend theirs…I’d make sure to return it promptly after I pass (the power of positive thinking…what you think will become…programming my self here)
Anyway, I’m taking it one test at a time…I’m concentrating my efforts in passing the pre-quals…I’ll worry about the formidable written when I’ve overcome the first hurdle. I’ll keep you posted…and yes, thank you for maintaining this blog…
So the prequal is already on May 6? This part of the FSO exam is i believed the most underrated in terms of difficulty. Statistically speaking, the prequal if the hardest with less than 20 or 15 % passing rate. I hear a lot of people comparing the prequal to the civil service exam. The format might be similar but the degree of difficulty is incomparable. Grammar questions are very tricky. There are questions that have choices which seem to be all correct. While on the other hand, soem questions dont seem to give you any right answer. You have to be very good with those “rules” in English writing. And yes, the math and IQ questions deserve a good amount of time reviewing the NSAT reviewer. Gudluck to all taking the prequals!
thanks for all the advice you’ve provided above.
i do hope i cud pass the prequalifying exam this year.
i dream of becoming a foreign service officer someday.
i cud put to gud use all my lessons in pol sc
bakdrap, did you make it? i mean, you guys have your final orals na right?
believe it or not, until now we don’t know. hopefully by JUne
hi toe… i’m ian vergel agsalda… thanks for your blog!! it helps a lot of people… im a polsci graduate and currently taking up consular and diplomatic affairs in dls-csb… i’ve attended FSO review classes conducted by retired ambassadors but i think insufficient pa mga natutunan ko… can u recommend us books, speeches, publications, etc that can help understand more the IR field…
guys, if u want to form a review group…organize tau… i need serious review partners… i cant focus if self-review lang.. i need people to help me focus and concentrate! thanks… e-mail me na lang
this is my e-mail add (ianagsalda@yahoo.com)
i wanna have a career in foreign service. i took this year’s qualifying exam, and i’m anxious to know if i passed. and if i did pass, i don’t know what to do next….
the dreaded written exams.i am not that confident with this type of exam, you know.(help me, god)
Hello there!
I took the FSO exam last May 6, 2007. I just want to ask when will they post the results of the exam. Thanks!
God bless.
To radueriel and ralphgladz: the FSO pre-qualifying exam results are usually published on the 2nd week of July. But usually it is posted first on the Civil Service Commission website http://www.csc.gov.ph/ then on the DFA website. Good Luck to You!
“Muchos Gracias” Electra King for the information. I will just hope for the best.
Good luck to all of us!
I’m so amazed with people(i.e. pau d.,elektra king, crusadingcynic) who could actually remember even a single question from an exam. No, let me rephrase that. I’m so jealous! I’m not “blessed†as you folks are. After an exam, don’t ask me what I answered in this or that item – coz I can’t remember not only my answer but the question/item itself. Honest. (It’s my talent! LOL)
You know what, I think a fresh graduate has an edge in FSOEs. He’s fresh er he’s got “fresh†stock knowledge – comes handy in the english, math, and those included in the qualifying exam (see, I don’t even remember what’s in it!). Debaters too, since they matter up almost everyday on current issues and engage themselves in intellectual discourses. Commerce students too – they tackle international finance : topics like the WTO, EU, etc. But hey, I may be wrong.
The qualifying exam was, I believe, civil service exam 3 times over. I passed the civil service exam (professional level), and it was nerve-racking and draining. (I cried, I think. I don’t remember. All I remember is I left about 2/3 of math unanswered. Naubusan ako ng time. Kulang ang 3 hours!) I took the qualifying exam last may 6. Like the civil service exam, you’re given 3 hours to complete the test. And like the civil service exam, sinipon din ako – syempre hindi maganda ang feeling pag may sipon. Singhot ka ng singhot, and it seems the phlegm’s blocking your thinking. And (still) like the civil service exam, I lacked sleep when I took the qualifying exam—watched TV til 1am. Kaya payo ko, to increase your chances of passing exams like these, (1)get enough sleep,(2)mag-clusivol, dahil bawal magkasakit , and (3)most importantly, from my civil service exam experience, DO NOT overanalyze the english items (english apparently makes up the bigger chunk of both exams). You’re only given 3 hours remember. And chances are, if overanalyzed, they’ll be wrong.
I didn’t get to review pala – both for the civil service exam and the qualifying exam (wag nyo akong gayahin!)… I have my reviewer (1980s civil service reviewer). The problem is I almost always fall into sleep when I read/review. (boring talaga) so I just showed up in the testing center, gave it my best shot (kapalmuks…wag talagang gayahin!). lucky, I guess (sa civil service exam). I’m still waiting for the qualifying exam results. Anyway, I’m not pressured. Got a job to fall back to if I don’t get to be an FSO! Goodluck to us all!
FSO Qualifying Exam Results are out!!! Check out this link: http://www.csc.gov.ph/EXAMRESULT/FSOE_050607Qual.html
To nyliam, radueriel, ralphgladz and the others who took the pre-quals, i hope your names are on the list! Cheers!
nope…not my name…
*sigh*
(damn!)
Hi! I’ve been following this thread for about 2 months now and I’m really grateful to have chanced upon this site some time in May07, when I was desperately searching for a medium to learn more about FSO and FSOE (too late of a move, I tried to search only after I took the qualifying exams).
This process of applying for FSO is quite a burden on me, having no one to talk to with respect to this matter (kasi naman, my friends are all accountants, ako din, and they all consider my passion to be an FSO as weird for an accountant!) They are not even aware that there is such an FSO and FSOE! There came a time I thought that it seems I am the only person who knows of this FSOE-thing (hihi)!
See, this site really lifted the burden in me because I was able to hear tongues speaking in my own language. I thank you for this site.
With the results now posted, I am glad to be on the list of qualifiers. However, given the entries above, I still seem to have no idea what to do next! I am partly overwhelmed by the result and more, by the upcoming written exams. I don’t exactly know how to start preparing for that! Too late again? Maybe, because I was not really expecting I would pass the prequal. I know being an FSO is something I am aspiring to be. For now, I want to find the focus and the guidance I most needed to be able to pass the next round(s).
Yes, my name is on the list (woohoo!) but now, I’m cramming! hahaha! I have zero (okay, minimal) knowledge in international law, economics, politics, the only thing I know about economics is what I learned n years ago in an Econ 11 class… my specialty really is Philippine Contemporary Pop Culture
. Any recommendation as to what books/materials will be able to help me? I’m thinking of sample exams (this really helped me back in university 
…anybody has any idea where I can get one (or more)?
Hey Carrascal, want to join forces?
Thanks, Toe, for sharing all that info, and for making this entire FSO business a lot more tangible. You said it was serendipitous that you started a blog? As with me, finding your blog; but I don’t believe it was an accident. Your blog just throws off a bit of the pressure. So now I’m not so panicked about the next months.
To carrascal and nyliam, a friend and I are studying for the written exams. (Well, beginning to, anyway.) Good luck to all of us!
To Nyliam, I really wanted to have some sort of a group study. Let’s try if we can fix our scheds. Send me email >> carrascal_jose@yahoo.com.
Don’t expect much from me though (warn you, hihi). I am honestly not yet prepared to take the exam. But I’m trying hard to search for all possible references and make the best out of the limited time I have. So if ever we’ll be “joining forces”, I’ll make it a point that I won’t be a burden to you. Cool enough with you? Just send me a note so we can arrange things early.
hi. since the 2007 written exams is near, i thought of spreading good karma in the hope that it would help me in turn. (you see i’m in the fso *process* myself. ask bakdrap). So here it is:
1. make google your home page. believe me you’re going to need it.
2. if you’re absolutely clueless about the DFA, Phil foreign policy (PFP), the foreign service, go visit dfa.gov.ph. Start by reading thru all the Foreign Policy Overviews/Diplomatic Corps Briefings available. use google
3. as a starter, read selected PFP speeches. Visit dfa.gov.ph for the secretry of foreign affairs’ (SFA’s) speeches, op.gov.ph for the president’s speeches, and the UN permanent mission in New York for speeches. also see the UNSG’s speeches
4. after getting a fair appreciation of PFP and issues, learn the ff concerns: asean (history, regional dynamics, afta, the 3 communities, ARF, and other critical issues) the EU (history, schengen, CFSP, EMU, the euro, EU politic0-socio-economic dynamics), the WTO (what were the critical issues at uruguay, doha, cancun, hong kong, special and differential treatment, ) french revolution, american revolution, fair trade vs free trade debate, terrorism, global and regional flashpoints, israeli-arab/middle east dynamics, US foreign policy, history, history and history
5. i can never overemphasize history. review your european history. start with the greeks, romans, byzantine, 18th century europe, WW1, WW2, cold war, clash of civilizations debate, fukuyama, etc it’s so overwhelming…
6. focus on the form of your answer. i suggest having a “thesis” statement at the beginning of every answer. That “thesis” should contain THE answer, then just elaborate in the next 3 or max 4 paragraphs. never extend your answer to more than 2 pages.
7. bring a comfortable pen. otherwise, you won’t be feeling much of your fingers on the third day
8. my technic is that i fold the question sheet so that i’d only reveal one question at a time. seeing the questions all at the same time triggers panic and thus hinders focus.
i know its not much of a help. i wish everyone luck.
sigenga, thanks for the pointers specially number 2. yes, i’m totally clueless hehehe…
bakdrap, do i know you?
nyliam, why not ask yourself: Do i know bakdrap? Now what’s your answer? As far as it is on my end, I don’t know you. You guys better have a group review. It will help
this is for the added good karma…
9. don’t focus much on international law. i don’t expect an intense IL question to come up but i suggest you read an intro-level volume just to preclude you making wrong IL references in your answers. i suggest Santiago and Coquia. if you’re a bit unchallenged, try akerhurst
10. again history. you’re standard perry textbook is straight-forward, but i suggest you compliment it with mcneill (a world history) and/or keylor (history of the 20th century) just to put *meat* in your answers.
11. philosophy. if you’re a non-philo major, do scan over your SocSci2 readings or wikipedia some of the more prominent philo figures. see Marx, Smith, Augustine, Aquinas, the Greeks, Machi,and maybe throw in the stoics and epicureans. no wittgenstein questions, i hope
12. economics. stay away from theories. Econ11 definitely won’t do. i suggest visiting ibon.org, oxfam.org.uk to familiarize yourself with discussions on outstanding political economy issues with a developmental perspective
13. eat, breathe, think the fso exams… at least for the next few weeks.
thanks.
btw, it’s SIGENANGA not *sigenga*. my mistake
tnx
i heard from a friend that the written exam will not be on august, but rumored to be on october. personally, i would be relieved if this is true, since i haven’t really seriously prepared for it yet. and with the overwhelming tips i just read above, i realized i have only touched the tip of the iceberg, there’s loads more to read and review!
God bless us all!
to all would-be takers of the FSO written exams this august: as per “Nors” of BFSE last Friday, August 3, the exams are indefinitely postponed. No dates have been given and no notices have been sent to the qualifiers.
hi toe!
bakit ba ngayon ko lang nakita ‘tong blog mo? grabe..tulad ni jenkins, wala pa pala sa kalingkingan yung na-review ko! thanks sa info!
jenkins, see you sa exams! sana nga sa october nalang.
hi, everyone.
thanks for the info.
ask ko lang if anyone knows kung kailan ang schedule ng written exam? dapat this month na ‘di ba?
thanks for all the tips, sigenanga!
appreciate it.
to add to the list of websites: -
1. the http://www.wto.org website is useful for all the int’l trade issues (Doha, the DDA, the ongoing nego on Trade in Services).
2. for the ASEAN, check out the http://www.aseansec.org – warning lang: medyo mabagal ang server ng website.
any idea kelan i-re-resched ang written exams? I have to ask kasi may exams ako na naka-sched for the 4th week of October…
good luck to all of us who are in ‘limbo’ waiting for the rescheduling and the letters to reach us.
cheers
Piggy
PS: anyone out there who wants to collaborate? email me at tencing@yahoo.com
I called, and the DFA has not given an official announcement. Did you mean October?
check this link:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/news/fsoexam/announcement.htm
no dates have been announced yet.
Orgazmo, where did you get this info? You scare me a lot!!!! (hahahaha) You must mean October and not September, right?
Orgazmo, you better have a credible source for that official announcement of yours coz you created quite a stir. Enweis, if its true, good luck to us guys and gals!!!
Hi. You have no idea how important and extremely helpful this blog entry is to aspiring FSOs like me. Thank you
Before I proceed with my question(s), allow me to introduce myself. I’m Rowan, and I’m a second year college student taking up Consular and Diplomatic Affairs.
And so…
(1) I was just wondering, should I decide not to take the Foreign Service Exams, what other jobs would I be able to land with my course, other than becoming a career diplomat or a Foreign Service Officer?
and…
(2) Do I need to take the Foreign Service Exams in order to be employed at the UN?
I look forward to hearing from you.
at this point it might be helpful to address some misconceptions about working in the foreign service/being an fso and “working for the UN”
the UN (and its subsidiaries) hires its own staff. the dfa does not nominate fsos to work in the UN. UN’s recruitment policy is based on a quota system determined by the contribution of its member states (i believe the formula is that if country A’s economy represents, say, 30% of global GDP in a year, it contributes 30% of the UN’s entire budget as approved by UNGA). Following this principle, the UN hires nationals to replace/fill-in vacancies identified for that particular member state. mali nga naman if country A contributes 30% of UN’s budget and the UN uses that to pay for 90% of the salary of its employees who are nationals of country B. One might even be tempted to suspect FSOs applying to the UN as they may be serving RP’s interest at the UN and not the interest of his principal, which is the UN. think of it this way, the current UNSG, who is south korean, serves the interest of UN and not the south korean government, di ba?
but as fsos, you MIGHT get posted to RP permanent mission to the UN in either new york or geneva. The distinction is that FSOs posted to the Phil Permanent mission to the UN are different from filipinos working IN THE UN. gets nyo? same goes also for other intl orgs
hope that clears up things.
my prayers for the people reviewing for the 2007 written. i’m hoping for your prayers for us waiting for the results of the orals…
sigenanga
Who is sigenanga? your real name starts with a G?
G as in Gilbert?
regarding international law, have you read international law by shaw? if yes, which is better, akehurst or shaw? thank you.
hi. i’m not an IL expert and I havn’t read shaw. but again, i really don’t expect an intense IL question to pop up. your basic intro-level book on IL would definitely do. Salonga also has an IL book. in any case, Akehurst is an *advanced* intro book for the fso written.
also, it’s advisable to keep yourself upbeat on what’s latest with asean (as RP just hosted the lot of asean meets…), apec (for whatever its worth), EAS (again, for whatever its worth) and the wto
let me know if you have something in mind. i want things public and participatory. i really think that the *FSO* as an elite thing is so passe…we’re all just hoping to be public SERVANTS afterall
thanks.
sigenanga
ps. my identity is irrelevant. just spreading the good karma
thank you.
“…EAS (again, for whatever its worth) and the wto..” what do you mean by EAS?
thanks again.
The East Asia Summit (EAS) – a still undefined species… If anyone can differentiate ASEAN from the EAS and from the ARF, then you’ve definitely mastered your SE Asia international orgs.
sigenanga
I think Salonga’s book as a basic-level intro to Public International Law will suffice. For more advanced PIL students, I would recommend Ian Brownlie’s “Public International Law” – but really, Salonga would be ideal for people who are reading PIL for the very first time.
RE: Written exams. No word yet from the DFA. Been calling every so often. No news so far.
Cheers
I really appreciate and respect the comments and advice that I have been reading in this blog. This past week, i remembered an issue regarding the recent ASEAN summit held in Manila. I hope to hear other opinions regarding the subject matter.
As written in the newspapers, the recent ASEAN summit focused in adopting a text, regarding the protection of human rights, in a planned charter. I want to clarify by hearing your opinions if whether the ASEAN states are truly sincere over the topic of human rights.
There are a lot of ways, besides including a text in drafting of the so called “charter of ASEAN states.” Signing an existig treaty, like the European Convention on Human Rights would be enough to prove the sincerity of ASEAN countries. ASEAN states does not have to emphasize in including a text in the drafting of a proposed charter to envision a region, free from human rights violations because by simply being a member of the United Nations is enough to condem such acts.
I find it naive for individuals to express their joy over talks regarding a human rights text in the planned charter. No state wants to be labeled as an advocate of human rights violations, even Myanmar. If states are truly sincere over the issue of human rights, human rights violations should not be occuring today because the long list of possible measure are already on the table.
still no takers? i respect the views expressed, but man was it a reply killer…
here’s my 2 cents worth..
human rights is a thorny issue. the hard thing to swallow is that it shouldn’t be. *BUT* we have been witness to a lot of things with regard to the issue of HR. At one extreme, we have a regional grouping identified with the highest standards in HR policy going into a military approcah to stop HR violations and then ending everyhting as a fiasco (EU/NATO action in Kosovo). at the other extreme, we have an international community sharing a common albeit not unanimous sentiment for action to protect an entire people against genocide which its own government either was committing itself or has sanctioned through its inaction (ie. Rwanda, Darfur) and yet find itself unable to do anything.
Makes one think. If the UN charter is a panacea, then we should start rethinking the utility of staying in the UN.
I respect the readers in this blog enough not to patronize them with the standard DFA blahblah/spin on HR and ASEAN. But key words would comprise: “constrcutive engagement”/asean vision 2020/asean community/3rd pillar: caring and sharing community/ asean charter, etc, etc
I applaud the attempt, but remain highly skeptical, that ASEAN can have anything near of a semblance of a HR mechanism institutionalized. but still, I see the value in it. The attempt is hinged on the hope that the grouping can promote its own *brand* of HR and at the same time observe its sacred principles of non-interference, blahblah. It is also hinged on the realization that not everyhting can be elevated to the UN, that asean’s not-so-perfet image in HR can have a big boost thru this HR-thing. This shift in image might also trnaslate into growth when the obsessed western HR-tied ODAs/loans come pouring in.
The skepticism/frustration emanates from the realization that AT BEST this HR thing would just end up with a HR Peer Review-sort of thing, or perhaps just another layer of colloqium on HR, an annual meeting at the ministerial or SOM level. AT WORST it would just end up as a reaffirmation of empty platitudes
mine is a pragmatic way of seeing it, i suppose.
sigenanga
What is the point of ASEAN countries discussing human rights and talks of implementing it since there is no credible comission in implementing its goals? In addition, there is no sanctions that might be given to parties that might violate human-rights, and in the event that there is a comission to monitor and implement its purpose, what would it be consited of? A representative sent by the junta government in Burma, an official sent by the GMA administration or worst – the cousin of the Sultan of Brunei?
Human rights protection and security should be a norm, an impulse, and need not some laws or charters so it can be enforced or institutionalized. I think that if the ASEAN is really serious in its efforts to protect human rights, it should go beyond the drafting of a charter. It should address and correct the human rights violations issues beginning with Aceh, Burma, to name a few… and better, ACKNOWLEGE that human rights violations do exist in the region.
hi toe! i want to thank you for the very interesting and superhelpful blog.
i just finished the bar exams (yey!) and i’m currently on vacation (a.k.a. unemployed) and exploring my options. i want to take the fso exams and have a diplomatic career, but i feel that i still need to prepare and study for the exam. in the meantime, i’m planning to work somewhere else, most likely in a government office, to help me prepare for the exam and the diplomatic work. also, i’m planning to learn another language (i’m considering french or german). would you recomend that i take also up courses in college like international relations or philippine history or world history?
i hope to hear from you soon. please send your reply to my email address. (sd_celino@yahoo.com)thank you!
Hi Toe. This site is precious beyond words.
I am a Linguistics graduate and have been working in the corporate for more than 2 years now. I took Korean and have been using this language for several years now. Would you know if this is already part of the written test? I have seen a sample copy of a document at the DFA website and did not find Korean listed among the foreign languages being assessed.
Any feedback from you would be very much appreciated.
Thanks!
Racel (racel@asia.com)
Thanks to all the commenters. I have tried to answer all your questions on this topic in this follow-up entry that can be found on this page in my blog: http://kurokuroatbp.com/?page_id=1502
Please tell us some news regarding the written exams!! Thanks!
Does anyone here know what’s been causing the delay of the written exam…just curious. Thanks
Hi. This might just offer a clue as to when the 2007 Written Exams would be, but results of the 2006 Oral Exams are already out. The Career Minister (CarMin) exams conducted recently and the concern regarding the venue of the written exams might explain the delay. In any case, it should be scheduled before the year ends.
…BTW, thank you all for the prayers. I’m part of those who will be moving on to the psych exams.
sigenanga
Who are you sigenanga? haha! We’ll see each other at the mental hospital. For those waiting for the written, with the oral exam results out, the battle is near. ready your ammunitions and load your guns! sigenanga see you! by the way, we’ll have a prepsycho analysis on monday night in ortigas with the rest of the psychos, see you there.
My friend who’s retaking the exam was called yesterday. Exams are scheduled for Dec 19 to 21. Good luck to all of us!
Thanks for the info carlamon!
hi, toe! hi, everyone!
i called the BFSE a while ago and confirmed the december 19-21 written exams schedule.
they said that those who are from manila can call on the second week of november to check if our letters are already available. we can pick up our letters and pay the exam fee.
good luck sa ating lahat! todo review na ito…
Toe, thanks for this page and for all you’ve done for the examinees! To all who are taking the written exam, goodluck to us, we all are gonna need it. If anyone wants to get in touch re review or review group, you may email me at supermansdb@yahoo.com, join ako! I just started work (night shift) so staying awake during exam will be a feat in itself, hehe. To those taking the psych test, strive for some semblance of normalcy!
Guys, here’s the coverage for the Written exams: -
19 Dec – English & International Affairs
20 Dec – Filipino & Philippine conditions
21 Dec – World History & Foreign Language
Good luck to everyone
There’s a reason why world history is on the third day. I wish everyone luck.
sigenanga, you’re scaring me. hehe. i always thought it would be international affairs that would kill.
good luck to everyone taking the FSO exams.. i’ve been anxiously waiting for the schedule since august. now that it’s finally set on dec 19-21, i won’t be able to take the exam na… :’( a lot has happened in the past couple of months and i got a job in singapore na. and it’s not quite possible to come home this december… :’( can i still take the written exam next year without having to take the pre-qualifying test again?
report to us after ha? share the experience. 
again, good luck and God bless! 
anyways, God bless to those who will be taking the written exams, i’m sure you’re all very excited now.
jenkins, you can take it again next year without taking the prequal, but you have to attend at least the first day of the exam. my friend had to do that last year because he couldn’t finish all three days. now he’s taking the exam this year with no problem. just make sure you submit your application the following year, this is how they monitor the number of examinees.
Guys, I suggest you take time off in a focussed study on JPEPA. Review particularly controversial issues relating to it, but focus on market complementarities, access of our workers to the Japanese labour market,etc. maybe even extend your review and relate jpepa as part of the increasing trend towards bilateral/regional FTAs because of the standstill in WTO negotiations. Gut feel lang ‘to.
Would anyone here know exactly how many times we’re allowed to re-take the written exams and/or the orals? Thanks and good luck to everyone!
if you passed the qualifying exam, you can take the written exam for 3 consecutive times. one must submit, though, the accomplished application form within the prescribed period and pay the exam fee for EACH time one plans to re-take it.
for the oral exams, it’s entirely upon the Board’s (BFSE) discretion whether one could re-take it. fortunately, i am aware of precedents on this
Thanks sigenanga for the tips. For those like me, who find it hard to sneak in a thorough review amidst the busy work sched, what can u suggest? Not knowing what to review on is really an ordeal in itself, dont u think?
supermansdb, review the pointers provided above. Ms. Toe’s pointers are right smack of what the exams probably would be, although there might just be few left field questions. See also the few tips I’ve given. That’s as specific as it could be.
Lose sight of the big picture, especially on IR, history & RP conditions questions and you’ll risk sounding pedantic & trivial.
For anyone interested to *preview* this book on the WTO, you may visit http://avaxsphere.com/ebooks/economics_finances/The_World_Trade_Organization.html
i find it helpful as an intro to the wto.
I don’t know if there’s anyone like me who chickened out at the 11th hour. Yeah, yeah, I’m afraid of failure, hehehe. I really wanted to take the written exams but I felt like I was not prepared especially in world history.
I just wanted to know what the questions are this year in order for me to be so regretful if they are relatively easy, haha.
I’ll take the exams next year for sure. Salamat!
This FSO got free language training- If you pass the Orals they send you to school for 2 years and give you a bonus. Not a bad deal.
http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/12/18/523162.aspx?p=1
@nakow
same here.. hindi ako nagtake ng written exams.. hindi pa ako ready and the fact is i’m from davao. medyo malaki talaga ang magagastos juts totake the exams. next year na ako mag-take.. heheh
This is in response to nakow:
The world history questions were recycled from last year’s, 2 out of 3.
Please give us a preview of the questions that came out in the history portion, especially regarding world history. Thank you very much.
In general, was the test hard?
What part/subject did you think was the hardest? Can you give us sample question. Thanks again.
I’m quite relieved that the exam last week was not as impossibly hard as my paranoid brain had initially expected. I think a lot of the test-takers have good chances of advancing to the oral examinations.
Most of the question on World History centered on Europe this time around, which I assume is the by-product of the European Union’s increasing influence and success. Some of the International Affairs portion also covered the EU.
International Affairs asked a lot of questions about terrorism and the ASEAN. Philippine Conditions was more taxing on the hand than the head (so many essays, so little time), and I was quite grateful that my economics degree rescued me from that portion. The rest should be manageable with decent stock knowledge. Make sure you know enough to form your own opinions on pertinent social, political, and economic issues.
Although… I totally bombed Foreign Language. Bye bye 5%. =/
I wish the best for everyone who has taken the exam, and good luck to those preparing for next year.
Heyhey! I’m a college student and I will be graduating by March 2008. I am interested in taking the FSE next year. Aside from the tips mentioned above, do you have some advice for prospective test-takers like me who are fresh out of college? is it actually okay if i take the exam despite my lack of extensive job experience or is it better if i get a job first and take more time to prepare?
Thanks!
Nakow, I chickened out, not at the 11th hour though. I knew about two weeks before the exams that I was not prepared to take it. I couldn’t get time off from work to take the 3-day exam as I just started my work last June. Excuses, Excuses! hahaha!
Hopefully, I will be ready by next year.
@ raoul:
Where did you hear about the free language training? The link mentioned it for US diplomats, but does that apply to Philippine FSOs as well? If yes, that would be wonderful…
Hey nyliam, sayang naman! pwede naman iretake diba kung sakali? by the way, ur from UP din cguro no? kasi may econ 11 ka sabi mo sa past comment mo eh.. hehe
Hi Lester, I think I can still take it…i’m not sure though, have to inquire about it. Yes, I went to UP Diliman. Pero matagal na yun. Ikaw din ba?
yep nyliam! Im from UP Mnila.. graduating by march 2008. And this may be too much pero nagsstart na ako magaral sa world history.. i have some issues of Time and Newsweek, babasahin ko na din!
hello there, i’m graduating management student somewhere in the Bicol Region. i was wondering if it would be easier for me to pass the examination if i took a masteral degree first or would it be advantageous if i should start preparing for the coming qualifying exam this year?
please, i really need your opinion on this one…
thank you…
Hi, sigenanga!
“if you passed the qualifying exam, you can take the written exam for 3 consecutive times. one must submit, though, the accomplished application form within the prescribed period and pay the exam fee for EACH time one plans to re-take it.”
You wrote there one must submit the application form [again] within the prescribed period … Are you referring to the period given for submitting requirements for the Pre-quals? I passed last May 2007 but wasn’t able to take the Written Exams last December because I had to leave the country in October. I had to ask because I don’t remember a prescribed period for submitting anything for the Written Exams, other than paying the Fee for it. I plan to take the Written Exam this year.
Thanks!
Swiper,
Hi. Yes, you have to submit anew an application if you plan to take the written portion next year. The period would be during the application period *before* the scheduled qualifying exams. Note the question item on the application form on whether you have previously taken the exams (whether qualifying, written or oral and the respective scores you received)
Upon release of the results of the qualifying exam, go to BFSE to pay the Php200 fee, after which they’d provide you the written exam notice and sched.
I hope that clear things up.
Sigenanga =)
Thanks ! Yup, your reply certainly cleared things up. Wish me luck! =)
Swiper
hi! i need to interview an FSO about his/her FSO exam experience. i hope toe here could help me.. or anyone here who’s recently sworn in as a foreign service officer.. can i send my questions through email? hehe.
congats Bakdrap! i hope next year, ako rin….
To those interested, DFA has announcened the holding of the 2008 FSO exams. Applications should be received by BFSE on or before 11 April 2008.
Visit dfa.gov.ph. Look at the announcements section.
Goodluck!
Hi, everyone.
Toe, thanks for this blog. It helped a lot during my review for the Written Examination. Now I’m bracing for the results so I’ll know whether to prepare for the dreaded Orals or to retake the Written Examination. Hehe.
Please post a message when the 2007 Written Exam result is out. Thanks.
To those who would take the 2008 exams, click on this link or copy and paste it to your address bar:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/news/fsoexam/fso_feb_2008.pdf
I’m actually thinking of submitting my application for the 2008 exams just in case I didn’t pass. What do you think?
hi toe….
such a helpful site for a fantasist as me….u’ve been a help to those who are bent into becoming someone you are now…
I have constantly been tuning in to this blog…and realized that, hell, people are sharing the same aspiration as me…I am on my 3rd year in the College of Law now and I must tell you, i now have a second-thought of still pursuing this career…the idea u have just opened to us is something that i should never forego. The 2008 FSO prequals is fast approaching and I wanna try my luck…
KUDOS to you.
Sigenanga, can you provide us with some things-to-study-and-remember tips for the upcoming prequals? hope you have some insights on it..
Thanks.
Fidget
Fidget, I kind of went overboard in my review for the Qualifying exams. I used 2 off-the-shelf NSAT/college entrance exams reviewers and an old English grammar book to cover the English and math portions of the exam. I also used Barron’s LSAT for the reading comprehension and logical/critical reasoning portions. And two standard intro-level books on Management.
I reviewed 3 hours daily for 6 weeks.
Just a note, some tend to dismiss the Qualifying exams because it’s just a standard pen-and-paper exam where you just shade circles. That would be presumptive. Remember, the Qualifying exams has a mortality rate of between 85 and 95%.
I know grads from UP with laudes who fail this exam. So prepare and prepare well.
hi toe. just download the application form for FSOE for May 2008. Thanks for the tips. Your entries and others help me breath calmly.
Hi toe,
I’m very much interested in taking the dreaded fso exams, and this blog is a real eye opener for everyoe who’s interested in taking the exams. I’ve been scouring the internet for ways to review for the exam and I hope this would be helpful; http://www.ateneo.edu/index.php?p=120&sec=26&type=2&aid=4805; this web address is the Review for Foreign Service Exam program of Ateneo de Manila. So far this is the only review program from a university that is visible in the internet.I hope this would be helpful and if any of you know more schools that are offering the same program please post it. Thanks toe for your blog.
Hi everyone! This is such a good find.
Thanks for the wonderful job you got going here, Toe. Glad to have stumbled upon it
@Carlos: Hi, I also came across the Review for FS Exam which ADMU is offering.
Toe, do you recommend enrolling in the review?
thanks toe, for the blog. how i wish i could’ve seen this blog when you first posted it. then i would’ve passed the fso exams the first time i took it.
bakdrap, i know; sigenanga, i wonder who you are? hmmm … anyways, let’s just hope that it would be gma herself who would administer the oath, seeing how long it took for us to make it (at least 2 years; 3 years for some).
for those who took the written exams last dec 2007, we wish you the best. let’s hope we see you when you take your orals; hopefully that time we are already in our cadetship. just like what happened when we took our orals; the previous batch were already in their cadetship at that time and they cheered us on as we were lead to the slaughterhouse, este panel of examiners.
@subang: “slaughterhouse, este panel of examiners”- you are frightening me to death!!
to sigenanga:
Thank you so much…wow, I sure have lots of readings to do…
Dear Toe,
Thank you for your lenghty tips on FSO exams.
I have been preparing for this exam since last year.
But I still don’t get enough. I mean, I’m still not confident considering
the reviewers I have been studying.
The FSO qualifying exam is on May 4, 2008. I have submitted my application 2 weeks ago and I am the first one to submit at least for northern mindanao region. I hope that would bring a good sign. hehe!!
I have some questions, hope you can enlighten me:
1. What if I’ll pass the pre-qual exam yet failed on the written, do I need to take the pre-qual exam again next year before I am allowed to take the written one?
2. What if I’ll pass the pre-qual and written but failed on oral exam, am I allowed to take the oral exam next year without a need to undergo the 2 exams again?
3. What other reading materials can you recommend at least for International Affairs subject?
Thank you and wish me luck!!
eric
TO ERIC:
I too am from the northern mindanao area, It’s glad to know that somebody here also come from this side of the country. I am also most eager to take the pre-quals as you. This May 4 will be the BIG DAY for us…and for all FSO wannabes out there…
Good Luck.
To SIGENANGA:
I got a question. Since I come from Butuan City, and Butuan City has no DFA RCO, can it be possible if I would just let a friend of mine submit the FSO Application on my behalf?
It would really be very impractical on my end to go to CDO merely for the submission of my application.
Should it happen that you have some insights on this, please convey the information…
Please shed light…Thank you.
Fidget,
I think you can send it thru registered mail or Fedex. Pls check the application instructions first though.
sigenanga
i’m glad for this blog. makes me feel i’m not alone in this quest
although i am certain i won’t pass the written exam, I already want the results to come out to get over the holding-my-breath period… so i can at least focus on reviewing for my retake of the written exams… Our proctor said it could take 3-6 months for the results to come out though…
thanks for the insightful info on the workings of a career diplomat… it makes it all seem real
Ei, i’m glad that some of the passionate wannabe FSOs meet through this blog.. It just made me more inclined to be one of those FSOs..
It is really my first time to take this dreadfully brain-draining exam. Just passed Civil Service Prof Exam two years ago and i heard this FSO Exam is three times over this.
Whew! Just made me more tensed… Grrr…
To Fidget: Yes, you may just send your application forms by LBC (cheaper, I think, than foreign companies). I submitted mine through this. Don’t sweat going to another province just for submission. Just make sure that your documents are complete; that you followed instructions (such as providing self-addressed stamped envelopes, etc.); and that you have the complete and correct DFA address.
Good luck!
Good luck to all applicants for the prequals, labi na ang mga taga Region 10. I took the prequals in CDO and out of around 300+ applicants, 2 lang kami who made it to the written exams. So, as sigenanga said, madugo din and prequals.
You all have nothing to worry as Toe’s tips are right on the button. In fact, had I seen this blog prior to the exams, I would’ve breezed through it. Or at least passed it with much less stress, hahaha.
The thought of pre-quals just about to be administered makes me shiver. People I know did not make it. Some of them are even cumlaudes from top universities. I have not yet prepared myself (morally, psychologically and physically) for this exam and I know how tough it is. I even have the thought of not making it. But, hell, how could I possibly know if I really deserve it?
Passing the pre-quals would really be a blessing to me. I’ll have to worry the written and oral exams later. Right now, I am spending most of my time reading every conceivable reviewer that I have with an old grammar book from college.
I am very much hopeful of the coming prequals. The power of positive thinking might help.
@ Swiper, Sigenanga:
Thanks for the information…
Kudos amigos…
Toe thanks for all the information. It’s just so happen that I was planning to further my studies and take necessary certificates for my present career. I’m working now as a foreign English teacher in China. I’m very glad that i have found your blog. Thank you. I’m thinking of taking the exam but i don’t know when. I don’t think i have much time to prepare for that because i think there’s an age limit and I’m going to be 28 this year. Do you think a year preparation would be enough? I have enough confidence on me but I don’t think I have the knowledge the exam requires.
I guess i need to make myself ready next year and give it a try. If I will not pass then I’m sure I will learn from my experience. LOL
To those who are ready, good luck guys!
Hi! Does anyone know when the DFA is set to announce the result of the written exams last December? Or has it been announced already?
Thanks…
Hi! I just want to clarify because I saw on DFA’s website that the application form for the FSO exam should be printed on a legal size paper. Does it mean that it should be printed on 8.5 inches x 13 inches or 8.5 inches x 14 inches?
For clarification lang po… Thank you!
hamburgurl
According to Microsoft Word, the legal size paper size is 8.5 x 14 inches. I think its the long bond paper?
Clariz, 8.5 x 14 inches is longer than the usual bond paper.
Did you submit your application already?
hamburgurl, not yet
I have requested for my TOR though, but I’m not sure it’ll be available on the deadline. *cries*
—
I found this funny blog: http://lamelawyerdorkydiplomat.blogspot.com/
He’s also a UP law graduate and an FSO like Toe. His entries really make me crack-up. Some are about his cadetship, the FSI, ASEAN summit, country hopping, and what not. It made me realize one thing: foreign service is hard work and a sense of humor is necessary to survive.
I read in multiple sources that many of the FSOs are law graduates. Journalists also are proven to be good FSOs. Although there are also people from other fields like medicine, engineering, hopefully IT (hehehe), etc; journalism and law graduates are trained to write, deliver speeches, debate, and write again, etc.
So perhaps in constant practice of rhetorics we can pass the FSO exam?
@ Clariz:
I absolutely agree. I, too, shared the same opinion as you. The years of constant reading of law books, heated arguments with implacable professors and enduring long and tedious examinations help them so much in composing themselves in every concievable pressure confronting them.
This is not to say that graduates of other fields are not without a chance. Hardwork and perverance sprinkled with luck and fate all over often work upon pre-destined FSOs out there.
Mind you, to your heart’s disbelief…you’ll get to where TOE is right now.
May all the force be with us.
Fidget
I’m sorry, I made an error….my bad.
What i must have said is…
This is not to say that graduates of other fields are without a chance… (NOT OMITTED)
hi guys! i’m glad to be part of this blog… anyway, i’m currently enrolled at the Mandarin Language Program of the Foreign Service Institute and I had classmates who are FSOs (they filed for LOA kasi they were posted abroad na) and i would just like to share their background. FSO1 is lawyer, FSO2 is a pol sci graduate of UP diliman and MPA grad of NCPAG,FSO3 is a proficient fookien language speaker… wala naman yata silang iniinom na potion para makapasa so i’m sure kayo rin lahat papasa… jia you!!! kaya niyo yan!!
Fidget, I concur (hehehe). So you believe in pre-destiny? ^_^ I do want to visit Indochina and travel ala-Globe Trekker
I called my school today, and learned that my transcript would be available by the 3rd week of April, past the April 11 deadline. Therefore, that gives a year and a month to review. I’ll also use the time to do my laundry and stuff
—
Is this it ? -> http://www.fsi.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34&Itemid=63
lala_1883, sounds interesting! Are you working in the private sector? How were you able to enroll? And more importantly, how much?
—
The paper used is newsprint though, but has 400+ pages.
In National Book Store, I picked up Bababa, ba? by Mr. Jose Abeto Zaide, published in 2004. (talagang todo research eh hehehe) I’ll give a review when I’m finished.
@ Clariz:
When my friend graduated from college (UP) he took directly the FSO Qualifying Exam. In fact at that time he filed his application, he didn’t have his TOR yet, but he was able to file it. I think he asked from the school some sort of a Copy of Grades pending issuance of his TOR.
You might want to inquire from your school about this just so you could file your application this year. I am just not sure if the same applies to your school too. Just try.
@Dino, I called BFSOE Secretariat and was informed that there is no advise from the Board yet re the results of the 2007 written exams.
Toe and all the participants of this blog – thank you so much.
You have no idea how your tips/answers inspired and made me happy.
I have long dreamed of being a diplomat / work for the foreign affairs so this is a pot of gold for me.
Sadly I didn’t make the deadline for applications, it’s only now that I knew of the deadline. Is this done only once a year? I’d love to take part of this exam this year.
I also called the BFSOE Secretariat regarding the December 2007 written exam results, and they advised to call back in June…
May I just know if those who took the Dec 2007 results submitted an application again? Thanks.
To fidget:
indeed, a big GOOD LUCK to all of us as we anticipate the examination date.
i hope future diplomats will come from northern mindanao area.
i hope that isn’t too much for a wish (hehe).
i’m not pretty sure if we have the same examination venue. mine is at liceo high school.
how about yours?
i don’t know, everytime i think of the exam, my palm sweats profusely.
i’m still packing up a voluminous provision of english skills.
i hope that would be enough.(hehe)
did you just say some cum laudes failed the exam?
my goodness, what would be my chances then?
to ease the tension, i made a blog on my friendster and start documenting this FSO saga. i hope proctors will allow someone to take a snap shot of me during the exam so i can put it on my blog too. wala lang. who knows, i’ll pass. that would be the best slide show ever. hehe
whatever the outcome, i’ll face it like a man.
eric
Eric,
I have been waiting for my admission slip yet as I sent my application only thru LBC. I have been calling DFA CDO but I can’t get through. I am now beginning to be upset fearing I might not be able to receive it before the scheduled date. I guess I need to stretch my patience and wait a bit.
I don’t think we have any Diplomat coming from this side of town (to the best of my knowledge). Hopefully, in the years to come, many will make it just to make sure Northern Mindanao Area is well represented in the Diplomatic Corps.
Yeah, my friends from UP Iloilo then (those with honors, actually) failed on their first and second try with the Qualifying Exams. They never bothered anymore to make a third try.
Statistically, the exams must be very very tough. I felt I’m gonna stop dreaming about this…but no, I shall give it a try.
Been sleeping late this past two weeks just so I would be fully “armed” come exam day. I know when the going gets tough..the tough gets going…
So, goodluck then guys…
Hi Fidget,
Did you just say you are still waiting for your admission slip?
I asked because you really have the reason to worry of not being able to take the exam if they still don’t communicate with you the soonest. The exam is barely 2 weeks from now and I believe you must now have the admission slip. Haven’t you spoken to anyone if they have received your application?
When I submitted mine last month, they handed me a form where I wrote basic information of myself. After that, they gave me that admission slip with my picture on it.
I was surprised to know that I was the first one to submit at least for northern mindanao region. I hope it will bring a good sign (laughs).
Anyhow, please try contacting these numbers, DFA office here in CDO: (08822)726578, 724309 or 720122.
I hope both of us will pass the exam!!
eric
@ eric:
I actually didn’t know what happened to their telephone connection. I just can’t get through. I have already called all the telephone numbers…
Hi Fidget,
Wait, I’ll scan other local directories in the hope of finally getting to their lines.
I’ll give you the number as soon as I talk to them. Our office is just hundred meters away. If I have the time tom, perhaps I can personally visit them again to ask for a direct line. You from Butuan, right?
Hi Fidget,
I finally got the number.
You may try contacting them at (088) 857 2175, an operator will entertain
your call. Have a nice day!
@ eric
Thanks for the effort…
I have talked to them already. But it just pissed me off. They told me they are just about to send the admission slip today. Thanks, my intuition works.
Had I been so unmindful of the delay, I would have forego the chance of taking the qualifying exams this year. I don’t know what to say but wonder at such indifference.
Anyway, I am wishing all of us luck for the coming “day”.
Fidget
hello guys….
I am reviewing for the qualifying exams and I still don’t know what exactly does the subject on management/leadership concepts cover. I mean, is there anyone here kind enough to share me on what to study on this subject.
With the exams barely two weeks ahead, I am already cramming to death…Please provide me with concerete tips on what to focus on leadership/management concepts…
Help me out….
Shinook
I am counting on SIGENANGA and BAKDRAP on this one as they have already hurdled the FSO exams…Please enlighten me guys…I hope your tips would somehow “unburden” me with this FSOmania…
SHinook
Hi Shinook,
i hope mgt concepts subject has a higher percentage because if it has, i myt pass the exam. hehe!! do scan your basic management concepts: staffing, organizing, controlling, directing, organizational stucture, smoothing, mediating, maslow’s hierarchy of needs, liquidity, solvency, current ratio (though the last 3 concepts are accounting in nature but it myt come out too, who knows)…i’ll tell you some of the concepts tom.
eric
Hi Shinook. Eric’s (fr CDO) post right about sums it up. What I remember during the exam was that I found the time allotted for the mngt. section disturbingly short. The answer choices had very subtle differences. It would be helpful to sharpen reading comprehension skills in this regard. There are also situationers in the questions. Remember also that mngt accounts for 15% of your score.
To all examinees, please don’t cram. The qualifying exam is supposed to determine skills that one has gained in his lifetime as a student. The goal in reviewing is just to sharpen/refresh, not to *learn* these skills.
Hi Eric,
Thanks for the tips… It means a lot to my review…I am still waiting for your additional tips though…
Hi sigenanga,
I am quite disturbed by this “…the time allotted…” as you posted above. Is the exam time-bounded? If so, this might be a problem to me because I’m not used to answer questions under time pressure.
Shinook
Hi,
Is there any dress code during the FSO qualifying exam? Are we allowed to wear whatever comfy attire during the exam day?
I just want to be sure.
Hi Hamburgurl,
Such a cute question on dress code amidst tension of the upcoming exam.
I think DFA will only require us to wear the most comfy attire possible.
Perhaps, the pre-quals is just like the actual civil service exam where I only
wore a white shirt, blue-faded jeans and sneaker.
But for emergency purposes, do consider bringing a jacket; air-condition rooms may be at 0 degree celsius. I don’t know. I just got that info from Toe on her written exam.hehe
Hi hamburgurl,
I believe no prescribed dress code is set. Perhaps, as long as you are comfortable with what you wear, you can practically wear anything you like…
Good Luck…
Fidget
Hi Fidget,
Have you received your admission slip already?
I can’t wait for the exam. I’m excited!!
I hope I’ll pass it. Hope you will too.
@ Eric:
Not yet, I think I need to go to CDO and personally get my admission slip but that would be only on Friday, May 2.
I think admission slip is no biggie on that exam since the DFA CDO was not bothered that I haven’t yet received mine.
Yes. we all commenters shall pass.
Hi again Fidget,
You might as well come and get it here.
DFA reminded me the importance of it when i got mine.
you must come here. i hope that’s a good advise.hehe.
I just called DFA now. The final exam venue is at liceo high school.
please be there at 7am sharp.
as of today, there are 40 registered examinees for CDO. hehe!!
@ Eric & Fidget,
Thanks for your replies. Just want to break the ice because everyone’s getting too anxious on the upcoming FSO exam.
@ Eric & Fidget,
Thanks for your replies. Just want to break the ice because everyone’s getting too anxious on the upcoming FSO exam.
Fidget… luv that comment… all commenters shall pass!
Hey guys! I just posted this: Realities of the Foreign Service (Introduction).
Thanks Toe…
It’s my way of fuelling my dwindling hopes of passing the Prequals…hehehe…
@ Eric,
As few as 40 registered examinees for Nortern Mindanao? tsk…tsk… is it really how FSO examinations is unheard of? However, the number of examinees is one thing, passing the exams is another…(laughs!)
Honestly, the thought of the exams makes me shrink…
Fidget*
@eric & Fidget,
I think subang is also from region 10 (take a look at his/her post above).
I took the FSO exam in 2005 and failed miserably. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take it again as I have already passed the minimum age requirement. The only way I can get to be an FSO is if I apply as an employee of DFA and retake the exam. This is since I hear DFA employees are exempted from the age limit. But then again, I might have heard wrong.
@ afslachten:
Thanks for that…After all it wasn’t the way i thought it was until i knew Northern Mindanao has been also keeping up the pace…
Fidget
GO MINDANAO TEAM!!!
mag ginunitay ta ug kamot para kusgan.go go go!!
hehe!!
I hope we are not insinuating a sense of regionality…At best, what we most need here is a confluence of diverse forces, and direct all of these to our one great dream—becoming FSOs someday…
Guys, the Prequals is barely days from now…How is everyone doing with their review?
I wish the people in this blog will pass the prequalifying exam. Don’t forget to tell us what came out in the exam. Goodluck!
@ v:
Yes, on my end, I’ll try to post here whatever my observations are on the prequals.
Are you not taking the 2008 prequals?
Fidget
F,
No, I am not taking the exam this May; I am still studying. he he. And even if they allow me to take the test, I don’t think I will pass. Still, I wish all the people well. Don’t forget to study for the managment part. Aside from it, I think the English, Math and logical reasoning parts are nothing new because most of us have taken tests like them such as in the UPCAT. Think positive! Raise you confidence! Goodluck people!
@ V:
Yeah, UPCAT, those were the days…
It seems a lot of FSO wannabes posting for their comments here are from UP…
Peyups, let’s hoist our banner!!! yehey!!
Good luck….
Shinook
I chose Japanese as my foreign language. During the foreign language part of the written exam do I have to write in Japanese scripts??
THanks bahaghari, Rach…
So it takes six months to check our papers…
Fidget, eric, I’m from Northern Mindanao too. I took the qualifying exam last year at MPSC (ning-ikyas lang ko while attending a two-day seminar-workshop at nearby Limketkai)… Hehe.. Just go for it and enjoy!
@ Dino
Good to know nga nipasar ka sa pre-quals brod!!
hopefully, fidget and I shall also pass.
After all, the pre-qual is difficult until we pass.
eric
For those who are preparing for the written exams in August, Lyceum is offering a review from June 6 to August 15. I’m in no way connected to the institution, but everyone seems to be worried about this “bloody” part of the FSE, and the advert struck a chord. I called, and the course fee is 8K. It’s supposed to cover Phil history, geography, politics and governance, arts and cultural conditions, consular practices and migration, maritime problems and issues, foreign policy, international law-politics,economics-trade, diplomatic practice and protocol, English essay writing, and others. Whew! Sounds so comprehensive, for a 90-hour course! Whether or not the results of the written will have come out before June 6, it sounds like a good way to review for orals. Contact them at 5278251 to 56.
Wala bang review dito sa Davao? Unsaon man na pag attend ug review?
@ Xandra
I doubt if Davao has a review center for this purpose.
If you are a candidate for the written exam, the best review is for you
to start reading materials (FSO related) as recommended by previous takers.
bai eric, fidget, dino:
Taga Northern Mindanao sad ko bai! I am from Cabadbaran City, the newest component city of Agusan del Norte. It seems this whole FSO thing has got our ass wiggling.
For eric and fidget, I believe we are scheduled on the same venue—Liceo High School. I have never been there. Hope i won’t get lost.
Mga bai, this qualifying exams makes me quiver…good luck na lang sa tanan…hehehe
Hi Carlyn:
Hey, you’re so luck you’ve been through already with the qualifying exams. I know the exam is really taxing.
How I wish I had prepared well enough for the upcoming qualifying exams.
Good luck to you.
@ Finding Nemo
Bai, good to know u are from Northern Mindanao too.
Cabadbaran? I know that place quite well.
Oh by the way, Fidget comes from Butuan too.
So the two of you might be traveling in the same bus without
either of you knowing. hehe!
I suggest you come here on Saturday so you still have enough time to familiarize the
venue. I guess the exam is at 7:00 am. Too early.
Since it will be your first time here, u may take a taxi cab.
I think that is the most comfortable transportation for first timers in the city.
Good luck sa exam bai! hehe.
Salamat bai…but I think I’ll just have to bring somebody wit’ me there.
Really? Fidget is from Butuan? that’s not more than 45 minutes travel time from our place, actually. I believe you have already been here in our place.
Well, not so much to see though, hahahaha…except for…shooo! got what you think, dude!
You sure dude of this qualifying exams? I am not quite confident and I am little bit apprehensive about it. (Whew!)
Hey Fidget:
Might we go out at some other time? probably, a pre-qualifying exam drinking-spree celebration…hahahaha…
Good luck mga bai…
@ finding nemo:
Yeah sure…perhaps after we hurdle the prequals. By then, we have more reasons to celebrate.
FIdget*
@ finding nemo
i didn’t exactly get what u think.
i’m bad at guessing.
whatever it is, i’m sure its fun.
anyway, about the drinking spree.
that is a good idea.
but unfortunatley i can’t come.
after the exam, i have to prepare since
i have to travel to cebu.
i’m sure of this exam.
i have been waiting for this since last year.
if i’ll fail, then it only means that i’m not prepared.
if i’ll pass, to God be the glory.
“I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.”
i always cling to that verse.
At Eric:
You are perfectly just right! it sure is fun as it sounds…hehe
Nice to hear you are already prepared and confident to take the prequals. More often than not, a confident mindset works. I take it from you. You’re gonna pass this exam, brow.
Wala ko’y lain kasandigan brow, Ginoo ra gyud…
Good luck
eric, after the written exam, I and about 5 of the other takers I just met there in the exam decided to have a post-exam drinking session for “hope we get lucky” sake. And guess what, 1 of us made it. So you might change your mind of preparing for your Cebu trip right away. haha! Uy ka daghan bisaya diri!
To backdrap, finding nemo, fidget ug uban pa
mag bisaya lang ko this time kay hapit na mahurot ako inengles.
reserve pa nako ni sa exam. basin mahutdan ko ba. naks!!! hehe!!
grabiiiii, hapit na jud ang exam.
congratulations bakdrap! i envy you…
i thought i’ve given up on this quest but reading toe’s blog and all these commenters’ replies “aroused” my desire once again.. but i really want to stop this, i’m kindda hooked again.. sh*t..
For me, I think I’ll have to hold this “drinking spree” in abeyance until and unless I pass the prequals. But for the sake, perhaps, of taking the post-prequals trauma out of my system, I guess I have to give myself a break.
Eric, good luck bai…Sos, kadaghan man diay nato mga bisaya diri bai…basin daghan pa magpaila kay nagbinisaya nata…
Fidget*
Kulbaan na ko!!!! You guy are so far. Wala bang taga southmin dito? Ako lang ba ang nia sa Davao? I’m so lonely. Baka I’m the only one taking the test here.. hehehe (‘o’)
@ Xandra:
Are you taking the prequals too? I know a couple of commenters who are from Southmin (Davao) in the other two posts.
Mga brods, hapit na jud ang exam.
i guess mag count down ta. what do you think?hehe
bitaw, I hope this adventure of ours shall bear good results.
unta tanan bisaya nga commenters mo pasar.naks!!
I was one of the examinees is last Dec 2007′s written test, and has been wondering when the results would be out. I looked back at the 2006 batch’s experience and realized that it takes roughly 3 months for written exams to be processed, and another 3 months before they schedule the oral exams for the few lucky ones. After that is around another 6-8 months before a psychological exam is administered, and another 2 months until the successful examinees are announced.
The 2007 qualifying exam was in May, and the written exams in December (roughly 7 months, even though I heard that it usually just takes 3 months). DFA has advised me that they’re expecting the written exam results around June (6 months). So for those wondering how long the entire process takes, well… Oh my gosh, from the time of the qualifying exam, getting to the “finish line” for the luckiest amongst us would take anywhere from 20 to 26 months… (!?) I hope I got this wrong. =/
Well… I guess some things are worth the wait.
In the meantime, we can all focus on our current jobs.
If that is the case, then I guess we will have the results of the 2008 Prequals held in abeyance until 3 to 4 months or so.
Hi! I just want to ask if there’s a career in DFA for someone who passed the pre-qualifying exam but didn’t pass the written examination. Thanks!
To Toe:
How long does it usually take for the results of the qualifying exam come up? The suspense is killing me.
Good day to you Madam!
Thank you very much for this blogspot. It is really interesting and inspiring.
Can I ask for your email adress?
Hope we can exchange emails.
More to learn from you…I admire your intelligence. Your passion to write gives me more reason to know you better because I am greatly inspired by your thoughts.
Please allow me to write you thru your email adress Ma’am.
Sincerely,
Jasmin
For the results of the exams, please contact the BFSE.
Jasmin, my email address is on my about page.
Thank you for the reply.
I have tried clicking on the link in your post but it directs me the yahoo mail. It does not show your email adress.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Jasmin
Hi Toe! I was just wondering… Is this career worth the woes of being displaced and uprooted from what’s near and dear? I mean, having watched some people I know live this kind of life, it has been hard on those they come home to once every six years or so especially when little children go from English-speaking toddlers to Chinese graders then to Arabic teeners, or something like that. Being away from home can be fun for some time, but it sure takes its toll you must admit. That’s why I have always secretly wondered, “was it worth it?” I know it takes a special kind of heart to really mean to be a public servant, to sincerely want to make a difference by doing good at this career you’ve chosen and was found fit for. You are in a better position to answer this question. So, was it worth it? Was it worth passing up a more prestigious and hefty-paying corporate job for? Is it worth it still? Can you imagine doing this for the rest of your healthy life? Just wondering…
I dream of becoming a Diplomat, not only because of its grandeur,
I want to become a Diplomat, not only because I’ll get to travel a lot than my present life has ever known,
I am dying to become a Diplomat, not only because of the unsophisticated perks, the meager dollar allowances and income, the ties and tuxedos, and all that,
I am dogged to become a Diplomat, not only because of immunity, the “bliss” of public service, etc.
I don’t know…This is just my sensible way of aspiring lofty dreams.
Supermansdb, I am tackling these questions in my series Realities of the Foreign Service. In brief though, the Foreign Service is not for everyone. You really have to know what you want. It has both its advantages and disadvantages. As for being uprooted, it is a problem that has to be dealt with by all OFWs (in a general sense, we are also OFWs). As for passing up a more prestigious and hefty-paying corporate job, who says that the corporate job is more prestigious? Perhaps, more hefty-paying, yes. But what could be more prestigious than becoming an ambassador? CEOs call on ambassadors and not the other way around. I don’t know about doing this for the rest of my healthy life. We don’t know what tomorrow brings. But for now, this is the place where I want to be.
Mr. Deen, well said. If it’s only for the travels and the perks and the immunities that you want to be a diplomat, then you’d be in for a rough surprise. I will be discussing these in my series Realities of the Foreign Service.
Hey guys! I just posted this: Realities of the Foreign Service (Part 1).
“Supermansdb, I am tackling these questions in my series Realities of the Foreign Service. In brief though, the Foreign Service is not for everyone. You really have to know what you want. It has both its advantages and disadvantages. As for being uprooted, it is a problem that has to be dealt with by all OFWs (in a general sense, we are also OFWs).”
I think personnel in our foreign posts are not considered OFWs. Though they are assigned in other countries, their allowances and other benefits are still sourced from the Philippine government. Besides, they are working inside our embassies or consulates, which are considered extension of our country in other countries, that’s why our embassies are allowed to fly our national flag. Another thing, embassy personnel are given diplomatic priveleges and are diplomatic passport holders, which our OFWs are not entitled to.
By the way Ms Toe, do you have any idea when would the result of the May 4, 2008 pre-qual exam will be released. I was told that the Civil Service Commission is in-charge of the pre-qual exam while the BFSE is responsible for the written exams.
Many tnx in advance for any information.
Hi everyone,
Does anyone here know when the December 2007 Written Exam results would be out?
They said it would be June right? Maybe June 2009?
As everybody waits for the release of the long overdue 2007 written exams, so are we, the hopefuls of the 2008 prequals…tsk…tsk…tsk…
Yeah right, probably we will have all the results by next year… (whew!)
Korek ka dyan Mamang Sorbetero. Just imagine, the PPT exam was held last Mar 08 and they only released the result at the end of Jun 08, at a span of 3 months. So maybe, the pre-quals of 08 will be released by Aug 08, in time for the written exams. Ano ba yaaannnnnn!!!!!!!!!!The hopefuls of 08 really need a lot of prayers, nyahahahahaha…….
oooppss, i posted in your other blog article. it was too late when i saw this one.
Thanks for the nice blog and comments from your avid “fans”.
I intend to take the FSO exams two years from now. I am currently taking my Masters in UP and i wanna finish it first. Anyway, i would be 27 by that time, hope i’m not that old then.
I guess as early as now i should be trying to review lots of things. lol
thanks again and kudos to the new FSOs and good luck to the aspiring FSOs.
Hey, everyone. I called the DFA in July 2, and the man who answered told me that since the results of those who took the written exams in Dec ’07 still aren’t out, that the written exams for this year will be postponed. Perhaps to be rescheduled in Dec again? Hehe, that’s just my guess. Been waiting for the results of the written for more than six months now. The man said that I should try calling in August.
Hi Carlyn, does that mean too that the results of the prequals will be extended? I mean the results, based on previous years’, are normally scheduled to be released by June or July.
Mamang Sorbetero, that would be a good bet. The written exams should come out first because it was taken in ’07. Should the prequals come out, they will not be able to schedule another written exam before they release the previous year’s exam results.
Now I’m scared. Was hoping I bumped into this blog before May 4, and looking back I missed alot of questions!!!
I ran out of time 
Should I still pray for a miracle or wait for next year (or next next) instead?
Tagal pa pala. You guys have any idea when in August are they releasing the prequals results?
August? Did you just say the results will be out in august? Tagal naman nun…Oh well, we’d better wait then on the scaffold.
hi toe..your articles are very interesting., it really motivates me.. im a graduate of a two years computer course and now im taking up foreign service here at New Era university.
I would like to ask if age is one of the requirements and how about the religion? thank you so much…
pls email me.. iecep_ece@yahoo.com.ph thank you so much
qualifying test results are out.
please check csc website.
congratulations and good luck to all qualifiers.
The qualifying test results are at the DFA website as well. Hmmm…time to read up for the written test. Whenever that will be.
They released the 2008 qualifying exam results while the written exam results from 2007 is not yet out… Sigh.
Uh-oh… I did not pass the pre-quals. Well, it’s ok. As what Toe and other diplomat-wannabes said, life must go on. But, I’ll definitely take the pre-quals again next year.
To those who passed, good luck guys! I wish you all the best on the upcoming written exams.
May God bless us all!
Um, hi Ms. Toe, first of all cheers on your 6th anniversary.
After some googling, I found this entry, and having just passed the 2008 pre-qual, I found the information on the next two tests just priceless. Thank you so much. Are there any tips you can give me? (Aside from those you already listed up in the comments section. I’ve already printed them out pasted them on the wall and made them my early morning mantra.) I’m just a fresh grad and I’m rather bright eyed and bushy tailed and I’m absolutely terrified, at first I wasn’t so sure that I even had the slightest chance of making it, but now, being an FSO is two devastating exams away, I can practically taste it.
Hi toe! just pass the pre qual. i’m quite nervous ’bout the written exam and the fact that i haven’t receive my confirmation yet. whew!! one down two more to go.. btw, what does the written part look like? Thanks..
Holy S%$#!…pardon me pls…i’m just too dumbstruck now knowin so much about this vaunted FSO exams from you guys…..i’m from the province who took the qualifying exams last May and passed (computer glitch?)…chances are… i’l chicken out and not take the written part!!!!!naahhh…..i’l take it, and slay my own dragon (Don Quijote)…..I flunked the Bar, topped the PNP exam, got 99 in the NCEE,,etc….my achilles heel???,,i got an absolutely abominable hand writting…huhuhu….then came to know that the written part is actually written! as in writting……how unfair again for me to be subjected to this kind of exam…..in fact i’m a History nerd,, trivia addict, a political and economics double major….could eat those questions for breakfast………..
Ok i’l calm down….ms. Toe, is it possible for an examinee to request for a computer to answer the written part or maybe a type writter????
just take it bro!…
I’m more concerned about the fact that we still dont have information about the written exams until now. Has any one of the passers recieved the letter from the DFA yet?
Date? Venue? Schedule?
I have this nagging suspicion that the date will just fly by me somehow (poor information dissemination or whatnot). That, or it will take until next year…
The tentative August dates for the 2008 FSO written exam, are well exactly that. They’ve been canceled, as of today (I just called them from work this morning.) In other words, the written exams have yet to be scheduled.
Hi. I’m a junior student In UPLB & would very very much like tO try to take the Exam after graduation. I have more than 2 yrs of experience working as Facilitator for Korean (kyungnam) students. And I would like to begin to condition myself as early as now…How did u prepare for the exams? What age did u take it? How is life in the Foreign service.
If u will be so generous as to answer my quiry, pls do send it to byrone29@yahoo.com
Kamsa hamnida (Thanks)
especially for this blog & your insights. Keep in up!
Hi Toe,
About the cadetship, it’s daily right? So does it mean that when one gets into the program and is currently working in a company/institution, she/he should leave that job? Is there an allowance for those who are in the cadetship course? It’s because it’s like six months without income.
Just wondering. Thanks!
Hi.
I know this isn’t a forum but no one’s answering the phone over at the DFA so here it goes: any one of you guys know when the written exam will be? I was hoping to finally take it this year. (I passed the 2007 QUalifying test but decided to not take the written exam because I wasn’t prepared yet. I’m still not prepared now but, what the heck, right?)
I would appreciate any info you guys can give me. Thanks.
results are out for the written exams. orals are on oct 8 to 10. congrats to those who passed!
omigod! I passed the written exams! Hurrah! Hehe… But I have a predicament. In the course of the months waiting for the results, I have applied and was accepted as an international paralegal in an intellectual property law firm in japan (living in japan was a life-long dream). I am leaving this september and will be unable to attend the oral exams this year. I know that an applicant can defer taking the oral exams for a year but I don’t know if the deferment can last two years or more. You see, I have a three year contract and if I do come home for a vacation, I don’t think I’d want to spend the time taking the oral exams (or i might, we’ll see).
I still want to be an FSO. I want this job after my three-year stint in Japan. I was hoping that I might be able to take the oral exams in the Philippine embassy in Tokyo (I’ll be based in Osaka). Is that possible? I’d like to talk to the BFSE but I’m in Leyte right now so I was hoping Ms. Toe or you guys here can give me some input. Thanks!
wow! congratulations amarantha! galing mo!
taga Leyte ka ba? am from Tacloban City…
hi jasmin… i’m from tacloban city too
congrats to spongebob and others who passed the 2007 written exams!
go for gold na sa oral exams!
i’m taking mine this year. *ngatog*
really? wow! gud luck sa oral exams. what’s ur family name? drop by ha office DFA tac pls if you have the time…am proud of you!
Thanks
My last name’s Catan. I’d like to drop by the DFA and ask questions on the possibility of taking the oral exams next year, or if possible, out of the country. My friends said I should take this opportunity but I’m leaving September 8 for my job in Japan.
I’m asking my sister to clarify with the BFSE if I can take it next year. The problem though is timing. I might not be able to secure a leave from work on that specific date. Also, no offense to the DFA but their schedules regarding the FSO exams can be quite sketchy and erratic. It’s my dream to be an FSO (and I don’t even care about the pay) but my situation has gotten a little complicated.
Jasmin, since you’re in the DFA, do you know if I can defer taking the oral exams next year or even the year after that? Would like to have that question settled before I leave the country. Thanks for the encouragement too
hi! do u have a number will just text you. u can call us at 321-8233 if u don’t have tiime to drop by…but hope to see you! taga Caibaan ka na Catan?
do u have an email add? para i can email you nalang.
Ma’am Toe thanks for your blog….
thanks for this blog! this is very helpful to those who wish to take the FSO exams. i regret that i only chance upon this one now that am looking for tips for the oral exam. (yes, i made it!) amarantha & i are asking for Ms. Toe’s kindness now to post tips for the orals
thanks very much!
Jasmin, I’ll call your office soon
Right now, I’m in Cebu to say goodbye to friends so I might not have the time to drop by. My email add is katescatan@yahoo.com. Thanks so much in advance for any information that you can give me.
By the way, taga V&G Subd kami
My dad is originally from Dumaguete City (not to be confused with the Catans from Jaro, been asked that many times na, hehe).
Mwy, let me tell you the story our proctor told us about the oral exams. He said that the final day of the oral exams was a formal dinner with the entire diplomatic corps present. Each of them were assigned to a diplomat and he said he was knew little of table etiquette that he merely copied what the diplomat he was assigned to was doing
He also told us that one of his batchmates grew up in the US so she was a little under-schooled when it came to Philippine culture and history. The highlight of the evening was the FSO hopefuls speaking extemporaneously in front of the hall picking random topics from a hat. His batchmate picked the topic “Abueva” (the famous sculptor). She had zero idea on who Abueva was so she just spent the time talking about her life outside the country and her childhood. As a footnote, she said that if she did have a child, she would make sure that her kid will know who Abueva is
It’s really hilarious, and downright genius! His batchmate made it. But you’re right, mwy, we would appreciate some info from you Ms. Toe. I can speak very well but I have a sporadic case of stage fright. My friend suggests imagining the people around the room naked to feel comfortable but I tried it once and it had disastrous results
I just got a call from DFA informing me that I passed the written exam last December 2007. Thank God! Now all I have to worry about is that nebulous oral exam which I still have no idea how to prepare for…
The oral exam will be on October 8-10. We have to get our acceptance letters either today or tomorrow morning, and then submit some requirements by Sept 19.
Miss Toe, I’m on my knees here; would you mind sharing some advice to pass the oral exam? I’m quite nervous already…
Congratulations to Amarantha, Spongebob, Bean, Mwy… gee, who else?
So proud of you guys. 58 passers… that must be a record. 
Okay.. I’ll think of some tips for the orals… even ask my batchmates to help me. Meantime, I think I wrote about my orals in one of my blog posts… “How I Met My Honey.” 
BTW, for any questions about procedures, dates, etc., you guys have to call up the BFSA because I’m not really sure about the official answers. And it’s hard to speculate about these things in a blog. The BFSA would have the exact answers for these questions.
that might help, amarantha, hahaha…. second call to Toe, plz, plz, post some tips for the orals!
oh, sure, i’ll go read “how I Met My Honey”…..muchas gracias!
thanks Kate for the email add…
Dear Toe,
Your blog is honest, charming and speaks of a wise person.
I just found out last Friday I passed the written exam which I took last Dec 19-21, 2007. I mainly attribute this to:
1. my natural passion for history and world affairs
2. a fanatical studying routine; I even took half a months leave from work to study for the exam, I locked myself away in a condo, I studied so much Spanish I’d sometimes find myself laughing (I’d suddenly be finding phrases like “The man thought it was raining†extremely hilarious), cut out clippings from newspapers every single day, watched only BBC and CNN during breaks, and mostly just oatmeal with hot water so I won’t have to go downstairs and buy food.
3. The post of the blogger Crusading Cynic with the sample questions. This was the number one factor which lead to my passing, and perhaps the unusually high number of passers this year (58 passers).
I’ve only got a month before the orals (Oct. 8-10). Please give me tips on how I can prepare for this and what to expect. My birthday is October 7 so I hope that’s a good omen.
Reading your post has refueled my passion. Am I over-romanticizing what a career of a diplomat is? Please supply me with any tips or advice on the FSO oral exam and I will know nothing but gratitude towards you.
Sincerely,
ekud
Got a call today, Ms Toe. Passed the written too.
Thanks for the help!
I got the same call as pigtales yesterday after lunch. Also adding my thanks to Toe, and everyone else who took time to write about the entire process. Much appreciated.
congratulations to those who passed the 2007 written exams. i, too, got a call from the BFSE (with a malutong na “oh shit, i forgot about that” spoken over the phone). i didn’t expect anything positive to come out of that undertaking in december since i did not review at all, i was busy packing for my three-week sojourn to the US the morning after the 3rd day of the exam. i just had to get it over with though. i do remember answering one question with just one sentence, “this question that does not warrant a decent answer…” something of that sort. i guess my heart wasn’t in it because i’m just about at the cut-off age, and i’m enjoying my current job with a not-for-profit org. with this call, i’m quite confused honestly. should i pass up on this rare chance and forego it? i don’t want to undergo the orals half-heartedly, that would be shortchanging both the bfse and myself. on the other hand, there’s this nagging voice telling me that i’ve got nothing to lose (except for a 3-day leave at work). hmmm big problem that i have to decide on before the 19th of Sept. this fso endeavor was one of my late dad’s wishes for me to undertake; i only did it for him, just to prove that his little girl can do it….
if i do decide to go through with it, i look forward to meeting carlyn, pigtales, bean, amarantha, spongebob, along with supermansdb. if i don’t, i wish you guys and gals all the best this coming October 2008!
and toe, hello again, after a long long silence! welcome back to good ole phils.
I nagged the person over at the BFSE (the dude who informed me i passed) if I can take the orals next year. He said it’s not possible. My only recourse is to write a letter to the BFSE imploring them to consider my situation, which is highly unlikely that they will
I actually understand their stand. If I do take the orals next year, that will mean I will have an unfair advantage over you guys who will take it this year because I have the whole year to prepare (against your one month). But how does one really prepare for the orals anyways? And besides, my idea of preparation is excessive primping and a good pedicure so I don’t think that will help a great deal unless there are points for evening wear and audience impact.
I think I have no option but to take the written exams again. Cest la vie… I took the qualifying last year for the first time so it has two (?) more years of viability. And I have 7 more years before the age limit gets me. In the meantime, I’ll just enjoy the cherry blossoms in Japan. Goodluck on the orals guys! Yu kan dow eight!
Thank you for the wonderful information.
I was just wondering…
I am currently a BA Political Science student in the University of the Philippines (Diliman.)
I am a freshman, and seriously considering this career track.
I don’t know if I should shift courses or what.
Help, si’l vous plait…?
Merci.
Good luck to all of us who’ll take the orals next month! My passing I owe more to providence and luck than anything else. And of course there’s this blog (thanks Toe!) who made it possible for me to meet people who’s helped me thru the gruelling ordeal of the written exam. They kept me sane and pushed me when I otherwise would have backed out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained nga naman… Still, the upcoming oral exam makes me feel like a soldier going to war unarmed, if you know what I mean… I wanted to earn this coz like elektra, I’m also taking this as a tribute to my father so I hope I don’t disappoint to badly, hehe… If you guys want to meet up before the big day, count me in!
Again, thanks a lot Toe!
could you help me?
Hi Toe.
I am one of the 58 successful examinees who will be taking the oral exams next month. May I be briefed with what to expect and how to prepare. Please help! Thanks.
Dear Toe,
I’ve been surfing through your site hoping to find what ever information I could get on the FSO oral exams.
I can’t seem to find the “How I meet my Honey” post you suggested. I hope you could direct me where I could find it
Sincerely,
ekud
I don’t know if someone already posted this info but I heard the 2008 written exams will be held on Nov 29, 30 and Dec 1. Good luck to all those taking it
Good luck to those taking the oral exams as well!
Hello, everyone.
I just got news that the Written Exam this year will be on Nov. 19, 20, and 21.
\:D/
Good luck to us! *shiver*
the letter that I got from the BFSE states that the 2008 fso written exams are scheduled on Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, 2008.
those qualified to take the exam must pay the P200.00 fee on or before Oct. 31, 2008. written exam permit will be issued after paying the fee.
good luck to all qualifiers.
HELP.
I was told that the last day of the oral exams will be a fancy dinner where we are required to dress in formal Filipiniana attire.
Question: How formal is “formal”? In anyone could help with pictures and such, I’d be very grateful. It would be mortifying to come underdressed!
Hi Bean, check out this website http://dontbelosyang.blogspot.com/2008/06/filipiniana.html
for some examples of filipiniana. Good luck with the oral exams, let us know how it goes
Hello Ms. Toe. I was so inspired by your post! Im a senior International Relations student majoring in Diplomacy in Lyceum of the Philippines University. My professors and few classmates told me that FSO Exam is really difficult. and yes they say that it is more difficult than the bar exams.. hearing their so-discouraging comments, I feel that FSO Exam is something I cant handle. Mahirap daw kasi talaga…….. I just want you to know that I admire you. Sobra ako believe sa mga taong nakakapasa ng FSO exams.. Salute salute!!
You think po kaya enough na ang 4 year course ko sa lyceum or should I take masteral pa? i feel…. unequipped! hehehe.. One of my professors told me that my exam in foreign policy was “pwede na ito sa FSO exam!” so medyo balik inspired spirit nanaman ako. but after hearing again and again series of discouraging remarks like my one of my Prof failed the FSO exam because he flunked the nihonggo exam, sobra nanaman ako nadidiscourage.. haha! gulo po ano? what are the type of questions po ba na binibigay? any specific question you can remember?(patikim lang ba..hehe) and the oral thing(God I hate speech!) what was the topic na nabunot niyo? galing niyo talaga nakapasa kayo! i may not have met you, pero IDOL ko na kau! hehehehe.. thanks po again for you post. may seem nothing for you pero for me big deal na itong nabasa ko.. hehehe.. looking forward to you reply po Ms. Toe, owps… i mean, Madame! 
Fatima –
Please don’t be discouraged. I also flunked my Nihonggo exam. I just wrote random Hiragana in the Foreign Language part, seriously. For some reason my scores in the other sections made up for it, though, so don’t lose faith!
The oral exam is a different matter, though… Hahah. Good luck sa amin next week.
Good luck to all those taking the orals starting today! Special mention to Boots *wink* Damay ako sa kapalaran mo pagpumasa ka dyan hehe
Well, we’re done with the first two days… I wonder if the worst is over. I have a feeling it’s not. Hahah.
GOD BLESS. Kung palarin ang karamihan sa batch namin, then by gosh, we’re going to have a very fun group.
the 3-day ordeal is done. just winged it. life goes on.
So glad, it’s over. It was a nerve-wracking, grueling 3-day ordeal. Let’s reveal ourselves during our oathtaking? Haha. Who’d want to toast on that? Cheers!
Well at least the 3rd day was a laugh trip. When all else failed, people resorted to stand-up comedy. I swear, the panelists were enjoying it more than the serious speeches!
got a call this afternoon from the bfse…. i guess, the psych test is next.
Well I finally summoned the courage to call DFSE…
Are we all taking the psych exam on the same date? I was told to come on November 6.
I was told to come on the 30th. I guess we’re doing this in batches.
Congratulations to he 38 who passed!
Boots! hahaha! Galing! hehehe!
38 passed? That’s… quite surprising. I was expecting more of us to get through. There were 54 of us during the oral exam.
38? ang dami pala…
keep it up, guys!
The panelists were talking about how we were going to be the batch that broke records, but I don’t think we broke the record after all. I could have sworn someone mentioned that the number to beat was 40, and we’re 2 people short…
I really was expecting more people to pass. After all, DFA is opening new embassies/consulates, so I figured they’d need more people.
Any idea how long this will take? Because my resignation letter is ready for printing… (I’ll miss the money and some people, but that’s about it. Heheh.)
To Bean, et al, would you know how much is the starting monetary compensation (gross) for FSO IV? Will the net amount be sufficient to feed me, clothe me, buy me gas, help me pay my monthly mortgage payments? Yes, the position and the office hold prestige, an intrinsic reward which more than 80-90% of the populace would aspire for desperately but failingly…but as Toe mentioned, different individuals do have their considerations. I would like to look at this valuable opportunity at all angles. I would appreciate it if you could give me an idea about the monetary compensation.
I passed all three stages without so much of a preparation, let alone attend review classes and the like. I guess I got lucky, and stock knowledge and real world experience helped me through the process. After my scheduled individual and group interviews, I went straight back to work; the morning of the “state dinner” thingy you could still find me at my office. To tell you frankly, I’m having this ambivalent attitude towards this, kinda like running hot and cold about it. When the call came for the oral exams, I had decided not to go through it because I was swamped with work. I was only persuaded by a few close friends and a dogged aunt based abroad to take it, even just for the experience. So I came into the last process with that perspective….just for the experience. And now this…. Yeah it’s delightful to hear all those congratulatory messages but it is an ephemeral feeling, one thing that i don’t relish much either….
Toe, have there been cases of deferment? Who should i ask about this?
I do hope I could here from you guys. Unlike you Bean, my resignation letter is non-existent… Until then, i will still have two columns on my notepad by my bedside….the Pros and Cons of taking this opportunity, OR the other way around (which is the same thing
) the Pros and Cons of foregoing this opportunity. I haven’t written anything on it yet.
To Bean:
Why are you resigning? Hope you won’t mind.
@ Mich —
No, not at all. I imagine I would have to resign from my current employment if I were to accept an appointment as FSO. I’m also quite weary of the 10-12 hour workdays, majority of which is spent “bonding” with MS Excel and a thousand rows of data. :]
I swear to God, if end up working with Excel again at the DFA… *iyak*
Congratulations to the 38 who passed!! I didn’t make the cut but, I was so wowed by the efforts of everyone, ibang level talaga at sobrang na-inspire ako. I know each and everyone has a unique something to contribute, so hats off to u all (special mention to elektra girl, hehe). Make us proud… Cheers!
Tulong! Sa November 29, 30 at Dec.1 ang exam namin! Saklolo! Tips naman dyan! Thanks.
To helping hand, exactly my sentiment. To add to that, I’m probably one of the oldest in the batch. With the strict observance of the seniority rule in the DFA, I’ll probably retire with a lower rank than most of you guys.
But, helping hand, do join the egroup. Some of the answers to your questions are there.
Hi Bean, Helping Hand, and all those who may be losing sleep over “insufficient†monetary compensation for FSO IV.
I heard the starting salary for FSO Class IV is P25,000+ excluding allowances, overtime, etc.. It would pretty much cover our basic necessities, but may mean a lot of cost-cutting on one’s part especially if he/she has been earning twice or thrice that amount. But like what the former ambassadors have mentioned, it pays to wait. Once we get posted abroad, we would be earning the salary (plus the allowances) that befits our position as representatives of the country.
Do you think they’d still weed out the psychos among us? Hahaha! Tip: Before your psych exams, make sure that you take a hearty breakfast and a good night’s sleep.
Viel Gluck
hi everyone and to Toe,
been silently reading through the discussions here since april before i took the qualifying exam. tips were very helpful. discussions on careers, etc. have somewhat put things into perspective, at least for me. just got my admission pass today. the 3-day written exam is quite a worry though. have to juggle my time between work, school and reviewing for this. hopefully, things will fall into place. by the way, Toe, thanks for sharing this blog to all of us Filipinos who have big dreams for this country.
sanja, thanks for the info. but is it confirmed, reliable information??? you just heard, but for me i’d prefer seeing those in black and white. this is a major career decision, some serious thinking especially for those who would be taking a huge pay-cut, really huge for me, no offense meant. so, until a defined and reliable compensation package is presented to us, i still am not decided to take the plunge.
to hashim and silentnomore, i took the written exams without reviewing or attending review classes. one wouldn’t have any idea what questions will come out; it really depends on stock knowledge, and how you present your answer. don’t fret so much about it. the more you worry about it, the more you’ll be distracted. just go about with your usual routine at work and at home. but i’ve got a few tips for you: watch those period or historical movies hehehe, read thomas friedman’s columns in NYT, register for free at The Economist.com to get updates, browse through the online Phil Daily Inquirer. don’t treat this like a review, just think about it as additional trivia-gathering or gossip hehe, you’ll find out that you’d remember it more. you know where i learn this method?…..good ole Archie comics hehe. pero, to each-his-own style, so i wouldn’t know if you’ll be comfortable with my suggestion.
oh one more thing, the English part is not your typical grammar/vocabulary and reading comprehension thingy. Questions in this subject are usually similar to those asked in Philippine Conditions and International Affairs. remember that to pass the written exams, you have to satisfy the first condition: pass the English subject first. if you fail to make the grade in the English exam, no matter what your ratings will be for the other 5 subjects kahit perfect pa, you won’t still pass. So, your written communication skills in English should be up to par or above par… think essay-writing or formal theme writing (hehehe pang-elementary at high school talaga)… reading the NYT and The Economist honed my rusty skills hehe.
last last thing, learn to use the ballpen again! if you are used to the computer keyboard now, the 3-day written exam will bring you back to the period of paper-and-pen, and after the 6th subject you will be gifted with a physical remembrance… a callus on your fingers (depends on what hand you use)… pamatay talaga!
To Toe,
Where did you work prior your entrance to Foreign Service?
thanks for the tips helping hand!
Another question. Essay type ba lahat, pati yung English test? As in, wala nang multiple choice type? Thanks.
Hashim, there are a few portions that use the multiple choice format, such as those measuring language proficiency. Good luck.
Dear Helping Hand,
Yep, it is P25, 200 for FSO Class IV. July next year, there’d be another 10 % increase. Bonuses (Midyear and Yearend) and OT pay would be commensurate with one’s basic salary in the Department. I could give you a rundown of bonuses/allowances DFA people receive annually, but on second thought, wag na lang muna. Not to give you false hopes or anything, but salary from DFA (at least from FSO IV and up) is not at all that bad.
Ok na rin pala sahod. Malaki na rin. Sana makapasa ako.
I was talking to a senior colleague who used to work for (and still has close friends at) the DFA. They’ve been trying to ask him to return to the service, but he turned them down because of the compensation. And yes, our company pays him a hefty package.
What worried me was that he said not to rely to overseas allowances, especially if you end up in a non-”ipon post”. He had colleagues who were first posted in Europe, and their parents ended up having to send them extra cash because the allowances sometimes were not even enough to pay the utility bills. I asked him why, because I still think a practical mind can stretch a dollar a long way, but he told me that part of the job is to live “a certain lifestyle.” Said lifestyle is obviously costly, and daaang… I wondered if I can get away with wearing the same black suit for consecutive events and just changing the undershirt. We’re gonna have to be practical about this. Maybe I should learn how to sew, cook, and even cut my own hair, haha. I don’t want to end up being too helplessly ‘burgis’ for this.
Bean, this is exactly what I was trying to point out, well indirectly, so as not to burst the bubble of giddy FSO passers, especially that groupmate of a friend who will remain nameless. This groupmate had the gall to say “I just need to pass this process, I’m not aiming to top this, I just need to pass. It is all or nothing. If I pass the FSO process, I will outranked my dad who is just an FSSO. And the allowances when posted abroad, that’s the clincher. It’s more than US$2000 a month blah-blah-blah…”
I hate to bother my parents (retirees) for extra cash; and isn’t it time not to rely on our parents??? I have been living independently since I was 20, and that was more than a decade ago. I pay my own bills, and take care of my own expenses. And I am a frugal person. With the PhP 25,200 gross (which is about one-fourth of my current compensation), with approximately PhP 18,000 net, PhP 14,000 will go to my monthly amortization. Scrimping on the PhP 4,000 is not realistically possible with the utilities alone. Then that “certain lifestyle” hmmmmm which really depends on the person; and you don’t get clothing allowances for the coat and tie or that formal gown either.
I am with you when you say “We’re gonna have to be practical about this.” The decision path is getting clearer each passing day…. the prestige and the wows and congratulatory remarks for hurdling the toughest government-issued examination process – these will be great memories, and maybe I can insert it as a one-liner in my CV
…. the psych exams last week was fun, the last time i underwent a similar experience was in 1995 with my second job…. I guess it’s 70% no-go for me at this point. I need to be presented first with the compensation, all the benefits, the whole package.
Life is all about trade-offs, that’s a reality we have to live with. I may get other chances to serve the Filipino people/government; I also passed the CESO exams (topped it actually) in 2007, given that I am still in the private sector. Just maybe….
Oh “nameless groupmate” passed, as I was informed. I just hope that this person’s seeming and conspicuous immaturity can be dealt with by the DFA.
Error…. I will outrank my dad….not “outranked”….sorry, i was writing my reply at 2 in the morning…
Another error??? my laptop time says 2:17am…but my replies are logged at 12:56am and 1:01am. Huh… Anyway, I’m still up watching the US Elections hehehe. After all, this is not just the elections of the United States of America, it is every world citizen’s election too, if you know what i mean.
Helping Hand,
You’re right! US elections is not just the elections of the USA but the whole world also. I’ve been monitoring the latest news too. Anyway, helping hand, what is CESO exams? Is registering in thomas friedman’s columns in NYT really free?
helping hand — thanks for that very useful info on the basic salary, hehe. i sure would be interested to know the benefits and incentive package given to FSOs. i know work in another branch of government and we have always had this notion that employees in the executive department (not sure if FSOs are included, hehe) are the least paid, that they have the smallest incentive package. so maybe you can help dispel that rumor?
mich — CESO is career executive service officer exam. those working in the government, and who wish to pursue a long-term career in public administration, take such exam. when you pass it, you easily (relatively) qualify to be appointed in higher level positions in the executive branch.
Where can I apply for a CESO exam?
Hi Mich. The CESO is the rough equivalent of the CarMin exams in the DFA. “The Career Executive Officer Examination (CEOE) is the unified examination system for the third or executive/managerial level of government service. Adopted jointly by the CSC and the Career Executive Service Board (CESB), the CEOE is a four-stage examination system composed of written test; assessment; interview (optional); and validation. Passing the four-stage CEOE shall result to the grant of both the Career Executive Officer eligibility conferred by the CSC and the Career Executive Service eligibility conferred by the CESB.” (csc info)
To take the CESO exams, you should either have taken and passed the Civil Service Professional Exams or have been subject to exemption as a board passer (if your course requires a PRC-issued exam for professionals) or an honor graduate. Fortunately, I qualified as an honor grad so that exempted me from taking the civil service exams. Usually government employees, in the supervisory and/or managerial positions, who are seeking higher positions (director positions, avp positions – up) are required to take and pass the CEOE to assume those positions. However, people employed in the private sector who wish to join the government in a higher capacity are also eligible to take the exam. One major requirement for all takers: at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial position. This is a must since the successful taker will be handling departments or a number of employees. When I took the exam, only 375 passed out of 2,891 takers (13.1% passing rate). My co-examinees already held positions such as Tax Commissioner, Regional Medical Director, etc in various government agencies. They had to take the CESO exams for their appointments to take effect, I believe.
You can check the website: http://www.csc.gov.ph for more info. The CESO is another option, aside from the FSO, if one wishes to enter into government service.
Thanks helping hand for the info. Like phidela, I would like to ask you for some pointers to pass the FSO exams. I am very thankful for your generosity.
Anyway, the latest news right now, maybe everybody knows already that Obama has won the elections.
I think we from the private sector will struggle through this. I’m bracing myself for culture shock. The facilities are hardly fancy. I can’t expect the bathroom to be perpetually spotless with an unlimited stock of tissue paper (because I’ve never once seen the tissue dispensers actually in use at the DFA). I will probably not have uniformed chauffeurs ferrying me from house to airport to hotel even if my flights are scheduled at ungodly hours. I cannot just call helpdesk and expect a brand new replacement laptop in 2 hours. I bet we will do many administrative tasks with actual paper instead of computerized systems accessible 24/7, and wow my hands are not even used to writing with a pen anymore…
Most of all, I will probably miss the methodological efficiency with which multinational corporations run their operations.
It hit me just now how *spoiled* we are in the private sector… Hahah.
Oh well. Necessary sacrifices. I’ll deal with it, since I have my own reasons for pursuing an FSO career.
We should talk here again once we’re actually presented with the compensation package. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll be delightfully surprised.
To all of you out there,
Can someone give me an idea about the compensation of contractual employees at the DFA?
Hi Toe.
I just want to ask if I could take the qualifying exam even if I do not know any foreign language yet.
Thank you very much.
God bless you.
Kung simple lang ang lifestyle at walang asawa, kasya na ang 25 thou a month. Kahit sa Europe, ang allowances, sasapat na kung matipid ka. Kaya lang, kung maluho nga e talagang kapos ang sweldo. Kaya nga maraming corrupt sa govt e. Hindi sanay sa simpleng lifestyle
Hi Helping Hand.
I just want to ask if I could take the qualifying exam even if I do not know any foreign language yet.
Thank you very much.
God bless you.
@ Hashim –
That’s 25k gross, meaning we can expect the same deductions for tax, Pag-ibig, etc. If you’re single without dependents, that’s a large chunk lopped off your paycheck… I estimate that would leave a bachelor with around 19k+ net.
Also, FSOs are expected to dress as befitting their position. That means regardless of whether you like to spend on nice clothes or not, it’s part of your duty to spend on it. A decent suit usually costs around 3.5k-5k, and an FSO will probably need several of these. (Haaay buhay.) Also, I was told that FSOs are required to get acceptable accommodations. I imagine we might have to do home entertaining at home, and can’t be caught living in a tiny apartment else it reflects poorly on us. (Maaaaan…)
@ Ann –
I flunked the Foreign Language portion of the written exam (couldn’t even understand the instructions) but survived it anyway. It’s just 5%; no biggie.
Hi guys! Sorry I haven’t been posting lately… I’ve been very busy with work. It’s so stressful adjusting back to life in Manila after six years abroad. I didn’t even have time to help those who took the orals… but hey, 38 passed… that’s quite a feat! Congratulations to you all!
I’ll try to answer some questions but not all… a lot of the questions have already been answered in my FSO posts (click the category “Foreign Service”) and in the responses of the other commenters).
Mich – I was in law school right before I took the FSO exam. Before that, I was a high school music teacher and a piano teacher.
Helping Hand, Sanja, Bean, Hashim, etc. – about the compensation… think about this, the President of the Philippines earns more or less P60,000 a month and of course, those who are lower in rank in government (which would be all of us) would naturally earn less. I’m an FSO 2 and I get about P21,000 net. I think an FSO 4 would probably get P19,000 net. But that’s only in the home office. Abroad, you get other allowances… again you won’t get filthy rich. But you’d definitely be comfortable and financially independent of your parents (unless you buy a yacht or your own airline). And if you’re smart, you’d be able to save a lot. Of course, I’m not a perfect example as I live a DINK lifestyle (double income, no kids)… but with just a bit of wise saving and savvy money handling, we were able to buy a modest home and car (check my post “Blogging by the Bay”) after just six years at post (without loans). Modesty aside, most of my peers in the private sector couldn’t say the same without the help of parents or loans. Now, I’m back home… believe it or not, my husband and I live within our basic salaries. We’re doing fine… probably can’t eat out or watch a movie often, and definitely can’t go abroad for a vacation… but we’re happy.
Bean, you don’t need to entertain in the home office (unless you’re the secretary or usec or assec)… you only do that at Post… that’s why you have allowances there including representation allowance. Yes… you need to get a certificate of suitable lodging… but that’s also at post… you need to spend your living quarters allowance for a suitable residence instead of saving it all and living in squalid conditions. Clothes? My closet is lean and simple… but respectable.
This is a career with a lot work and responsibilities, but also one which provides you with a lot of pride, honor and satisfaction. It may not be a perfect one (it even leaves others bitter)… with the old building, the petty politics (I’m sure the private sector also has petty politics), the state of the country (which we, as diplomats would have to defend no matter what)… and it would definitely not make me filthy rich… but it’s my chosen career. The path to be an ambassador may be long and winding and rocky… but I’m sticking to this path.
I’m quite happy. I live simply. I have a practical approach in life. I’m realistic… I know the system is not perfect but I try my best to work with what is there.
If you’re thinking of taking the FSO exam, then do so even if you’re not yet certain if you’ll pass or if it’s the career you want to pursue. You have nothing to lose if you spend 3 days of your life on written exams. After all, if you don’t pass, then it won’t be an option (and because of the ridiculously low passing mark – I strongly suggest that you have something to fall back on). But if you do pass, then it would be a wonderful career opportunity.
If you did pass the FSO exam, then ask yourself… what career do you want to pursue? Where will you be happy? Do you want to be a diplomat or do you want to be a lawyer (if you’re a lawyer) or do you want to work for the private sector or do you want to be an entrepreneur? What do you want to be? It all boils down to what you want. Myself, I could have been a lawyer in a big law firm. I could have been a concert pianist. But I decided that I want to be an FSO. So I did… despite all the shortcomings… I know both the good and the bad. But I wanted to be an FSO. So I did and I still am and I will be for a long time.
Ms. Toe,
That was so inspiring…
Thank you.
Salamat Ms. Toe. Tama ang sabi mo. Simple living lang. Pero talaga bang 3 taon muna sa home office bago mapost abroad? Sa batas, di ba dapat 1 year lang?
Hashim, quoted from the Foreign Service Act:
“Title IV
ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS
Sec. 36. Initial Service in the Home Office. – Except for non-career chiefs mission appointed by the President, no member of the Career Foreign Service Corps shall be assigned to any post abroad unless he has rendered continuous and satisfactory service in the home office for at least three (3) years including undertaking an intensive familiarization program of Philippine conditions, urban and rural.”
I also mentioned about the 3 years initial service in the Home Office in the post, “Realities of the Foreign Service, Part 1″.
toe, that was a wonderful post. i think a lot of people posting here need that wake-up call. I understand that the compensation is a big thing in any type of job, no question about that but being an FSO will mean a lot of compromises, especially in the financial aspect of it. It`s an ideal, and although ideals cannot feed you, clothe you and buy you a house, i think it would still leave you happy at the end of it, like toe.
i have yet to take the oral exams. they agreed to defer my taking it until next year. i am currently living and working abroad and if I do pass the oral exams next year (God willing), i will take a very severe paycut. the FSO salary is just a tiny fraction of what I`m earning now but i am willing to bust my ass working here so i can save up and pursue my dream of becoming an FSO.
it takes a lot of guts to take and pass the FSO exams but it takes heart to acccept the post knowing the consequences.
Hashim, I do agree with you when you say that the job is not financially rewarding, intellectually rewarding-yes. I guess i started the thread on the financial considerations of being an FSO. This is not just about simple living or being used to a “maluho†lifestyle, or a “fulfilling career or heaps or money†as Tin mentioned.
I raised this matter because this is the real world, and this will impact the future of each and everyone who is considering this option. Before one can decide and describe that his or her work is a “fulfilling career†there are so many considerations to think of first (remember Maslow??) I am single, independent with no kids nor dependents, I have been living this way since I was 20. I am neither rich nor poor; middle-class perhaps, but I don’t run to Mama and Papa for money anymore. And I am not maluho either; I only have one loan, the roof that I live in right now; otherwise, I don’t owe anyone any money. I am just at that point in life when I have a mortgage to pay and bills & expenses (electricity, water, phone & internet, gas and food expenses) to settle every month just like any Juan and Juana. Realistically speaking for me, the 19K net as Toe mentioned is not sufficient.
I want to know before making any momentous decision, because this is really a major one. A major career shift, a major life decision. No one in his or her right mind will plunge into something without knowing how it will impact his or her daily life. I cannot speak for the others because we have different perspectives. I am only sharing my thoughts and concerns so that I could hear other people’s outlook before making any decisions. I am not out to sway or influence or to criticize the job or people who so badly want this or are actual FSOs already.
Helping Hand,
If the pay is a major consideration, then you are better off in your current employment. Based on your current needs, the salary you will be getting as an FSO is not sufficient. You will be, at times, overworked and underpaid. But that is the life of a public servant, most especially that of an FSO – much is expected of those whom much is given.
No one is forcing you to become an FSO. It is your choice and yours alone. As others have said, you don’t have to be an FSO to serve the country. Whatever decision you make, it is yours alone to make and no one will think of you a lesser person for it. Good luck and best wishes.
Waaa. Hindi pa ako nakaka-review especially sa world history at Spanish. I think pass muna ako this year. Next year na lang muna. Gusto ko kasi makapasa. Pero I’ll see this Saturday, haha.
Guys, thank you so much for all the info. I’m taking the written exam this weekend and I have to say I am sooooo unprepared, it’s almost shameful. I had the impression that it would be 3 days of multiple choice questions and I’ve been wasting what little free time I had from work reviewing random things that would help me in making “informed” guesses in the A vs B test format. After reading this blog and thread, I feel like jumping off a bridge. It would take a miracle for me to pass this one.
But it takes a great load off my chest to know that the written exam can be taken 3 times without having to take the pre-quals. At least, I won’t have to pressure myself to death this week. I’m still planning on taking it so I can at least know what to expect when I take it again next year. (Parang wala akong fighting spirit ano?) But, I want to thank everyone for being so helpful and for sharing your experiences and tips, you don’t know how much they mean to us aspiring FSOs.
To everyone who has taken, will take or is planning to take any leg of the exam, good luck and god bless us all! (Goodness! Is it just me or did that sound like something out of a war movie?)
Cheers!
11th hour, just go for it, you’ll never know if you don’t try di ba? Besides, worst case scenario is you get a review for next years written exam
Last ruka, yeah, this is a great blog, very informative and inspiring. Good luck to all of us taking the exam this saturaday, keep that never say die attitude!
Good luck sa mga takers this weekend. I took that test feeling unprepared as well, but emmm is right. Even if you end up screwing it up, at least you saw the test questions and would have an idea on how to anticipate the following year’s exam.
Hi!! I’ve been searching Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones but I can’t find any stores that sells the book. Luckily, I stumbled on your website. May I ask where did you buy the book? thanks.
OMG day two, 13 people already didn’t make the cut off of 7:30 in the morning, all of them have been disqualified. I’m rather shaken already. And when you guys said prepare for hours of writing, OMG. Writing and thinking for a whole day is just really draining. It’s one thing to know the answer to a question, but at about 3PM writing it down is already difficult, not to mention mental fatigue. I speak and write fluent english but after 2 days I’m already having trouble just thinking in grammatically correct sentences.
Thanks for the tips. My youngest son may find them useful should he decides to join the foreign service. I was once assigned as a Border Crossing Officer in Indonesia for 2 years with an FSO III equivalent status. You must’ve enjoyed your stay in Cambodia. Good for both of you.
I was satisfied with the FSO Written Exam. Questions are easy to answer; it’s just that your hands would be numb after more than 5 hours of writing and writing. Seriously, the test is easy if you read newspapers everyday and you at least like to read history books. No need to memorize. The questions don’t ask for specific or canned answers, but rather, they aim to test your analytical skills. Believe me it’s easy. So, for those who plan to take the exams next year, take it! Don’t be scared. I tell you it’s easy. Just prepare to write for hours non-stop. That’s the worst thing I can say about it. May God bless all who took the FSO written exam! May we all pass! Amen. If you want detailed stories, just let me know.
took the exam too…it wasn’t that easy (trying to organize your thoughts and write intelligently become a bit more difficulty after hours of endless writing), but it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be either.
I think my answers were okay; I just hope that whoever checks the exams think so too.
good day!! for those people who still want to have sneak peek of the questions of the recent written exams. Here it goes (something like this…ok):
1. Philippine condition:
A. Dapat ba humingi ng paumanhin ang Hari ng Espanya dahil sa pagpatay kay Rizal?
B. Ano ang pagkakaiba at pagkaparepareho ng tatlong EDSA People Power?
C. i forgot the third one.
2. World History/Affairs:
A. Ano ang mga naiambag ng mga sumusonud na sibilisasyon (Persia, China, India0
B. Ano ang mga nagbunsod sa mga Pandaigdigang Digmaan? (something like that..)
WAIT lost of thoughts and words…hehehe…till next time po…RELATIVELY EASY po ang scope ng exam just beleive on your antic knowledge…hehehe..bb
Here’s what I can remember (all paraphrased).. Sorry, in advance, for any typos or grammatical errors:
Day 1
English
1. MILF v Philippine government – your thoughts, insights, etc.
2. Global recession
3. ?? I can’t remember
International Relations
1. ASEAN Way – has it helped or not for the ASEAN
2. US v Iraq war – discuss using the IR theory of Realism
3. Something about Global Recession .. I think
Day 2
Filipino
1. 10 questions: Tama or Mali (sentence structure)
2. 10 questions: (matching)
3. 10 questions: This one I am not sure but something baybayin (?)
4. 10 questions: fill in the blanks
5. A short paragraph from Ricky Lee’s (?) short story (?) about Quiapo.
There were 10 questions about it and then summarize it using 5 sentences.
6. Essay of 900-1500(?) words – choose from 3 topics: significance/importance of Obama’s winning the elections in terms of the Phil-US relationship or the global recession or what the government can do / plans for OFW in the future.
Philippine Conditions
1. EDSA 1,2 & 3 compare and contrast
2. MOA-AD – discuss the collapse of the agreement and its implications
3. Philippine’s population growth/control policy – discuss
4. What is the Philippine’s “national interest”
5. King of Spain is visiting – explain the life and work of Jose Rizal and should the King apologize for his execution
6. Philippine Independence Day – why was it moved from July 4 to June 12 – explain it to the US Sec or State.
Day 3
World History
1. Classical societies of Persia, India, China, Rome, Greece – its elements and contributions to mankind
2. 15th century voyages and later centuries – something about global power, communication, trade..etc
3. Imperialism and Colonialism as it relates to WW1 and WW2
Foreign Language – Spanish
1. Reading Comprehension – 10 questions
2. Correct Tenses – 10 Multiple Choice
3. Fill in the blanks -vocabulary- 10 Questions
4. Write a letter to your friend comparing the two houses that you own.
These are all that I can remember.. I might be off on some of them. Good luck to everyone who took the exam!!!!
Huhuhu! The questions you mentioned ching are relatively easier than I thought. I have ample knowledge about each question. Sayang talaga. Di bale, I’ll take it next year. Humanda ka FSO exam kasi handa na ako by then. Hehe.
Wow, this is amazing!!! I really needed this kind of information. The IS was all fuzzy for me, and now I think this might actually be the real deal for me. You’re a life saver! Now I know my course choice and where I’m heading.(haha) Thank you for imparting your experience and knowledge. ^_^
I screwed up the written exam big time. Not an iota of preparation undertaken whatsoever. Should I pass the written exam, i believe the end of the world is nigh. hehehehe
Oh, btw, they told us that the fso exam for 2009 will have major changes. any ideas? thanks.
Really? mokong dayukdok, i, too, am not very confident about the written exam. i can’t wait not to see my name on the list…(seriously, i wish, no, i pray that i pass.hehe)…good luck to us all!
hehehe. hooray for the anticipating screw-ups!
To BEAN, in reference to your entry on 02 Oct 2008 at 8:03 pm:
“Fatima – Please don’t be discouraged. I also flunked my Nihonggo exam. I just wrote random Hiragana in the Foreign Language part, seriously. For some reason my scores in the other sections made up for it, though, so don’t lose faith!”
I was just wondering how you were informed of your written exam scores. I have no idea of my written exam rating, and I would like to know. I know it doesn’t matter anymore because we’re just waiting for the appointment papers, but then it would be nice to know. Hope you could reply. Thank you.
Harinawa magtagumpay ang lahat ng nanais maging FSOfficers.(Try to think you can, and if you think you can, you’ll succeed, do the Obama way. YES YOU CAN, or perhaps more appropriately YES WE CAN.
I really admire your initiative guys.
I will also try soon, please send me reviewers.
According to the DFA website, applications for the 2009 FSO Exams are now open. Sa March ang deadline ng application.
Apparently the 2009 exam will now have 5 parts, instead of 3 parts that was done previously. Looks like its gonna be even more difficult to pass. Sana palarin pa rin.
Hi. After reading your article, napaisip tuloy ako. Will I make it? Im a Psych grad and all my background in the following subjects Philippine Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Conditions, International Affairs (with international economics), World History are all introductory.
Haaay…Do I still have a chance?
^ just give it a shot. who knows?
khreysi: 5? homaygaz! parang nagpa-root canal ka na sa excruciation
hello. qualified kaya magtake kahit may 5/ singko sa transcript?
salamat!!!!!!!
I will! I’m planning to take the exam this May.
Thank you so much for posting this blog. It’s really helpful.
Hi Guys,
Im planning to take the exams this year hopefully, got inspired by my Singaporean friend who or was a diplomat, but he still work in the government currently the deputy director of IPOS ( Intellectual Property Office of Singapore )
As most of us here, I just recently heard or came about this site which is very helpful to me. I do watch cnn, fox all the time, and have a general knowledge with whats going on with the world right now.
Im an architect and a real estate broker by profession, im based here in Mindanao, Ozamis City, but usualy travels to Cebu to supervise the projects.
Hope to meet some Cebuanos or guys from Mindanao who plans to take the qualifying exams this May:)
Alain
As they say, we need all the help we can get! considering the fact that exams will be 5 parts.
Looking forward in receiving additional tips and info regarding the upcoming qualifying exam.
Thanks again guys!
Alain
SA MGA KUKUHA NG 2009 FSO EXAMS (MULA SA ISANG NAKAPASA SA 2008 QUALIFYING EXAMS AT NAG-AABANG NA SA RESULTA NG 2008 WRITTEN EXAMS):
1) Wag kayong matakot. Moronic ang qualifying exam, masyado nga lang mahaba kaya medyo mahirap magsagot (pero madadali lang mga tanong). Magbasa lang kayo ng dictionary, dyaryo at mga magazine araw-araw para sa vocabularies. Di kailangang mag-memorize. Kahit nga di na talaga magreview basta wide reader ka, tiyak pasok ka na sa Qualifying Exam. Ang pinakamahirap na part na ay yung konting Math. Pero kahit hindi n’yo masagutan ‘yun e walang problema (konti lang yun e). Nakapasa ako (83+?) kahit hinulaan ko lang ang ibang sagot sa Math part. Basta ang tip ko para sa written exam, SAGUTAN lahat ng test item kahit hula. Sumunod sa instruction (nakakalito kasi ‘yung iba). Magdala ng kendi, tsokolate at iba pang matatamis (para pampakalma; nakakatulong talaga ito) at siyempre pa, magdasal.
2) Nung nakaraang taon, wala pang preliminary interview (swerte namin; deretsong written exam agad pagkatapos na mailabas ang result ng qualifying test). Ngayon meron na. (tantya ko, pansala lang ito sa mga magugulo ang isip o mga “may sapak.†Hindi pa nila titingnan kung matalino ka, kumbaga, titingnan lang kung matino ka. Preliminary pa lang naman. Sisiw lang ‘yan. Aja! Kaya n’yo yan.)
3) Written exam. Madali lang din basta wide reader ka lalo na ng dyaryo, magazine at mga history book. Saka na ang detalye. Matagal pa naman yung petsa e. Basta madali lang. Puro essay (mapapagod lang ang kamay at utak pero madali lang mga tanong; mas mahihirapan ka pa sa pagsulat kaysa sa pag-iisip ng sagot: imagine yourself writing five newspaper columns in 3 hours non stop)
Kapag may tanong kayo, sige lang, magtanong kayo. Minsan natatagalan akong sumagot kasi maraming paperworks sa skul (titser ako ngayon e). basta sasagutin ko kayo kahit medyo matagalan. Good luck at God bless sa lahat ng kukuha! Sa mga nagpaplano, ituloy n’yo na, wala namang mawawala (maliban sa P500 na bayad kapag magriwritten exam ka na).
@ Supreme Jedi
Sorry kung natanong na to.
I thought yung qualifying exam is purely IQ test lang? logic, math, reading comprehension etc, bakit kailangan pa ng current events?
Tsaka nalang applicable yung world events sa written test?
Thanks!
Alain
Kay Alain:
Yes, ang qualifying exam ay IQ test lang. Wala naman akong sinabing kelangan na kagad ng current events dun. Ang sabi ko, makakatulong ang pagbabasa ng dyaryo para sa vocabularies kasi content-based ang mga vocabularies (lifted from printed sources). Yes, sa written test pa ang current events pero gaya ng sinabi ko malaking tulong ang magbasa ng dyaryo dahil majority ng vocabs ay galing sa mga printed sources. Wala akong sinabi na may tanong TUNGKOL SA current events sa qualifying exam. Good luck and God bless!
@ Supreme Jedi
So sorry if I misinterpreted your post. must be really stressed up sa work lang cguro dito with all the deadlines.
Thanks sa clarrifications. hope to see some more of your post here.
Again thanks a lot for the tips!
Alain
To Jing:
Hulaan mo ilan 0.0 ko sa transcript ko? ehehehe. (0.0 sa school namin = 5.0 sa school nyo)
)
But lookie here, I made it to the written exam! Give it a try!
Guys,
Since most of us here I pressume is online most of the time during work. maybe we could share IM adds for those who have, My yahoo add is alainjefferson. so we can share info and have more indepth discussions in our free time.
Though this post was 2006 . I find it helpful . I’ve got interested in the 2009 Publication in th newspaper for FSO exam. i just wanna try for whatever it takes. the tips are great .
Hi po ulit. Gaano po ba kadugo ang quali exam? parang UPCAT or parang civil service exam?
hi lira. the qualifying exam is a timed exam (4-hours) covering English & Filipino (vocabulary, paragraph structure, reading comprehension), Math (more of data interpretation/analysis), and Basic Management Principles (some questions require plain common sense
). Manage your time well. I remember taking it in 3.5 hours, and got 86%.
hi patty. thank you for the info. really appreciated it.
i’ll keep you guys posted kung ano man ang mangyari this coming may.
bago lang ba un preliminary interview bago mag written exam?
“khreysi on 17 Feb 2009 at 12:46 am: According to the DFA website, applications for the 2009 FSO Exams are now open. Sa March ang deadline ng application. Apparently the 2009 exam will now have 5 parts, instead of 3 parts that was done previously. Looks like its gonna be even more difficult to pass. Sana palarin pa rin.”
Khreysi, Nai, etal: The selection process, prior to the 2009 announcement, consisted of 4 parts, not 3. The 4-hour pre-qualifying exam, the 3-day written exams, the 3-day oral exams, and the 1-day psychological tests. The preliminary interview included in this year’s process is a new addition. I assume that this was added to address and lessen the long period of waiting for the results of the written exams, and somehow weed out at an early stage those have “lunatic” tendencies hehehe that was meant as a joke. Let’s not see this as a way of “torturing” aspiring diplomats, but as DFA’s way of improving the hiring system for the FSOs.
I was surprised that there is a P500 fee for the qualifiying exam. Di ba walang bayad yan dati? You’ll only pay once you passed the quali exam.
Hi to all and to Lira,
I just visited the announcement page of DFA and I was surprised by the P500 charge. Is it another way of the government to collect money? How about those who have meager income?
Krisis na nga talaga…
It may be a wise move for them. In written exam ksi marami na eliminated unlike sa Qualifying which thousands are trying.. haaay…
Sorry Ms. Toe to vent out here… I was just surprised of the 5 elimination rounds, the 500 bucks and the deadline to pass the requirements…
God bless us all… there’s always the right time
Hey people, stop worrying about the 5 stages. Here’s why:
1) We still have more than 2 months to prepare for the Qualifying exam on May 10
If you do your due diligence, i doubt you would fail.
2) If you fail, however, its not the end of the world.
3) If you fail, and its really your dream to be a diplomat, you still have TWO more shots. There’s no harm in re-taking the exam, who cares if you do? If you have a dream, go make it happen whatever it takes.
4) If you fail the Psych test, which im dreading coz im a wacko, at least you would know by then that you need professional help. Better late than never.
hi guys, im planning to take the exam as well this coming may 9, but i really dont know if i have to review or not. i want to pass the exam (of course!), maybe somebody is good enough to share materials on FSO exam – reviewers, tips etc.
im very much willing also to form a small group with you guys for a possible review.
Irwin:
Is it on May 9 or May 10?
It is on May 10 according to the announcement made by the Board of Foreign Service Examination of the DFA.
mich,
its on may 10, 2009. will you take the exam? do you have any reviewer, or will you be taking a review? hehe
Irwin:
Yes, I will take the exam but don’t have any reviewer. I wonder if I really review. I just read, read and read.
Toe, your inputs are fantastic! Really informative and the life of a FSO gives a realistic view of what to expect if ever we’re fortunate enough to pass. I knew NOTHING about this till my dad told last month to try for it. It was interesting but I was disheartened after finding out how BROAD the coverage was. Still, the inputs in this forum are encouraging. Thanks much for the inputs.
Question- I recently took up Japanese language studies so I’m really in the beginner stage. In the foreign language portion, do you recommend I take up Japanese or Spanish (there might be more words I can understand…)
any tips on the first part of the exam part i – qualifying test???
2009 FSO Exams:
Qualifying Test – 10 May
Preliminary Interview – 18 & 19 July*
Written Test – 22-24 July*
Oral Test – 11-13 November*
Psychological Test – 23-27 November*
*tentative
Wow, mabilis ngayon. If the schedule will be followed, those taking the 2009 exams would also know the results by December 2009 or January 2010! No more two-year waiting period!
ei guys, review tayo….hehe. join ako sainyo.
hi mich, have you taken any foreign langauge? if not, maybe we can enrol in some language school. but it depends on what language you want. i prefer spanish. instituto de cervantes is the best (recommended by my friends!) or enrol in some foreign language classes in UP. you want?
SUNDRY CONCERNS
I have read much of the recent postings and I humbly offer my answers to some persistent questions (I took the written exam last year and we’re still waiting for the result):
1) BEFORE TAKING-UP FOREIGN LANGUAGE LESSONS, prepare for the qualifying test.
2) The qualifying test is basically peanuts if you’re a wide reader. The secret is to read, read and read because there are a lot of vocabulary items. Questions on management theory etc. are commonsensical. The relatively hardest part of the qualifying test is the Math component (I guessed answers for most items in this component but I still passed, thank God).
3) If you really want to prepare for the written exam as you review for the qualifying test, I suggest that you choose Spanish. (It’s the easiest among the foreign language tests administered; I was able to arrive at this conclusion by asking fellow exam takers who chose Francais, Nihongo and Bahasa Indonesia.) Don’t spend too much effort on the foreign language component. Also, READ, READ AND READ NEWSPAPERS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL MAGAZINES. DON’T WATCH CNN. IT HAS AN “IDIOTIZING” EFFECT, MIND YOU.
4) Don’t be scared about the preliminary interview. It’s merely aimed at weeding out potentially psychotic applicants (and also shorten the waiting time, at least psychologically).
5) A word on the shocking 500-peso application fee, this is an indirect effect of the world financial crisis. (DON’T LAUGH AT THIS. THIS MIGHT APPEAR IN THE WRITTEN EXAM.) Due to the international crisis, a credit crunch is at hand. The Philippines is thus constrained to look for alternative sources of funds to cover up for the ballooning budget deficit.
Good luck and God’s blessings to everyone!
Guys about the 500 fee, let’s just think that it’s just the same when we’ll take our written test. Believe that most of us would pass and if you think of it, we really need to pay 500 bucks.
All the best to us!
Any particular magazine? newsweek?
At doon sa management part sa qualifying test, general po ba mga tanong? I mean, maski hindi management major makakasagot doon…
I wish it would be easy for me to spend 10k for a review.
For those who wanted to have an edge this early and if you have 10k to spare, you may consider Ateneo’s Review for the Foreign Service Examination.
http://www.ateneo.edu/index.php?p=120&type=2&sec=26&aid=6465
Pangarap ko din maging Atenista pero pwede na siguro kahit review dun.
Hope this helps
Irwin,
I’ve studied Japanese language or Nihongo before in Nihongo Center Foundation in Makati. I have yet to enroll again but don’t know when. Medyo expensive din kasi.
I find this really interesting. Muchas gracias to TOE and those who took effort to write here.
While this write up was started some years ago, this is real and significant for the many who believe has a life as a diplomat. I am not certain about this as a career path though, but I am interested in taking the exams and hopefully pass.
I think the qualifying exams are just like modified NSAT and UPCAT tests and does not require a review like that for the Bar Exams. I was informed some management concepts come out.
I don’t think I can enroll in any review classes but I’ll find ways to read and review. I would be very glad if we could share materials and if you are near my area, Taft Vito Cruz La Salle Starbucks, we could start a study/ discussion group here. Add me up at YM: chopstix_28@yahoo.com
Good luck!
To all of you guys,
Which do you think is much better and more advantageous to learn or study? European or Asian studies?
Thanks to those who’ll respond.
European studies is better, interesting and advantageous, I guess.
I, myself is interested with European studies.
To all of you guys again,
I forgot to ask, what about Political Science?
Thanks again.
Mich: If you’re gearing for an FSO life, you had better take European Studies, as what Sui_Generis is alluding above.
Sui_Generis:
You are truly sui_generis. One of a kind.
Hello everyone!
Thanks to TOE for the great post, you’re a great help to all FSO aspirants out there. It’s been a minefield of information for the Exams and discussions. I’ve been reading this blog for a year now and it has been helpful in my preparations for the 9 May 2009 FSO Exams. Thanks as well to those who have contributed and shared their experiences about the exams. Your inputs really helped me visualize what the exam will be like, easing my apprehensions.
Me and an officemate are seriously preparing for the exam. We may also take the Ateneo review, so I hope to see some of you there. Here’s my Yahoo ID to those who want to keep in touch or share notes:
liam_bleu@yahoo.com
@ Review
i believe Lyceum also hold reviews for the exam, but I have been told that it’s only available in June and requires that you pass the pre-quals..
Well, the results of the Written Exam are out, and my name is not there.
http://dfa.gov.ph/?p=3832
I’m very disappointed, but its still my dream, so I’ll definitely try again.
Congrats to the 32 who made it, and best of luck for the orals.
Congratulations on those who passed.
Results of the Written test of the 2008 FSO Examination
March 19, 2009 by DFA WEBMASTER
The Board of Foreign Service Examinations would like to announce that the following thirty-two (32) examinees passed the Written Test of the 2008 FSO Examination, held from 29 November to 01 December 2008, simultaneously in Pasay City and Cebu City.
1) AGDUMA, SHARON JOHNNETTE M.
2) ALFAFARA, ANGELLA GILBERTO L.
3) ALIX, JUAN PAOLO G.
4) ANG, BRENT WILLIAM D.
5) ARAGON, JOAQUIN RICARDO R.
6) BOLANTE, JAN KENNETH E
7) BORROMEO, JUAN CARLOS C.
8) BRIONES, GILMARIE ETHEL B,
9) CAMOYING, LUNINGNING G.
10) CASIS, RAINIER J.
11) DACLAN, JOSE MARI O.
12) DE CASTRO, NICOLE THERESE A.
13) DIZON, JEIFAN IRA C.
14) ESPOSO, MARIA ANGELITA D.
15) ESTANISLAO, ANDRE PETER C.
16) FAŇGON, DOMINI N.
17) GASPAR, MICHAEL A.
18) GUANTERO, CORNELIO JR. B.
19) IGLESIAS, ANNA CHRISTINA R.
20) LAO, CECILLE JOYCE Y.
21) LEYCANO, ANDREA B
22) NOBLE, RICHLYN MARY GRACE T.
23) NUEVO, SHIRLEY 0,
24) PANGILINAN, ROWENA R.
25) PULUMBARIT, FELIZARDO JR. N.
26) QUINTIN, ROBERT D.
27) RIMBAN, KRIS FRANCISCO D.
28) ROLDAN, RALF G.
29) TIONGSON, CARLOS MANUEL Y.
30) VALDEZ, IRA MICHELINE R.
31) VALDEZ, JEFFREY A.
32) WENCESLAO, JAN SHERWIN P.
***** NOTHING FOLLOWS *****
These examinees are hereby eligible to take the Oral Test of the 2008 FSO Examination, be held from 27 to 29 May 2009 at the DFA Building, 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. They are instructed to inform the Board Secretariat (Tel. nos. 834-3080, 834-3083, or 834-4925) by Monday, 30 March 2009 if they will be taking the Oral Test.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE WHO PASSED THE WRITTEN EXAMS.
My name is not in the list of passers but I refuse to accept the posted results pending my formal appeal. I was really disappointed. I was pretty sure that I can, that I will pass the test, considering that I answered all the questions critically and analytically. Just like any self-respecting individual, I know my skills, I know my limitations, I know my aptitude. I’m certain that I passed the test. I suspect that the checker/s of my paper deliberately gave me low scores for my answers that are highly critical of some foreign and domestic policies of the current government. For example, I recommended the resumption of peace talks (in reply to a question on our Mindanao problem) grounded on the discussion of concrete ways to eradicate poverty through land reform and industrialization (Senator Claro M. Recto and Senator Lorenzo Tañada’s patriotic and workable prescription) instead of insisting on disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation (DDR; the virtual and unconditional surrender of rebels which is impossible) which unfortunately has been peddled by idiots in government since the Philippines became “independent.” Meanwhile, instead of babbling pro-American solutions to the world financial crisis, I wrote a quite comprehensive essay blaming the greed of American companies – who in collusion with capitalist governments kept wage levels stagnantly low – for the international financial crisis. Instead of kowtowing to US-led bail-outs (the usual policy declarations babbled by many intellectually challenged government officials) which merely aim to bail rich companies out of the financial crisis, I expounded on the need to increase wage levels and thus multiply the purchasing power of consumers who are none other than workers in troubled companies, thereby stimulating the world economy. With such answers that challenge the pro-American policy statements babbled by the current government, I may have incurred the wrath of the checker/s who arguably is/are most probably Western-educated or at least solidly Americanized, considering the fact that the current regime is among the most subservient to American interests. It seems that just like in the 1950s up to the 1970s, McCarthyist elements in the top levels of government wanted to make it sure that no genuinely patriotic citizen would be able to join the ranks of elite foreign service officers who are in a position to initiate far-reaching and tectonic policy shifts from pro-American and colonized or colonial stances towards a genuinely patriotic and independent ones.
I plan to appeal or at least register my disgust about what happened to my answers. Fellow test takers, if you have similar dilemmas, please contact me and let’s not take this sitting down. We should try to reverse the old boys’ club mentality. We should make it clear that analytical minds, principled dissenters and genuine patriots ought to have a place in the esteemed ranks of foreign service officers.
I phoned the BFSE to ask if I can make an appeal. The DFA employee whom I talked to said that I can try to appeal my case and address such to the DFA official designated as chairperson of the BFSE. I reiterate my call to fellow test takers who might have similar dilemmas and doubts as I have, let’s talk and plan together.
Again, improve your writing skills Mr. San Juan. It’s amusing you still wonder why you failed.
Congratulations to those who passed the 2008 Written Test. Kita-kita tayo sa May.
Hi Liam,
I have read, you’re very kind to share your notes, that will be great because I will not be able to enroll at any review center. All I can do is rely on my own reading, reading and reading of newspaper and the books recommended in this blog.
Can i email you?
Thanks,
Dette
“I plan to appeal or at least register my disgust…”
May I too register my disgust of…hahaha!
sigenanga
Batch15
Thanks for the kind words, OBSERVER. Perhaps you ought to explain what particular writing skills should I improve. Improving my writing skills is of course a priority but with an obstinately colonial-thinking (the proper term is colonized, according to Conrado de Quiros) regime, writing skills won’t matter. You may not accept it and in fact those in DFA would publicly deny it, but the current regime requires foreign service officers who are docile, conservative, conformist, Westernized, pro-American and thus subservient to what the colonized higher ups would babble. Of course, the only way to weed out potential dissenters and non-conformists is through deliberately ignoring or at least downplaying the importance of writing skills and focusing on the content and political orientation of applicants, as what happened in the last FSO written exam. To this end, test checkers will certainly discard essays that quote or at least echo Claro M. Recto, the real Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, Lorenzo Tañada, Jose Diokno, Teofisto Guingona, Jovito Salonga and other genuine Filipino patriots who advocate/d independent, assertive and genuinely nationalist foreign policies. Test checkers will definitely fail test takers who discuss debt renegotiation, revival of peace talks with socio-economic reforms as primary agenda, land reform, national industrialization, globalization from below (which means reversing liberalization, privatization and deregulation), people power as a pillar of democracy and other unconventional yet nationalist advocacies. (One of the questions in last year’s written exam is about people power, specifically Edsa I-III, as a boon or bane to democracy. As a patriot and democrat, I defended Edsa I-III as democratic exercises of an enlightened citizenry. Of course, test checkers are cunning enough to know that giving my essay a high score would not make the top officials of DFA happy since defending Edsa I-III is a slap in the face of their dear president. Now, more than ever, I’m convinced that my answers were rejected for its extremely democratic and patriotic tone which will not fit the nonchalant and businesslike diplomatese that morons in Philippine foreign service think is good for the country’s interests. Perhaps they have foregotten or deliberately did not consider the fact that Philippine foreign service’s primary objective is to assert the country’s interests above anything else and at all cost.) Writing skills are therefore irrelevant. This is what OBSERVER failed to observe or at least consider.
To sigenanga, thanks for alluding to my post. Disgusted with me? Thanks. Westernized “Filipinos” are always disgusted of dyed-in-the-wool patriots.
@ VJ/Liam/dette
In my opinion, and based on my experience, you don’t need to attend review classes to pass the FSO Exams (though I still have to make it through the Oral Test). My stock knowledge and the ability to write clearly and concisely were enough to get me through the Qualifying and Written Tests.
My advice is save your 10K. Just read about what’s going on around you, watch TV, and surf the Net.
@ SAN JUAN
If you think yourt cause should be heard, go fight for it because you are entitled to that. But just a word, entry into the foreign service is not a right, but a privilege. It’s a privilege because the DFA reserves the right to choose from among the many who try their luck, both in the context of foreign service and diplomacy. If they rejected you, it just suggests that the likes of you is not what the DFA wants. You maybe a critical thinker, a patriot, a hero (in your own right), but if you’re not good enough for the service, you’re really no good at all (at least in their minds). That’s just it. Don’t force yourself. Perhaps, your time was just postponed as what a felllow commenter here had alluded. Don’t sweat it too much, man. Try your luck next year instead of babbling your way and appealing up to the Board.
I’m just disturb, are somewhat related to LT. SAN JUAN, the mutineer? If so, ang tatapang talaga ng lahi n’yo.
Way to go, pare!
Hi guys, I’m so happy to have stumbled upon Toe’s blog before I took the written exam last November, and I’m happy to report that I’m one of the 32 who passed.
I failed the first time I took it in 2006, but I’m lucky the second time around.
Prayers and preparation do work.
But now, the orals are just two months away. Reading this blog has been so helpful, and I’m thankful to all those who have generously provided tips for us who aspire to enter the DFA someday.
As for the Orals, I think I have a pretty good idea how the panel interview will go (the panelists will ask questions to intentionally rattle you) and I hope I survive that.
However, I’m still not really sure how the Group Dynamics and the Extemporaneous Speeches will go. Any tips from those who have survived this? I’d be so grateful.
To David, I hope you won’t mind me giving my honest thoughts about your post.
Regarding the results of the written exam, like you I was so disappointed that I failed the first time I took it. It was disheartening, but I decided to try one more time last year.
To tell you the truth, I don’t exactly remember most of my answers during the last written exam (maybe I blocked them out). I do recall, however, that I wasn’t exactly pro-government with my answers. I recall a question about “national interest” where I was highly critical about the current administration and I made numerous references to how the VFA was highly detrimental to the country.
Maybe the examiners were checking not just the substance of your answer, but also form, style and organization.
As for the checkers, I distinctly remember one of my teachers at school telling us that she used to be an examiner for the FSO exam. She is, to say the least, one of the staunchest patriots I’ve ever met, one to never mince her words about the culture of imperialism that pervades today. It’s a bit difficult to believe that she will fail people taking the FSO exam because of anti-Western sentiments because she herself is a proud nationalist.
If you really feel strongly about it, maybe you should write the appeal (but to be honest, the DFA might not be too pleased if you immediately jump to conclusions about the reasons you failed the test). But maybe you can also look forward and try again if this is really your career goal. I’m still not an FSO, but I’ll be working hard to pass the orals because this is really my dream.
Pare, you need not look for affirmation here. Go look for your mother. My suggestion, mag-file ka na lang ulit. Deadline na next week. Hirap nyan, may interview part na. Di mo alam, baka someone here *wink* sits in that panel. Tsk, tsk. Di pa pumapasa feeling “CM-III” na. Iyan ang tawag namin sa kagaya mo.
sigenanga
batch15
@sigenanga,
Pare, hinay-hinay lang din. Diplomat ka na, di ba? We only have a glimpse of what Mr. San Juan is going through, just like everyone else, even you. We don’t know the whole picture. I’m not here to defend anyone. Let’s be more kind with words and deed. Kindness can go a long way. Everyone’s fighting his own battle, as we say.
If our words don’t bring any goodness in others and in us, maybe they don’t need to be uttered/written at all. Failure — not just in this exam but in life, in general — does not make us lesser beings nor does victory make us better than others.
@ Mr. San Juan
Your first comments seem knee-jerk reactions to me and it’s perfectly understandable because failures can really be hard to swallow, at times. But, as I have previously stated, we will never always have what we want. Life doesn’t work that way. Stop whining. You also have to understand that there is no failure except in no longer trying (not my own words. Forgot whose words these were but thanks!). Be more prepared next time, find out where you failed and what you need to improve on. If this is for you, it will be for you no matter what sigenanga and observer and others like them say. Nowhereman’s right. Maybe it’s not the content but the form, style and other elements of good writing.
I sure hope there will be no more self-glorifying and immature comments after this. Grow up, people.
@David
There are people with MAs and PhDs that do not pass the written exam. I heard that Luli Arroyo herself had to take that exam more than once.
You obviously have a very high opinion of yourself. Even if you were as good as you say you are, it takes a lot more than just “critical thinking” to pass that exam. The mere organization of your thoughts can have a huge impact. Who cares if you suggested some really great ideas, when they’re tucked away in hidden sentences and the most striking paragraphs contain nothing more than rants? Likewise, did you provide sufficient evidence to back up your claims? Was your grammar 100% perfect? What about your handwriting? It’s an EXAM. No matter how professional a checker is, you won’t get high scores if your points of argument can only be truly understood after the 3rd or 4th reading. What did you do to ensure that your paper stands out from the rest?
Like it or not, “writing skills” would be an asset that is very important. It is the job of the Diplomat to be understood perfectly by others, and not the other way around.
Oh, and the “old boy’s club” mentality isn’t at work in the written exam. STOP BLAMING THE CHECKERS. Most of them come from UP, and the checkers I know pretty much share your views. It’s more dangerous if that is the case, because then, they can pretty much puncture the holes in your arguments because the topics are very familiar to them.
@ sigenanga
Re: Tsk, tsk. Di pa pumapasa feeling “CM-III†na. Iyan ang tawag namin sa kagaya mo.
I believe FSO V is the more appropriate term (kasi hindi pa nga pumasa, feeling FSO na!) Cool ka lang kay Mr. San Juan. He’s just beside himself with disbelief that he did not pass. Emotional and irrational remarks from him at this time are quite understandable.
@ Mr. San Juan
Maybe you can ask/appeal BFSE to give you the details of your rating, so that you will know which parts of the exam you got low scores in. Baka naman kaunti nalang ang kulang para makapasa ka, so you just need to strive a bit harder. By the way, we don’t like people with attitude problems in the DFA. If you cannot take some disappointments and would insist on your take of things, you will not be very much welcome in the DFA. The DFA is still a very hierarchical organization. They don’t like dissenters much. Don’t get me wrong, they will listen to your take or opinion of things, but the traditional systems are so ingrained so things are not easy to change overnight. Even their way of thinking is still very traditional. Changes are really hard to implement. My personal experience of introducing some changes in some regulations, is facing much opposition from other offices…
Pikachu
(Batch 16)
sorry for some typos and missing words. I’m in a hurry.
“Deadline na next week. ”
Deadline of what?
_____________________________________________________
Hi Liam,
I have read, you’re very kind to share your notes, that will be great because I will not be able to enroll at any review center. All I can do is rely on my own reading, reading and reading of newspaper and the books recommended in this blog.
Can i email you?
Thanks,
Dette
_____________________________________________________
hi liam, can i also share with your notes? i submitted my application yesterday, and a lot of people submitted their applications too..
hehe. gudlak sa mga mgeexam…
here is the results of the 2008 written exams…http://dfa.gov.ph/?p=3832
to mr. san juan,
you were told you may appeal right? then you must appeal. it is your right, as long as an appeal is granted.nobody can take that right from you. go on, do what you think is right. if you think you should’ve passed, then go. don’t let the moment come and go, baka magsisi ka.malay mo, pag-appeal mo tama ka pala. tandaan mo, TAO LANG ANG NAG-CHECK NG WRITTEN EXAM NA YAN. LAHAT NAGKAKAMALI.
ei guys, naalala ko yung professor ko sa UP na pumasa sa written exam. i asked her the day after the oral exam. one of the questions was:
“what would you choose, your love life or your career as a foreign service officer?”
and some nerve-cracking questions.
well, she made it. that was in 2005 or 2006….
goodluck to all written exam passers!
congratulations to all passers of the 2008 written exam. swiper, na-pressure mo ako magsulat hahaha. good luck again sa susunod na written exam to you and the others.
i remember during the formal dinner sa last day ng oral exam last october, katabi ko ang isang Ambassador. Ang sabi niya: kung di ukol, di bubukol.
i only wish you all the best and all the ukol there is for you. =)
hi irwin i submitted my application too yesterday. sinu ka dun?hehe!. Most of the FSO aspirants yesterday are from Lasalle.
Congratulations nowhereman!!!ang galing mo.
I’ll take your advice. I thought those who will enroll in a review center, will have more edge. I believe you. Reading is the key. After all it’s great to the advice of an exam passer. better be frugal( Global recession nga pala ngayun).
Good luck on your oral exam! please post some more tips for the exam.
To Nowhereman,
Thanks for the advise. I didn’t enroll in the Ateneo review. I’m not ready to spend 10k yet though, like what I mentioned, it’s also my dream to be an Atenista
so it’s like hitting 2 birds na rin, studying in Ateneo and preparing for the goal.
I would take the qualifying test first. That was the original plan before the date of tests were released.
March 27 is near and I haven’t passed my application for the test yet.
Reminder also to those who plan to take the May 10 qualifying exam, March 27 is the deadline.
All the best to us. Peace!
hi dette,
i submitted my application at 3 in the afternoon. before me were 3 guys from lasalle. after paying, i met other 2 guys from lasalle too.
Hi Guys,
To those who already submitted their application form, did the DFA mentioned when they will mail the exam permits? submitted mine here at the regional office in Cagayan De Oro City…
Thanks!
To TAKE AKO ULIT: Thanks for the kind words. Lt. San Juan the mutineer, err, THE PATRIOT? No relation whatsoever, except for the strange spiritual bond commonly felt by patriots of all stripes. I salute him though for his courage against the rise of tyranny.
To CLOUD 9: Perhaps, the DFA has become stricter now with dissenters. Form, style and organization? Have you read my actual answers? Go check with the DFA. Anyway, thanks for providing hope to would-be “second-takers.†May the Good Lord make you pass the orals!
To SIGENANGA: Ako ba ang tinutukoy mo rito?: “Pare, you need not look for affirmation here. Go look for your mother. My suggestion, mag-file ka na lang ulit. Deadline na next week. Hirap nyan, may interview part na. Di mo alam, baka someone here *wink* sits in that panel. Tsk, tsk. Di pa pumapasa feeling “CM-III†na. Iyan ang tawag namin sa kagaya mo.†Affirmation? Hindi kami nagbobolahan ng nanay ko. WALA AKONG PAKIALAM SA TAWAG NYO SA KAGAYA KO. Kung nasa DFA ka na, pagbutihin mo ang trabaho mo. Maging makabayan ka. Isa ako sa mga nagbabayad ng buwis na pinapasahod sa mga gaya “NYO,†kaya kung diplomat ka na pala ng Pilipinas, pwede bang maging mabait ka naman sa kapwa mo Pilipino. Ang yabang mo.
To Swiper: Thanks for some sympathetic remarks. Indeed, I posted some of my comments ab irato. Form, style and elements of good writing? Better ask the DFA for my papers.
To Christie: Test checkers from UP? Perhaps the likes of Solita Monsod and other perennial defenders of US folly. It’s useless to debate semantics with you because I can’t show you my papers and I can’t possibly replicate my actual answers in the test, verbatim, for posting here. Thanks for soothing words, anyway.
To Pikachu: I may have expressed highly emotional but certainly not irrational statements. Being mad at injustice is a perfectly rational reaction. Indeed, the DFA told me that they’d send us report of our ratings. Thanks for admitting that the DFA remains a hierarchical entity (despite being within a supposed republic). I don’t have attitude problems. Ranting against injustice is not an attitude problem, it’s a normal reaction. We should be active shapers of what should be rather than passive victims of what it is. Someone ought to bang his head against the wall so that the next batch of wall smashers would find it easier to destroy. Continue advocating reforms. I salute you.
To Irwin: Thanks! You’re taking the qualifying test? Good luck and God bless you. The test is moronic, just like the written exam that I supposedly failed. Heheh.
To Boots: Kung di ukol, di bubukol. Yes, just like ZTE. Heheh.
To everyone: I forgot to mention Renato Constantino as one of my “ideological fathers.†Perhaps test checkers are no longer well-versed with his old-fashioned yet all the more valuable nationalist advocacies. I still plan to appeal, though, as said by some honest DFA employees, appeals are not usually entertained. This may hurt my chances of passing the FSO forever, but at least, I got to show them that not all Filipinos are passive automatons relishing the subtleties of tyranny.
Sourgraping with the capital S
Sorry guys if I failed to reply..
@dette, irwin
sure..
liam_bleu@yahoo.com
@Nowhereman
thanks for the advice.. the reason why a friend and I want to take the review are:
a) to meet fellow examinees
b) to cover things we might have missed
c) have a venue where we can share notes & create discussion groups
I believe I got things covered and reading the questions given on previous exams, I am confident that I could answer them all. Perhaps I am just apprehensive that my skills aren’t as sharp as they were the last time I went to school. So, this might be a good prep for me, albeit an expensive one.
@ David San Juan
Reading your first post, I think you are both articulate and well-versed on the topics you have discussed. If you really believe that you passed the exam, I think you deserve an appeal or an explanation why your name was not included in the list.
But, if I can share my 2 cents, looking at your arguments and use of language, I think its not the kind of language that a diplomat should use. Tact is the first virtue of a diplomat. Remember, as a diplomat you should be opening doors for communication so you can serve ‘national interest.’ However, the kind of language you used is the type that would close doors.
Patriotism is good. But remember, as a Philippine diplomat, you will be dealing from a point of disadvantage. It is most likely that we are the ones who will be needing things from them. So you have to find a way of getting what you want without antagonizing them.
I am planning to take the ateneo fso exam review. They have a review for the fso qualifying test on april 4 at ateneo.
@ Kyle,
The Ateneo reviewer for the QUALIFYING TEST is worthless. A TOEFL or GMAT reviewer would be more useful. If you have a good English foundation, you don’t need any review for the Qualifying test.
What do you think of homosexuals joining the foreign service?
KYLE, don’t waste your money for a review. Pikachu’s right. A TOEFL reviewer is enough.
ok thanks for the advice. Ill try to use GMAT and TOEFL.
Mr. San Juan, just accept the truth and go on with your life. I suppose being an FSO is not the be-all and end-all of your life right? If you agree with me, take your patriotism somewhere where it is more, and perhaps best, suited. There are many ways to serve your country and instigate the change you wanted other than joining the DFA. I surmise you were overly critical of Philippine policies in your essays, and certainly, this is unwanted. Being critical is okay, but excessively critical is not. Remember that diplomats should be apolitical, but they should be ready to defend their government and its policies at any given time, something I see you cannot do, and I do not blame you because you are just showing your real you. Bottom line is, there is no use being bitter. Yes, your initial display of frustration is totally understandable, but isn’t it time to move on? If, despite everything, you are still interested in joining the Philippine foreign service, then just take the exams again. I have a little piece of unsolicited advice, though. You are an intellectually gifted individual, which I can tell from the way you express yourself, so I totally understand how your ego was bruised with your failure. In any endeavor, however, would it not be better if you just do your very best and not expect too much? This way, success is sweeter and failure is less painful. Remember that humility and modesty can make you go a long way, while arrogance and being too assuming will take you nowhere.
To all those who would like to take the pre qualifying exams. Did you have a hard time looking for photo studios which develop pictures using film and not through digital imaging? BFSE said that they wont accept digitally enhanced pictures. I know this is only a simple one but I’ve been trying to look for such photo studios but to no avail. Most photo studios now, I think use digital imaging. Maybe in the province there are still a lot there. But do I have to go there just to get such?
Mich, the prohbition relates to pictures digitally-*enhanced* (ie Photoshop-ed). Digital pics can be submitted basta it shows full face, your name and size is correct. More important, I think, is the fact that applications need to be notarized. Please note that. Baka deadline (this Friday, 27 March) na mag-submit ang iba and di pa notarized, BFSE won’t accept those applications.
no_juice
fso
No Juice,
I have submitted my application yesterday. I called up BFSE first about my problem the day before. They really prefer pictures developed from film but then they accepted my application. I said it was hard for me to look for those photo studios that don’t use computers for developing. Hindi ko na lang pina edit pics ko.
I have to agree with Nowhereman. Save your cash. I did not attend any review class either, but managed to land at the top portion of the the ranking list. All I did was read through a couple of textbooks to refresh my memory. It’s mostly about your stock knowledge.
Em, thanks for your kind words. I still plan to appeal, but of course in the traditionally bland and euphemism-laden diplomatese.
can you recommend any management books to study for the prequals?
David San Juan:
So much drama. A lot of FSOs did not pass the written exams the first (sometimes, the second or third) time. You know what the wise men say: “Failure is not in falling but in refusing to get up again.” Seeing your posts, I think (ab irato aside), the grapes are very sour. Why damn the institution you so desire to join? But again, maybe being an FSO is not for you. So, as hero so aptly advised, “Dude you failed. get over it.”
I went to DFA to pass my application last Monday only to be turned away by the lady at the reception area because I was wearing a sleeveless blouse. Ok, I thought, no biggie. I’ll just come back tomorrow. However, my mom who was waiting for me at Jollibee would hear none of it, so she came up with the brilliant idea to just exchange shirts with me. Back I went to DFA wearing a pink shirt that was two sizes too big. If you saw a strange looking person submitting her application that day, that would be me.
Then, the lady who checked my requirements at the office told me that it was incomplete because I did not submit my college transcript and diploma. (I only had my post grad transcript and diploma with me.) I forgot, I totally forgot!!! Arghhhh!!! Kapag talagang inaalat ka nga naman o.
I went back to submit my complete requirements on Wednesday morning and made sure that I was wearing a blouse with sleeves. All’s swell that end’s well…..for now.
It’s shame that I stumbled upon this blog a wee bit too late. I already enrolled in the Ateneo review program because I felt that my test taking skills have become rusty especially in the Math department (which I barely passed in college). So if there’s anyone out there who’s also enrolled, see you this Saturday.
Congratulations on the 31 newly sworn in officers of Batch 16!
The next chapter of your lives will begin soon. Relish your vacation for you will surely miss it once the real work begins.
Again, congratulations!
“Congratulations TO the 31 newly sworn in officers of Batch 16!” pala dapat. Haha! My bad.
Ms. Toe, thanks for putting this blog up. Over the course of the past year, I’ve been consulting all the comments here, and lo and behold, I actually passed the written test.
3) ALIX, JUAN PAOLO G.
Now how to prepare for that Oral Test.
lol
Alain on 22 Mar 2009 at 9:01 pm
Hi Guys,
To those who already submitted their application form, did the DFA mentioned when they will mail the exam permits? submitted mine here at the regional office in Cagayan De Oro City…
Alain, You have to call your DFA regional office as to when to pick your exam permit, better yet call the main DFA in Manila, BFSE (02)834-3080 next week, the lady who received my application told me to call them 1st week of April.
@ Promdi
Thanks! will call DFA CDO regional office nextweek for the update. pero sabi nila, e mail lang daw nila yung permit. pero mabuti na maka siguro.
Thanks!
When is the FSO for 2009 scheduled? The qualifying exams only. Thanks a lot!
ally mcbeal, how was the ateneo review for the fso exam?
hello, anyone staying near dfa roxas blvd? i stay here, wanna study together for the qualifying exam?
my number is 09274782352, 09226027798
I have GMAT reviewers, I wanna have a look and see the Ateneo review class notes, cno mga nagateneo review class dito? =) pahingi ng contact info/email nyo, lets share notes
I will just be in Manila this holy week, sino gusto magreveiw, review tayo! anywhere near pasay/makati am ok =) or kahit malayo we can discuss
Gerick | YM: gerick_chua@yahoo.com | email: gerick.chua@gmail.com
09274782352 09226027798
Let me preface this tip by saying that I’m quite confident about my grasp of English grammar…
There’s one thing that made the 2008 Qualifying Test a bit more challenging for me. For several of the questions, all the possible answers had grammatical errors, making it difficult to choose the best answer. I just picked the answers that had the least grammatical errors. I passed the Qualifying Test, so I guess that tactic must have worked.
Did anyone have the same experience?
hello Ally McBeal, anu cell num and email add mo? i would like to ask about the ateneo review class.
mine is
Gerick | YM: gerick_chua@yahoo.com | email: gerick.chua@gmail.com
09274782352 09226027798
hey guys, I also filed my application to take the FSO exams. I’m working in Rome and I think I’m the only applicant from here,buti pa kayo, makakapag review dyan sa pinas,ako dito,nagsosolo magreview.Also,I would like to say thank you to Toe sa pag open nya ng blog na ito.
Magkarinigan na lang tayo guys, Buona Fortuna sa ating lahat!
hello,
i became interested when i first read something about this foreign service officer. Are the exams scheduled every year? I am a fresh graduate of legal management and i am confused now, if i will first take up law or have another career… Anyways, thank you a lot, this blog helped me a lot to realize what i really want in life…
jam
Liam,
I am grateful for your kindness! I’ll keep in touch soon.
Semantics, pikachu and nowhereman. I took your advise and save my cash. But i’m fighting over the feeling, that I was left out or behind those who took the review at Ateneo. My current work demands 12 hours of my day, I can only read a few notes from 10 PM onwards. Actually i also say no to all nightlife invitations, reunions and outing especially this past holy week. “Alone and reading” this is the new me.
Semantics I’ll include you in my daily prayers. Hey you already top the exam! orals will only be chicken for you and to all congratulations guys!. I’m so happy for those who passed. Hope someday will meet on the same ground.
@ Jam,
If you will re-read toe’s advise above, she say’s no need to have a masteral degree or wait to be lawyer for us to take the FSO exam. I think newly grads will be witty enough to take the exam.
Hi everyone! Thank you so much, Ma’am Toe! Your site has been such a great help to me and many other Filipinos. I have been reading this blog for a few months now but this is my first time to write.
By the way, I’m Joyce and will be taking the FSO exam this year. I’m also taking the Ateneo review even though I initially planned to study by myself. When I was getting references for my FSO application, my professors who are former ambassadors told me to take the review. So I did and I really hope to learn a lot.
For the qualifying exam, it’s good to prepare and practice. I’m also trying to download free online prep software for GMAT at mba.com. Maybe this could help. I also found a website called mbagym.com that introduces management concepts.
Last year, I took the civil service exam. It was hard for me because many of the choices seemed almost correct. So just choose what you think and feel is right.
Here are some of the tips I got from the exam and the review:
1) Manage your time. Wear a wristwatch.
2) Follow instructions and read questions carefully. One section may ask for synonyms while another may be looking for antonyms. Solving for the area is different from the perimeter.
3) Bring many pencils and a good eraser.
4) Simplify math problems. Reduce fractions. If you can, use arithmetic instead of algebra. Draw a diagram to visualize the problem.
5) Eliminate wrong choices and pick the most likely answer when guessing.
6) Read for comprehension, not speed. Understand what is being asked.
7) Find the pattern in reasoning problems. If you don’t find a single pattern, there could be two alternating patterns. Examples are 1 20 3 22 5 24 7 ? or 10 55 11 53 13 51 ?
8) Remember the little things, especially in English. What is a female deer? What is the past participle of bring? What sentence has the correct form? Grammar can be really tricky sometimes.
9) Review if you have time.
If you have any questions, feel free to kindly email me. My yahoo ID is sadiarin_ejm.
If you think that the prequals is just another typical civil service exam, then you’re in for a rough surprise. Throw all your reviewers in the sidelines, they’re of no use. Trust me.
they say that you should at least get the CSEE reviewer instead
hi. it’s been awhile since the last time i posted a message here. hehe.
by the way guys, the permit (or admission slip as they say) is already available at BFSE in DFA. I got mine already last tuesday. The venue for my exam is Fort Bonifacio High School.
See you there guys…
and still, i find it hard to review. dont know what materials to review. i already have gmat reviewer (from the internet) and some books on grammar.
help please,….
Hi. Its a bummer i have only heard about the exams just yesterday. I called the dfa and they told me that they are not accepting any applications anymore. Is there a possibility I can still pass my requirements? Please help. I would really want to take the exams and I think its pretty challenging, I love history very much and I just realized that this is the career that I want. I would appreciate the help really. Thanks….
Sayang talaga am very much eager to study and to take the exams. Anyone who can help me? please…. I really regret why I just saw this blog yesterday….. Hay.
Hey Andrei,
Yup DFA is no longer accepting applicants, so you cant submit your requirements na.
Meron pa naman next year.
Good luck
Andrei,
They hold the exams yearly. There’s always next year for those who didn’t meet this year’s deadline. Just use the time to get more preparation done.
well, if I will take the exams next year ill be 25 by the time I will take my oath of office. I just felt na sayang yung oras… Anyway thanks for the input. Im just so frustrated right now… Hay. Thanks again.
How will you know your ranking after the exams? will they tell you if your the first, second, third or the last one? In the board exams they just give out the top 10 so I don’t know how the fso exams would go. It will be an exhilirating experience if you topped the most difficult government exams with the highest mortality rate, ego booster. Hahaha.
Just a question for those who were lucky to pass the prequals. Is the shading of the corresponding answers on our answer sheets a big factor in passing it? I mean is there any possibility that should the shading is not properly made, the computer will just reject it? Please enlighten.
Goodluck sa mag-eexam sa may!!!!
I passed the written exams and submitted my CV by proxy last April 22 (because I was on a business trip and only came back now), and I’m a bit worried. Mostly because I would like to at least know whether the DFA received it or not, and being unable to contact their office by phone. Are any of you getting “phone no. unavailable” errors when you attempt to contact their office? I’ve tried 834-4000, 3780 and 3136, and get nothing. Are there other ways to contact the agency? (I’ll also be trying by e-mail, but that would take some time)
Deadline is only 2 days away, and I’d like to make sure I can still do something about it in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Glad to see this blog. I feel nostalgic but would write something acerbic.
ATTENTION INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS. THERE’S SOMETHING IN ZAMBOANGA WHICH THE DFA WON’T TELL YOU ABOUT.). Why? It’s because USA respects Venezuela because its leaders have balls! In contrast, what we have here is the monarchical American poodle, a literal pygmy in international affairs, Obama’s great fan. Of course we have COMPETENT ambassadors (e.g. war-freak generals who can’t even compose a good policy briefing, moronic socialites who have linkages with politicians etc.)
What step must the Philippines take to be able to achieve real progress? Simple. Abolish DFA. It has become an ardent mouthpiece of the USA. Take a look at the way it handled Nicole’s case. DFA has defended Smith time and again, as if we need to kiss America’s ass to stand-out in international circles. Well, at the very least the DFA succeeded in putting the Philippines in the map of international affairs. Everywhere, the Philippines is mistaken for a decrepit archipelago still held as a colony by superficially democratic USA. Indeed, the least circumspective observer would readily realize that in almost ALL matters brought to the UN, the Philippines, just like a good old colony, votes with the USA!
DFA has not done any good to the country. It’s a top-heavy organization. If the president’s rationalization, err, termination program shall ensue, it should first be implemented in DFA. Poor FSOs who don’t have ties with powerful government officials are always sidelined in the appointments to juicy posts.
Imagine incompetent and moronic generals serving as ambassadors. (Have you heard that General Yano would be posted in Brunei. And we have had enough of Cimatu). Perhaps General Palparan “the butcher” would later replace Hilario Davide in the UN post, so that he will have the chance to get back at Prof. Alston. Such a lovable foreign affairs department that serves the Filipino people well (of course this is a satire, ala-Chip Tsao).
The DFA has outlived its usefulness. We ought to consider abolishing it, or perhaps enticing USA to absorb it as part of their own Foreign Affairs Department. Hillary would certainly be happy to work with many Filipino bureaucrats who tend to be overly pro-American as to not know what Ibong Mandaragit is nor possibly identify the difference between rape and a romantic episode.
Is DFA serving Filipinos? Not at all. They can’t even help Filipinos stranded in Dubai (who were victimized by illegal recruiters). They happily announced and even defended Smith’s lightning-swift coming home to America. They (or rather most of them, since I personally know some patriots in DFA who really fight for our sovereignty, ala-Venezuela) foolishly declared that we need VFA for progress. The gall of these bootlickers. Don’t they know that colonies won’t be treated equally by colonialists. Conversely, USA won’t treat us well because we don’t even have self-respect. We have surrendered our sovereignty to the USA through VFA so why would America treat us well?
Look at Venezuela, they’re fairly treated by the USA (mind you, USA has more investments in Venezuela than the Philippines, and there are no military bases there unlike what WE NOW HAVE IN ZAMBOANGA. BEEN THERE ONCE
Anyway, I once was a middle-level FSO. Been there. Done that. Good luck to the new FSOs and to the aspiring ones. Serving Filipinos through the DFA? Such a bad idea. As I’ve said, the DFA is a top-heavy organization. It’s an old boys club, friends. Been there. Might as well abolish it and use the savings to develop our own industries so that we will have no alibi for staying abroad.
@ Anarquista,
May I know, what have YOU done to try to change the DFA? I guess you didn’t stick there long enough to be able to do that. You probably have to be Assec level to be able to implement some changes, and let’s face it, less than 20 people can be an Assec at any given time. However, just because there is something wrong with the institution, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the issues cannot be resolved eventually. Abolishing it would erase any possibility to seeing any future institutional reforms in the DFA. Perhaps another breed of leaders will be able to change the DFA… Too bad you didn’t stick around to see if it will happen, or else to be among the pioneers who will steer the much-needed changes.
@ Neofio
you may reach them at 5515976. I think it’s their faxline. I got to talk to them thru that number last week regarding this coming qualifying exam. hope they got your CV though.
cheers!
Maraming salamat sa inyong mga sinabi! Ang dami kong natutunan dito.
Ako rin pala sa Fort Bonifacio kukuha ng eksam. Tapos naghintay rin ako ng isang taon kasi wala pa akong diploma noong Abril ng 2008. Sinasabi rin yata kung sino ang pinakamataas kasi yung mga propesor ko, nanguna raw sila sa eksam.
Tungkol sa pag-aaral, naku dinugo talaga ang ilong ko sa pagsagot sa GMATPrep. May matematika, pagbabasa, balarila at lohika. Maganda siya at makikita ito sa mba.com.
Napaisip rin ako sa mga sinabi ni Anarquista. Wala naman sigurong mapapala ang bansa kung bubuwagin ang DFA. Lahat naman kasi ng ugnayang panlabas nananaig sa pambansang pangangailangan.
Siguro kung mapayapa at matatag ang bansa natin, hindi na natin kailangan ang VFA. Kung maraming trabaho at puhunan dito, hindi na siguro natin kailangan magkaroon ng mga OFW.
Maraming langis sa Venezuela kaya siguro nirerespeto ng Amerika ito kahit anong gawin nila. Tayo naman, kahit napakarami nating Filipino, parang hindi natin ito nagagamit tungo sa pambansang kaunlaran.
Sa tingin ko, darating rin ang panahon natin. Hindiito madali pero magagawa natin ito basta gagawin natin ang mabuti para sa sarili at para sa bansa. Hindi naman kailangang sumali sa DFA para makatulong sa bayan. Pero dahil ito ang trabahong pinag-aralan ko, susubukan kong pumasok sa DFA.
Gusto ko kasi makatulong at makitang maging maunlad ang bansa. Bukod pa roon, gusto ko rin matuto ng marami at mabawasan ang aking pagkamahiyain. Mapipilitan kasi akong magsalita, mangumbinsi at makihalobilo.
Mahaba na ito at sana hindi dumugo ang ilong ninyo. Salamat at ingat!
Anarquista
I can hardly believe that a former diplomat would make such sweeping and radical suggestions without any regards for the effects. There is a hell of a lot of things wrong with the DFA, our government, etc. Everyone knows it. Yeah let’s abolish the DFA, remove the main body that allows this country communicate with the outside world. Let’s not take part of any world meeting, trade, diplomacy etc. basically everything. Yes because at this day and age, isolation works so well doesn’t it? Works great for North Korea, I mean a quarter of their people are in concentration camps, and the rest of the majority are dying through famine, but hey, they’re surviving without any major foreign relations (except for rice aid), why can’t we?
Basically, let’s destroy the dfa, because the Philippines has turned into an American bootlicker, our citizens in the middle east are getting killed, and that as an organization it’s completely utterly useless, isn’t it? Nevermind the amazing repatriation operations it pulled off on the onset of the Iraq war for our nationals to escape the warzone. Nevermind, all the fights our “bootlickers” scrambled to win so that we can get foreign aid from so many different countries. Completely ignore that the representatives from the DFA i.e. Amb. Rosario Manalo, is showing true Filipino spirit despite the top heavy corruption, not only to do good here, but to influence other Asean countries to clean up their act in the realm of human rights. Even now we’re in a blog made by Ms. Toe, who has gone out of her way to help so many applicants here.
The truth is, that you are right. There are a lot of things rotten in the dfa, in our country for that matter. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be fixed. It just takes a hell of a lot of work and amazing individuals who can pull it off. I know your goal in your post is to discourage anybody who is interested in applying. But honestly I am fired up more than ever to pass that Oral Test and become a diplomat. And I hold no delusions about what I’m getting myself into.
Wish me luck everyone. I’m submitting my CV and Medical stuff tomorrow.
Ano ba nangyayari sa bansa natin? Nabalitaan niyo ba ang appointment ni General Alexander Yano as Ambassador to Brunei. Hindi naman sa minamaliit ko ang kakayahan niya pero may taong mas karapat dapat sa position na iyon. Para tuloy walang kwenta ang Foreign Service Exam. Sana naman tigilan na ang pag aappoint na kung sinu-sino. Hidni rin biro ang trabaho ng isang ambassador or foreign service officer.
You’re quite right Amie.
However, we cannot question the power of the President to appoint whoever she thinks fit to be her alter ego in the global arena. But then, totoo na nawawalan ng saysay ang Foreign Service Officer Exams. Let’s take a look at this illustration: imagine a nutritionist or a midwife, who has a basic knowledge of primary healthcare, performing a medical surgery. Tsk.Tsk. Dangerous?
These Generals may have a basic grasp of the foreign service, international law, protocol, etc. However, ‘basics’ can never and will never satify the ‘complex demands’ of the dimplomatic arena. Yes, he will be supported by his staff who are all career FSOs or FSSOs but at the end of the day, he (Gen.—–) will be the one to decide on important matters. One-Country-Team Approach, remember? It is the Ambassador who will be the lead the team and decide on matters particulary on the welfare of our distressed kababayans during crisis.
Nakakalungkot. Madami tayong nagpapakahirap mag-aral sa gabi para lamang sa eksamen na magbibigay sa atin ng lisensya para maging isang ganap na tagapalingkod ng bansa sa larangan ng ugnayan panlabas. Ngunit mas nakakalungkot na ang lisensyang iyon ay siya ring pasaporte para maging tagapag-silbi ng isang heneral na in-appoint ng mahal na pangulo.
Sana lamang… makuha ninyo ang nais naming ipabatid ni Amie.
‘It is the Ambassador who will be the lead the team and decide on matters particulary on the welfare of our distressed kababayans during crisis.’
Sorry….. Wasn’t able to edit that, it should be…
‘It is the Ambassador who will lead the team and decide on matters particulary on the welfare of our distressed kababayans during crisis.’
Magandang araw mga kaibigan!
Hahah. Nagtagumpay ako sa pagpapasimula ng aktibong palitang-kuro/diskusyon sa forum na ito. Ang iba sa aking mga komento ay satirikal, mga kapatid. Ala-Chip Tsao, mga kababayan. Wag kayong magalit sa ‘kin ha. Ang sa ‘kin lang ung totoo. Nagmamadali ako ngayon kaya baka yung ilan munang komento ang masagot ko. Nag-Filipino ako dahil nahihiya ako roon sa isang nag-post sa Filipino.
Anyway, I forgot to include in my previous post that LT. GEN. CARDOZO LUNA, another gallant general who of course IS BETTER THAN OTHER FSO’S AS FAR AS DEFENSE SECRETARY GILBERT TEODORO IS CONCERNED, IS SET TO BECOME THE NEW AMBASSADOR TO THE NETHERLANDS. GOOD luck to Filipino communists living there in exile. Perhaps Madam Gloria loves them so much that she’s sending a general to spy on them. BUT THESE GO BEYOND THEM, FRIENDS. LUNA IS AMONG THE “ENLIGHTENED GENERALS,†the exact opposite of lapdogs like Palparan and Esperon. Since Madam G. doesn’t want such good boys, she’s sending them abroad, and of course the best way to do it IS THROUGH THE DFA. WHAT IS THE DFA ANYWAY BUT AN AGENCY WHERE THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST REMAIN IN LOWER POSITIONS, WHILE INCOMPETENT GENERALS AND SASSY SOCIALITES ARE GIVERN PLUM POSTS.
I currently work at a local office of a UN agency.
I WILL ANSWER OTHER POINTS OF CONTENTION ON MONDAY.
GOD BLESS THE DFA! GOD BLESS CIMATU, ABU, LUNA, YANO AND OTHER GENERALS IN THE DFA! GOD BLESS OUR MILITARY-DOMINATED ADMINISTRATION!
CONCERNS REGARDING VENEZUELA AND NORTH KOREA WOULD BE EXPLAINED LATER. I’LL DEVOTE A LONGER AND SEPARATE POST FOR IT SINCE SOME CITIZENS HERE ARE REALLY MISINFORMED OF MANY THINGS.
OH. ONE LAST THING, I WOULD LIKE TO REPEAT IT, WE HAVE NOT ONE, NOT EVEN TWO BUT AT LEAST FOUR GENERALS IN THE UN, INCLUDING WOULD-BE AMBASSADOR TO THE HAGUE, THE ESTEEMED, THE HONEST, THE PATRIOTIC, THE PRO-GMA CARDOZO LUNA, ASIDE FROM GENERAL YANO. GENERAL PALPARAN IS RUMORED TO REPLACE CHIEF JUSTICE DAVIDE.
Nakakalungkot talaga ang corruption dito sa bansa natin. Those who are doing good things end up being bit players to those favored by the administration. And those who tells the truth end up in jail. Grabe na ang moral descent ng bansa natin, ang mga tao sa gobyerno hindi na marunong mahiya. How I wish I would see the time wherein the bureaucracy will work for the people, not against it.
Friends, have you heard the latest news regarding LUNA? THE GOOD GENERAL Cardozo Luna DEFENDED HIS FUTURE AMBASSADORIAL POST AS A REWARD FOR DOING A GOOD JOB IN THE MILITARY. READ TODAY’S INQUIRER. SO WHAT HE WANTS TO SAY IS THAT WE CAREER EXECUTIVES ARE NOT DOING OUR JOB WELL. WELL OF COURSE IN A COUNTRY LIKE OURS, THE MILITARY IS SUPREME. LONG LIVE THE MILITARY! LONG LIVE GENERALS IN THE DFA AND OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICES!
DEATH TO CIVIL SERVICE! DEATH TO CAREER EXECUTIVES!
THERE ARE AT LEAST 48 RETIRED MILITARY OFFICERS NOW IN MADAM G.’s GOVERNMENT, ERR, JUNTA.
LET’S WELCOME GENERALS YANO AND LUNA TO THE EVER-GROWING CORPS OF COMPETENT MILITARY OFFICIALS IN THE DFA, IN THE DSWD ETC.
###HERO: Yes, those things compelled me to leave DFA. I’m tired of swimming against the current that will eventually engulf everything in sight.
###ANDREI: A good president? We need to assassinate Mar, Manny, Noli, Gilby and other wannabes so that PUNO OR PANLILIO WILL BE ABLE TO WIN. That’s our only chance at electing a good president. Although, as I’ve said, this is another satire, ala-Chip Tsao.
Now, on a serious note, ANDREI, register for the 2010 election. The registration is only till October 31, and cajole your friends and the friends of your friends to do the same. Of course, there’s still hope. WE’RE HERE! WE CAN always do something…
###AMAZING PINOY, HINDI LANG DAHIL SA LANGI KAYA RESPETADO NG USA ANG VENEZUELA. E BAKIT TAYO MAY LANGIS, GINTO, PILAK ETC. HINDI NILA NIRERESPETO. REMEMBER PARITY RIGHT? REMEMBER MINING ACT OF 1995? REMEMBER MLSA? REMEMBER VFA? REMEMBER BALIKATAN? WALANG GANYAN SA VENEZUELA DAHIL MAY POLITICAL WILL AT PATRIOTIC ANG LEADERS NILA. IN TERMS OF NATURAL RESOURCES, WE’RE DEFINITELY RICHER THAN VENEZUELA BUT UNLIKE VENEZUELA WE’RE A NATION OF LAPDOGS, OF BOOT LICKERS…WE NEED LEADERS WHO ARE ASSERTIVE. WHO WILL NOT HESITATE TO SAY “FUCK YOU!” TO ANY POWER TRYING TO INFRINGE ON OUR SOVEREIGNTY. BUT WHAT DO HAVE NOW? WHAT DFA SPOKESPERSON WE HAVE? WHAT PRESIDENT DO WE HAVE? AMERICAN MOUTHPIECES, MY FRIEND. IN VENEZUELA, AMERICA BEGS. AMERICA ALWAYS BEGS. HERE, IT’S THE OTHER WAY AROUND.
###PIKACHU. I’ve don’t everything short of assassinating incompetent and/or political appointees (this is ala-Chip Tsao). Seriously, I’ve done everything. The higher ups are uncooperative. I’ll pray for all of you. You have my support. Keep on fighting for reforms.
###PAOLO. I’m not serious in prescribing DFA’s total annihilation. I wrote the suggestion ala-Chip Tsao, that is, to provoke controversy and thus expose negative things that NEED IMMEDIATE ACTION. Just like Yano’s and Luna’s appointment.
PAOLO, DON’T COMPARE NORTH KOREA WITH THE PHILIPPINES. I DON’T ADVOCATE ISOLATIONISM. WHAT I WANT IS A DFA NOT BEHOLDENED TO FOREIGN INTERESTS. A DFA SERVING THE FILIPINO PEOPLE. A DFA THAT WON’T HESITATE TO EMPHATICALLY AND EUPHEMISTICALLY SAY “FUCK YOU!!!” TO THE US EMBASSY AFTER THEY HAVE SMUGGLED AN AMERICAN RAPIST, AFTER THEY HAVE CREATED A BIG PERMANENT BASE IN ZAMBOANGA, I REPEAT IT, A BIG PERMANENT BASE IN ZAMBOANGA…
WHAT WE HAVE NOW IS A LAPDOGGISH DFA A DFA THAT SEEMS TO BE A SATELLITE OFFICE OF CLINTON’S USA STATE DEPARTMENT.
AND SINCE THE DFA IS LAPDOGGISH, FEW FILIPINOS FEEL SYMPATHY FOR IT WHENEVER A MORONIC CHIEF EXECUTIVE APPOINTS EQUALLY VACUOUS GENERALS IN PLUM AMBASSADORIAL POSTS DESPITE THE FACT THAT WE HAVE AN OVERSUPPLY OF GOOD CAREER EXECUTIVES.
THE DFA NEEDS TO REENGINEER ITSELF. WHILE BEING DIPLOMATIC, IT MUST AT LEAST TRY TO POSTURE AS INDEPENDENT, AS ASSERTIVE, AS AN AGENCY SERVING A SOVEREIGN STATE AND NOT A BACKWATER AND LAPDOGGISH COLONY.
WELL OF COURSE, I SYMPHATIZE WITH ALL THE YOUNG AND OLD FSO’S TRYING TO INSTITUTE REFORMS. BEEN THERE. DONE THAT. I’M STILL HELPING SOME FRIENDS IN THEIR STRATAGEM IN PUSHING FOR REFORMS. BUT I TELL YOU, WE REALLY NEED TO REENGINEER THE DFA. IT MUST SHED IT’S LAPDOGGISH AND COLONIZED MENTALITY, YES, I REPEAT IT, NOT COLONIAL, BUT A COLONIZED MENTALITY.
THE DFA MUST STOP BEING A LAPDOG, A MOUTHPIECE OF USA. WE MUST REACH OUT WITH AMERICA’S ENEMIES AND PLAY SUCH TRICK TO OUR ADVANTAGE. GLORIA’S FRIENDSHIP WITH CHINA IS A STEP FORWARD. BUT THAT’S NOT ENOUGH. WE MUST SHOW AMERICA THAT WE CAN SURVIVE WITHOUT THEM. THAT’S WHAT COUNTRIES SUCH AS VENEZUELA, CHINA, BOLIVIA, CUBA AND BRAZIL ARE SHOWING THE USA. AND WHAT HAPPENED, USA IS REDUCED TO BEGGING THEM FOR SOME CONCESSIONS, BOTH POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC.
CHECK THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF OTHER DEVELOPED NATIONS. THEY ALWAYS MOUTH NATIONALIST POLICIES. THEY REJECT FREE TRADE. THEY ARE FOR PROTECTIONISM (INCLUDING THE USA!). IN OUR DFA, WHAT WE HAVE IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE: A LAPDOGGISH AGENCY FILLED WITH LAPDOGGISH GENERALS LORDING IT OVER COMPETENT YET MEEK AND UNASSERTIVE CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES.
FIRST THINGS FIRST, DFA MUST CEASE TO BE AMERICA’S MOUTHPIECE. THE BEST WAY TO DO IT IS THROUGH EJECTING INCOMPETENT POLITICAL APPOINTEES SPECIALLY LAPDOGGISH GENERALS.
BACK TO NORTH KOREA, A REPLY TO PAOLO,
You should not undermine NoKor. Through isolationism, they were able to fabricate nuclear missiles (which shows their capability to harness nuclear energy – a FIRST WORLD STUFF!) though, of course, to his discredit, crazy Kim Jong Il did it at the expense of his nation’s nutrition, to put it euphemistically.
I’m not advocating such formula for progress. We need a DFA that builds strong relationships with more countries, playing it up to the Philippines’ advantage. Instead of adopting USA’s words, hook, line and sinker, WE MUST AT LEAST PRETEND TO THINK INDEPENDENTLY OF THEM. WE MUST ALWAYS MAINTAIN OUR INDEPENDENCE AND SOVEREIGNTY. IF THEY ARE FOR FREE TRADE, WE MUST EXPRESS OUR DEFERENCE FOR LIMITED FREE TRADE AND THE IMPOSITION OF QUOTAS AND TARIFFS! THAT’S WHAT THEY’RE DOING TO OUR PRODUCTS! THERE’S NO FREE TRADE! WE MUST FIGHT BACK BY DOING THE SAME. THEY DON’T ALLOW FREE TRADE, WHY WOULD WE? THEY DON’T ALLOW US TO MINE THEIR MOUNTAINS AND FIELD, WHY WOULD WE ALLOW THEM TO MINE OURS? THEY DON’T ALWAYS HELP US IN EXTRADITION CASES, WHY WOULD WE ALLOW THEM TO SMUGGLE SMITH? DFA SHOULD BE AN EXPERT IN A DIPLOMATIC TIT-FOR-TAT. WE MUST NOT GIVE BREAD IF WE ARE HURLED WITH STONES. WE MUST NOT OFFER OLIVE BRANCHES IF OUR CITIZENS ARE MALTREATED. WE MUST NOT BEG FOR JOBS IF OUR OFWS COME HOME IN BOXES ON A DAILY BASIS. WE MUST RETALIATE FOR BAD THINGS DONE TO US AND SIMILARLY, WE MUST MAINTAIN FRIENDSHIP WITH NATIONS THAT RESPECT US.
THAT, MY FRIEND IS FOREIGN SERVICE’S ESSENCE: CARROT AND STICK. HOLD THE STICK IF THE OTHER IS HOLDING SUCH. IF THEIR DANGLING A CARROT, GET THE CARROT BUT DON’T PUT YOUR STICK DOWN. WE MUST GET CONCESSIONS WHILE CONCEDING LITTLE OF IT TO THEM.
THAT MAYBE A LITTLE BIT CUNNING AND CRAFTY, BUT THAT’S THE WAY WE SHOULD DO IT TO EARN THE WORLD’S RESPECT. LOOK AT IRAN! LOOK AT VENEZUELA! LOOK AT RUSSIA! LOOK AT BRAZIL! LOOK AT BOLIVIA!
THE USA IS ALWAYS BEGGING FOR THEIR HELP AND COOPERATION!
Hi,
I will take the qualifying exam on May 10. Thanks for this very informative blog! I took me two hours to read everything and I’ve learned a lot.
Just a quick question, what should I review for the Math part? Algebra in particular, word problems? Someone mentioned about Basic Management principles – can someone expound on this?
Good luck to all those who are going to take the exam next week!
what we need is a leader that is not afraid to stand up. Hindi tayo dapat sunud sunuran sa lahat ng sasabihin satin, kaya nagkakaloko loko ang bansa natin kasi yung mga taong dapat nagtatanggol sa bansa natin ang nagbebenta dito ng pira piraso. We must learn to be proud of our country and be patriotic before other nations would take us seriously.
guys sa exam on May 10…ano ba dapat ang isusuot?
guys, good luck to all of us who will be taking the qual exams this mother’s day! ang aga no! anyone here who knows how to go to FBHS if I commute via MRT? all i know is that I need to alight at Magallanes station. thanks in advance!
cha, proper attire lang siguro. an outfit composing of a simple tee, jeans, and shoes is pwede na I think. basta wag lang naka-shorts, slippers, sando, or anything of that sort.
dem,
get off guadalupe station. you can take a taxi from there. malapit na lang from that station. malayo na ang magallanes station.
good luck!
Hi dem! May jeep mula sa Guadalupe papunta sa Pateros. Sakay ka na lang doon at sabihin mo na lang na bababa ka sa Fort Bonifacio High School. Kung ayaw mo mag-taxi.
Mukhang lahat ng kilala ko ay sa Fort Bonifacio kukuha ng exam. Good luck sa ating lahat! Hello kay Elaine, Ian, Gerick at mga kaklase ko!
Thanks Dem!
Yup tama sa Guadalupe Station ka bumaba. I visited the school last weekend…nakakatawa nga kase nagtataka mga tao ano tinuturo namin sa school eh around 6pm na yun.
Kung sa EDSA ka, papuntang Makati, nasa left mo ung papuntang school…along the river lang derechuhin mo. Katabi lang sha ng University of Makati.
At now k lang nalaman na malaki pala ung Uni na un.
Good luck to us!
haaay sad ako next year pa ako makakapag exam….
thank you so much swiper, amazing Pinoy, and Cha!
if not for all of your help, baka forever na akong na-lost sa magallanes this coming sunday, hehe. anyway, isang super laking good luck na lang talaga sa akin dahil halos wala pa akong nagagawang pag-re-review sa qualifying exam (no exagerration at all). wala talaga kasing oras. ang pathetic ko na nga kasi i decided to go na lang to NBS-Cubao branch last week just to browse on some reviewer books. Pero bahala na, laban lang. Go for gold…
hi andrei! okey lang yan! ako nga e dapat last year pa nag-take pero since i was still fresh grad at that time, ‘di pa kumpleto ang aking mga papeles kaya ayun, ‘di ako nakapag-take. but if you’re really qualified to be an FSO, then you’ll eventually become an FSO.
Cheers and all the best to all!
I wish all those who will take the FSO prequal this Sunday, Good Luck!!
I am really excited na. Ngayon pa lang nagrereview na ako. Hehehe I will be very happy if I will pass and will be an added blessing if I will become the topnotcher. Ill do my best! Pero just passing is just enough. Hehehe.
All the best for those who are taking the exam on Sunday.
I don’t know what happened to me, I’m suppose to be one of those who are trying and testing if they are destined to be diplomats..
I’m now weighing, figuring out what to do with my life…
Opefully, I’ll have the drive again to pursue on this field.
Give your all and pray hard!
Dont worry Dem ako din nde pa nakakapagreview!
Bahala na. 
Good luck to everyone taking the qualifying exam tomorrow! I’ll be at Fort Bonifacio HS, too.
I haven’t reviewed a single thing haha. I’m working and when I get home I’m already too tired to get my reviewers out of their boxes. I hope what I learned for the Civil Service exam and the UP LAE will help me get through this. 
See you all tomorrow, fellow examinees! 
Diagnostic tests lang naman sa sunday eh. Mostly para ka lang nag entrance exam sa college. Pwede pang hindi nagrereview… Pero pag actual exams na dapat magreview na ng todo hehehe.
its sunday now, 3:00am and i am still browsing on the management stuff…hirap!
it’s not an ordinary diagnostic exam. i tried some gmat questionnaires online, and it’s kinda tough. i barely passed the quantitative and english/analytical questions.
goodluck to all of us.
Whew, I just too the exam. It was 180 items, mostly about English and logical reasoning. Around 13 questions were about investments. I’m pretty sure I didn’t get all of the math questions, LOL. There were some basic management questions – mostly related to HR stuff.
Sabi daw, they’d call na lang if I passed. I’m crossing my fingers na lang.
Good luck to all of us! I was at room 011.
hey guys, may hang over parin ako sa exam.
it’s hard…the english questions will really take much of your time answering. what an experience. i even met a “long lost cousin.” mr. pena (promdi), goodluck to both of us and to all examinees at room 10.
Hahaha! my worst enemy is the time, too many question soo little time.grabee ka tense ha!
Anyways, Yes prequals is over! Did I pass? , I hope yes. Anyone, how many weeks before the DFA post the list of the prequal’s passer?
I’m glad; I’m seated with less stressful groups who are non conotics (jologs kasi ako). In fact we say good luck to each other before the exam and after the exam; I now have a new set of friends. (Wow)
For 2010 prequal examinees, guys here are a few tips from a fresh prequal taker. The exam consists of 180 items and the first 10 are not graded, it is purely personal question. Prequals is mostly English; Consisting of word analogy, Identifying errors, paragraph development, reading comprehension and vocabulary. For Math this year, it is mostly problem solving type, however, you must learn how to compute in mind because the scratch paper is limited to the free margins of your test booklet. As per my seatmate the math problem is chicken (I’ve also learned he is a BS math, kaya pala, nyee!). You will also be ask to read a table of graphical presentation, to test if you can read and interpret data. The context of management exam is not that hard, even a non management like me, were able to answer the question. But I have read a book about the basic principles of management (you can also buy a management test questionnaire booklet in National Bookstore). No abstract reasoning. I’m sorry guys I couldn’t remember a single question.
Also don’t forget to strictly follow the size and name tag for the picture. One of, my co –examinee was forbidden to take the exam due to non conformity of the required name tag. (sayang naman diba!)
My fingers are still cross and hoping. From all the bloggers who posted their advise, Maraming salamat sa inyo!!!!!!
Hi there! First of all, thank you to Ms. Toe for sharing her experiences to all of us would be FSO’s. I am one of the passers of the 2008 Written Exam (you will see my name on subang’s post dated March 19). Just a few clarifications/questions:
1. Is there an additional test after the orals? Because I’m seeing some conversations hinting at a psychological exam after it, and this is between those who passed in 2007. As far as I know, psych exams were only instituted this year.
2. How long did it take to get the 2007 results for the orals?
Anyone who knows, please feel free to answer. It will be much appreciated.
Mille grazie! =)
Follow up question: is being posted to a foreign office after three years an assurance already? Just want to be clarified on this.
Thanks!
@doctorrobert,
After the orals, there is a required psychological test. Although it was not expressly stated in the previous exam announcements, the psych test is supposedly a part of the orals. In our batch, they released the results of the orals 10 days after we took it. We were told that ours was among the fastest release of results, because they no longer deliberated the results. Pass or fail lang. Malas nung mga almost border line sa ratings. It may take 2-3 weeks to release the results of the orals if the board decides to still deliberate on the results. The psych test results will take another 1-2 months to be released. Until then, you won’t hear from the DFA.
Besides, if you do pass the orals, don’t expect to start in the DFA earlier than November. The previous batch has not yet started cadetship, which will take 6 months. I don’t think they will hold 2 cadetship programs simultaneously. It will be hell to organize 2 programs at the same time, not to mention the lack of a classroom to hold another batch of cadets… but I may be wrong.
Being posted in 3 years is not an assurance. I know officers who were posted less than 3 years since they entered the DFA. Others took 4 years before being posted. It sometimes depends on your skills and background, where they DFA needs you, etc. Some officers with in-demand skills get posted immediately, while some officers also with in-demand skills do not get posted for 4 years because the offices they are assigned to do not want to lose them. So, it’s both a boon and a bane to be a good officer or vice versa. I know someone who’s been preparing for posting since last year. That person has since stopped preparing.
pikachu
i was in room number 1.. who else were in the same room?
the exam was quite okay.. the english and managements parts were fine but they consumed much of my time… 180 minutes are not enough..
i hate the math part. i can do fractions and ratios but not loans and interests… grr…
Napansin ko lang sa exam.. esp. sa english part… may pattern ba? my answers in one block were all 4 while the other were all 3 and so on,,,
dont know., just wondering….
by the way… counted ba yung 1-10 personal questions??? if that will be the case, may bonus 10 points na tayo.. hahah
—let’s relax and wait for the results— kain tau sa labas.. sino may gusto?
I was also in Rm 1 seat #22 sa fort boni high school =)
Yes, parang may pattern pero hindi naman lahat sa iisang block pareho yung sagot. ewan ko lang ha. kasi may 4 items ako pareho tapos yung isa hindi ^.^ waaaa!
hindi ko sinagutan ng maayos yung math part. bahala na! kelan nga ba malalaman yung result? last week of june?
Hi Lira.. i was in seat number 0_. basta i was in the first two rows. kung number 22 ka, we were in the same column… (hehe, parang analytical question ito) …
Hope totoo nga may pattern. and i hope it will work. I had difficulty answering the ‘identifying errors’ part. since almost all of the underlined phrases had errors. don’t know, baka ako lang ang mali…
natapos mo exam?
the results will be out, maybe, first or second week of july…
i was in room number 2.
grabe, parang kulang yung 3 hours, hehehe. i wasn’t able to handle the questions on loans, amortizations and all that.
the “identifying errors” part was a little tricky. Some items seem so perfect, but when you do a second look, there you go, a punctuation is misplaced. Reviewing your answers, indeed, is very crucial.
too bad. wasn’t able to review my answers… I had no enough time to do that.. hope to pass…
Hi Moymoy. I finished the exam ahead of time…kasi nga naman di ko sinagutan ng maayos yung math part. hehehehe..
Ayoko na isipin yung exam…ahhh! tama na!!! jowk :p
yeah.. better… basta relax na lang
i used to work in a bank before—in the loans section— but i can’t figure out how to deal with the questions in that area during the prequals. I had a hard time figuring what were truly asked in those questions. At any rate, they didn’t account for more than 15 questions. No biggie.
relatively, the set of questions given this year were quite easy than last year’s—esp. in the english part and logical reasoning. Last year, I was grappling with the answers because they’re all seemed correct. it was a mind-wrenching experience. i don’t know, this is just what i have observed last sunday. i’m a bit anxious though, you seem so unanimous guys in holding that the answers might have a pattern. Mine was not. But i don’t think the answers followed a definite pattern, otherwise, computer scanners might be of no help in correcting our answer sheets.
By and large, i find the prequals this year less pressure and exhausting. I may be assuming. But that’s what I feel.
Good luck to all of us!
pangarap ko pa naman ma-assign sa Rusya ^.^
sabi ng katabi ko, if you fail the English part, di na daw nila iche-check yung Math and Mgt portion. Not sure if this is true. But that’s according to her uncle who works in the DFA.
O_O. wow.
Glad to hear the pre-quals went well with you guys. Like Andrei, I’m one of the hopeful takers for this year but fell short on acing the deadline of submission. Just the same, I’m rooting for 2010 pre-quals. hehe. For now, the least I can do is follow your FSO exams saga so I can take in tips and pointers.
Good luck, y’all!
And thanks to Ms. Toe’s blog for being a rendezvous of sorts of would-be FSO’s
Hello!
Mahirap pero mabuti naman ang qualifying exam.
Medyo kakaiba nga lang, kasi sa sentence correction part, may items na dalawang mali. Paano iyon, hindi ba dapat isa lang ang tamang sagot? Maganda rin pala ang mga tanong kasi ang mga binabasa natin angkop para sa FSO.
Pagkatapos ng English, pumunta ako sa management kasi baka gahulin ako ng oras sa math. Mabuti rin ang tanong. Sa math ang medyo mahirap. May mga tanong doon na naghula na ako. Mga huling tanong yata sa amortization table. Kasi kahit anong gawin ko, walang tumutugma na sagot sa solusyon ko. So hula na lang.
Maganda rin ang klase noong Sabado tungkol sa kasaysayan at wika. Sabi nga nila, kahit anong mangyari sa qualifying exam, never stop reviewing.
Good luck sa ating lahat at God bless!
haay ako din hehe sa 2010 na makakapagtake ng exams. Ill keep in mind the things that you said here. Salamat!
Room #7 here!!
guys sana pumasa tayo..nabasa ko sa DFA website..at least 80% ang passing..so dapat mga 34 mistakes lang out of 170 items. madami na un!!
Good luck to us!!
I was in rm. 15. Medyo madali ang exam pero di pa rin ako sure kung papasa. Time pressure at puro analysis kahit English. You have to think it over and over bago ka sumagot. Wala yung mga gmat style na sentence corrections questions. Yun kasi ang pinaghandaan ko. May konting similarity ang exam ngayon sa civil service exam. Was Fort Bonifacio High the only venue for Metro Manila examiners? Who among you who took the exam in rm 15?
room 10 here…hehe.hirap kaya ng exam….
Kailan po ang schedule ng written exam para sa taong ito? Ang mga nakapasa ba noong nakaraang taon sa Qualifying Exam PERO bumagsak sa written exam sa first take, ay kailangan pa bang dumaan sa preliminary interview?
Wooot. Ayan, may kasabay na’ko. Andrei, sabay tayo ha.
I bet the 2009 pre-qual takers are still quite in a limbo after the cutthroat exam? I hope you all did well.
Is the 80% passing mark based on the actual right and wrong answers? Or is it based on percentile ranking?
I hope it will be based on percentile ranking. Wag naman sanang masyadong harsh sa qualifying ^.^ Just my wishful thinking though.
@pikachu: thanks so much for the very helpful info.
@amarantha: if you’re still out there, i sympathize with your situation. am in almost exactly the same bind. =)
another question pala: any chance that the psychological exam will take place on a weekend? medyo pahirapan kasi magpaalam ng leave ngayon because of my position (management trainee of a bank).
doctor robert, i`m more than in a bind, i`m in a vicious grip. I am coming home the weekend before the oral exams, to, well, take the oral exams. I spent the whole month of April driving myself insane thinking if coming home and possibly exchanging my very interesting and lucrative job to serve in the foreign service is worth it. Having deferred the orals once, i would have to start from scratch if i do not take the orals this year.
I decided at the last minute that maybe yes, it might be worth it. Now, i have to get my plane tickets, re-entry visa, and pasalubongs in a 1-week period on top of work and the unnatural humidity of osaka city in the spring.
and really, i have been so out of the the Pinoy loop that i`m not even sure if GMA is still president. she still is, right?
how the hell can i answer any of the panelists` questions, unless they ask me my favorite ice cream flavor.
here`s hoping though. see u in the other side
Amarantha,
How’s life in Japan? It must be enjoyable, I think.
@ doctorrobert,
psych exams are scheduled on weekdays, because those are the normal working hours of the institution to which the psych test was outsourced. You have to decide your priorities about your career. There is very slim chance of flunking the psych test, unless you are really psycho, so most likely, you will pass it, and after that, there will hardly be any hurdles to your becoming an FSO. If you reach that stage, will you waste your opportunity and stick with the bank you are currently training in? If you wish to continue working with the bank, I suggest you don’t push through with taking the psych test anymore. You will save the DFA thousands of Pesos (the cost of the psych test for each examinee).
@pikachu,
makes sense. after what you said about the not starting earlier than november, i’m having second thoughts already. i hate to be an idle citizen. anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts, they were a big help.
@amarantha,
wishing you the best of luck in the orals. yes, GMA is still our president. hahaha. on my part, i’ve asked permission from my training director if i can attend the orals, kasi nga there will be plenty of catching up to do if i miss one day lang of the training. samin kasi if you fail one exam, you’re dropped. although she understands my position, no decision yet. at the same time, medyo nagdadalawang isip ako beause of pikachu’s earlier post. baka pagbaba ng appontment ko eh graduate nako sa training. so let’s just wait and see.
tanong ko lang. if i want to defer like you did, do i have to take the written again or pwede deretso orals?
to docrobert:
well, in my case, i had to write an impassioned letter to the DFA asking them to consider my situation. The thing was, it took almost a year for the results to come out that they cannot really fault me for finding opportunities elsewhere. I guess its a case-to-case basis. If you have a really good reason, they would consider. I deferred taking the oral exams, so diretso orals ako. in my case, i wrote them a week or two after the release of the results. For their part, the DFA was considerate and understanding.
where are u right now, btw? are u outside the Phils?
to mich:
Japan rocks! in the words of my aussie friend, its a mindf–k! sorry for that but that`s the best i can describe Japan. The culture is just so out-of-this-world and so, so different from anywhere else. I love it here. But i don`t think i`d want to live here forever
Amarantha,
I want to experience how to live in Japan too just to appreciate the culture but like what you’ve said not to the point of living there forever.
Ei paps sige sabay tayo magexam next year. mas effective ata pag may kasama kang nag aaral eh. buo tayo ng study group!
Huhu. I think you’re from Manila? Taga – Davao ako.
But I’d love to hear from you about how you’re preparing for next year’s exam. Sharing tayo ng materials ha.
Yahoo ID: sleekchick_17
Hope to hear from you soon!
And hurrah for Toe and this year’s examinees! Cheers!
Well i guess the preliminary exam will be there sa davao pero yung mismong main exam if we will pass will be in the main dfa office dito sa manila. well hope marami ding mga peeps here na getting ready for next year’s exam! we can do it.
@amarantha: i am currently in the philippines. i’ve decided to follow what you did and ask for recon instead. it’s too big a risk kasi medyo strict ang training namin, once you fail an exam you’re out of the program. at the same time, it’s a big risk na rin kasi kung lilipat ako, mas gusto ko naman na mas okay yung job, eh malaki naman pala yung risk na maging desk-job siya sa home office. in short, mahirap mag-focus sa dalawang careers. anyway, wish me luck. next year medyo maluwag na ako.
ei doc robert, if you really have the heart to do the job I know you can make it. You still have one year to decide naman eh. mas maganda siguro if you list the pros and cons so that you can outweigh the risks involved. See you next year then!
Hi!
I am really thankful because of this post. I am an International Relations student from Lyceum of the Philippines University. One year more and I will have to think of either taking the FSO or not.. I really to take the exam, in fact, I am engaging myself into so many things about Philippine Government and Trade, the conduct of international relations, negotiations, protocol, etc. (aside from the knowledge I gained from my Professors (most of them are retired Ambassadors)).
I would like to know more about this exam. Well, a lot of people are saying that the exam is really hard that’s why some of IR graduates do not want to take their chances on it.
Thank you very much!
Mr. Z Zaragoza
If you prepare hard and you put your heart into it, I don’t see any reason why you will be scared. Everything is easy if you put effort in what you do, and most of all if you have the heart to do it…. It will just be a walk in the park for you. You still have a year to prepare so use your time wisely.
yaiks! scared sh#t of the prequa resuts!!!! :-{
sylar, don’t be. think positive. after we’re all scared as hell.
correction:…after all, we’re all scared as hell.
silly me.
Hey ok lang yan! hehehe. I know you will all make it.
To all already-FSO’s out there, a small question about the oral exams: Is there a dress code for the first two days? I know by the third day it’s supposed to be formal filipiniana, but how formal are you supposed to be in the interview and group dynamics portions? Are polo shirts okay, or do you have to have long sleeves and/or in polo barong?
I was in room 05.
THE Prequals was INTENSE. I was so scared i wont finish on time, I rushed everything like a madman. hahaha! I skipped the data interpretation and math to finish the Management part first. Which was a good decision as i spent my remaining 45 mins to answer the remaining 15 items/
Although some found it easy, the Math and Data interpretation part was EXCRUCIATING. How the hell was i supposed to know stuff about amortization rates and payment schedules? Almost all my computations for the math part NEVER came close to the choices! But on the bright side, 15 items woudnt hurt would it?
To the examinees for Prequals 2010, its ok to be there at exaclty 7am.. the EXAM itself starts EXACTLY 8am. From 7am, they’ll start sorting the class out, i.e. checking of requirements, seating arrangements, etc.etc. But its always best to be there by 7am..
One girl almost didnt make it, she didnt have a name tag on her pictures. She was allowed to go out and produce the correct requirements provided she’d be back by 8am sharp. She made it with one second to spare! hahahha!
I CANT WAIT FOR JULY!
@ hero
how did you find the qualifying exams generally?
Good luck to all those taking the Oral Examination tomorrow, May 27, 2009. God bless you all! I hope you guys make it!
…and forget to share your blessings in the form of “meaty” tips of the oral exams…ciao!
correction: …and DON’T forget to share your blessings in the form of “meaty†tips from the oral exams…ciao!
blame is mine.
Good luck for the oral exams!
Ok I have about 3 hours before exam starts lol. Wish me luck everyone. Orals here I come.
And just to practice for the orals, Anarquista
The more you post your responses the less I believe you actually worked with or for the DFA. First of all you’re angry that the DFA is is none too subtle about being chummy with the United States, are you seriously that unprepared for it? That is one of the functions of having diplomatic corps. Ever since the middle ages in europe, ambassadors etc. were sent to be friendly to other nations and to use your terms; to suck up to people in power to gain favors. You’re blasting the your own people for something that has been S.O.P. for several centuries and in several countries. If that was something that you could not handle then you were correct in leaving the dfa. You really were in the wrong line of work.
Then you went on to say that you don’t want isolationism for the Philippines then jumped straight ahead to stating your desire for the Philippines to deliver cuss words and retaliate for every bad thing done to us, but at the same time remain friends with everyone. Seriously, you need to reevaluate what your definition of friendship is. While I can assure you that I’d like our country to be more in-your-face about certain issues. However, I don’t even need to exert that much mental effort to know that albeit satisfying, aggravating allies and other parties won’t help the Philippines.
And finally your proposal to “reach out” to America’s enemies is absolute drivel. First of all, Iran and North Korea were NEVER able to develop their nuclear capabilities on their own. They had help from Russia and China respectively decades prior and are still receiving help. And I’m giving absolutely no credit to either regime. Iran’s islamic revolution was a promising thing that led to disappointment. All the country is now known for is executing underaged homosexuals and Mahmoud’s (and the mullah’s) neverending calls for the destruction of Israel. And North Korea, the land of the family camps. Where families can die in concentration camps together. I’ll take the USA over these nutjobs ANYDAY.
And as far as protecting our nation’s interests against the big bad foreign MNC’s out to destroy our country’s resources. It’s not the DFA’s fault that the Philippines is so desperate for revenue that we have resorted to such means to get money. Even the OFW and call center phenomena were one born out of hard times. The truth is we have a really bad hand, created from decades of terrible executive and legislative governance. And from how I see it, the DFA is making the most out of playing it. And all the things you mentioned of how we “aid” the USA do have returns. We get it in the form of investment and good standing. You say that it’s a game of carrots and sticks. Well if that’s the case, then wake up, we don’t have any sticks, I’m not sure we’re even really playing. Personally I prefer poker, and our nation is obviously short stacked in terms of politics, therefore play the game with the appropriate strategy. Don’t be so brazen and start gunslinging when all you have are blanks.
Lastly the countries that you said followed your “treatment plan” and were supposedly respected are actually quite the opposite. The US’s last official contact with Iran was when it let the Shah have refuge, and for reason’s I’ve mentioned above and other undiscussed, Iran is one of the most hated countries on the planet. Venezuela, is not in good shape, while I absolutely adore Hugo Chavez for having the gumption to stand up to Bush, that satisfaction is paid with a steep price. They lose incredible amounts of profits from oil sales had they been open to american buyers. Profits that could’ve been used to help their ailing health system. But I guess the Venezuelans are still reeling from the fact that they don’t even have free press. Brazil has one of the worst crime rates in the world and is a haven for drug cartels, and such lawlessness that most films set in brazil are not even shot in brazil for fear of getting a face to face with various hoodlums. Russia does not get respect, specially after what it did to Georgia. And Bolivia, while we are getting help from them in the aspect of urban planning, they are far from contributing anything to the world stage (short of heroine) that has earned them respect. The U.S. actually for the most part have sour relations with the first three and is lukewarm with the last two. But is currently not in the practice for asking for their cooperation. The real reason these countries have any leverage is one thing. They have oil. A lot of oil. We don’t. And therefore have one less bargaining chip on the table.
While I understand your frustration, your recommendations will not alleviate anything.
Good luck to the people taking the oral exams!
First day of the orals finished. Two more days to go.
nowhereman…what happened today? Kahit “general tips” ok na…
Good luck for the oral exams! – wrong grammar ako. Hahaha.
Kumusta sa mga nag oral exams? Hope you all pass.
Yay. Second day of orals na nila. I wonder what’s going on. Best of luck!
people, run-down of what happened during the oral exams naman d’yan….
Second day of the orals finished. Just have to get through the formal dinner.
@curious,
We had the group discussion yesterday and the individual interviews today.
thanks, nowhereman, guess we just had to contend that the details of the orals are strictly within the “executive privilege.” good luck, dude!
anyone here who has real knowledge when the prequals results come out? i’ve been checking the dfa and csc website everyday…
@ journey:
Hi, journey…don’t worry, your journey for the prequals will end not later than the 2nd week of July. That would be the tentative week for the issuance of said results.
In the meantime, party away!
@ journey,
Results for Pre qualifying exams usually released on 3rd or 4th week of June, but it could be earlier. It’s usually released in CSC website first, before it is posted in the DFA website.
Goodluck to those who took it.
Examinees are not allowed to share the details of the orals.
it doesn’t make the orals any less grueling at all even if the minutest details of the orals are to divulged. there’s no reason to withhold these valuable information. otherwise, this would be a clear case of intellectual greediness at its best.
*…are to be divulged…
Kahit ano raw pwedeng tanungin sa iyo sa oral exams. Halimbawa:
1) Anong ibig sabihin ng pangalan mo?
2) Paano gumawa ng semento?
Ang nakikita ko rito’y parang stress interview. Tatanungin ka nila ng maraming bagay para subukan ka at makita ang reaksyon mo. Good luck sa ating lahat!
Pikachu, 3rd or 4th week ba kamo ng JUNE? Sana naman ganun ka early. So anxious of the results!!!!
So unfair naman ung question: Paano gumawa ng semento?…
That’s ridiculous.
originally by:
[b]bahala nga kayo![/b] on 31 May 2009 at 12:50 pm
“it doesn’t make the orals any less grueling at all even if the minutest details of the orals are to divulged. there’s no reason to withhold these valuable information. otherwise, this would be a clear case of intellectual greediness at its best.”
It is not intellectual greediness. It is a matter of following instructions.
Think of the oral exams as an elaborate form of a job interview. The basics are the same: how to dress, how to respond to questions, etc. That should give you all more or less of an idea.
As to the questions that are (will be) asked, it is everything under the sun [i]including[/i] the sun.
I am right to some extent. i don’t think that not even a single detail of the orals has ever been divulged to anybody. although some may say the instructions prohibit them from telling the details of the oral exam, there isn’t an assurance that they will absolutely refrain from disclosing. The prohibition is bound to be breached, at any rate. The prohibition is impossibly an absolute one; it is only relative. so might as well tell the whole world about it. what’s to lose? the integrity of DFA? there’s nothing to be preserved as it has already been damaged a long time ago.
All I can tell you is this: whatever the examinees tell you won’t matter.
The examiners will ask you anything, as in anything. Same goes for the second and third days. There is really no way to prepare for it except to start reading on a variety of topics so that you will be able to answer whatever comes your way. It is that broad.
I guess you all know that the first day is panel interview then group discussion on the second and formal dinner on the third. That’s it. What happens during those events is really out of your control. For the first day, just be honest. Answer truthfully. Same goes for the second day. For the third day you have about a minute to think if this is really the career for you.
EXACTLY MY POINT bahala ka rin!
So all along there’s no point in DFA disallowing the examinees from talking about the orals precisely because there is no standardized and format for the conduct of the orals! Glad you’ve finally understood my predicament.
Good luck.
correction:
….standardized and fixed format…
Hi guys… the 2009 pre-quals might be out soon. Diba kasabay lang natin ang LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM-MASTER’S DEGREE COURSE exams. the LSP-MDC results are out and,in practice, halos magsabay lang ang FSO qualifying at ang LSP-MDC results if feature sa csc website…
hoping to pass…
ang bilis ata ngayon ng csc results. last year, it takes more than a month pa before they posted the results for LSP-MDC exams…Hmmm, the prequals might be out sooner than expected.
keeping my fingers crossed I passed the prequals.
Kelan yung Orals for 2008?
looking forward to a positive outcome in the prequals
same here, kyle! I know there’s a kind of miracle in the works…
To those interested of widening their view on Philippine foreign affairs, try this site: philfad.multiply.com The said archive aims to provide alternative views on Philippine foreign affairs and other related matters.
Excited na talaga akong sumalang! Hehehe. Although next year pa ako mag eexam pero this is really my dream so hopefully its my turn next year!
http://fsoexam.forumer.com/
Finally, a REAL forum. We’ve got some info from this blog as well as new “guides” up already. Let’s populate the forum. We’re not doing Toe any favors by overtaking her blog and using up her bandwidth like this, not to mention all the drama…
YES!! FINALLY!!
This is a great move! Whoever came up with this idea, you rock, dude!
People, let’s storm the new forum with our dynamic ideas!
Thank you very much to the person who created the forum!
When will they out the result of prequals? I’m anxioussssssss!
im excited…and im hoping to pass the qualifying exam
me too!!! if ever, nakuha nio ang info..please post it here, ha
Is it okay to call the DFA office for this info, or they will not entertain any call regarding the prequals? so anxioussssssssss
PAY RAISE!
For those “concerned†with the salary, well, EO 811 hopefully addressed that.
Entry level FSO IV salary now is around P25k.
By July 1, 2009, that’ll be P31,334.
By 2012, it’ll be P49,750. That’s double!
Legislative documents, details, and discussion here:
http://fsoexam.50.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9
the pay is not that bad pala.
@Cha
Well, I work for a different branch of the government and sad to say, ordinary (i.e., those with non-supervisory positions) employees like me get a bigger pay.
But hey, this isn’t about the money, right?
yup exactly it isnt about the money.
kase when I applied for this job I thought super baba lang ng sweldo kase sa govt. i was telling my friend nga na mas mataas pa pala ang sweldo ng telephone operator ng US Embassy kesa sa FSO. Pero it’s nice to hear na nde pala mababa magpasweldo ang govt kase ok naman sa other branches like you said. 
Panu ba mag apply sa government? I already have a license but I would like to try office work kasi eh. Di ko alam kung san mag aaply. Hehehe.
hi all!
i got THE CALL from dfa. i passed the orals!
If anyone has the copy of the results, please post it here
congrats chuck!
@chuck
congratulations….im happy for you..hehe
sana ako rin…
thanks guys!
i hear the DFA won’t be posting the results yet. but many of us got a call already for our psych examinations. can anyone give us some idea of what the psych exams are about?
thanks in advance!
Congrats to the 120 people who passed the Qualifying Test last May!
http://dfa.gov.ph/?p=6188
to the 120 people who passed the 2009 prequals, good luck!
see you all in the prelim interview!
to GOD be the glory!
I failed the 2009 Qualifying Exam.
What a bitter blow it is for me that all my efforts – 5 months of intense reading and studying, not to mention the dreaming – have all been in vain. Sure not wasted but still fell short of a grand objective.
I’ve always been a reader. Maybe I wasn’t reading enough of the right stuff or is it the dreaming that still needed to accrue to such a point that it can breathe life to Byrne’s The Secret, Oprah’s teachings, and Francis Kong’s philosophies. Or maybe those things don’t work. I don’t know.
When I learned the results were out I immediately opened the DFA website. As it was loading, my heart started pounding so fast and my eyes opened so wide like I was surely going to win the lottery. What I saw was a complete contrast of a high expectation that said: “I studied hard and long, I worked my a*s off, I’m sure I’m gonna pass, I’m sure God would give me this dream.†But alas, you realize there is FAILURE – avoided, loathed, feared yet important, life-changing, and necessary.
I’m sure I’m going to take it again next year. Knowing that I failed this exam to become a diplomat oddly didn’t make me want it less but not necessarily more since I’m still in disbelief. The frustrating part about it is the waiting.
So much of life is spent on waiting. But it’s also said that good things come to those who wait.
To all who passed, my compliments and good luck. To the ones who will get through all of the exams, my admiration.
To all who didn’t pass, let’s take it again next year and prove we can become diplomats.
And to toe, for giving us this abused venue.
Carpe Diem!
To Mr. Repeater,
Just remember that there are good things in store for us in every failure. Take Abraham Lincoln for example. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown but he still emerged as one of the greatest presidents the United States ever had so failures really make us strong and makes us want more. Make it a catalyst to desire more and prepare more. I missed the deadline this year for taking the prequals but I am still very eager on taking it come 2010. We just need to wait and prepare and the next time hope that we can overcome this obstacle. Just on step at a time….
Next year we can create a support group and we can do group studies so that we can increase our chances of passing the exams… We can share our tips and tricks to study right?
Congratulations to the 120 passers! The Qualies must have have been extra difficult this year – I think there are usually 150 to 200 passers.
To Mr Repeater, like you I flunked the first time I took the Qualifying, but I made it eventually. Persistence pays off.
I took the prequals last year. It was the hardest IQ exam I took (and I mean it real). I failed it. I even came to assure myself the life of a diplomat was just not cutout for me kasi prequals pa lang, bagsak nako. Nevertheless, I never took said failure as a blow in my desire to enter the service. I stood up again, realizing the pain of going through the same ordeal again. I took the exams this year. With a great stroke of luck (read: luck), I found the exam relatively easy than last year’s. To say that this year’s is pretty hard than last year’s is beyond me. Guess miracles do exist—and “the secret” just did me in.
To Mr. Repeater, pick up your armor dude. Learn from your failures today. I can only attest to you that if you have the passion for it, then it shall be given to you. Never cease reading. After I knew of the results last year, I never lost my hope. I never stopped reading because I know things happen for a reason.
failures are very humbling experiences. your testimonies make me think even a year’s span of studying isn’t enough ammunition for getting to the exam war of sorts. hu~hu. then again, if the spot is really for you, no one can take it away from you — not in a million years. just keep trying, mr. repeater. I’ve pondered on the possibility of failing myself, but now I’ve welcomed thoughts of pressing on no matter the incalculable amount of years it will take me.
congrats to the prequal passers and good luck to us 2010 takers.
Hello everyone,
By virtue of luck, i made it for this year’s qualifying exam.
Just wanna ask some advice on how to deal with the written exam and the preliminary interview before that.
thanks so much.
If you will be asking me for a good book for World History, you can use World History by Perry. Its more narrative than factual since we are to answer questions in essay, it would focus more on how you interpret the facts and tell the story not on how you put the facts altogether. It would also test your analytical skills. So I personally recommend it, also its very accessible you can see it in most of the bookstores.
I passed the qualies!
And now I am groping. How could I ever prepare for the written exams?
Andrei, how much does that Perry book costs?
i bought mine for around 300 pesos at National Bookstore.
i’m not really a fan of history, but in all due fairness, i love that book.
i have one here, courtesy of our library, but i think this is an old edition. what’s ur edition, pare? i noticed the chapter summaries are not that comprehensive, maybe in the newer editions they are. but really, it’s a good book, just can’t find the time to read ‘em. anyway, let’s have a sort of a study group cguro thru ym or something. I suggest pare dun tyo sa fsoforumer mag-converge, i think it’s more appropriate there. this is a personal site kasi.
here’s my ym add: mayol21@yahoo.com
Hi everyone! I’ve been reading this blog for the past few months and I find it very informative in all FSO-related matters.
I took the qualifying exams last May and am one of the qualifiers (still dunno if it’s a good thing to subject myself to yet more agonizing weeks of review). Anyway, good luck to all of us who will undergo the preliminary interview. See you there!
i have this weird feeling that i know who “evenstar” is, hehehe. Anyway, anonymity is the name of the game, hehehe.
Thanks guys.
The responses to my rather expressive opinion are appreciated.
What you guys said reminds me of a line from a Batman movie when Alfred the Butler said to Master Wayne, ” Sir, why do we fall down? So we can learn how to stand up.”
I know that the greatest retort to failure is to overcome it when we get another opportunity, not proving that we’re better than others but proving we can be better than ourselves.
What just adds dent to a growing recognition that I failed is frustration and longing compounded by the reality that you’re going to have to wait, wait, and wait some more. The idea that from the time you apply to the time you’ll actually be doing the good stuff takes approximately 2 to 2 and a half years is just really trying. Then during that time, you’ll have to work or find work that isn’t really congruent to what you really want inside. Hahay, C’est la vie!
Still I want to ask some questions (some silly ones included). Hope you guys can take the time to answer.
Are there a lot of FSOs who failed and had to take it over again? Like who?
Did most of the FSOs have working experience before they applied?
What is the average age of those entering the foreign service?
Are FSOs super intelligent? Are they geniuses? Are they members of Mensa International?
Do the ones who pass the exams speak really good? Like Maria Ressa or Pia Hontiveros good?
Are FSOs really good writers? Do they write as good as Conrado de Quiros or Jessica Zafra?
Are FSOs really appealing as in are they good looking? sexy? suave? refined?
These questions are just avatars for the curiosity of aspiring FSOs. I hope a lot of you share this curiosity.
Luli Arroyo took the written exams twice before she got in, and in her batch there are only two passers. I guess that is one of the stories most FSOs tell. Hehehe. Sorry for keeping on posting here, nakablock kasi yung forumer sa office eh kaya hindi ko maaccess. Hahaha. I can give advices about World History pero dun sa ibang mga topics, I need to read muna so I can give feedback. Btw, I still wouldnt take the written exams this year, batch 2010 pa ako. Hehehe. I am just helping the guys na makapasa by giving inputs, hope you don’t mind.
I have lots of history books kasi eh since I use it in contests… Sige ill give other tips about History in the coming days.
Let me take a shot at Mr. Repeater’s questions…
=============
Are there a lot of FSOs who failed and had to take it over again? Like who?
- Yes. I won’t name names, but I remember that my own batch had several repeaters. There were some whose luck came on the 5th try.
Did most of the FSOs have working experience before they applied?
- It depends. Some batches have mostly fresh grads, while some have mostly experienced people. Batch 17 (2010) seem to be dominated by fresh grads, but I heard Batch 16 (2009) were mostly professionals. A few distinguished voices within the department, however, have expressed preference for those with experience. (Perhaps because we’ve seen some fresh-faced cadets green from college falter the moment they’re unleashed.) Personally, I believe experience is a plus. I would recommend taking a couple of years or so to work before applying to become an FSO.
What is the average age of those entering the foreign service?
- The median age also varies. It’s very random. I believe my batch’s average was around age 27-28.
Are FSOs super intelligent? Are they geniuses? Are they members of Mensa International?
- Overkill. I’m not a Mensa member, but I think I’m faring pretty well. :p
Do the ones who pass the exams speak really good? Like Maria Ressa or Pia Hontiveros good?
- Words are a diplomat’s bullets. Most passers are not only exceptionally fluent but have the sensibility to choose the right words and approach for every occasion. More importantly, we know when to speak up and when to shut up.
Are FSOs really good writers? Do they write as good as Conrado de Quiros or Jessica Zafra?
- Again, overkill. We’re not hired to write fiction or essays. “Substantial work” – briefing papers, talking points, meeting minutes – are mostly expected to possess both clarity and brevity. We can’t waste our superiors’ time trying to decipher metaphor or checking dictionaries when we have so many deadlines. We just need to communicate effectively in the clearest and most efficient manner possible.
Are FSOs really appealing as in are they good looking? sexy? suave? refined?
- “Presentable” is more apt term. We know when to dress for the occasion. We can also don a sophisticated face when the situation calls for it, but generally we’re nothing out of the ordinary when in casual situations. We crack crude jokes, talk about jologs movies, and eat from Tupperware lunchboxes with a spoon and fork instead of the classic European setting. More importantly, marunong kami makisama.
Guys, this is kind of overkill ha… We’re not “artista” and our primary task is not “sosyalan”. We are public servants: social workers, taga-labas ng nakulong, taka-evacuate ng nilindol, seat-filler sa mga cultural presentations, taga-tungo sa mga espesyal na okasyon, babysitter ni congressman & family, karaoke singer tuwing Christmas party, and everything else our Nationals needs us to be. We don’t have to be Piolo Pascual or Heart Evangelista to accomplish all of this; just a really big heart and a lot of patience.
====================
I hope you won’t mind if I cross-post this over at http://fsoexam.forumer.com/. The other examinees there might also be interested.
BY the way, feel free to ask more, pero sa http://fsoexam.forumer.com/ na ha…
Napansin ko this blog is frequently down. I think these FSE discussions are taking a toll on Toe’s bandwidth. Future colleagues, may bayad yan. The more people visit this site, the bigger the bill. Plus, when it exceeds capacity, the site goes down. Nakakahiya na kay Toe.
Hi! Thank you, Ma’am Toe, for your wonderful blog. Good luck to the qualifiers and to those who will take the exam next year.
We have created an email group for the Foreign Service Exam. I am inviting all of you who are interested to join, but kindly introduce yourself along with the name of your organization or school and the year of your exam (ie. passed the qualifying exam in 2009 or will take the FSO exam in 2010). Here are the relevant email addresses:
Subscribe: fsereview-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Post message: fsereview@yahoogroups.com
List owner: fsereview-owner@yahoogroups.com
In light of the bandwidth issues, which I have yet to experience, this will be my last post here. Thank you and God bless to us all!
was the prequals subjected to a finite number of examinees to be passed? is their a possibility that there were more examinees who actually passed the prequals but were dropped because of a pre-determined quota?
Celery,
Muchos Gracias.
Your cleared up some funny notions and images of FSOs. I “kinda” get some ideas on what diplomats are like in movies such as “The Taylor of Panama” or those diplomatic reception scenes in James Bond movies. They somehow depict diplomats as solely beacons of refinement and culture in high society. Silly me.
What you wrote about what FSOs normally do – taga-labas ng nakulong or taga-evacuate ng nilindol – makes the career a little bit more grounded.
I never thought that being an FSO could be more like being a social worker.
So, nothing out of the ordinary, marunong makisama, exceptionally fluent (I’d like to think so), and writes clearly and concisely, are qualities I firmly believe I have. hehe.
Still thank you Celery. May I have the pleasure of asking more questions from you?
We can meet there at the fso forum.
Haha.. Speaking of Perry, I bought the history book last february, I’m 200 pages away from finishing it, but it seems the info found in there is not even enough..
I also suggest that you try to answer questions after each chapter as it is to an extent similar to the questions being asked in the FSO exams..
Good luck to all of us
About Perry, its really a must read for beginners. It states most of the basic facts about history and its in a narrative form (just like reading a fairy tale). I recommended it because most of the basic facts about history are there so its a book to begin with. After finishing it then go to more advanced reading so that you get acquianted with lots of facts and figures that you need to support your ideas in the essays. I suggest you visit your high school notes and go to your library more frequently. Hahaha.
hi, what will be asked in the preliminary interview? any idea? thanks…
clain,
i heard this is the first time that they will conduct a preliminary interview before the written exam.
Ten days to go before my Preliminary Interview!!! I know its being done for the first time, but any tips?
nice to have this blog post back ^_^
After a crushing failure last year in the prequals, I finally found my name on the list of who gets to take the FSO written exams. I owe this to you, Toe.
Let’s also talk about the pros and cons of being an FSO posted to other countries to really see the realities of life of being an FSO. What about there’s an emergency about your family here in the Philippines, can you easily go home immediately?
hi, thank you for having a portion like this i am a graduate of foreign service 2002 but i haven’t got a chance to take the fso examinations i am now a law enforcer and i am planning to take the exam next year..how many percent or item is the written examination is the language? and how many items is the oral examination..how long it will take?i almost forgot my basic spanish and nihonggo subjects can you give me some hint on how to pass the exam?and when is the next schedule of qualifying?
we have a new site for fso-wannabes up and running, please check this out: http://fsoexam.50.forumer.com/
see you all there!
Obama names envoys to RP, Singapore
For the Philippines, Obama named Harry K. Thomas, Jr., a career foreign service officer who served as ambassador to Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005. He has also been posted in India, Nigeria, Peru and Zimbabwe.
Obama also named David Adelman, a state senator in Georgia and a force behind the president’s record-breaking fund-raising in last year’s election, to be ambassador to Singapore.
Share ko lang.
Hi Toe and all aspirants!
merry christmas
Hi Ate …
I so laughed at the mental picture of you crushing your royal partner’s toes! XD
Ok… anyway, I want to thank you for posting this blog. It has helped me on what to expect… kinda.
I am a freshman studying Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. Our batch is the second in the school’s history bec. the course began last year.
Orals….orals…..Orals…. I despise them.
I can talk if it is in a casual conversation but with a panel! O_o
The exam is still pretty far ahead. T_T (for me) but still, I am pretty nervous
Hello ^^
Thank you for this blog.
I am a college freshman. Currently taking portugese lessons online.
I was wondering of there is an exam for portugese?
thanks toe for everything!
Hi Toe,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences as a foreign service officer. It was really nice of you to give us an overview of what to expect when one becomes an fso. I would like to introduce myself first. My name is Nadine, a fresh graduate from DLSU, who graduated with a course in International studies with European studies as a major. Currently, I am working in an IT company (hr mobility process) and yes, I’ve been well so far.
Honestly, I am in the process of making a decision of what masters degree to take that would be suitable and applicable to my future career path. I am still young, 19 years old to be exact and as early as now, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in foreign affairs. However, I do believe that I need a lot of guidance and advice when it comes to pursuing my chosen career. Also, most of the time, I am not able to apply my undergraduate degree to my current job and I honestly believe that I should not waste what I have learned. My family and friends have always been advising me to take the fso exam and yes, I am pretty scared about it. I know that it is indeed difficult and that it takes a lot to be an fso.
I would like to seek for your advice regarding a suitable masters degree that would be helpful in pursuing a career in foreign service. Also, what kind of preparations one should take before taking the fso exam?
I would really appreciate your advice. It would also be great if I could have your email contact for me to be able to keep in touch with you.
Happy holidays,
Nadine
Merry Christmas!
I’m a gradute nurse and currently unemployed. Can I be accepted in the FSO Exam even if I was not a gradute from that related course. IN Elementary and High School, History has always been my favorite. And I was always tuned in to History channel, national geo, discov chnl in cnn and bbc. International affairs and politics has always fascinated and made me so much interested with it eversince. IN college Philippine constituion was one of my favorites. I chose the nursing profession as a course but as years in this course proved, I found out that I was meant for something else. There was always this clamore for something that I feel I belong, I never emagined myself to be a lawyer we can’t afford it and the long years to study it too, neither did I dreamed becoming a doctor.IN college I was a member of the school paper, enjoyed public speaking much and watch international related news on the cable TV. and I really loved to listen to the news and read or watch documentary films and biographies and I was also very much fond watching and learning Filipino vanishing customs in LAkbay TV and so much loved folkloric dances from the spanish influenced ones up to the dances in mindanao. You see, in my blood my heart do beat for something I so seek all these years. When I read your blog, it seems I’ve found my place. Although I maybe a grad nurse my grades in this course all those years never satisfied me. The feeling is that I was like married to agirl I never liked and I commit infidelity because I would rather prefer to read the news than my nursing books. I would loved to be in touched with you. PLease help me attain my dream and take my life in this feild. please send me a message in my email grks_07@yahoo.com. Thank you and God bless..
Hello folks!
You can share your thoughts at this site!
http://fsoexam.50.forumer.com/
Please feel free to join and register. Merry Christmas!
happy 2010!
I came across a DFA ad in Inquirer on Jan.1.
Feb.5 (Feb.12-Main office) will be the deadline for FSO application and the exam date is also early, March 28.
Please visit http://dfa.gov.ph for more details.
Just sharin’
Thanks and all the best!
Hi Toe!
I’m currently 6-months pregnant but I really wanted to take the exam this year. I’m not sure if they will accept my application due to my pregnancy but I would still submit one. I will still try. Thank you for your blog! It really helped me a lot! Thank you!
I don’t think pregnancy is an issue dear. Just submit your application and inquire at the BFSE.
By the way, good luck to the orals exam of the 20+ FSO hopefuls on January 27-29! Aja!
oral exam pala. Sorry.
[...] the Department, they usually say that it’s more challenging for lady Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) to have a partner in life in this kind of [...]
give me some tips and suggests review materials to pass the FSO pls, tenks…wynfryth@yahoo.com….
Hi!
I just found out today that I missed the passing of the application form for the FSO exam.
Thing is, I enrolled in the review in Ateneo starting this March 6. Should I cancel that and enroll next summer?
But I really really want to take the exam this year. can I still submit? would there be an extension or something?
thanks!
Hi Shana,
You missed the first part. Didn’t you visit the site?
I got the info when I bought Inquirer (which I don’t usually do) on Jan.1 and found the ad on page 2. I was surprised the process is earlier for this year. Chances din that I got that detail. I posted the application date here coz I know FSO seekers visit this blog. Probably, they won’t give extension. Try to call DFA to clarify.
My plans are different because I’m hoping/lookin to pass the qualifying first then my next step would be enrolling in Ateneo’s review. I only knew now that their program sked are early also. I think your review for this year would also help but it’s really up to you. God willing, I will enroll in Ateneo next year
@ vince, I’m also looking for review materials. Seems NSAT reviewer would help but when I check National Bkstr’s site, they don’t have NSAT there. Probably other similar reviewer or sa net.
All the best everyone, peace out!
Hi VJ,
Thanks for replying.
I really think it will be a waste of chance and time if i take the FSO this march because what will be the use of the review then? right? if the review starts march 6 and the exam is march 28..
but i really dont know.. time flies fast.
I hope things get sorted out soon!
btw, if you are planning on getting the qualifying first before ateneo, then you must submit an application in ateneo first because i dont think they will accept applicants if the review has already started. just a thought.
Thanks guys!
Hi toe…i have the plan of taking the FSO pre-qual exam this year. Thanks for the tips i really enjoy reading the blogs. For all of us guys who wanted to be future diplomats let’s get it on. GOD BLESS US…
TO VJ..
Gosh! i doubt i they would still accept my application if the exam is on the 28 of this month.
Hello Shana, thanks for the info. honestly, my target is just to pass the qualifying and Preliminary interview this year. That would be enough for now.
Of course it would be great if I could get through the written exam, oral and psychological interview but if not that’s OK with me. That’s why I’m considering Ateneo review. So I’m really praying hard that I would be included in the cut. Pls. pray for me too
For now I’m trying to relax (not to think of it that much), review a little bit and look at previous posts at this VERY helpful blog.
DFA requirements are quite demanding (a bit expensive as well) so make sure you’ll have enough time to complete it and pass next year.
To Mighty, I guess your strength would be reduced a little bit since you didn’t meet the deadline for application but that’s acceptable because you’re not aware. You’ll eventually be recharged to be mighty again.
There’s next year and like Shana you could prepare more.
Like what Toe has been telling us, read..read..read. It’s you own way (diskarte) how to deal with this challenge and try to enjoy and be positive.
Ciao for now. God bless!
anyone who will be taking the prequalifying exam this march 2010?
Me, I’m taking the exam this sunday.
Ope to see you. All those who posts and visit this blog.
how can we know who’s who?
All the best!
This blog is very interesting, it inspires me to take this exam and to be in this career someday! Thank you
Hi VJ..goodluck to both of us tomorrow..I hope we can hurdle this examination..I have taken the bar examination and I thought nothing can beat the difficultness of that exam but I though wrong I guess..from what I have read in this thread it seems that FSO exam is much more grueling than any other examination ever..
after reading your blog it made me think..should i take the exam 2mrw??? (sayang naman 500.00 pesos fee for the exam)
hi Vj and Basti.. c you 2mrw..(how can we know who’s who nga ba??) Good luck satin!
Excited, scared, hopeful.. that’s what I feel now but more sleepy
God bless us all tomorrow and to succeeding exams, interviews/orals.
Thanks for responding and hope to meet you all
big thanks to Toe!
good luck to all!!
i cant forget the bacon-scented ink for item no. 1
good luck to everyone who took the exam! any idea when will the result come out? hehehe
Anyone who knows when the FSQE results will be out?
Sino pala sten d2 ang ng-take FSQE last Sunday, March 28?
Post kayo ha kapag alam ninyo na pasado kayo sa QE…..sana pasa ako.
@Peegee, I remember that too (bacon-scented ink)…haha!
i answered that as olfactory kc scent nga xa pero i ended up introductory kc advertisement chorva xa, tama kaya ako? hala, windang akesh…
ano kaya tama sagot don sa bacon-scent? buti kokonti lng math?
FSOarHigh,
san ka nagexam kahapon?
@fsoarhigh & vince: ako i answered olfactory. the other option i remember is auditory. so the way i see it the experiment had something to do with the senses
on math. true! kokonti lang talaga and im not sure if its a good idea to put in on the almost last portion of the test. considering the limited time, naku nung nakita kong after the math meron pang series of questions, yung iba dun that required longer computation ay chinamba chamba ko na lang sagot ko hehehe.
*put IT on the almost last portion
wats this peegee: *put IT on the almost last portion?
@peegee, inabangan ko nga un Math kasi if madami un, naku patay na, huhulaan ko rn un, haha! e medyo sakto lang time ko….
@ vince, sa FBoni ako, kayo?
chat tau sa ym ngaun, add niyo ko: wynfryth@yahoo.com, kakaexcite ang mga experience natin a.
sana i-release agad results….Okay nman un exam, db? mas madali pa nga sa mga entrance exam….? pero hindi ko rin if pasa ako. hindi ko na-divide time ko ng ayos, pra npag-icipan ko ayos math portion, nakaka-stimulate ng mind pag Math e,haha!
nagbrush up ako ng algebra tapos stat ang lumabas, windang ever…hahahahahahahahah………
I don’t like that graph/table part of the exam, ndi ko sya na-interpret at nafigure out pano mag-arrive sa answers, nakakainis…. e madali lang nman un?
ung no. 1 e nandun narin yata sa graph mismo ung sagot, like 50.9 % for female 156 years old blah blah blah…
i mean 15 years old younger….
yes, un di sagot ko, 50.9% pero sthe rest hindi ko na nakuha sagot, argh!
yes, un di sagot ko, 50.9% pero the rest hindi ko na nakuha sagot, argh!
hi there..like you guys medyo nawindang din ako sa math being a polsci/law grad, I don’t have that much math in my college life..
I answered olfactory din being “bacon-scented”…
In my part medyo nakakapagod yung exam because there are so much to read. The math part is not that hard but since it requires analysis and interpretation I just wished that it was not in the latter part of the exam since it requires the much needed time to make a complete and correct comprehension.
Oh what a coincidence I met VJ,we were in the same room and he was sitting at my back, we had the chance to chat for a while..
To all of us who took the prequals..Goodluck!!!
san ka nagexam Basti?
un exam especially sa English, parang aakalain mo pwede ring tama un ibang choices.. tama ka BAsti, un Math sana hindi sa latetr portion, I lacked the time na to answer that e,kaya hula na…: ( ang haba din even un i-aarrange mo un sentences…
@Vince & Basti, sa FBoni rin ba kayo ng-exam?
sa baguio po ako…hmp basta gudluck sa atin, basta sana pasado tau, walang bang manghuhula to know in advance ang resulta ng exam natin, chos…
SANA nga pasado tayo! cguro after Holy Week na result. I am expecting na ma-release agad kasi computer naman mag-checheck nun…
after two months daw ang result and accessible to http://www.csc.gov.ph...
awww. ang tagal nman pla….akala ko ang sabi will be informed agad…sana in 2weeks na lng instead na in 2 months….
i took the FSOE-QT 2010 here in Iloilo City.
@Vince: I also answered introductory on the “bacon-scented” question because it was an ad. I had to think twice rin because I also considered “olfactory”.
Anyway, there were like only 15 of us in region VI who took the exam. good thing I reviewed much on ratio, proportion and percentage (I got the idea that math questions will be on these areas because when I took the Civil Service exam in 2006, halos lahat ng questions were about percentage and ratio).
I encountered a problem at the start because my answer sheet was torn in the bottom part (around 1/2 inch) but the examiners told me that it was ok. I just hope that it would be validated by the machine.
hala dominatrix, u shud be able to affirm that ur answer sheet will be certainly accepted by the checking machine, alam mo naman ang machine walang patawad talaga…25 kami lahat dito sa baguio…sana tama natin ung introductory, d b?
hi dominatrix..I took the exam in Manila..
I bought NSAT type reviewer like what they advised here..I took the Career Service Prof right after graduating in College and fortunately I passed it but being a fresh grad mejo fresh pa nga lahat s mind ko..Now, I doubt if I could pass this exam kc almost 7 years na akong out of school..
I have a friend working in DFA, I asked her to give me news about the result of the FSO prequals..once I get the result I will inform you guys..
@Vince: oo nga, sana tama tayo sa introductory. hehe i had to call the examiners’ attention about my torn answer sheet, and they also consulted it to other CSC examiners so there were like 5 people who affirmed na pwede pa rin daw mabasa ng machine. i hope they were damn right. (“,)
@Basti: please keep us updated of the results here. thanks a lot. I hope we will all pass the QT…even just the QT. hehe i checked with my friends who took the exams for the past years and upon comparing the current coverage, parang mas mahirap talaga this year. I guess it goes with the trending of this year’s government exams, seems like the degree of difficulty got higher. hayyy…
@Basti, yeah, please inform us ha? once me info ka na about the FSQE…actually, mas madali u Quals compared sa UPCAT or CS Exam, parang madali sya in general, though I am not sure if pasa ako, pero sana suwertehen, para prel. interview then saka mag-review ng todo for the Written Test. I believe that, dapat wide reader tayo saka updated sa current events, local or international news…
@Vince, if in two-months pa malalaman results? e June na un Prel. Interview at Written Test di ba? sana naman malaman agad naten…. earliest, after Holy Week sana.
yeah, but the interview is tentative so far…two months according to what the examiners announced during the exam…i dont know but i do hope it will be earlier…
hi guys, according to my friends who’s working in DFA, the result of the prequals usually come out in the month of June-July..it’s indeed a very long wait..
so by June..try to check DFA’s website because the result of the exam will be posted there..
hi. May nakakaalam po ba dito kung (roughly) ilan ang nagtake ng Qualifying exam this year? Last year po ba ilan? 3000? 2000? Kasi 120 lang ang nakapasa last year. Grabe.
happy easter! enjoy God’s blessings
Happy Easter Everyone,
ang tagal for 2 mos., para malaman ang results ng FSQE to think na machine naman mag-checheck…besides multiple-choice-type-of-exam un… at hindi naman essay.
Dear 2010 FSOE Pre-qual takers, patience is a virtue. By June, you will know if you pass. In the meantime, start reviewing for the Written exams.
hi guys,
i really enjoyed reading this blog. i would just like to know how and when should i start preparing for the prequals next year (2011). i am interested in trying my luck in foreign service…i would appreciate your help. thank you.
mayumi
@mayumi,
check the DFA site for the updates or info. it’s dfa.gov.ph
as of this time siguro it can’t be determined yet when the next Pre-Quals will be…basta read ka lang any material, wide-reader ka dapat I guess. Okay lang un Pre-Quals parang entrance exam sa college: ) un Written ang dapat napaghahandaan din ng maayos unless mahilig ka magbasa talaga, or okay ang memory mo, I mean.. I think you should have a good grasp of your HS subjects? i.e., especially on Phil. History and Government, but i can guess it can be anything under the sun (more likely un connected sa International Relations/Foreign Affairs)
nasa DFA site un covered subjects or areas ng exam for the Written Test: )
*but I guess.
@Mayumi,
you can focus on english grammar and usage. I saw this book in Nat´l bookstore, called Legal Writing or something like that, I think that it will be very helpful. it’s not about LEGAL wrtiting, like composing legal contracts or anything, but a grammar -polishing book of sorts, teaching you how to be politically correct.
You can read it as early as now, so you can internalize the rules and usage.
Hi toe! First and foremost, I would like to thank you for posting this blog for it reignited my dreams of becoming a future Consul and eventually an Ambassador. Becuase of the awareness you’ve brought to me I am now currently preparing myself for the next years FSO exam. I just want to ask considering my porfile, if I do have a chance of passing the dreaded FSO exam. I am not much into reading text books, I am GAY(let’s stress that one), I am not a graduate of AB Foreign Relations/ Diplomacy, I do not have personal connections with anyone in the government my only driving force that fuels me each and every day since last week was my dreams of someday I’ll be representing my country. I would like to continue an online connection with you. Please giveme an advice on this at nataschaborger8@yahoo.com thank you toe in advance!
Good Afternoon Mr. Toe
Thank you po sa pag bigay ng informations about sa pag take ng exam ng Foreign Service
. Kasi po I’m coming first yr. College sa darating na pasukan po and course ko po ay Tourism at sa St.Paul Manila po ako mag aaral.Lalo po tuloy ako na inspired na ituloy ung course na Tourism dahil nabasa ko pa ung iyong blog. kasi marami na po nag sasabi sa akin mahirap mag Tourism kasi talagang kailangan daw po magaling ako sa english.Malaking tulong po talaga ung pagbigay nyo ng information para at least po my idea na ko kung sakaling mag eexam na ko ng foreign service someday. 
By the way po talaga po bang mag kaiba ang Tourism at Foreign Service?Tska pwede din po ba ko mag take kahit course ko po ay Tourism?May tanung pa po ako ung inexam nyo po ba sa DFA nun tska ung sa mga mag eexam po this year ng Foreign Service parehas lang po ba ng format?Baka po kasi pag nag exam na ko nyan someday po mag iba na po baka mahirapan po ako.aun sana po ma replyan nyo po itong comment ko po sa inyo bali po first time ko lang po mag comment dito at first tym ko lang din po maka visit sa blog nyo 
dahil po pinapakuha kasi ako ng tito ko ng informations about po sa foreign service at luckily po napuntahan ko po ung blog nyo (kahit tourism pa po kinuha ko)
Thank you po ulit sa information Mr.Toe about Foreign Service
Godbless po.
whoa.. thanks for the info, i need to review a little bit harder at this moment… a very inspiring blog.. hehehe good blessings and god bless..
Thanks for this very informative piece, Toe. I never thought the process would be that long (as well as the comments here:)
I am just wondering, do you really need to have a “connection” from a DFA employee to be able to land this job? Is it really to your advantage if you are a graduate of political science, foreign relations, international studies, or law to be able to have this job?
Let me know your thoughts on this since I am on the process of considering this job for good.
Thanks!
hello po… was just wondering if there’s someone out there who would be so, so kind and lend me his/ her review materials (esp those reviewing in ateneo)… would really, really appreciate all the help… i promise to return all the materials promptly and in good condition… thanx in advance…
btw… my email add is macelscaru@yahoo.com thanx po…
Hey cel!
I can help you with that although i still dont have the complete set.
Hi Shane. I’d like to get a copy of review materials as well. If it’s not too much to ask. I really hope you can help me. Here’s my e-mail address: eirene_mesa@yahoo.com
Thanks so much in advance! =)
thanx shane… how can i contact you po? can you please email me ur contact details… my email add is macelscaru@yahoo.com… super thanx po in advance…
Great post. It really gives one an overview of the important things related to becoming an FSO and life as an FSO.
My question is off-topic, but I would appreciate any input you can give me. I’m thinking of studying law, and I was hoping that you can give me the kind of feedback that you wrote here or direct me to one of your posts if ever you wrote about a similar topic. (I really liked your post here and I feel that you were able to give your readers a more or less complete idea of the subject.)
What can I expect in studying law and becoming a lawyer? I’m in my late 20′s and was wodering if it was too late for me to begin a new career.
2010 fso qualifying exam results are out
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/annoucements/1215-results-of-the-qualifying-test-of-the-2010-fso-examinations
congratulations to all passers!
does anyone know when will be the next FSO exam? I’ll prepare myself for it..
I’m a bit anxious about the preliminary interview. Per BFSE, the schedule should be out anytime this week. Would anyone know what to wear? I was thinking along the lines of a short-sleeved barong…
Hey, nice blog! I am also an aspiring diplomat haha. right I’m now taking masters in international studies sa UP. after ng master’s plan ko din magtake ng FSO exam. i really think it’s a great opportunity to work and at the same time serve your country.
Goodluck to all of us! =)
[...] [...]
Hello All,
Im not as smart as you guys, but as some of you have said,
it is not all about intelligence.
Could you please suggest review materials and review center for FSO next year?
Thanks,
BJ
Hi,
This posts really helps! When would be the next FSO exam?
@Bj, bro. inform me what/where FSO review center you are going to attend to.
Thanks! God bless you all guys*
Vince
I just took the preliminary interview this morning. Tough one! Nice post : ) Makes we want to pass even more.
do you know when will be the next exam schedule
@ Ben, whoo, ang galing mo naman….so what’s being asked in the preliminary interview?
and oh btw, to all readers of this blog/forum? especially the ones who took and passed the Pre-Qualifying Exams last March 28, 2010….How’s life been going? I didn’t make it kasi e..Hope everyone is doing great and enjoying their respective careers and jobs: ) I still hope to be able to work for/in the government(=DFA)
@ Toe, hello po…musta na po?sana magpost ulit kayo dito…
@ ALL, wishing to have more friends from/in here: ) please add me up po, fsoarhigh@yahoo.com. Thanks.
Hi guys, I just wanted to know, like If you passed the pre-qual exam,& prelim interview and opted not to take the written test (example. ur not yet prepared) is it okay na for next year nalang mag written exam. Or if you failed the written exam, pwde ba ito nalang ung iretake mo, or you need to start from the bottom?
I’m currently 23 years old, I just resigned from a bank since I really wanted to pursue an FSO career. Currently I’m taking my preparations… I just took up Spanish extramural classes in UP at Level 4 nako this coming Sept. Just to be prepared for the Foreign Language part sa Written Test.
Hi Hera,
Well hopefully u get a job related in foreign service. Perhaps, if you have good faith in urself that you’ll pass, YOU WILL. Continue to dream, but as a piece of advise, dont just lock yourself with really getting into the FSO exams, like we don’t know what the future holds. But atleast try to seek for a back-up career, not that I mean you’ll flunk, but like what Toe says in this blog….
(sorry I cut it.)
…the exam is more than xxxx than the bar exams, that even laudes didnt get to pass…becuz maybe its not meant for them or the desire or passion to become an FSO is not that much that they weren’t able to give out their best.
Sometimes its LUCK…but sometimes its DESTINY.
Hopefully you get both. Goodluck.
Kelly
Thanks Kelly, I was able to think that, what if its not for me.
Well I realized I needed to accept job offers that doesnt relate to diplomatic functions…
Maybe I would opt to teach…
And for 2010 FSO examinations, my knowledge and experiences from my soon to be job would help me pass the exams…..
<3
Hi Hera,
With regards to your question, If you passed the Quali exam, it is valid for three years. Meaning you can take the written 3 times. After which, you will have to take the quali again. I hope I answered your question.
Hi Shayne,
Question, mababa ba ung mortality rate sa prelim interview?
Whew, I started reading the blog from the top, at 2:30pm then stopped at 5:45pm so my eyes can rest then resumed at around 7pm…. wow…at 8:36 on my webclock natapos ko rin… It was very rewarding, I felt I was one of the 2006 -2009 FSO examinees… Like a teleserye, sinubaybayan ko ang mga characters…Some failed on the first take, and made it on the second… Others are brave enough to take the exam even without such preparations…but they still go for it. and a lot more…. hayyy. I can feel the pressure.
But If its your dream, then make ways to achieve it….
I saved comments that i considered are inspiring and helpful. I plan to take the exam next year, currently I’m unemployed. I was hoping that FSO applications for 2011 are already open so I can submit the requirements personally and without the hassle of taking a vacation leave at work (hopefully by that time I already have a job).
Now I’m making a self study sched … na sana magawa ko considering all the distractions like being pressured to find a new job.
I will also be starting a blog at tumblr, with topics that includes, Phil. economic condition, International Relations…and others just to express my views & opinions, and hopefully to practice my writing skills…
To Ms. Toe, Muchas gracias!!!
For your posts and advise.
God Bless each and everyone of us.
Hi Kayla,
Im not saying that this is the norm pero according to one ambassador, there isnt as much na cut off sa interview. There is, pero not as many. Sa written yung danger part so you really have to prepare for that.
Bloodberry,
if you can share your page too? thanks!
Hi FSO – Aspirants and current & future Takers!
I was brave enough to take the FSO Exam this year, 2010. I already finished Pre-Quals, Preliminary Interview and Written. I am still waiting for the results of the written part. Just like any aspirant, I have a constant feeling of uncertainty, and is as hopeful as all of you to pass this whole process, which takes 1 year at least.
My advice to the future takers of the Pre-Qual is to study HS grammar and the rest of the exam will be stock knowledge on statistics, management, reading comprehension, etc.
For the Preliminary Interview: Be reasonable & logical, and even if you know the right answer, don’t be cocky. Accept what you don’t know if you are asked such a question and answer gracefully under pressure, like any future foreign service officer/diplomat representing our state.
During the preliminary interview, I was even corrected by a panelist, but thankfully, I still passed that stage. Smile and remember eye contact. It’s not always the smartest applicant that passes this stage. Sometimes, even the funniest of answers pass this important stage.
For the Written Exam, which I believe will be the stage with highest mortality, my tips to the future takers are … I’ll think of the suitable tips on my next reply.
Does anyone here had an idea of Foreign Service Institute’s pre-employment test? Thank you.
hi. my close friend just informed me last week that she’s planning to take the FSO test after taking an MA in a related field and i thought i would love to tag along. rationalizing it, i think i have some things that can help me in the course of becoming an FSO: i LOVE languages (learned a bit of spanish, watch japanese anime, i teach koreans, and has been introduced to french and finnish), i read world affairs articles online, yada yada yada and my boyfriend is finnish. it would make it so easier for me to visit him or he visit me if i’m an FSO i think, at least if i get posted in europe. well that was what i thought when my friend first mentioned it.
anyway, thank you for the many tips on this page and i will take note of them. it sounds scary as hell but i will prepare myself very well for it.
before i blab more about what i want to do, i’ll fix my life first (this year and next year). i’ll just bookmark this page
thanks, and oh, good luck to all who would take the test and congratulations to those who have passed.
Does anyone here know when the results for the Written Test segment of the FSO Exam 2010 come out? I’m very anxious and hope it comes out soon!
my daughter is a B.S.Tourism fresh graduate and wants to take an FSO exams.could you help her by sending some materials for review?or just the names of the reviewers and authors?or any review center for this?
thanks
mildred
Dear sir,
your blog is very informative. It practically answered all the questions in my mind about becoming a FSO. I work in the media industry, I actually write in a newspaper. Do you think I have a huge chance in making my dream come true? I do not claim to read everything in a newspaper. That’s the dilemma of some journalists: because we write the news everyday, sometimes, we don’t read newspapers anymore.
However, I have an interest in reading foreign news. I have also finished elementary 1 of Nihonggo.
I think my letter is already too long. I just need to read a few reassuring words from you sir. Thank you.
Jen
This blog kicks ass. The bible of FSO aspirants.
SEE this picture! nakakaINSPIRE!
http://apac2020.the-diplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/asean_summit.jpg
hello:) i’ve read your blog. btw, what course did you take up? thanks:)
Hi Amanda, Ms. toe took up Music in College and then Law. She had her FSO exam on the same year that she took her Bar exams (and passed at the same time).
????????????????? ???????? ???????? ??? ??????????? ??????, ???????? ????? ??? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????????????? ? ?????? ??? ???????? ???????? ???????.
what happened to the fsoexam.50.forumer.com?
calling admin, pls come to the rescue…
seems like you’ve gone forever and forgot to log in there…
pls help.
noticed that too. results of the 2010 written exams are out. check out the DFA website. 8 made it to the orals next year. congratulations and good luck!
Only 8? Whoa.
hi guys, i passed the written part. who else among the people here passed? i hope to talk to you and maybe, we can help each other hurdle the oral exams. thanks!
Hi Tsambero,
I’d love to meet the rest of the group too.
are you a member of fso forum board? you can message me there, my user ID is mayabang.
Congratulations Tsambero! I remember you more as mayabang. hehe. But a tsambero, I think not.
Unfortunately, it is the end of the line for me (FOR NOW, I’m only 21. 15 more years to try!), but it isn’t as disappointing, seeing how only 8 people made it. The exam we took must have been really hard.
Congratulations to all who passed the written test! You’re now two steps away. Stay focused on the finish line!
?? ?????? ?????????? ????????? ?????????? ??? ?????? ? ??????? ?????????????.AVTODESERT-RU ????????? ???????? ? ????????? ????????????? ?????????????? ??c??? ? ??? ????? ? SMS-???????????? ??????? ? ?????????????? ?? ????????? ???????.., ??????????? ? ???????????? ???????? ??????????, ?????????????? ????????? ? ?????????????????, ?????/????? ?????? ? ?????????????? ???????, ????????????, ??????????? ?????, ???????? ???????????.
Congratulations, tsambero… whaa only 8 passed! Congratulations to them, too… sana ay palarin din ako next year or maybe the year after next, ha ha…
thanks Joe and MTH!
Hi Toe,
I am really interested for this exam & career, actually I already submitted all the requirements for this year but unfortunately I didnt take the first step because I got a job Singapore and I couldn’t go back last March, trying all my means to be there and take the exams but all flights are fully booked.. sigh..
I dont know how to check if all my requirements that I submitted was still intact if ever I want to apply again for 2011 Exam. Getting those certified true copy is very hard nowadays, but i really want to take my chance next year before it’s too late for me
Any advise that you can give.
Thanks.
Hi Everyone,
2009 FSO Examination Passers
Congratulations, I’d like to know if any of you guys are one of them… Could you also share your experiences… Thanks
1. Alfafara, Angella Gilberto L.
2. Alix, Juan Paolo G.
3. Aragon, Joaquin Ricardo R.
4. Bauzon, Theodore Andrei P.
5. Borromeo, Juan Carlos C.
6. Briones, Gilmarie Ethel B.
7. Bustos, Janina Lourdes S.
8. Casis, Rainier J.
9. Chieng, Marie Cris P.
10. Cypres, Candy S.
11. De Dios, Mikhal C.
12. Estomo, Alexander Joseph A.
13. Fañgon, Domini N.
14. Gabriola, Alan Roi Q.
15. Gaspar, Michael A.
16. Mabayo, Raisa A.
17. Malasig, Alvin C.
18. Morales, Jose Carlo G.
19. Roldan, Ralf G.
20. Salvador, Anne Kristine D.
http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/newsroom/announcements
Ms. Toe, thank you very much for your advice. I finally made it. I used to be an intern in OLA. I asked you for some tips for the Orals.
congratulations alvin! congrats din sa lahat na pumasa!
I used to go by the name ‘flunker’ in Ms Toe’s blog because I flunked twice in the exam. The same cannot be said now. hehe. I share Alvin’s gratitude for the help Ms Toe and the rest in the thread have shared with the readers. This blog has been instrumental in many ways. Thank you!
The site fsoexam.50.forumer is down for several weeks now. Whoever was the good soul behind it but unfortunately slid off to indifference PLEASE find time to visit the site. Just for once. Apart from the mighty nice information there, it’s just too useful to be ditched.
The site fsoexam.50.forumer is down for several weeks now. Whoever was the good soul behind it but unfortunately slid off to indifference PLEASE find time to visit the site. Just for once. Apart from the mighty nice information there, it’s just too useful to be ditched.
I humbly announce that I am one of the lucky passers of the 2009 FSO Examination, after failing my first bid in 2008. What I can say about the experience is that perseverance, hard work, and tons of prayers really pay off. Continue dreaming about succeeding in this endeavor and match it with the tenacity of an unyielding human spirit. One must also accept the reality that fate would sometimes go against his/her dreams and aspirations, so do not quit your current careers or forgo opportunities for success in other fields. To all the 2009 FSO Exam passers congratulations to us. To all those aspiring to become diplomats, good luck!
passer and Hellkite, you inspired me not to give up just yet.
Congratulations!
Toe is a one woman FSO recruiting machine. BFSE should pay Toe. hehehe And a lot of the FSOE should pay her too because she has been instrumental in making them pass. I should know, I’m one of them. Lilibre ko si Toe sa unang sweldo ko. hahaha Hahanapin ko siya.
Alvin, see you in our ahem, new office next year.
Sa lahat ng nagbabalak mag exam, mag-aral nang mabuti at magdasal nang marami. Seryosohin ito.
Correction: And a lot of the FSOE *passers* should pay her too….
Thanks again Toe and congratulations to all fellow passers.
Good luck to those taking the orals next year.
oh well let’s make the site alive and active again…
big congrats to the 2009 passers!
???? ?????????? ??? ???????? ????? ??????? ???????, ??????? ????????? ?????? ??????, ???????? ? ??????? ??????, ?????????? ?????????? ????????? ???, ? ??? ?? ?????????? ? ?????????? ??????? ?? ????? ?? ??????? ??? .??????? ????? ?????? ???????
Congratulations to the NEW FSO… I forgot already to apply for FSO exam as I’m happier of my current career now… somewhat similar to FSO as the office here are of different nationalities… and still on a perpetual state of culture shock..
God bless.. 
any course po ba puede mag apply for fso? wanted to shift career sana.
Hi I’d like to know if any of you are interested in taking a short course on language @ UP Diliman?
The Department of European Languages offers non-credit extramural courses in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish for UP students and non-UP students. Courses run for ten 3-hour sessions every Saturday. Students may choose between two schedules: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Summer courses in April and May are also available, with fifteen 2-hour sessions held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
For more information, contact the Department office at (02) 924.3431 look for Ms. Eva.
Enrollment for the first cycle of this year is on going and classes will start on January 15, 2010 (Saturday).
P3,460.00 is the enrollment fee for 1 Level…
I GOT A CRAZY IDEA FOR U, DONT DO IT ” lmaooo !!!!!
?????????????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?????? ?????????
Congratulations to the passers of FSO exams last year and God bless for your ORAl exam ont he 19th..take a deep breathe and pray!:) (and pray for us too)^^
Who will gonna take the FSO exam this March 2011?..I am much more scared taking this up than board exam!!!
Btw, Why does the DFA website is down since the first round of 2011?
Hi @Champs Ulysses Cabinatan, where do you work po? baka po me Hiring kayo? I am currently seeking active employment.
@Kah, I saw that ad also sa newspaper, 3k something nga un per module? interested sana ako, but late na to start on January1 5, medyo busy kasi ako this days, can I have your e-mail address? or you can add me: fsoarhigh@yahoo.com. Thanks.
@ Vinci, I am having second thoughts in taking the exam. I actually took last year’s exam, but I didn’t make it. Would you know if I can take the exam again? this Mar 20? ad mo rin ako: fsoarhigh@yahoo.com. Thanks.
TO ALL NEW PASSERS (hellkite, alvin, mag and nina and the rest of the 20 examinees who passed 2009 BFSE) Can you please ad me too? fsoarhigh@yahoo.com hihingi sana ako tips para maging successful na this time.. I really want to be a Foreign Service Officer.
Thanks for this blog. It gave me insights about what to expect for the FSO exams. I am planning to take the exam this year and hopefully will get to make it. Are there any other tips regarding the exam and some can the takers or last years exam provide the questions for the written part if they can remember. You can post it here or email it to Ms_pardo@yahoo.com.ph
Thank you and it will surely help me and other aspirants taking the exam. Congratulations to 2010′s FSO passers.
Hi Pipol,
Thanks very much for this blog.
Im now an aspiring exam taker.
Does anyone have info on 2011 DFA FSO exam?
I would like to apply and also review centers you know of.
Please send me a note at bjtagle@yahoo.com
Thanks a lot,
BJ
Hi BJ,
Submission of applications for the 2011 FSO Examination is ongoing. The deadline of submission is on Feb. 11, 2011. You can visit the DFA website (Announcements section) for details on this, and you can also download the application form there if going to the DFA main office to get a form will be too inconvenient for you.
Ateneo offers a review class for the FSO Exam every summer. I took it last year and found that the materials they have provided us with are quite helpful; however, it is, for all intents and purposes, just a review, so I will tell you that years of acquired knowledge on the subject matters will still be your strongest weapon. Furthermore, it focuses mostly on the third part of the exam (written test).
Good luck!
sigh…I wonder why my post yesterday was not posted here?????…….=(
wow..im applying for the qualifying exams on March2011..and reading the thread is a big help for a first taker..thanks a lot..
wala pa ba announcement for admu’s review this 2011??
Sorry for this late reaction. I am also one of the passers of the 2009 FSOE. I guess the best tips I could give are study and prepare well, be confident (especially during the orals), and befriend your would-be batchmates. Most important of all, pray, pray, and pray without ceasing.
Congrats to batchmates passer, Hellkite, Nina, and Alvin, and to all those who passed. (inuman na! hehe!)
Special thanks of course to Toe for taking the time out to guide all of us aspiring diplomats.
Sa lahat ng humahangad na pasukin ang larangan ng diplomasya at ugnayang panlabas, isa itong katangi-tanging pagkakataon na makapaglingkod sa sambayanang Pilipino, lalu na’t may tinatawag na Filipino Diaspora. Don’t give up even if you don’t make it on the first try, just keep following your dreams and the universe will reward your persistence.
MABUHAY!
Good article. Thank you.
http://www.box.net/shared/8guoosaf43
Hi Toe!
I’ve made it my new life’s goal to be a foreign service official. i’m very much interested in having your inputs on how to prepare for the examinations. I’m only 22 years old and figured i have plenty of time to prepare. Is it any help that i live in a foreign country (resident) OFW.
if you can reply me via email it would be very lovely, Thank you so much.
jaelmaikagarcia@gmail.com
BTW, you’re blog is very helpful and very very interesting. Keep it up!
Thanks for all your info. I still find it very insightful even if you wrote those about 4 years ago. Im torn between applying for the FSO now or pursuing law school first. Would advancement be faster if I apply as a lawyer already? Please enlighten me. Thank you!
Thanks for all your info. I still find it very insightful even if you wrote this about 4 years ago. Im torn between applying now or pursuing law school first. Would advancement be faster if I apply as a lawyer already? Please enlighten me. Thank you!
Hi Diana,
I took up law before I passed the FSE. I’m still waiting for the Bar Exams’ results. I suggest you take up law first if you really are into it. The writing, reasoning and oral communication skills that you will learn in law school will help you in passing the FSE.
It is also an advantage to have some work experience before taking the FSE otherwise you will be presenting an empty CV during the orals. The CV that the DFA will give you contains questions that will enable them to determine your competence and management skills. To tell you the truth, I had a hard time answering those questions because I only took part-time jobs.
I forgot to mention that it will take about two years to complete the entire FSE process; assuming that everything is smooth sailing. You can always take the qualifying and preliminary interview first and then take the written after another year of intensive preparations. That way, you will be able to finish the entire process at about the same time as your legal education.
To Alvin:
Thanks for your advice. Yes, Im very interested in working as an FSO. I took up Political Economy and know of a older school mate of mine who passed the entire FSE process straight after completing his Masters. So I thought that maybe I could also try the same path. Although, I was thinking of taking up law first because a legal background and the training could be very helpful and incase it doesn’t work out for me, I can always be a lawyer.
If you don’t mind me asking, were you a working student when you were in law school because you spoke about doing part-time work? You’re right, I think Im going to see how I do with the qualifying and preliminary interview.
Yes I was a working student. I was invited to work for a UNICEF-funded project. I saw it as an opportunity to make my CV more appealing to the DFA. Hehe! Apart from that I am also a freelance writer for the Phil. Star.
Your college course is really appropriate for an aspiring FSO. A word of caution though, don’t take up law just to have a fallback if you don’t make it to the DFA. I thought I wasted my time studying when I always wanted to become a diplomat rather than a lawyer. It was very difficult and exasperating for me. But if you really want to study law then do it. Otherwise you’ll be better off taking a temporary job or a master’s degree related to politics and diplomacy while preparing for the FSE.
ggdsgg
To sir Toe or anyone who successfully passed the exam:
Good evening, I hope you can read this, I have known the FSO exam from my European history professor who also passed the exam and have been posted to different countries, she is now retired in the service and just teaching part time in my school (PUP). I’m a history graduate and I’m thinking if i will took the exam this March or to look for a job first…what are your opinion? can you give me an advice?. And lastly what will I take first the FSO or Civil service exam….I really want to use what i have studied for 4 yrs……can anyone from the successful exam passers can give me an advice..Thanks a lot and God Bless all of you who are posting here in the message board
I’m really sorry to toe I thought she was a “he” my apologies to Ms. Toe. Anyway I still have questions regarding the exam, can anyone from you guys(especially Ms. Toe) here in the messageboard can answer it. My questions are the following:
1. The requirements in the qualifying exam are all in certified true copies( e.g. TOR, diploma and birth certificate issued by NSO) meaning they are not photocopy. My question is that can I still get it back if ever I didn’t pass the qualifying exam? Will the DFA give it back to me if a failed the first step which is the qualifying exam?
2. If ever I pass the qualifying exam and dreaded written exam. How many chances I still have to pass the oral exam? Or the interview if ever I failed do I still have any chances to pass it?
3. Where the heck I can get a self address and self stamp envelopes mark as priority mail? I think I never seen any of that in my entire life nor encounter any of it.
Thanks a lot I hope you can answer my queries(silly queries) as soon as possible so I can decide if I will take the exam this year or maybe next year….
Hello Everyone,
Thank you indeed for the tips.
I plan to take the 2011 FSO exam and I checked out Ateneo Review but you need to attend their review to get their materials, which I can’t given my job.
I wonder if there is anyone here willing to sell their review materials
for the FSO exam in March 2011.
Please email me at bjtagle@yahoo.com
Maraming Salamat muli,
BJ
Hello All,
Could we ask a proxy to submit our application to the FSO exam?
If so, what are the requirements?
Maraming Salamat po sa tulong,
BJ
@st.eugene90
I’m not sure if my answers are right or wrong since I will take the exam for the first time as well. With regards to the certified true copies of transcript and diploma, you have to apply it from your school and I think they won’t give it back to you as well as the original birth cert. from NSO since you can apply for these a number of times. For the self addressed with stamp marked as priority mail envelopes you can get those from the post office. Not sure with the price though. Hope it helps.
To everyone who had experienced the qualifying exam, could you give us some tips on how its like with regards to leadership/ knowledge of management concepts part. What is the best way to review with regards to this area? Thanks.
To: st.eugene90
Look for another job first. The FSE takes around two years to complete even if you pass all stages without repeating them.
You need not take the Civil Service Exam to be an FSO.
1. Certified true copies are in fact photocopies with the words “certified true copy” stamped on it coupled with the issuing institution’s dry seal or the signature of the head of that office.
A birth certificate printed on security paper can easily be obtained from the e-census website. All of these documents will not be returned to you in case you fail the FSE.
2. You have a good chance of passing the Orals if you pass the Written Exams. When you pass one stage of the FSE it is valid for two more years after you took it, so you need not go through the entire process all over again. However, if the said period lapses you would have to start from scratch.
3. Just buy a plain white letter envelope (long) then write your address on it. After that buy some stamps from the post office. Tell the post office person that the letter will be coming from Pasay City and will be sent to your address. He/she will then give you the right number of stamps.
Good luck!
Hallo,
Thanks for this blog. And to all aspirants as Filipino Diplomat. Never quit!.
The qualifying exam is getting closer. on the 20th of March is the face-off.
I hope to see y’all there!
Let’s rock this and make a difference in our country, world and society!
May God bless us!
“With Christ, All things are possible”
Dear Toe and All,
Hello and a happy day! I really wish to take this year’s FSO exam however I have a problem. I’m currently finishing my MSc in another country and cannot be home until the 2nd week of March. This means that I will not be able to personally submit my application at the DFA deadlined on the 11th of February. I wanna ask if it is possible to just forward my application form with required documents to the DFA Main office?
I really want to take it this year as I’m approaching 30 and not getting younger. Thanks and I hope for your enlightening replies!
Sincerely yours,
tagabundok
Hello All,
As an aspirant for the pre-qual, any exam tips would be very much appreciated.
Maraming Salamat muli,
BJ
Hi Tagabundok:
I think you could submit it to the Phil embassy in the country where you are.
Cheers,
BJ
Dear BJ,
Are you sure? Is it possible to submit the application to the Phil embassy?
Regards,
tagabundok
Hello Toe and All,
I wonder if you could suggest a good management as well as logical reasoning
reference book. Is logical reasoning like the law school exam? inclusing abstract reasoning? Maraming salamat muli.
@Tagabundok,
Could you confirm by phone with the Phil embassy in your area?
You could also ask about the postage requirement.
Maraming Salamat sa inyong lahat,
BJ
Grabe! I’m so grateful to stumble on this site. Kudos Ms. Toe! Ito na siguro ang longest running thread na nabasa ko. 2006-2011. Imagine! I’m not even finished reading all comments. Year 2008 pa lang ako. Haha! Will definitely read everything though. Hindi ko mapapalagpas every tidbits of advice. I already passed my application for 2011 FSOE. Tugs! Tugs! Tugs! Sumasayaw na puso ko. Oh, well! No guts, no glory they say.
For all those who already took the exam, sana hindi kayo magsawa magbigay ng tips and advice. For a start, (like ms_prado’s question) can you tell us how are the leadership/management concept questions are like?
I saw the ad for FSOE review in Ateneo. It’s P12,000 for 17sessions ata (Saturdays, 5 March- 4 June with 3 Sundays). Reasonable pero I can’t afford. Hehe.. Nagcoconduct din ba ang Lyceum ng review sessions?
Hoping for your enlightenment,
Haha
Lyceum used to give reviews, but not anymore, I think. I used CSC and CSEE reviewers to review for the qualifying. The CSEE reviewer has some management questions. Hope to see you at the written test, you guys.
Thanks dude! I saw in your previous post that you took Ateneo’s review before. Baka pwede naman pa-share ng materials or as BJ suggested, if you’re willing to sell your materials for a cheap price. P12,000 is really quite an amount of money.
Hi guys. Howdy everyone?
Is there anyone here who will submit their application form
within the first week of February?
If it so, we can meet at the DFA Main Office..so that we could be acquainted with each other.
See you!
Hi,
I’ll be submitting my application on Feb. 1, see you guys!
thanks for all the tips here. . . it is very enlightening and inspiring. I’ll gonna submit my application first week of Feb. . . gudluck to all of us who will take the exam on march 20.
i’m currently a second year student in a big university in manila taking AB history. my question is my course appropriate in the exam? can it help me if i take the exam two years from now?
haha: Unfortunately, I’m still using them (the materials are photocopied only) because I’m retaking the written test this year and because they’re also helpful in my MA classes (hehe). If you give me your email, though, perhaps I can send you some powerpoints that were given to us, as well as some other materials I gathered while online.
I’d recommend that you focus first on the qualifying exam, though, at least for now. 
alex14: I think AB history is a helpful course, but history is only 20% of the written exam. Now that I think of it, no single course (not even AB International/Foreign studies, which I took) is THAT encompassing. It really takes a lot of on-the-side reading.
I suggest you start now. I didn’t, and now, I’m struggling with it a bit. haha.
to Joe: Hi Brüder, can you please send me your materials/ resources for the written exam. It would have been a great help for sure!:).
Thanks and much appreciated!
here’s my e-add: carribean_walker17@yahoo.com
to Joe: Hi Brüder, can you please send me your materials/ resources for the written exam. It would have been a great help for sure!:).
Thanks and much appreciated!
Goodluck and God bless us all!
here’s my e-add: carribean_walker17@yahoo.com
Hello All,
Thanks very much indeed for the posts.
Could someone clarify the full name of the World History book by Perry.
I just found out that there are quite many authored by PERRY.
Maraming salamat po muli,
BJ
@vinceclaude89: I’ll send it tonight or tomorrow.
@BJ: Perry, M., Davis, D., Harris, J., Von Laue, T. & Warren, D. (1988). A History of the World. Houghton Mifflin Company –> I believe these are in abundance in some National Book Store branches. I bought mine in the Katipunan branch, but I also saw copies in the Glorietta 5 and Cubao branches. Just check the NBS nearest you.
Hi everyone,
I need some enlightenment. I am planning to take the civil service exam this coming May since i wanted to be qualified to apply in goverment offices, my sole target is DFA. I’ve know FSO exams since i was in college though I’m not sure if it is a requirement for applicant to pass the civil service exam before qualifying to take the FSOE.
thanks.
@k4kikay
its not a requirement to pass the civil service exam before taking the FSO exam. qualifying exam is like civil service exam on a different level. so you can take the FSO exam even if you did not take the civil service exam. if your planning to take the FSO exam, better hurry with the requirements. deadline is on feb. 11, 5pm.
Mga peeps aside from the book ” A history of the world” may iba pa ba kayong recommended na titles? Wala kasi akong makita sa amazon.com and i’m outside the country right now. Ang balik ko is exam week na. sabi kasi sa sa National Bookstore meron. The book was published 1988 kaya siguro wala sa amazon. Please any help will be very appreciated. Salamat.
@ms_prado: I think NBS already has their online shop. You can try it. I bought my Bob Ong books through NBS online. It’s more convenient especially when you’re looking for books that always run out of stock. (Hope I get paid with the ads) Just a suggestion though.
@Joe: Here’s my e-mail add — punkmasterdane@gmail.com. Thanks a lot! Much appreciated!
@ms_prado: I actually looked into the website. Here’s a link:
http://nationalbookstore.com/shop/products.asp?merchant_code=NBS&categ=192&product=7968
Thanks for answering my question Joe. I had been reading some of the comments here since last week and one thing that I notice is some of you ( the exam takers&passers)including Ms. Toe are law graduates or some have Masteral degrees. Do I have to take law or Masteral studies to be able to qualify in the exam? Will it give me some advantage if had a degree in law? FSO is another career opportunity for me someday. I don’t want to be a teacher I think I don’t have the talent to be one…I don’t want to waste my life teaching a bunch of spoiled brats or hormone-crazed teens. I want to travel abroad and I think FSO is the one that will fulfill my dream…..Good luck to all of you who will take the exam this year, pray hard and God bless!!!!!!!!!!!
ms pardo,
like you, i’m also abroad and going back to our country only a week before the qualifier exam on march 20. btw, i have a question: did you submit your application to the embassy? how did you address the requirement for the self-addressed envelope and postage stamp? or is your mailing address abroad?
thanks for your reply!
regards,
vagabond
@alex14: Neither a law nor a masteral degree is required to qualify for the examination, although many lawyers and people with graduate and postgraduate degrees pass. I started taking my MA in Political Science this year (hehe) only because I felt that my knowledge of International Relations is quite limited, given that my BA was in International Business.
I guess what I’m saying is that it is purely your prerogative whether you want to supplement your college education with a law degree, an MA, or a Ph.D.
Do take an MA that YOU want, though. Hindi yung napipilitan ka lang because of the exams.
@ms_pardo: Oo nga it’s an old title kaya siguro wala sa Amazon. But since you’re already abroad, why not visit a local bookstore? You might just find something better. (The Perry book is comprehensive, pero torture basahin in some parts. LOL.
)
@vinceclaude89 and @haha: I have utang to you guys. (Remind me here if I don’t send it tonight. I have class kasi until 9pm hehe)
Super happy to have found this online! I was planning on sending my application in as well but I’m reconsidering as there is too little time and I am completely unprepared. I’ll commit this year to study for next year’s exam.
@haha Thanks for the link. I tried searching that in amazon but I think that particular book is only available in the Philippines. I found the same title but not a revised edition, Marvin Perry is still the author so I think it will suffice. When I go back for the Pre-quals I’ll just get that from NBS.
@vagabond The addressed I used is the current address I am living at. I can put my address in the Philippines but I’m not presently living there so just to be sure and to avoid misunderstandings that can cause some problems later on.
Hi, I have a petty question the downloaded application form should be printed on 8.15″ x 13″ [A4] or 8.5″ x14″ [Long] sheet of bond paper?
I just wanted to make sure. Thanks
Hi, I have a petty question, the downloaded application form should be printed on 8.15″ x 13″ [A4] or 8.5″ x14″ [Long] sheet of bond paper?
I just wanted to make sure. Thanks
@ Riri: Hi, the application form for the FSO exam is a 8.5? x14? [Long] but compare to the form which I have secured personally from the DFA office, it is thicker than a regular long bond paper yet the same width/length dimension.
Be sure that when you are suppose to print the downloadable forms online. You should have printed out 4 application copies.
Take Note:
Be sure that the application form has been notarized before filling on or before the due date. Otherwise, it will be invalidated/ or be refilled again.
Lastly: Visit the DFA-Announcement website for more questions and additional requirements for the FSO exam!
Cheers*:)
@ vinceclaude89 : Thanks!
somebody should block these vandals..
Hi@ VinceClaude89
You mentioned that we must print the application form in 4 copies, Will it be 1-for DFA, 1-applicant’s copy, 1-Notary Public, and the other 1 for?
thanks
@Kah:
Hi, no..not 4 sets of application forms! Only 1 set but it does contain 4 pages of bond papers.
The application form must have been notarized in order to make it a “legal documents”. It’s the same form that you will pass at the DFA office.
*It’s the same as when you file at the PRC for Board Exam/s, they require notarization*
For Notarization: Look for “Notary Public” Office or when you know a Lawyer/ Atty who is capable of doing it so.
Here’s the direct link for the form, you may wanna check it out:
http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/downloads/cat_view/87-bfse-docs
can I ask you guys if the P500 is needed before taking the FSO qualifying exam? or only with the written exam?
@Marty: You need to pay P500 before taking the Qualifying Test.
Who’s ????? Spam! Kind of irritating.
i’ll just want to ask if meron po ba math problems sa exam? are we required to use a calculator? if we can use calculator, what type of calculator is allowed? thanks everyone. . .
I think there’s been an invasion on this thread. For newbies, please read all the posts first and consult the requirements from the DFA website before posing questions that have been thoroughly addressed here. For spammers, don’t be fooling yourselves that you can continue polluting this thread.
Hi there! Good to be in this site again. Hahah. Caused an uproar the last time I’ve been here. But don’t worry, I come with a clean slate now.
I passed the Preliminary Qualifying Test (rating: 81.3) in 2008 but flunked the Written Exam in the same year (rating: 74+%).
In 2009, a new hurdle was set prior to taking or retaking the Written Exam: a preliminary interview, that is. Unfortunately, the committee didn’t like my answers, hahah, and of course I know why.
Today, I filed an application to retake the examinations again. I don’t know if I can overcome the second and third major hurdles this time, but I am confident enough to say that passing the Preliminary Qualifying Test is rather relatively easy. I want to help fellow examinees pass that test too. If you’re interested to benefit from my humble offer (which is free, of course), just send a message at elijah.mithrandir@gmail.com
God willing, if we overcome the first hurdle, which as I’ve said is relatively easy, we can proceed with forming a study group for the next hurdles. With my firsthand experience, you might learn HOW TO FLUNK the written exam, which consequently make you realize HOW TO PASS the said test.
God bless us all, and our country too!
For your curiosity, I am 25 years old now. A fresh MA graduate. Magna cum laude graduate in college. Currently a teacher, specifically a college instructor in a Manila-based university. ‘Yun muna. I just wanna help people. While pursuing the FSO career path is still one of my dreams, I am quite contented with my present job. Just the same, the handsome pay and the thrill of serving our country while having the opportunity to travel are just too good to be left unfulfilled di ba?
good day to all! May I ask regarding the 1.5X2 inches picture 8pcs.. Do they accept if the name-tag has been digitally edited ? or do i really need to hold a “hard board” name tag?(I mean real thingy tag?
thanks!
Hi Justin,
No need to hold a card (as your name tag) the photographer could just make a separate picture out of it then crop and paste it to your photo using photoshop.
In short it becomes edited… But I think the DFA wouldn’t mind about it.
Actually, they are very strict about the name tags. They will not accept it if it is digitally added. So rather than be hassled to have a new photo taken, you better hold a name tag when you take your picture.
Also, it should be first name middle initial last name. Otherwise, they would not accept it as well.
Good Afternoon guys, I have made a decision to take the exam next year. I am compiling lot of tips for the exam in this site I think it will help me, by the way I notice in the old comments here (especially year 2006-2007 or 08) that the exam don’t have a preliminary interview first but added by DFA later….the stumbling block that Prof.Elijah Mithrandir stumbles upon….
oops sorry,i made a mistake i submit my comment in half by the way my question is if I passed the qualifying exam but failed to pass the pre-interview do i still have any chances? If ever how many or do i have to go back to qualifying exam…Thanks again i hope you can answer my question…God bless!!!
mga sir at maam…
paki confirm lang po, anu po exact size ng application form for FSOE
is it
8.5 x 13
o
8.5 x 14
thanks po sa magrereply
kasi yung previous post ni vince claude
“8.5? x14?”
parang di ata cya cgurado kasi may ?..
paki confirm lang po, thanks
hi misterio, i printed my application form in a Long Bond Paper (8.5×13).
@ riri.. thanks for the reply
Actually, guys, long bond paper (LEGAL) is 8.5″ by 14″ (not 13″).
Anyway, I just checked the new application form (last year kasi, we used Legal), and saw that the paper should be printed on 8.5 x 13 paper.
Hi,
8.5″ x 13″ is long bond paper (see reference)
http://nationalbookstore.com.ph/shop/products.asp?merchant_code=NBS&categ=258&product=10406
Hi guys, to those who submitted already their requirements, were you texted or emailed already of the venue for the exams for metro manila??
Hi Brianna,
I haven’t received any confirmation or text from the DFA. I have submitted my application last February 4.
Hi guys, done with passing my application at the DFA this afternoon.
Regarding the picture, my name-tag has been added digitally yet has been accepted.
I assumed, what they mean about “digitally edited/enhance” shall not be accepted is that those pic which has been obliviously altered. If your face has a mole,a birth mark, A scar, or any significant or remarkable appearance. Stay at it is.
Forget about Photoshop!
They want to see the real you showing off the whole face not what you wanna upload on Facebook profile!:D
Note: Verify your necessary documents before passing! Your name, middle & Lastname. It must have been in conjunction with with any other paper( birth, T.o.R, Diploma,ID). Otherwise, if one letter in your name is missing or maliciously altered, theY will invalidate it or else you provide reasonable and legal answer/paper why it is so! Better be prepared than be hassled!
cheers*See you all on March 20! God bless.:)
Hi guys, to those who already submitted their requirements? Were you already texted or emailed of the venue for manila? I Haven’t yet.
Hi Brianna, I haven’t received any updates through txt or email yet also.
But I believed they would update us with the DFA website/announcement when & where the FSO qualifying exam will be held.
Let us just visit the site regularly. And much probably it will be then posted here soon by concern fellaS!^^
Hey guys, to those who submitted their requirements at the DFA main office they FSO exam secretariat told me to call their office on the 3rd week of February to ask if the Exam pass is ready for pick-up. I guess we’ll know by then when and where the Qualifying Exams would be. Best of luck to us all.
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Hi good evening to all, May i ask if pwede ang proxy in dropping the application sa DFA?
thanks guys!
Hi James
The application form should be personally filed by the applicant.
IMHO, Perry is a good place to start if you want to brush up on history. However, you should not solely rely on it. Kulang pa rin siya. Supplement it with other reading materials. For instance, Columbian exchange which appeared in the 2009 written exams was nowhere to be found in the Perry book! Patay ako, hinulaan ko tuloy!
It’s not a bad idea to rummage through your old things and look for your high school history book.
First of all I would like to thank Ms. Toe for putting up this post and maintaining this thread until now. I will be taking the FSO Exam this March and I was looking for resources regarding what to review when I stumbled on this website. I submitted my application at the DFA main office last Friday and I was one of the last to submit before the deadline. Anyway, we were told that we can claim our exam pass on Feb 21 until March 4. Good luck to us all.
Anong hula mo sa Columbian Exchange Atty. Nina? =)
I agree with Ms Nina. But then again, Columbian exchange is a really obscure term (for me, at least). Naencounter ko lang siya when I saw some posts on previous FSE questions. Read some of everything talaga.
To those who will be taking the exam for the first time, I hope you are already reviewing for the prequals. People have the tendency to take it for granted (kasi it’s just English or Math), but this is actually where the most cuts are made. If I am not mistaken, more or less 1,000 ang kumuha ng prequals last year (shempre hula ko lang yung total number), yet only 90 of those people passed and moved on to the interview.
Of those 90 (plus some interview retakers), only 59 passed the interview.
So prepare talaga. I must say that you have your work cut out for you kasi despite the uncertainties of whether you will pass or not the two stages before the written test, you have to be reviewing for the written na rin.
So good luck!
just a minor question to those who have taken already the FSO exam…
how long do each leg of the exam take?
like Qualifying Exam – 8 hours??
Preliminary interview – an hour or half a day?
Written Exam – 3 days (mentioned i think in one of the messages)
Oral Exam – 3 days also???
I would have to travel to take the exam since there is no testing center in my province so i would need to schedule my leaves since im currently working.
Merci beaucoup!
@sophie:
Qualies – 1/2 day
PI – allot half-day for this. it’s only 25 minutes but you have to be there 1 hour before your sked, and it’s usually alphabetical, so either you’re in the afternoon or in the morning, depending on your surname
Written Exam – 3 whole days, 8am-5pm, except for the last day, which is up to 3pm only.
Orals – depends on the size of the batch.
?????? ????? ? ???????? ????????
@Hellkite: Naku, I had absolutely no idea about the Columbian Exchange so I just focused on the word exchange and wrote a long treatise on globalization and how it made the world feel smaller than it was before. hehehe
exam permits available starting tomorrow Feb. 21 to March 4…8am to 5pm only..monday to friday only
i got my permit. testing center is at universidad de manila at mehan garden,manila…see you there…
yup.I already did get my permit today.
the exam will start @ 7am, Universidad de Manila.
see you there. God bless ya’ll!
vinceclaude, what are your preparations for the FSE? is this the first you will take the Qualtest?
@ mei mai:
Hi, yup this is my first time to take up the FSE.
I have not much preparations but only reading some NSAT book once in a while.
It would have been an honor and a great prestige to get in!
So Surely, prayer does matter! If it’s God’s will, so be it.
How about you?
yes. first time also…just came across this blog last August. when i was searching for “how to become a diplomat” it was funny…i was so bored and ran out of ideas what to search for…i was just daydreaming that time and it came out..’do you want to be a foreign service officer’ hahaha so, theres such thing..amazing!
in our bukid kasi, to be a lawyer ang intelligent profession and nursing is the most popular course…
im in my 30s kaya konti nalang yung chance ko but atleast i still have a chance…
medyo tahimik dito ngayon…parang tayo lang ang mag take ng exam this march…
indeed, prayers talaga…il check if i can get and practice the NSAT…mahirap kung prayers lang…hehehe baka uulan ng mga sagot,bukol tayo
Hello People,
I would like to confirm the exam details.
Is the exam on March 20th?
Does it all start at 7am? How long will it last?
What should we bring? HB Pencils and eraser only? Snacks?
Maraming Salamat po sa muli,
BJ
Bj: Hi Bro,
Yes the exam will be held on the 20th of March,7am at Universidad de Manila.
You must bring the ff:
1. 2 valid Id’s
2. #2 Pencil
3. Black Ball pens.
Technically, those stuffs above mentioned were indicated on the permit! So grab yours now!:)
Btw, I have a question, to those who had already taken up the FSE. What is the dress code? Thanks
@mei mai,
Yup, I know exactly how you feel.
It always give me a chill whenever I think about the position of a Diplomat!:)
Btw, Weren’t you the one wearing a short with rubber shoes last Monday?
The time I went in the elevator, that girl went out to the other side.:)
hi vince!
LOL
I admire your keen sense for details. I have to commend you for remembering almost everything that surrounded you that day. You, being hyper-observant, may have a well exercised power of deduction (very good at sizing up people).
Of course, I have to say that rubber shoes are God-sent for they have served me very well when I had to walk from the Cuneta astrodome to the DFA office.
However, you may be referring to a lady who came in much earlier than I am. My pants were long that day and almost everyone had left the building as it was already past 5…
That lady must be very interesting that caught your attention. Ikaw ha?
@ mei mai:
I’ve been there at DFA around 4 or 4:30pm…
actually I never had any idea who that girl was, only the short and rubber shoes made a remarkable appearance..”blamed the elevator door”!:D
It was like a movie scene, I went in, the girl passed by then the door was closed!
**ting**- GROUNDFLOOR!..^^
LOL..just kidding. i think she’s in her late 2O’s early 30′s so I thought it was you since you’ve mentioned you were in that age-gap.
Btw, Sol Aragones was there at the lobby when I passed by that time.
hahahaha..i guess you are earlier…when we went out,its gretchen manalad by the door then when i walk towards roxas blvd., i saw sol aragones…i can’t contain the the idea that thers so much media around..i even spotted the GMA van so i asked a cameraman fron tv5..’whats the issue?” he replied..’yung sa Libya ,maam” OMG! nawindang ako..im taking the FSE and i dont know the issue..hehehe.i must say, i just forgot…OMG!
@mei mai and @vinceclaude: Good luck on the 20th! It will be a looooong morning, but just stay focused and don’t let your minds wander during the exams.
maraming salamat sir joe…sana magkitakita tayo sa june (tentative)…okey ba yung admu review? 12k na ngayon…can you say that it increased your knowledge to 75% from what you’ve learn in college? your opinion is very much appreciated.
PS vinceclaude: casual lang. wear comfy clothes.
BJ: you can bring snacks (i did), but with the intensity of the exams, you may not be able to eat rin. (well, i nakakain ako after na). bring water though.
and BE on time.
yung admu review…hahaha biased ako eh! (at saka wag niyo po ako i-sir, mas bata po ako sa inyo haha)
seriously, though, the review was very helpful to me, but that’s because I took up European studies in college, so mas supplemental po talaga ang purpose niya. However, they really do provide you with lots of materials (mga isang dangkal ng readings), and the lecturers they hire are instructors na rin sa Ateneo, or sometimes, people in the foreign service rin.
plus point din when you do the review, you meet people who are aspiring for the same things as you. my review classmates from last year and i still keep in touch. its helpful when you want to have group discussions on topics.
sana nga po magkita tayo sa written! hehe.
keep on reading.
hi joe,
i called you ‘sir’ kasi may ‘experience’ kana…thanks for th advise..just as i thought…the review class can give me opportunity to meet people with the same dreams of entering the service…isang dangkal talaga? sana di naman dangkal ni yao ming yung pinag uusapan natin…anyways…thanks…
it’s one REALLY thick binder. they give you readings per class and an empty binder at the start of the review.
hi joe,
I’d like to know when did you started your review in Ateneo? Thanks
I took it last year.
March-June 2010. 
I can’t take it anymore this year kasi I have MA classes din so I’ll have no time. 
Hello All,
Maraming Salamat po for all the information.
Tanong lang po, if lucky to pass the pre-quals, is it possible to ipostpone
taking the written to next year or so?
Best regards,
BJ
BJ:
(You have to clarify this din with the BFSE, just in case)
Ang alam ko, you can defer taking the written exams this year in case you pass the prequals and the interview kasi both have a validity period of three years. Kaya yung mga people who did not pass the written test on the first year they took it (like me haha), they have two more chances to take it before they need to do everything all over again.
Personally though, ipostpone mo lang yung written only if you really really really can’t make it to the exams this year. Sayang din kasi yung validity. Di ba?
Good luck!
Hello All,
Maraming Salamat po muli sa tulong.
Goodluck po sa ating lahat,
BJ
See you everyone on March 20!
@ joe: Thanks..hehe..
btw, are you a girl or a guy? I am confuse how will I address you!:)
Hello All,
Tanong lang po kung paano pumunta sa Universidad de Manila via MRT galing Quezon Avenue. In case lang po sa Manila ako kukuha ng exam as I havent got my Exam Permit yet.
Maraming salamat po sa muli,
BJ
@BJ:
Universidad de Manila (formerly CCM- City College of Manila) is located at Arocceros, Manila just beside LRT1- Central station (Monumento- Baclaran) in front of S.M Manila & Manila City Hall.
From Q.Ave: Ride any PUV/Bus going to Baclaran then drop off to Manila City Hall, take the underpass. Or Take LRT1- Central Station,walk down the stairs, voila you’re already in the school’s gate!:)
GBU
@vinceclaude: WHAT?! haha. guy
Dear All,
Maraming Salamat muli po sa tulong,
particularly to Joe and Vinceclaude.
Good luck to us all,
BJ
hello everyone!
I have been to DFA last week to get my test permit..I will be taking the pre-qualifying exam at Universidad de Manila too at 7am. Sana pumasa tayo…pakiramdam ko kukuha uli ako ng UPCAT hehehe..Good luck sa ating lahat!
good luck everyone!!!
how many items po ba ang exam? any idea? Thanks po!
if you will pass the FSO, you are very much welcome to be assigned in my country LIBYA!
Would like to share my bf’s experience re: the FSO exams. He passed the 2009 exams, but his batch hasn’t started yet. Out of 600+ examinees, 20 passed. Actually, 26 passed the oral exams, but 20 passed the last exam – the psychological exam.
He took his prelim exam May 2009, written exam in August 2009, oral exam in December 2009, and psychological exam in february 2010. The results were released December 2010. It’s a pretty long wait (2 years to be exact), but I think it’s worth it. As I mentioned, they haven’t started yet because they are still waiting for Noynoy to sign the appointment papers, according to other sources.
Hi Bj, Do you also live along Q.Ave … thanks for asking earlier, now I now how to get there at CCM
@Pasyak, anong batch mo sa UP?
Dear ALL,
Tanong lang po ulit, pre-qual according to previous DFA posting has the following breakdown. Ganito pa din po ba ngayon?
40% – english
20% – reading comp
15% – logic
10% – quanti
15% – management
Maraming salamat muli at Good luck po sa atin lahat.
BJ
@ Claudine Go
Q Ave lang kasi alam ko and this was where I used take PUJ in Quezon City to Manila.
Hi I already got my exam permit around 11am today. I thought I was one of the few people who still haven’t claimed the permit, but upon seeing the counter I can say that there is like a hundred permits still to be picked up.
So guys, grab your permits now…it’s the last day and they’re so strict about the deadline
See you all on March 20 and God Bless everyone!
Any one among you who enrolled at Ateneo Review class for foreign service exam?
Good morning future Diplomats…
i just wanna ask if anyone here has a recommended book/s for management concepts?
@BJ: hmmm breakdown…don’t rely too much on that breakdown kasi it might have changed. but the subjects are pretty much those. i suggest you study each with equal amounts on intensity and vigor.
@Rose: I did last year. I can’t this year kasi I’m taking up my MA na. Did you enroll?
@misterio: I used the CSEE reviewer published by MSA. They have a management concepts section.
As for a book, I guess any management-related book will do? Not sure. 
hello everyone!
may ibang venue pa ba ng pre qual exam? yung test permit ko kasi 2 copies..ung isa deleted ang venue somewhere in q.c. near sm north…pero sa universidad de manila ako mag eexam….:-) good luck sa ating lahat!
@ claudine go: batch 2004 po ako..ikaw?
Hello All:
Tanong lang po if anybody has an idea how long the test would be and how many items. Siguro English pa din ang pinakamahaba at meron din daw Pilipino.
@ Joe:
Maraming salamat po muli.
Good luck to all,
BJ
considered ba valid id ang bir tin?
@andrea: voter’s id and postal id gagamitin ko sa exam…valid din ata yun basta may birthdate mo..at pirma..
@?: —————————————————————>
ask ko lng po for those who have taken the exams before, kailangan ba ng calculator or are we allowed to use calculator to answer math questions??? if yes, what kind po? sorry if im naive, first time ko lang kasi kukuha ng exam…
any answers will be greatly appreciated… thanks and goodluck sa tin lahat.
diane: no calculators.
@ diane: hi diane…first time ko din kukuha ng exam sa dfa…good luck!
@Pasyak — Class of 2004 -BS Educ.
@claudine…nice …teacher ka pala..galing!
@Pasyak
I’m currently a private tutor on weekends and at the sametime trainer in a BTO company in Eastwood, but I used to teach in elementary. Actually, I heard of FSO from a college friend who also passed the exam (I think it was in 2007 that he took the prequals).
I just wanted to give it a shot, since I knew it would really be a nerve wracking experience and also would require me to review and learn stuffs in foreign relations, etc. I don’t have other preparation except that I subscribed for Time & Newsweek and CSEE & CSC reviewers from MSA —> which is helpful at the moment.
What’s your course in college? I noticed you kagad because you said something about the FSE is like taking UPCAT again. I was a proctor in the 2010 entrance examinations. And when I remember the faces of the examinees during that ordeal, I feel that FSE will give me a way way way… harder than LET and/or UPCAT.
To all the examinees goodluck ! —>Chill lang <—- and pray!
Hi everyone, I’m Lino and a fresh CPA. I just wanted to share this tips for passing the CPA BOard Exams. Since I think it will also be helpful to my fellow FSE examinees.
Love accounting by heart. If it’s gonna be your profession, you must love it by heart. Loving what you’re doing is a great key to success.
Start your freshman year mastering it. We all know accounting is a cycle. The earlier you started practicing and mastering all concepts and process, the better you will understand it and love it by heart. Accounting involves analytical skills, doesn’t require anyone to be excellent at Math. You just have to have a strong foundation of the basic accounting concepts and mastering the basic accounting cycle, all else will follow. It’s a cycle that once you’ve missed a step, you’ll never proceed to the next or you’ll never proceed at all. The later you started getting serious with accounting, the lamer you’ll pass.
Practice makes perfect. Always the number one rule to success. Always practice solving accounting problems. It will sharpen up your auditing skills and you’ll get quicker and tougher.
Use the same calculator you’re comfy with. It’s advisable to get comfy using the one you’re gonna use to the board exam. It must be suited for you. The board has issued a memo regarding the allowed calculators to be used in the CPA board examination. Scientific calcu areen’t allowed. I suggest, know it while you’re still in school so you’ll be comfy with your calcu already. This will definitely save a lot of time.
Know your weakness and erase them weakness. The cpa board exam covers 7 subjects. Make each one your favorite. Never under estimate one subject — for it might be the reason of your failure.
Dedicate a time to study and a time to play. Everything requires dedication. You must spend hours for accounting time in school and at home. Don’t over-study too. Play and have fun.
Have a thorough review. Aside from a self-review, it is recommended to enroll in a reputable review center to have a deeper experience of the actual board exam. It’s a cool CPA exam preparation for you. Review schools also have the updated materials and events regarding what is latest in the board. They will also assist you for your cpa exam schedule and requirements to assure you’re on the right tracks.
Believe in yourself. Believe that you’re shading the best answer because they are the right answers. Believe and trust in yourself. An exam is like a game, you need to focus and believe in your potentials to win it.
Pray. It works. It’s not whole physical and mental. You also need spiritual guidance. Thank the Lord and accept His blessings of having a healthy and bright mind.
Prepare everything completely settled. Settle everything you will need for the examination day. Extra pencils, calculators, scratch papers, erasers, IDs, permits, and all things you need to bring for the big day.
Relax and chill before the big day. Free and set your mind ready for the exam day. Don’t stress. Just breathe and smile…A positive energy will bring positive things.
http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Pass-the-CPA-Board-Exam-in-the-Philippines-CPA-Tips-and-Requirements
i’m also a licensed teacher but not a practicing one because i became a writer… its glad to know that there are couple of teachers here. good luck to all of us. . . .:)
@lino: your tips are highly appreciated . . .
@joe: thanks for the info. what type of math problems kaya ang included sa exam?
@pasyak: hi . . . goodluck sa tin lahat na mageexam . . .
hi diane, thanks I have quoted those tips from
http://hubpages.com/profile/twentyfive
and yes goodluck sating lahat!
can you give a list of ID’s na pwede? I only have a passport as a primary ID. what else can I bring?
Hi haha, here are some of the acceptable Identification Cards (IDs) I think most of them indicates the birth date of the individual—>(very important
1)Passport
2)Driver’s License
3)Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
4)National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
5)Postal ID
6)Voter’s ID
7)Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
8)Social Security System (SSS) Card
9)Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
10)OFW ID
11)Seaman’s Book
12)Employment/Company ID
13)Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) ID
14)Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
15)Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the BSP, SEC, or Insurance Commission
Classification of IDs whether PRIMARY or SECONDARY
PRIMARY IDs::
Philippine Passport
Foreign Passport with English characters/translations (and the holder must have residence address in the Philippines)
Alien Certificate of Registration
Driver’s License with validated Official Receipt from LTO
PRC ID with License
Green Card
Company ID
Student ID (Current Year) / School Registration Form
New Social Security System (SSS) ID with picture
New TIN card
Locally issued Credit Card with Picture
Senior Citizens ID
SECONDARY IDs::
Foreign ID with picture issued by the country of origin
Philippine Postal ID
Firearms License with picture
NBI Clearance with picture
Voter’s ID
Barangay Clearance with picture and dry seal
Police Clearance with picture and dry seal
POEA card with picture
OFW card with picture
https://www.mybdo.com.ph
@claudine: I took up Sociology..currently I’m a researcher in a private company in Manila..just like you, I also want to try FSO exam. This will be my first time to take the exam and I’m a little bit nervous because according to some posts here…FSO exam is very difficult so I am expecting kasing hirap o mas mahiram pa to sa UPCAT…nosebleed eh heheh..about my preparation for the exam, I just borrowed reviewers from my cousin which she used in UPCAT 2009.
@ diane: thank you!
I’ll take my exams @ Mariner’s Polytechnic Colleges Foundation, Legazpi City
March 20, 2011, 7 AM
coverage:
1. verbal, numerical and anilytical abilities
2. management concepts
Anyone here taking the Ateneo FSE review?
Unless they changed it, 180 items ang prequals pero the first 10 questions are personal questions, like age, sex, civil status so 170 items lang talaga ang test proper. Kaya budget your time wisely. Unfortunately, bawal gumamit ng calculator.
I took the Ateneo review and I think that it did me a world of good. It’s been seven years since I graduated from college (when I took the FSOE) so my memory needed a bit of jogging.
OMG Ms. Toe your back (you cleared the vandals posting” ??????????????????”!
Please help us, the exam is getting near and we really would want to hear something from you. Your blog has been the meeting place of aspiring diplomats. And all of us shared the dream of becoming what you have become. Your posts inspired us to take the challenge and work to achieve our dreams.
Thanks po!
Hi everyone,
I live near Alimall Cubao. I’d like to know kung paano pumunta ng UM, paguide naman po. Thank you.
Mary
@Mary: wow totyal…sa mall nakatira..
I will be taking the pre-qualifying this Sunday and it is my first time…
Good luck to my fellow examinees, hope we can overcome the first hurdle…
Hi,
pasyakon 16 Mar 2011 at 3:37 pm
@Mary: wow totyal…sa mall nakatira..
Are you Mr. Pasyak? Since from his previous post he is a researcher and in my opinion would never make such comment and FYI I do not live in the mall. I said in my post “near Alimall Cubao” —residential area.
PS.
People who posts reply on this blog can use the name of previous commenters, so beware if your name is used to say such things since anonymity is the name of the game.
I now know my way to U.M. Good Luck everyone!
Hi! I just want to ask if there’s anyone who will take the exam in Cagayan de Oro? I still haven’t received my permit
@ferdie: are you from mbtc-davao? coz im from mbtc-450… (btw, have you taken the exam sir?)
@Mary: Hi Mary, I did not post such comment po..Have you received a letter from the civil service commission for the room assignment? I will be taking the exam at room 13..how about you? good luck everyone!
@Pasyak: I came to actually picture the personality of the characters in this blog. And I seem to notice that there is something wrong, maybe because “vandals” in this blog exist. =)
Anyways, I haven’t received a letter for the room assignment. Maybe because the address I indicated in the application is Batangas and currently I’m working in Quezon City.
When did you received the letter?
Thanks
Hi Mary,
I just called at the BFSE and they advised that examinees should be early since room assignment will be posted at the bulletin board in front of the designated exam areas.
I’ll be taking the exam at University of Manila.
GoodLuck!
@Mary: Last Tuesday po..It was indicated that I will be taking the exam at room 13…what a nice number hehehe…:-)
I just received a letter indicating my room assignment. I’ll be in room 15. See you guys there! To be honest, hindi ako nakapagreview. Everytime na magbabasa ako, I always end up sleeping or doing something else. Kaya super good luck na lang sakin! Good luck din sa lahat!
bakit wala akong narecieve na letter ng room assignment? good luck sa tin lahat . . .
@haha: room 15 ka pala…lapit lang sa room 13…
Hi! Alam niyo ba kung gaano katagal bago lumabas ung result ng prequal? Salamat!
Hello wannabe! Last year, we had our prequals March 28, and the results came out on May 27.
Give 1-2 months, but it also depends on the number of examinees. 
Good luck to everyone on Sunday!
@Joe: you will also take the exam on sunday? where is your room assignment?
Hi Pasyak! No. I already too it last year.
I’m retaking (planning to retake) the written test. 
sorry *took it last year
Hi Mary, or to anyone who knows kung paano makapunta ng University of Manila… from Aurora,Cubao. Thanks!
Guys FYI.. Universidad de Manila (foremerly CCM) is different from University of Manila.
Universidad de Manila is located at Mehan Garden, Arocerros Manila (infront of S.M Manila City/ Manila City Hall) beside LRT 1 Central station.
University of Manila- is located I think somewhere in Recto.
Don’t be confuse.:) Kindly check your permit where exactly you’ll gonna be taking up the exam.
God bless! cheers!;)
@ Joe: good luck on your written exam..:-)
GOOD LUCK TO US!
—————–
Ape shall never KILL Ape
Yeah goodluck everyone!
hi ms. toe,
charlene po to.. Do i need to enroll sa ateneo review? I missed the deadline. Waaay past deadline. Their review classes started on 5 March. I just thought about it today. Waaaah..
good luck sa ating lahat bukas.
Cheers!
grabe yung math, pie chart, graphs, percentage, ratio, mean average…3 lang yata tama ko dun…data interpretation ang marami…
nyahaha..the exam was so tough!(on the Math part);D
kelan kaya ilalabas result?
worst sunday ever!
kunti lang naman math doon, pang average yung difficulty,
ok lang yung exam,mahirap cya tulad ng prof.level csc exam,
GUYS! I totally forgot that today was the prequals day (got carried away by schoolwork hehe).
SOOOO… so far, parang di masyado masaya yung mga nagcomment about the exams. But don’t fret, believe me, I’ve been there. It does look hard, BUT you never know naman until the results come out (which, BTW, is the real hard part. WAITING.).
Just keep on praying. In the meantime, I suggest you start reviewing for the written test. And don’t think about the exams too much. Don’t try to recall the items. Mapapraning lang kayo.
Joe’s right actually after the exam I tried recalling some words in the analogy part or even the details of the math problem but I can’t. Maybe because the whole exam is so time consuming.
I initially answered the math part, but 20mins have passed and I just answered 7 questions. I remembered the tips in this post, “try answering the easiest part first” and so I shifted back to the English portion (thinking its the easiest among but its NOT!)
Read, read, & read the questions and try to understand it cause it’s very tricky. I had 1 hour time devoted for the Math part as well as for the review of my answers. With that strategy, I hope I could pass.
But wait another tip: Have a complete sleep before the exam. I wasn’t able to sleep well since I knew I have to travel from Cubao to Manila (LRT—> I feared LRT might breakdown) … I had to get up early plus I feel nervous, what if I got late??? But hey some guys are just lucky they came in the exam area 30mins before 8am… The rules are just the same, like in the Civil Service Exam.
I’m in Room 14 and its kinda distracting to hear the noise from LRT.
Good luck everyone and yeah while waiting let’s start reviewing for the Interview & Written. Malay natin breakthrough ang 2011 batch at almost half pumasa!
Hope you all passed!
In the meantime, consider the prequals behind you and move on to the next steps of the exam. 
hello everyone! after taking the prequal exam today…ang masasabi ko lang ay ang hiraaaaap ng exam!!!!!!!!!! i dont know kung may chance pa ba ako na pumasa…
@ Kah-
Hi I was also in room 14, sino ka dun ?
Anyway, what I can say is that it’s one of the toughest exam I ever had.
@Pasyak-
Be positive.
@Joe-
Thanks for the inspiring words and tips also.
My observation is that RED is not the color of the day. In other examinations (Bar, Board, LET), RED seems to be the lucky color for some examinees but today it kinda different. Well passing the exam is not based on pure luck but rather on once’s stock knowledge. Thanks to CSEE reviewer I got to know the Pygmalion Effect, lumabas siya kanina and also structures of interview.
Like Kah, I was also trying to recall it para we could at least share our thoughts bout it pero nagka-amnesia ata ako after the exam. Lol. But I remember Edgar A. Great’s poem—-> I answered Woes of Childhood.
Hello Everyone!
I just want to join the conversation and share my experience with the exam this morning. First of all, it was not as easy as the PRO civil service exam. It was way harder. Who could define Ubiquity and Indolent? sheesh. I felt my ‘educated’ ego inwardly shrunk when I read those words. I felt inadequate as a reader. Also, here are some topics I remember from the exam:
- Mintzberg’s managerial concepts
- The question of 28pcs of bills divided into 100s and 50s
- How many saucers were needed to balance a cup (I’m sure you’ll remember this)
- The balot and salted eggs (5,6,12,14,23,26 baskets)– I was not able to answer this!
- Great’s poem, the don’ts of childhood (I think I answered The restrictions of childhood) I tried looking for the poem but it’s not available online
- The chart of the travelers: female/male, aged 15-20/ 60 above. Ratio of how many travelers etc.
I think I can come up with more if I try to think about it but I could not even close my eyes as it is, thinking about this morning, so I don’t want try. I just want it to be May already so I can live peacefully! I don’t care if I pass or not, I just want it to be May so I’ll KNOW. sniff.
Shana?! hahahahhaha OA ha andami mong naalala. hehe.
hehe..nice Shana. The balut/salted egg basket and glass/saucers/cups are still vivid in my mind.:D.. and btw, I was groggy kanina kasi almost 3.5 hours lang tulog ko
Haha..Dahil uncoordinated ako mali pa yung nafillupan ko sa attendance..lol
I thought I just had a nosebleed while answering yung Math problems..^^
Saka yung management concept talo pa ang reading comprehension sa haba.hehehe
Btw, Question No. 1
The scientists are trying to “discover” new medicine to combat HIV/AIDS- something ganyan.
God bless ya’ll guys!:)
50-50 yata chance ko dun….although 84.25% nung kumuha ako ng computer-assisted Civil Service Prof. exam nun….85% din ako sa Civil service Police Officer exam nun at sa NAPOLCOM 82.45% ang rating…pero this time di ako sure kung makakapasa sa prequals ng FSO….hirap talaga….
@Shana – yung 28 bills choice no.5 yung sagot ko dun (1,500 yung total dapat)
yung sa saucers – tsamba na lang ako dun kasi time consuming…aalamin mo pa kasi yung measurement nung glass…
yung sa balut – tsamba lang…
Woes of childhood din sagot ko dun sa may mga don’ts….at ANNOYING yung sagot sa kung anong feelings nung bata at line no.1 yung tungkol sa adults.
yung sa traveler’s chart – 50.9% yung sagot ko sa number of female travelers 15 years old and above…yung ibang tanong tungkol dun tsinambahan ko na rin lang…..kasi pasikot-sikot pa ang gagawing computation dun…
sa math – may sagot ako dun na 11% , naalalala ko yung tungkol sa 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012 na mga years
mabuti na lang mas marami yung grammar, correct usage, reading comprehension at yung aayusin mo ayon sa pagkakasunod sunod yung sentences sa isang paragraph…
ano kaya kung mas marami yung analogy kung saan yung words na indolence , ubiquity at kung ano ano pa…tiyak na lagpak ako…
I share the same experience. Hirap talaga. English questions were all too tricky (identifying errors, choosing the best sentence, arranging sentences, vocabularies, etc.). I expected Math to be easier since previous exam takers said we should not focus on it too much but it’s way harder than I thought. Yeah, I remember there was a probability question and it made me think of the probability in passing this exam.
Anyway, other factors that affected me in taking the exam which may help future test takers:
1. Get enough sleep. I only had 2hours sleep not because of reviewing but because of watching ‘How I Met Your Mother’. Sorry I’m really kind of addicted to TV series. My seat was near the windows and it was kind of windy kaya super sleepy talaga ako during the exam. I lost my focus.
2. Wear a wrist watch. Nakakapraning yung proctor namin. Isinulat ba naman sa time left ’10′. What’s that friggin’ number? 10 what? I assumed it was 10mins left kasi nga naman nakasulat ‘TIME LEFT’. I really panicked and rushed all my answers only to find out a few minutes later that it’s 10:10 and we do have 50mins left. Pfft! Ok na rin kasi naggising yung dugo and I was able to answer faster.
3. Try not adapt the aura of other test takers. Nakakapraning din kasi yung katabi ko. I think she’s taking the exam so seriously that she was reviewing to the last minute. Parang bang feeling ko I don’t deserve to pass this exam kasi I almost didn’t study at all.
Oh, well! Let’s just hope for the better. Waiting period is totally on!
I agree with Haha. Get enough sleep. I think that helped because I slept for 12hours and woke up refreshed. I even woke up ahead of my alarm clock. Excited mag exam. haha!
Wear a wrist watch. YES. I kept asking the proctor for the time every time he passes by my chair. It would’ve helped if they just wrote it on the board for good measure.
I can’t even tell if I will pass. I tried my best yes (exhausted my psychic powers even), but with work and lack of time to study, you wouldn’t feel the ‘need’ to study hard. Hindi ko man lang natapos yung CSEE reviewer ko (but it’s really an effective tool for reviewing–Thanks JOE for suggesting). So goodluck talaga!
Pumasa man o hindi, we ROCK!!!
Hengherepherep ng exam. Yun lang. Yung arranging the order of the paragraphs masyadong mahaba at time-consuming. Tsambahan na ito para sa akin talaga.
ayoko ng isipin yung exam pero hindi ko makalimutan yung “indolent” at yung mga math problems na i thought kakayanin ko pero hindi pala..pagkatapos ng exam parang lutang ako as a result of lack of sleep. It was a tough test but I’m still hoping for the best.
@claudine: Sa room 13, mga 6 ata naka red nung exam hehehe..sa kabilang room ka lang pala…
i was in room 15, the exam is real hard. . . and yes the paragraphs are long and time consuming. i was not able to compute for the math problems. Goodluck na lang sa tin lahat .
@wannabe: sowbrhaang hengherepherep ng eksham..
may photographic memory si shana
@diane pareho tayo, thats an almost sure 20 item fail – e dapat 34 lang ung mistakes mo if 80% ung passing rate.
@ianeastwoodfan: 34 mistakes? oh no . . . I need a miracle to pass the exam.
But pass or fail, at least we took the risk and gave our best. Because the saddest word of a pen is what might have been . so let’s be proud that we had the courage to take the exam. . . . Sana lang mas maaga lumabas ang result because waiting is the most dreading part. Goodluck sa tin lahat.
ang ERAP ERAP ng exam…hay GLORIA!!!! NOYway lets move on!
Thanks Pasyak for lightening up the mood. Pero seriously, I’d be proud if I’ll pass FSOE hanggang presidente pa si Noynoy…
Goodluck sating lahat!
Hi everyone.
Musta exam? I was in Room 17. Mabilis sumagot mga room mates ko. I remember someone raising his hand 15 minutes before 11. I expected the management part to be situational pero mas naging objective style. Pygmalion, quality circles, leadership style and other stuff.
Overall, the exam was okay. Though mataas nga lang talaga yung grade requirement, dapat 34 or less lang mali mo. Parang ang trend ng Qualy (term we use sa group) is 6 percent lang ang passing rate (way lower than Medicine, Bar or CPA Boards) pero depende pa rin sa grade ng group, hindi naman standard yang rate na yan. It’s just like yung trend ay 2000 take the exam and only 120 pass it. I know a lot of lawyers, government directors and Laudes from UP who failed the exam.
Kaya dont feel bad if you dont make it. Qualy is really a hard exam. Dont underestimate it. Hindi siya ka-level ng UPCAT or any civil service exam.
Good luck!
Tom Tom
@claudine: magdilang anghel ka po sana..:-)
@Tomtom: tama ka! ang erap erap ng prequal exam…mga 5x mas erap sa upcat…hmmm civil service? i dont know di pa ako nakakapag exam nyan…
hi naku nakakatawa ka naman Pasyak…haha
Ubiquity is a synonym for omnipresence, the property of being present everywhere.
hnd ganun kahirap ung prequals kaya lng sobrang time consuming. sa pag a-arange ng sentences, dun sumakit ang ulo ko sa sobrang dami ng items na un..haayy…
good luck tlg satng lahat, batchmates!
@LOL…hahaha di ka ba na erapan sa eksam? erap kaya nun…kitams dami tumakit ulo
wow i got omnipresence.. ano answer dun sa dalawang flowchart? ung print.. ABC..
hindi…sumakit lng tlg batok ko! hahah!!
kidding aside, mahirap nga xa. naubos pa oras ko sa kabbasa..haayy…
@pasyak: thanks for making us laugh kahit sobrang hirap ng exam
@LOL: i got Ubiquity right . . . un math problems ang mahirap
good luck sa tin lahat.
A=2, B=1, C=3
A>B yes
B>C no (PRINT BE)
Pasyak ang weird mo after ng exam erap ka na ng erap jan. haha
@kaysap: erap ng eh….kaw ha gaya gaya ng username ..binaligtad mo lang..:-)
guys share ko lang…
…sa 25 na kumuha ng exam sa room namin..pinakabata pinanganak in 1990…ako 1986…may ate dun mukhang over age…mukhang taga DFA pero siya yung matanong sa proctor ng kung anu-ano..may tga La Salle din..nakita ko ID nya..may tga UP nakita ko din ID nya..stdnt no. 1997-****..kainis yung LRT ang ingay.
sabi ni bossing ala uuwi…dapat tapusin ang report para sa presentation bukas sa execom…hay!!over time na naman…di ako makakapanuod ng Mara Clara (asar!) la pa namn ako nung I want TV ba yun..(jologs)..saka ko na lang panoorin CNN,BBC,Al Jazeera at Channel News Asia…
may idea kyo ilan applicants this year?
Pare, irelate mo naman samin yang previous post mo. Mara Clara fan ka pala eh! LOL, para kang may dual personality. Or ikaw nga yung nagpost kay Mary…. ng “totyal sa mall nakatira”.
@Chikka, yung lahat ng examinees sa Universidad de Manila ay nasa 459, I don’t know lang sa ibang schools or region. But for NCR sa UDM lang ba ginanap yung examination?
I remember that I posted about acceptable/ valid list of Identification Cards, but then the examiners didn’t even checked our exam permit and IDs at Room 14. Sa inyo din ba?
Naramdaman niyo din ba ang LINDOL! grabe anlakas dito pa mandin ako sa Eastwood. God Bless us all. I was typing my comments here while it happened.
Claudine- Yeah, I’m also at Room 14.
@LOL: lumindol nga..yung mga security dito sa bldg. nagpapalabas ng mga tao..still in the office OT…
@kaysap: konyo ka siguro kaya di ka nakakarelate kay MARA at CLARA LOL
…nahawa lang ako sa mga kasama sa bahay hahaha
@claudine: yung ID di man lang tsinek kung valid o hindi…basta nakita na hawak hawak mo ok na sa proctor….
samin kasi hindi na namin talaga prinesent, nung namigay naman sila ng copy nung ID baka dun nalang nila chineck kasi tinitigan nila yung mukha namin. LOL
@LOL:tinitigan talaga hehehe lupet namn ng proctor nyo
mabait naman sila madam at sir kaya okay lang (ang aming proctor), nakaka badtrip lang kasi andaming naka-photoshop yung pictures, puro ang kikinis eh…haha…sumulyap lang naman ako sa mga seatmates ko.
hulaan ko kung saan ka nakaupo kuya Pasyak- seat no. 18 ka ba? or no. 23? hula hula hoop!
@LOL: seating arrangement nakalimutan ko eh..sa sobrang erap yung numero ng upuan ko di ko na alam LOL…:-)
@LOL: proctor namin puro sir eh ala madam…
10PM office pa din
sinu dito International Studies ang natapos?
wala lang tanung ko lang,
bkit d ko naramdaman lindol?haha..
sa room namin parang puro executives…4 yung mukang lawyers, very formal! nahiya nga ako I was only wearing poloshirt, rugged pants and chuck taylor..lols.;D
ako pinakabata cguro sa room 1989!;)
btw, yung proctor namin laging ngchecheck ng attendance, ngparoll call 3 or 4 times ata.. mukhang pati sya kinakabahn like us..hahaha..
@ marty: may 1990 sa room namin…pinaka matanda si ate na ang daming tanong sa proctor kahit nakasulat na sa board yung instructions tanong pa din ng tanong….mukhang taga DFA sya kasi mukhang over 35 y.o. na eh…tingin ko mga 5 fresh grad din…
@misterio: wow I.S. grad ka? galing namn…,
hello to everyone! first time ko nagtake ng FSOE. sa akin naman ay sa Baguio. Indeed, mahirap talaga at nakaka nosebleed ang test.
Before we started the test, someone from DFA gave us short talk telling how fulfilling and exciting to be working as FSO. Then I asked how many passed in the 2010 prequalifying test from Baguio Testing Center. Gosh, naloka ako sa sagot nya na ISA lang nakapasa and he is not even sure if that ‘lucky one’ made it to the finals.
@ Tom tom… grabe…. 34 mistakes in order to pass? sheesshhh… parang sa grading system tuloy na 0 based. Nah, i really dont know if i can make it… Anyway good luck to all of us!
Hello everyone!
Masyado kayong intense magdiscuss ng experiences niyo dito ah! haha (It’s a good thing.) I have to concede na mahirap talaga yung exam (last year, depressed ako nung umuwi after), but don’t assume na you did not pass. You might surprise yourself.
Conching: WHAT!?! Nabaliw din ako dun sa info mo. I don’t know of anyone from Baguio who made it to the written test, but then again, hindi ko naman kilala lahat.
Last year, only 90 passed the qualifying test, and only 59 of those 90 passed the interview. Some of those 59, together with 30 retakers, took the written test, where only 8 passed. I don’t know na the figures after that. 
Oh, wag mapraning. Those are last year’s figures. And everyone admits to the fact na mahirap talaga yung last year. (In 2009, 100+ passed the interviews.)
Kilala ko yong taga-baguio. Kasabay ko sya sa pila sa preliminary interview. He passed but he didn’t take the written test.
@joe: Yap, nakakadepress talaga ang mortality rate. Sana nga mas mataas ang outcome this year.
@toto: baka siguro this year siya magtatake ng written exam.
Regarding sa experience sa test, ako siguro yung funniest at dumbest. When I opened my bag to bring out my Ids, nawindang tuloy ako when I found that I left pencil case sa hotel, naloka ako, how can I take the exam when I don’t have pencil and pen to use? So what I did, I borrowed ballpen to the one who is sitting behind me, then 1 pencil sa left side at another pencil sa right side ko. Buti na lang mababait yung mga nakatabi ko.
Ako naman, I just had a last minute review four days before the exam sa mga UPCAT, NSAT at CSE review. Sobrang busy kasi sa work. But in taking the exam, I just relied on stock knowledge and intuition. Mahirap talaga, I admit as an English major, naloka ako. In order to identify the correct sentence, you must have an ample knowledge on dangling and misplaced modifiers, parallelism, run-ons, etc. Since Math is my Waterloo, hehehe shade na lang ako ng shade. Management concepts? I guess I was absent in my MA when they discussed about Pygmalion at Minzberg.
If I will not pass this year’s qualifying test, eh may next year pa naman, lol.
@Joe: erap erap ng eksam eh…suntok sa buwan na papasa ako if you have only maximum 34 mistakes….erap talaga.
results of the exam will be out on the 4th week of May
@Pasyak,
Opo,I finished Int’l Studies last march 2010, heheehe
talagang sobrang Astig talaga maging diplomat,
sana marami makapass dis year
@misterio: bentahe mo na yang natapos mo..you have a big chance to pass the exam..may solid background ka na po kasi…good luck sa ating lahat!
Pasyak, you’ve mentioned “erap” for the 13th time already. And you’re in Roon No. 13, what a coincidence maybe it’s your lucky number. By the way Erap is our 13th President. You could have ride at Erap’s slogan—> Erap para sa Mahirap…. “erap erap ng eksam eh” —>just say Mahirap ang exam okay.
Jejemon ka ata eh.
@Kasyap:
Away ba to? pls wag kayo magsimula okay.
Yung “erap” ni Pasyak, joke lang yon dude, kaw naman…masyado kang stressed after the exam.
@yoyo: saan nyo po nakuha info na yan? thanks..
kaysap: di ako jejemon…talagang binilang mo talaga kaysap…di ko napansin na 13x ko nabanggit yun…yes room 13 ako…haha si erap 13th president..13-13-13….maritess allen ano ibig sabihin nito..LOL
@LOL: yaan mo na yang si pareng kaysap..ok lang saken kahit binaligtad nya username ko dito..
@ pasyak… di naman cguro malaki chance ko nuh,
cguro kung purely about international relations/studies, diplomacy, politics and stuffs ang exam, mejo malaki-laki pa cguro chance ko…
pero hindi eh… halo-halo yung exams
haha..d parin kyo makaget over..after the exam kinain ko nlang ng madami sa sobrang hirap!:D
anyway, last 2010 isa sa mga nka pasa sa over-all exams (quali/written/orals/psych) I think is a suma cumlaude from U.P!—Bungga!^^
Bongga talaga…
@Marty- 2010 or 2009 result ng FSOE, hindi pa ata nagpysch exam yung Batch 2010. Tama ba ako?
@Marty: dun sa separate sheet may item dun kung ano honor mo nung nagtapos ka…summa, magna, cum laude etc….lam nyo na ano nilagay ko…..may bearing ba talaga kung ano na achieved mo nung college sa magiging resulta ng exam mo? thanks…
@ Pasyak- baka nga lucky number mo yan at papasa ka.
@ Marty- Pareho tayo—> ang hirap kasi ng mga items sa English part. But the experience is worth it.
@Conching- you’re lucky your seatmates are generous to lend you their items.
(I knew someone who got his pens/pencils blessed so that he’ll be lucky and enlightened to answer the exam)
@ Pasyak: Thanks..I stand corrected..d pa ba ng Psych exam? Basta isa sa kanila summa cumlaude, I guess nasa mga previous posts yung name nya!hehe
Btw, I don’t think so if they give priorities to those who have “latin honors” but whoever made it all the way sa mga exams and has a heart of a servant ang for sure mcoconsider!;)
Perhaps, there are some cum laudes who flunked sa FSOE!
So whatever honors you acquired, keep the faith and keep moving bka break mo narin to this time!;)
The results of the Pre-Quals are normally given 2 months after the exam. So for those hopefuls out there, try to move on from the pre-quals momentum and start reviewing for the interview and the written exam.
So guys, if your positive enough that you’ll pass the pre-quals might as well post any suggestions here that you think would be part of the written exam. In that way, we could generate some topics that can be helpful and will also serve as a review.
Among all the government departments the DFA is in the hot seat right now. Amidst all the issues on other nations (i.e. Libya, Bahrain, Egypt, and Japan to name a few) the DFA stuggles to serve the OFWs that are in the middle of conflicts and disasters. I believe that some of the topics would focus on current uprisings in the middle east and the budget and resources allocation of DFA in this times of crisis.
As for the Preliminary Interview, I think its better to prepare for your CV (it can be downloaded at the DFA website). Just in case there’ll be changes in your present status or whatsoever you can easily edit it.
)
may forum dito pero walang nagpu-post. baka pwede nyo ituloy ang discussion dun.
http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=492257&highlight=foreign+service+officer
Nag-eexceed na sa bandwith si Ms. Toe, dahil sa mga comments natin…Mahal na ang bayad. I suggest tama si Tsambero maybe its a bout we move in to a new forum.
Whatchatink???
it’s about time*
I’m in comment NO. 475154… Imagine kung gaano kadami ang nagiging hits ni Ms. Toe sa isang araw…mula ng simulan niya ang blog niya…last 2006…almost 5 years na in avergage 260 responses a day…
I wonder why this blog will be the first one to come up in the search engines once you type tags like Philippine Diplomat…etc.
haha..grabe na pla ang hits nitong forum na to..
Ms. Toe how are you btw?:D..
Suggestion: Ms. Toe should have registered this blog para may profits/revenue income bilang ganti sa undivided help nya sa atin,!hehehe
LOL: nagpsych exam na yung 2010 na batch. I have a friend who took it this Feb.
They’re just waiting for the results of that.
Yeah, kami nun last week of May lumabas ang results ng prequals.
To the person who suggested getting the CV form, great idea! May mga questions dun na might help you sa interview.
may CV ba sa DFA web na pwede i download? thnaks
@Pasyak- yes there’s a CV that can be downloaded sa DFA Website
@claudine: thanks
Hi Joe,
Can you provide us some tips for the interview? Like what’s the process, how many minutes, how many are the panel of interviewes…etc.? Thanks
um.. kelan pala natin malalaman ang result?
) i hope i will pass.. birthday ko nun nagexam tayo eh! 
sorry for the typo : interviewers*
Hi Claudine!
Sure
Last year, after the results of the prequals came out, the passers had to fill up and submit to the DFA a CV form (you might have a copy of this na). The CV form is just like an update to the app form that we passed before–updates sa work, study, personal info, etc.–but there were three questions sa huli. The questions were answerable by essay and were mostly personal lang naman. I don’t remember all three pero one was about what, in my opinion, are the duties and responsibilities of an FSO and another was about why I wanted to enter the foreign service.
The scheds of the interview will be released by the BFSE around a week or two before the interviews. The interviews, according to the sched, will last around 25 minutes, but sometimes, depending on what transpires, it can go longer or shorter. You have to be at the venue at least 1 hour (kami nun sa FSI floor sa DFA bldg.) before your schedule kasi sometimes they can accommodate you earlier kapag no-show yung mga tao who should be interviewed before you (nangyari yan sa akin. I was supposed to have my interview at past 4pm. I arrived a little past 3pm. Nakaupo lang ako sa waiting room for less than a minute tapos tinawag na ako kagad. SCARY LOL. haha)
Sa interview, there will be a panel of foreign service officers (usually mga batang officers pa ito, but occasionally a senior officer (ie, carmin or higher) will be there. They will ask you about personal motivations for joining, what you think you’re major contributions to the DFA will be, questions along those lines. They will use your answers dun sa CV form questions as reference (so take those seriously). I remember that they grilled me about my degree (which is European Studies). Gusto ko daw ba na sa Europe lang ako madestino. Pano daw kung sa Dili ako madestino. BUTI NA LANG I WAS PAYING ATTENTION SA REVIEW CLASSES KO NUN so I knew that Dili was in East Timor. That’s brownie points. hehe. At the end of the interview, sabi nila, dapat daw, matuto ako magdrive. (hindi ko pa rin yun nagagawa) hehe. Actually, I felt good after the interview. I spent the entire 25 minutes (maybe more) in that room, but the actual grilling lasted only half of that time. The latter part, we were like chatting na lang about Kris Aquino, Noy’s love life, and whether I was a fan of Manny Pacquiao and what I thought of him entering politics.
Tips? Hmmmm. I read somewhere in a forum that one person thought he seemed arrogant sa interview niya. He passed, and actually, he even passed the written exams. I guess he wasn’t really mayabang, but assertive. You have to be assertive and sure of your answers. Sabi nga sa teatro, wag magbuckle. Make your answers your own. Kahit inaatake ka nila ng questions (some panelists do that. not mine though), don’t panic. KEEP YOUR COOL. A little knowledge of current events will help. Don’t seem lost and afraid. Titingnan nila kasi sa interview ang stance at demeanor mo, so ALWAYS ALWAYS LOOK CONFIDENT.
At oo nga pala, you have to manage your time. Kailangan you have to prepare for the interviews WHILE reviewing for the written (if you intend to take it right away). The interviews are usually held the weekend before the week of the written (last year-July 17, 2010). The results of the interview will be released on the monday of the week of the written test (last year, July 19, 2010; whereas the written exams were held on the 21st to the 23rd).
That being said, no pressure naman. hehe. Good luck!
Thanks Joe, It actually gave me a glimpse of what to expect during the interview. :]
Hi Joe, wow thanks for sharing to us your experiences. I like the part where in you guys talked about Kris Aquino, PNOY…and stuffs. It seems to me that after the “grilling portion” meron namang “lighter part”.
Hi everyone, I just checked the website of DFA, ala namang dowloadable na CV..
LOL: oo. but everything depends on who your panelists are (iba iba kasi ng room).
i have a friend who cried after the interview kasi ang tindi daw ng paggrill sa kanya. (she passed the interview, anyway hehe).
conching: oh. baka they removed it na? :\
@Joe: Scary din pala yung initial interview..anyway thank you sa info..
pasyak: don’t be scared. they will know if you are (how ominous!)
pero seryoso, it sounds intimidating, pero you have to keep it cool.
I have a copy of the CV (per 2010 FSOE), I just don’t know if they’ll be posting a new one sa Downloads Section.
@Joe: eskeri pa din yung 25 minutes…wag lang kabahan talaga…
@ Claudine: yung CV san mo nakuha? thanks
Nung nagdownload last October, DFA website din its a blank CV
@claudine: ah ganun po ba…
@joe: thanks for sharing your experience . . .
@all: I also have a copy of the CV. Last year nasa download section pa pero ngayon wala na, maybe they will post a new one. . .
god bless everyone.
to everyone: i want to know what course should i take to be able to take the exams because i am a graduate of nursing but I am really dying for a job at DFA..hope you can help me
thanks Joe sa tips..:)
i can feel the tense down to my nerve!^^
btw, Joe ikaw ba yung graduate ng DLSU- Benilde/ European studies?hehe
You can never prepare for the preliminary interview (PI). Kung hindi ka confident and articulate, medyo ilang taon naman siguro ang kelangan mong improvement bago ka maging ready for the P.I.
Dapat, written ang paghandaan nyo, not PI. If you’re the type na nangangatog pag nataasan ng boses, or nawawala ang utak pag natanong ng di alam, or pa-ikut-ikot ang sinasabi na wala namang tinutumbok dahil nambobola lang at umaasang makalusot, forget about FSOE.
Pero share ko na lang experience ko sa PI. As usual, simula muna sa introduction. Then sunod-sunod na ang questions. Usually, based dun sa CV mo ang questions. Ang lumalabas na \goal\ nila is to test kung maayos ka pa rin magsagot kahit ini-intimidate ka (at least sa panel ko).
Ako yata ang tinutukoy ni Joe sa example nya sa taas. Medyo kakaiba ang interview ko, kasi baka kakaiba din ang laman ng CV ko. I wrote 5 foreign languages in my CV and indicated my level of proficiency for each. So pagpasok na pagpasok ko pa lang sa room, binati na agad ako ng panelist in Italian. I answered back in the same language. (Speaking in Italian) I was asked to introduce myself, and so I did. Then bigla syang nag-shift sa Spanish, and I had to answer in Spanish, mga personal questions lang naman. Then nag-French na sya (yes, he, a retired ambassador, almost monopolized the questioning) and I answered back in French. Then medyo dito na ako na-off: he asked me to explain a legal concept in French. Of course, kung technical na, medyo wala na ako dyan, pero I still attempted, using \layman’s French\. As I was struggling to be accurate with my words, in-interrupt na ako and sinabon for not knowing the concept. I reasoned out na alam ko ang concept but I learned my French in the streets so I couldn’t speak about academic matters in French. Basta, ayaw nya tanggapin ang explanation ko. Then he started reciting a poem in German, and he asked me to interpret it in English, which I did. Dito na kami nagkatalo. I tried to preserve the \poetry\ in the poem so I interpreted the poem in poetic English, pero kinu-correct nya ako ng kinu-correct dahil medyo literal interpretation ang gusto nya. Well, di na ako umangal. All in all, sa Russian lang ako hindi natanong at tsaka medyo hirap na hirap din ako intindihin yong mga sinasabi nya coz medyo malabo din ang pronunciation nya (except in Italian coz mukhang fluent talaga sya dun), and medyo na-aasar ata sya pag nagpa-pardon ako coz kelangan nya ulitin.
The whole time na sinasabon nya ako, nakangiti lang ako.
So he asked me \Don’t you feel aggrieved?\
Eto na yong sinasabi nilang kaungasan na ginawa ko. Told him that I don’t feel aggrieved. Bakit daw. Sabi ko, I came here to present myself, for you to judge my fitness to become a foreign service officer, and since you know what it takes to become one, you know what kind of questions to ask, and I assume that all the things you’re asking me are meant to test my fitness, and I have no control over what questions you want to ask me, and I’m just sorry if I can’t answer all your questions, but I’m not here to pretend to be better than what I really am. I’m here to show you who I am and what I’m capable of doing, and if I’m not good enough, I’ll just be relieved to know that I didn’t push myself into something I’m not fit for. So I don’t think I should feel aggrieved.
Madami pa naging tanong – history ng mga european cities where I have lived, football teams, etc. etc. I was even asked to stand and walk around, pretend daw ako na nagle-lecture, etc. Basta, for every question, I wasn’t allowed to finish answering, ini-interrupt ako all the time. Anyway, katapusan, I was asked to make a 5-minute speech on what sets me apart from everyone else outside, and syempre, kelangan ko magyabang, sinabi ko na lahat ng best sa credentials ko and closing with \I don’t think there’s anyone else from among the 90 who could have done better in the kind of interview that I went through\.
Vivid pa sa memory ko, he opened a very big smile on his face and told me \Well done\. The guy asked me to come forward, shook my hand, and wished me the best in the written exams. Medyo di ako naninawala and pakiramdam ko babagsak pa rin ako. I passed though.
Galling naman tsambero…
Joe, or whoever…
Pwede ipost yong essay questions dito? Para naman mapaghandaan…
Thank you very much
wow galing galing naman ni tsambero… I totally agree with him that what is important in the PI is being who you are.. no pretensions.
for those who underwent PI thanks for sharing your experiences. I know, many will be glad if those who had their Written exams, will share some essay questions… thanks
@tsambero: eskeri pala yung P.I. gigisahin ka ng husto…good luck sa lahat ng mga aattend ng P.I. na yan…about foreign language konti lang alam ko…hmmm kung mara clara ang itatanong nila baka masasagot ko pa wahahahaha (joke)…:-)
kita niyo naman, if you base it from tsambero’s and my experiences of the interview, that no two interviews are exactly alike.
(PS tsambero, buti na lang hindi ako yung napunta sa pwesto mo hehe and YES, i think ikaw nga yung tinutukoy ko)
i think in my interview (and i guess in tsambero’s interview), there was a moment. i don’t know how to describe it. ganito, in my interview, parang in the midst of their questioning of my degree being geographically-specific, MY AGE, what I know of the Foreign Service, etc., parang nabuhay ang dugo ko (or baka nainis na ako sa kanila dahil sunod sunod ang questions nila) and parang (parang lang) padabog na yung huli kong sagot. I don’t remember how exactly I said it, but it went along the lines of “I know my limitations – the limitations of my degree, my personality and my experiences. I also know that I want to enter the service because I want to serve the country and this is how I want to do it. (Wow in retrospect that was cheese). Sinabi ko rin na my limitations won’t hinder me because I am a learner by nature and I learn from experiences.
Tapos nagtanong na sila about Kris Aquino and James Yap (maghihiwalay pa lang sila noon).
They will do their best to make you question yourself and your aspiration to join their ranks. However, as long as you’re sure, you’ll be fine.
***
conching. hahanapin ko. i have a copy somewhere. they’re not verbatim, though.
***
marty: nope. not from benilde.
@ joe: thanks a lot…
@ pasyak: sa akin I am not fluent in any Foreign language, but I chose Spanish…. I am not watching the new Mara Clara, pero kung yung panahon ni Judy Ann at Gladys… hahaha makakarelate ako…
Based on tsambero’s and joe’s experience, parang naexcite at the same time natakot tuloy ako sa PI, hopefully makapasa ako. Parang naiisip ko na rin ang mga itatanong sa akin, kasi if ever, what I will be doing is a major career shift kung palarin. But you know what sa interview naman kasi is how you answer their questions at the same time being true to yourself.
@tsambero and joe: thanks 4 sharing. . . may i just ask if the interview is done in English or in foreign language na agad? at this point, i am not well verse in any foreign language. thanks
hi diane: mine was in English.
@conching: yung orig version ng mara clara di ko masyado alam…kaya sa remake version lang ako nakakarelate…spanish din pinili ko…
Some questions sa written exam:
The questions were about a paragraph long. The following is obviously a paraphrased version but hopefully it’d give you an idea of what the exam was about.
World History
1. What were the cultural, social, economic and political factors for Europe’s ascendancy in the 16th century?
2. Trace the history of the Middle East (from the Mesopotamian civilization to the present) and explain the Middle East problem as the West sees it.
3. How did the world change after the following revolutions: Neolithic, Commercial, Scientific, American, French?
4. Compare and contrast Indian and Chinese civilizations in terms of religions, political systems, social structure, contributions etc.
International Affairs
1. Transnational immigration and immigrant communities – use a theoretical framework to come up with a policy for the Philippine gov’t.
2. The collapse of the Doha Round and the implications for developing countries/what were the Philippines’ demands?
3. Economic and monetary integration of the EU – is this possible with ASEAN?
4. Explain the following using contemporary events:
“The international system breaks down not only because unbalanced and aggressive new powers seek to dominate their neighbors, but also because declining powers, rather than adjusting and accommodating, try to cement their slipping preeminence into an exploitative hegemony.” — David Calleo, “Beyond American Hegemony: The Future of the Western Alliance” (1987)
Philippine Conditions
1. Philippine culture: Damaged or enriched by its colonial history?
2. How do you explain our recent economic growth despite the negative political climate?
3. Governance – key elements and functions
4. How do we fix our dysfunctional democracy (celebrity candidates, “elitocracy” etc.)?
5. Church’s role in politics – population control, impeachment etc. (only had to choose 2 among 4 topics)
6. Tuvalu’s Head of State is visiting… where to take him? You’ve got 3 hours and you must give him a taste of Philippine culture.
Foreign Language (I chose Spanish):
1. Reading comprehension (multiple choice)
2. Fill in the blanks with the correct word (vocabulary)
3. Fill in the blanks with the correct word (verbs)
4. Match the questions with the right answers
5. Choose the right tense (multiple choice)
6. Write an email introducing yourself and your family (obviously to some random penpal)
Filipino
1. There were 5 topic choices. Choose one and explain in 3 – 5 paragraphs.
I chose: “Ang katagang “Ka” sa Diwang Pandaigdig ng Pilipino.” But I think most people chose easier topics like “Manny Pacquio bilang bayani gaya ni Rizal at Ninoy”
2. Two more topics — I honestly can’t remember the topics now but I’ll ask around and post them later.
3. Translation work (from English to Filipino): Arroyo’s Anti-Money Laundering speech
English
1. Trade liberalization vs Safety nets for agriculture and other industries
2. As an FSO, how would you improve our human resources here and abroad (following the examples of Japan and Singapore)?
3. As an FSO, how would you help address the country’s problems (i.e. income inequality etc.)?
Lino: Thanks! I think those questions were from 2009 or 2008? Not sure.
Here are the questions from last year. As Lino said, the questions verbatim were a paragraph long. These were shortened versions of how I understood the questions.
English
1.) Grammar (20 items)
2.) Essay
a.) Write a speech that you will deliver on behalf of the Ambassador for the June 12 Barrio Fiesta organized by the Ilocano Association of Singapore.
b.) The South African government spent $4.3 billion on World Cup expenditures. Critics say it’s hypocritical and scandalous of a country whose 25% (?) of the population lives on less than $2 a day. The SA Government says it is an investment. Choose a side and write an 800-1000 word essay defending that side.
c.) Elaborate on corruption as being the Philippines’ number one problem.
d.) Write a press release for the Aquino-Binay inauguration.
International Affairs
1.) Give ways on how the Philippines can more actively participate in regional production networks set up by global firms.
2.) ASEAN as the central force of Asian regional integration is being threatened by the emergence of regional community building initiatives in Northeast Asia (China, Japan, ROK) and Australia. How should ASEAN respond? Give three policy options.
3.) How should the Philippines and other ASEAN members react to possible post-electoral scenarios in Myanmar?
4.) How should the Philippines position itself on the agricultural subsidy issue so as to move negotiations forward in the WTO?
5.) How will the China-Taiwan ECFA Agreement affect the Philippine economy?
6.) Should the Philippines ratify the Rome Treaty creating the International Criminal Court? Give three advantages and disadvantages of ratification.
7.) How should the Philippines promote itself to countries like the US so as to maintain the presence of outsourcing firms in the country?
8.) Name three threats that could hinder and critical variables related to the realization of the ASEAN Community by 2015.
Filipino
1.) Isalaysay ang pagbuo ng Wikang Filipino. Magbanggit ng mga batas, mga pinuno at mga ahensya ng gobyerno na may kaugnayan dito.
2.) Maihahambing pa rin ba ang mga nobela ni Rizal na Noli at Fili sa mga kwento ng katiwalian sa gobyerno sa modernong panahon? Talakayin.
Philippine Conditions
For 1-3 Discuss and provide original standpoints on the following dilemmas:
1.) The Budget Deficit and PNoy’s first 100 Days
2.) China as model for Philippine Development
3.) An educational reform worth funding heavily
4.) Explain how domestic issues such as poverty, equalities and economic challenges have their causalities outside the domestic realm.
5.) If you are to allow your child to watch television, would you encourage him or her to watch local or western shows? Explain.
6.) How do Asian values like hiya, pakikisama and utang na loob hinder us from becoming an emerging economy?
7.) Would you persuade a second generation Filipino living abroad to seek their roots or just become excellent citizens of their adopted country?
8.) Will a shift to federal and parliamentary form of government engender real societal change? Why or why not?
9.) If you were posted to a remote post, what would you bring to promote Philippine art and culture?
World History (only six questions, Maggie
)
1.) Name two conflict areas, the countries involved and the actions undertaken by the League of Nations in response to such conflicts.
2.) Enumerate and discuss four weaknesses of the League of Nations that hindered them from successfully fulfilling their mandate to uphold peace?
3.) Despite being a military failure, how did the European crusades affect geopolitics and societal relations between the Christian West and Islamic East?
4.) Chinese political history has been divided into dynasties. What is the guiding principle in establishing the life cycle of these dynasties, and describe this life cycle.
5.) Compare and Contrast the religious schisms that occurred in Christianity and in the Islamic Faith.
6.) How did the African Slave trade affect the history of the entire African continent?
Foreign Language – French (THIS IS THE EASIEST PART, AS LONG AS YOU KNOW AT LEAST THE MOST BASIC FRENCH)
1.) Translate an excerpt from French to English.
2.) Answer questions based on the excerpt.
3.) Translate sentences from English to French.
4.) Replace the noun with the appropriate pronoun. (Objet direct)
@Joe and Lino: erap erap ng mga tanong….
@joe and lino: THANKS A LOT. Both of you have photographic memory. Again thanks what you have shared is a great help..
Sana po makatulong yan sa inyo.
@Lino..hi Sir, are you working at the DFA right now? Thanks a lot for this info.;)
@Marty,
I’m a recent CPA Board Passer and currently I’m working in an auditing firm. I took the prequals this year (just to give it a try). My cousin who is a registered nurse took the written exam (I’m not sure if 2008 or 2009) gave me the sample questions that I posted.
Why take FSOE???
It’s a tradition in our family to take the FSOE since our grandparents were both diplomats. They wanted to us to realize another career option. But none of us are graduate of International Relations or Foreign Studies.
My cousins and I are just trying our luck but we really do review alot. After passing our board/bar exams, it’s time for us to focus on FSOE. We take 1 year of preparations (reading newspapers, magazines like Time,Newsweek, watching CNN, historical dramas, and a trip to the National Museum). We have compiled a reviewer and it helps alot. I think this blog is fantastic!
I’ll post some questions from the previous years, I think my sister still have a copy.
Reminder for those taking the Preliminary Interview: Please dress very well. Dress the part. It’s part of the exam.
Questions I remember about my own Preliminary Interview: Is Harry Potter a children’s book? Are movie adaptations better than the novels? What is your specialty in cakes and pastries? (During the interview my stint in culinary school came up) Both questions were asked towards the end of my interview when I guess the panel was finished asking me the “serious” questions.
@Nina: national costume ba? LOL
@Lino: My uncle’s classmate was a diplomat..he was assigned to China and in the United as an Ambassador..his name is Willy Gaa…Kasimanwa ko siya..sana marating ko din naabot nya..astig daw maging diplomat eh..get well soon Amb. Gaa..
good day everyone, do you know specifically what are the qualifications to be a FSO?i mean do you need to be holder of a specific bachelor’s degree like lawyers, doctors, international studies graduates?please help..please please
please help me, what are the specific qualifications to be a FSO?do i need to be a holder of a specific degree?thank you
@joe: thanks sa info. it’s good that the interview is in English. I’m not yet familiar to any foreign language though I’m trying to read Spanish .
@lino: thanks also 4 the info… its a great help. good luck
@nina: sa Preliminary Interview, what type of dress for the girls? thanks.
Here in Bicol, we are only 17 examinees.
Dear All,
Pwede po magtanong kung kelan kaya ang written exam, kung sakali lang
na makapasa sa pre-qual at PI?
Maraming salamat po,
BJ
..can i ask?
if u dont want to take the FSO exam..
can u stil work??
then in what agency?embassy?or anything else…
thank u..
Hi BJ, there’s a tentative date sa DFA website sa announcement about 2011 FSO Examinations. Kindly check on that.
Hi Hannah,
I knew someone who works at the US Embassy but her contract is under an agency.
If you really wanted to work as a diplomat then you have to pass the FSOE.
____________________________________________________________________
This section tackles mostly the basic and out of the blue questions regarding being an FSO. So if you are new in the blog….read it all cause it’ll be very helpful.
@Claudine Go: hello! how are you?
I’m up for the written exams this year, took it 2 years ago, failed it, deferred it last year, and now I’ve only got one chance to make it to the orals and beyond. Hope to join your batch this year. Pray and always pray. The foreign service is one huge blind shot. You’ll never know you’re gonna make it. As always, whatever the prequal results will be, know that it will never make you less of a mortal.
Best of luck to those who will pass the qualies and the prelims. Cheers!
Hi Fidget,
It’s nice to hear again from you. I have read the entire comments in this blog and I would say your batch in 2009 (commenters) have been very keen in providing suggestions and tips for the FSO.
I hope the others will also come back in this blog and share their experiences.
Hi Pasyak,
I’m doing well. Kumusta din!
@ claudine: ok naman po
Hi ATE FIDGET,
How was your experience during the preliminary interview? Thanks po
May Iknow lang po if may review center kang alam for fso exam?ty po :p
@shiggy: yup Ateneo does have a review center for FSO..but i think it’s been already started.
yup tumawag ako sa admu..syang nmn eh 4sessions na ang namiss ko…12k pa nmn including all the reviewers na.
hi guys, I’m now residing in New Zealand. I just would like to ask if anybody knows if the set of questions are all the same (standard) wherever you are? salamat.
@Pasyak: Ikaw naman, yung National Costume sa last day pa ng orals yun!
@Diane: For girls, business attire. What you would wear for a typical job interview. Business suit, minimal make up and accessories.
@nina: thanks for the info . . .
uhm..can I ask what course to take to be a foreign service officer ?
good day everyone . . . guys anu po ginagamit nyo reviewer for the written test? Di po ako nakapagenroll sa review centers eh. But any tips if anu books ang pwedeng gamitin para sa review? thanks po
hello guys!
the work of an fso is an interesting job, but to get there is sweat and tears. i’ve decided i’m taking it next year. pasyak, i’m gonna give you a run for your money.
@faith alone:
good luck!
hi everyone,
I came across this site and I really enjoy reading all the remarks/comments
wishing the best for all..
this is really helpful to aspirants just like me.. I took the pre-qualifying exam last March 20 2011 and I’m not really sure if I’ll pass the exam as it was really challenging..
It is the waiting part that really is excruciating as I don’t know what the future holds..
hahaha
Quick question, what should be the next step that we need to do in terms of preparation? Coz seriously, I’m lost.. I’m not sure where to start.. Any suggestions?
Previously, I use to work for an international bank and I resigned November of last year as I would like to chase and pursue my dream which is to be an FSO and eventually to be a consul then Ambassador.. I know its not gonna be easy because I have to go through so many tests.. but I will try my best..
hehehe Do you have any suggestions where I can apply for a job taking into consideration my career goal? help..
Hi Deejay,
You can read the entire comments in this blog and eventually it will help you realize alot. You’re questions are already answered in some parts of the comments by Toe & other FSO passers. So better have atleast 2hours of your time devoted to reading all of the contents coz its really helpful.
Hi Anghie & Maria,
Please read /browse the comments: coz your question was already answered
Hi Charice,
Yes, will do that
will try to devote as much time as I can to read all comments..
Thanks.
DFA ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF THE 2010 FSO EXAMINATIONS
Thursday, 28 April 2011 16:21 DFA WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
E-mail Print PDF
The board of Foreign Service Examinations would like to announce that out of the five hundred twenty-three (523) examinees, eleven (11) examinees passed the 2010 FSO Examinations, namely:
1. Aguirre, Anthony S.
2. Artates, Darell Ann R.
3. Cruz, Jahzeel Abihail G.
4. Gandarosa, Laarni Zorayda Z.
5. Herrera-Davila, Beatriz Ines L.
6. Masangkay, Siegfred T.
7. Miranda, Dyan Kristine B.
8. Mitra, Ella Karina R.
9. Peralta, Joel M.
10. Pojas, Precious Aurea L.
11. Rivera, Anne Perpetual S.
*** Nothing follows ***
http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/newsroom/announcements
my tsamba continues…
DFA ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF THE QUALIFYING TEST OF THE 2011 FSO EXAMINATIONS
Thursday, 28 April 2011 18:46 DFA WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
E-mail Print PDF
The Board of Foreign Service Examinations would like to announce that the following one hundred and six (106) examinees passed the Qualifying Test of the 2011 Foreign Service Officer (FSO) Examination, held on 20 March 2011 in various testing centers throughout the country.
1. AGGALOT, CESARIO A.
2. ALCARAZ, ALPER JAMES G.
3. ALMARIO, ALFREDO JR. C.
4. ALONTO, ABDUL GAFFUR MAOKI H II M.
5. ANAS, LOUDICE JOYCE L.
6. ANTOLIN, FAYE L.
7. AQUINO, THOMAS PHILLIP C.
8. ARGUILLAS, JAYBEE B.
9. ASCALON, MARY SANDRA V.
10. AYONG, JURIS IRIS M.
11. AYSON, PETER PAUL E.
12. BAHUL, MODESTO JR. D.
13. BARTOLOME, BRIAN S.
14. BASAS, RACHEL MARY ANNE A.
15. BASCO, RAYMUNDO JACINTO P.
16. BAUTISTA, ANNA MARIE M.
17. BONIFACIO-CRUZ, ANA NARLEAH M.
18. BONTUYAN, PETER ALLAN R.
19. BUENAVENTURA, RONEL U.
20. BUENO, IVAN LINOR T.
21. CABRERA, STANLEY KRISTOFFER VI V.
22. CABUSORA, KAREN M.
23. CALAMBA, DENNIS M.
24. CANCILLER, LOUIS FRANCIS M.
25. CAPATI, BOJER B.
26. CASACLANG, ROWELL G.
27. DAILO, ALAIN VICTOR T.
28. DE GUZMAN, GABRIEL PAOLO L.
29. DE GUZMAN, LV I
30. DE JESUS, LARA DOMINIQUE A.
31. DERIQUITO, VANESSA E.
32. DIAZ, JAN MICHAEL VINCENT G.
33. DIGAN, JENNILYN R.
34. DIUMANO, FRITZ MICAH A.
35. DUQUE, MARIA FE ESPERANZA Y.
36. ENCINAS, JENNILYN B.
37. ENRIQUEZ, JUAN LUIS V.
38. ESGUERRA, GEOLETTE MARIE Y.
39. ESTANIEL, ALDILA CANNON C.
40. EXIOMO, JOHN MARK D.
41. GARCIA, CATHY ROSE A.
42. GRANADILLLOS, JESSIE RUTH G.
43. GRAVADOR, MERYNETTE M.
44. GREGORIO, ELSBETH E.
45. GUIANG, ALFRED KRISTOFFER A.
46. GUINTO, CELENI KRISTINE G.
47. IGNACIO, RAFAEL VICTOR L.
48. JOSE, RAMONA R.
49. JUAINI, INDIRA-PATRA A.
50. LANSANG, RICHELLE ANNE A.
51. LAO, SIMON V.
52. LAZARO, ANDREA LYNN N.
53. LEAÑO, GEN RENELLA F.
54. LIZARDO, SHARLOT EIZA D.
55. LOPEZ, LEMUEL D.
56. MALINAO, MARY KRISCHELLE C.
57. MANUEL, MARIA ESTRELLA P.
58. MARQUESES, MYLHYN M.
59. MARQUEZ, LEANDER P.
60. MASA, BERNARD B.
61. MASLIAN, ROBERT LEE T.
62. MEDINA, JERICO BRANDO E.
63. MEJIA, JEFFREY DANIEL S.
64. MENDOZA, KELVIN JOSEPH B.
65. MISLANG, MARIA ROMINA C.
66. MORDEN, JOHANNA M.
67. NAÑOZ, CINDY MAE A.
68. NICOLAS, VERONICA CHARMAINE S.
69. ONG, STEVENSON HARVEY L.
70. PANEMANGLOR, AJEET-VICTOR S.
71. PANGILINAN, MA LOURDES CARMELLA JADE D.
72. PAREDES, JUSTINE LAYA C.
73. PERPETUA, MARY GRACE L.
74. PEÑAREDONDO, MARC RAPHAEL A.
75. PUA, MAJELLA CRISTY U.
76. PUENTEVELLA, ANTON GABRIEL L.
77. PULUMBARIT, FELIZARDO JR. N.
78. QUIASON, REY EMMANUEL A.
79. QUINTANA, OLIVER JOHN C.
80. RAMINTAS, JAKE ROBIN S.
81. REVILLAS, ENRIK FORT E.
82. REYES, MARIA KLARIDELLE A.
83. REYES, MISHEIL R.
84. SABERON, ANNA PATRICIA L.
85. SAN JUAN, DAVID MICHAEL M.
86. SAN JUAN, LEAH FE C.
87. SANTIAGO, CARLO L.
88. SANTIZO, NICHOLAS C.
89. SANTOS, MANOLO ADEL M.
90. SIOSON, DENISE S.
91. SORIANO, FE CONSUELO Y.
92. SORITA, CHRISTIAN H.
93. SUNTAY, MARK ANDREW M.
94. TABAMO, DINZO S.
95. TAN, RITZ JERAMAE B.
96. TIONGSON, CARLOS MANUEL Y.
97. TOBIANO, IRISH L.
98. TUBA, MARIA MELIZA T.
99. TUPAS, ALEJANDRO III M.
100. UY, EARL IAN S.
101. VEGA, FRANCES C.
102. VELASQUEZ, NOELLE S.
103. VERGARA, KHRISTINE JOY MARY C.
104. YANCHA-PO, DASHELL
105. YUSIONG, JOSEPH PHILIP T.
106. ZOZOBRADO, JUAN CARLOS L.
*****NOTHING FOLLOWS*****
These examinees are hereby eligible to take the Preliminary Interview of the 2011 FSO Examination, to be held on 04 June 2011 at the DFA Building, 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. Should the examinees pass the Preliminary Interview, they are eligible to take the Written Test of the 2011 FSO Examination, to be held on 08-10 June 2011, also at the DFA Building.
They are instructed to submit to the BFSE Secretariat Office four sets of accomplished Curriculum Vitae form w/ 2” x 2” photo (please use 8.5” x 13” bond paper) on or before 5:00 pm of 13 May 2011. A copy of the curriculum vitae form may be downloaded from the DFA website (www.dfa.gov.ph). The BFSE Secretariat will only accept accomplished forms following the prescribed format.
Examinees who wish to know their rating may call the BFSE Secretariat at tel. nos. 8343080 or 8344925.
Congratulations to the successful examinees.
http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/newsroom/announcements
Tsambero: Congratulations!
congrats to all who made it… im not lucky to pass the exam. sniffs.
if i repeat again next year the pre qualifying … do i have to pass again the requirements???
Congratulations to all who passed the 2011 pre-qualifying exams
Kudos!
I visited the website of DFA today and unfortunately, I did not make it. I failed the qualifying test. Better luck next time for those who failed. Hahaaay buhay…
To Diane and Marlon, I also did not pass last year but I did not get discouraged and retook it last March 20. This time I was able to make the cut. If you’re both really determined to be career diplomats, stay focused and don’t give up
thanks joe!
I am really interested in taking the FSE next year. I just have one concern before I partake in this year-long endeavor: Do they discriminate against any gender preference? Will my being gay put me in a disadvantaged position, and what advice can you give me?
thanks 
Hi.
For those who took the qualifying but failed to pass it, you can actually call BFSE and get your ratings. it’s good to know how you performed in the exams.
Hi out of 430+ Prequalifying Examinees this year 106 people passed… wow…almost 25% passing rate…
Got my score: 54.40 ambaba! super layo sa cut off, but really mahirap talaga ang exam… haist…next year kitakits tayo guys!
What actually is the cut off? 80%?
rose: yes, 80%.
mas mataas pa ang rate ng pumasa sa qualifying this year. last year, 90/523 lang ang pumasa sa prequals.
got mine – 61.47… sana may report ilang percent ang english, math and so on para alam natin saan tayo focus next year..
@Kobe
yun nga eh, wala daw ganun sabi ni madam from BFSE, sayang talaga. lahat mahirap eh…
Omgee,
Congratulations Mr. DAVID MICHAEL M. SAN JUAN! you made it again. If you’re not familiar with Mr. San Juan…read his comments:
# David Michael M. San Juan on 19 Mar 2009 at 4:36 pm
So umulit ka pala from the start???
hi guys, ms. toe
congratulations to the pre quals passers.
i have a question re age requirement: f u are already 34 y/o (below 35) durin the pre quals and the pre interview and u passed both, can u still defer taking the written exam and take it the following year instead when u are already 35 y/o?
pls enlighten, they reduced the max age quali kse right?
thanks to this blog, i was \enlightened\ on what i really wanted to be, i am a graduate of political science and civil service exam passer., i was late in submitting my application for this year because i just found out about this one just this month and i’m planning to try it next year. i am already starting to review (thanks to this blog, i know now what are the subjects i need to focus on) , however i am not sure whether my reviewers are already enough. can i ask for your help guys if i can borrow some review materials?, or can you please send me files on my email some review materials that i can use po ., at sino po dito ang kagaya kong planong kumuha din ng pagsusulit na to sa susunod na taon?., pasali naman po ako kong may plano po kayong bumuo ng grupo para sa mga review sessions or strudy groups. lets share review materials. magtulungan po tayo para puamasa tayong lahat. :] salamat po :] …, my email ad is: markj_b811@yahoo.com ….
maraming salamat po and Godbless us all.. :]
i will be having my PI on june 4 and i’m already having cold feet even at this time (2 wks before).. i passed the prequals last year (baguio) and had it deferred before the PI.. i don’t know anyone who is into this career so find this post very helpful since i don’t have anyone to guide me through this.. i really feel inadequate for the position given my limited work experience and my seemingly “irrelevant” course in college.. i’ve read some of the profiles of those who passed the fsoe and i must say, wala man lang ako sa kalingkingan.. i’m just now trying to do the best out this opportunity i’m given because i really want this..
can anyone give me advice on what to read for the PI and what should i wear during the interview?.. should i wear a coat or barong?.. i’m afraid i’ll arrive overdressed for the interview.. hehe.. your guidance will really help me to allay the anxieties i’m having now..
pls. email me if you have useful tips you can share for my interview and succeeding exams after that.. it’s: denmark_rillera@yahoo.com
thanks a lot and may the Good Lord bless us always..
@Astroboy, a long-sleeved office barong will suffice (that’s what I wore). You should act and look like a diplomat. During the interview, sound confident, not arrogant. While they consider your background, the substance of your answers would be more relevant. Make a good impression. Good luck.
The schedule for the written exam is up. Question: We have to pass the preliminary interview first before qualifying for the written exam, right? Thank you.
wannabe: yes, you have to pass the interview.
The interview is on a Saturday, yes? They usually post the results of the Interview on the Monday of the week of the exams (That will make it June 6th.)
Good luck!
best of luck, folks!
Guys, how did the interviews go? Please give us an idea!
The interview results are out and I am surprised I got in
The truth is I was so nervous during the interview that I don’t think I sounded coherent at all.
The panel was so intimidating. Seriously, none of them smiled at all even when I tried to crack a joke (haha cringing in embarrassment at the memory). The questions asked were mostly about what you wrote in your CV – your current job, why do you want to be a foreign service officer, etc. I also got questions on international events plus a thing or two about movies. My advice is just answer honestly as you can.
Now I’m off to cram for the written. Good luck to us all!
32 din ang natanggal sa preliminary interview. malupet din ah.
Hi guys…
Congratulations to wannabe for passing the panel interview…
I also made it, thank God =)
Tomorrow, written exam naman…
Good luck to us, good luck to you wannabe…
If anybody wants my two-cents worth of insight…just leave a post…
Review time! =)
2011 FSO Taker, what were your PI questions? I’m so unprepared for tomorrow’s exam
Hello wannabe…
Here are the questions I recall from my PI (not in verbatim though):
If the clothes I wore were the actual uniform used in my office (Of course not).
Why would i want to be an FSO when it seems (to them) that my current company has a competitive compensation and benefits package?
Am I sure that i can meet the work and life challenges of an FSO? Why and how?
What are some reasons why people are successful? Are opportunities in life equal? Do Filipinos receive their fair share of opportunities?
What is my understanding of the concepts involving justice and equality as seen in the arrest of Serbian war criminal Ratko Mladic?
In our local setting, how will justice be best served in the cases of the Ampatuan clan?
What are my thoughts about the “Leviste caper?”
Do other countries have a right to tell us whether or not our justice system is effective?
Do extra-judicial measures undertaken by certain governments in arresting and punishing criminals justified? Is there justice in those kinds of methodologies?
For the most part, these are the questions i remember.
Please note that they have prepared questions, but they were very good in asking questions based on the answers I gave them. Little room for pulling their legs, i guess.
At any rate, I made it through the PI. A bigger challenge awaits tomorrow.
Best of luck! For myself, for you, and for the rest of the group…
FSO Takers, ano yung mga questions na lumabas sa written exam?
Hi!
My judgment is that the exam this year was even harder than the exam last year. I wasn’t able to remember any of the questions.
(Binaon na sa limot haha). Maybe someone else can share?
Yung Spanish questions lang ang naaalala ko haha:
I. May 2 news clippings in Spanish tapos may mga tanong tungkol sa binasa mo. May True or False (5 items) at saka Q&A (5 items).
II. A. Multiple choice – verb conjugation (15 items)
B. Fill in the blanks – verb conjugation pero simple present tense lang (5 items)
C. Match column A with column B – vocabulary (5 items)
D. Rearrange words to form a sentence (5 items)
III. Write an email to your Spanish friend Pablo (100 words)
How about sa international affairs at world history?
Here’s what I remembered (not exact words used):
World History
1. The concept of “realpolitik” and how this played out in the political careers of Otto van Bismarck and di Caudio (this is based on my understanding)
2. The main ideas of the Enlightenment thinkers – Voltaire, Montesquiue, Rousseau and Locke – and how these influenced the American and French revolutions
3. The triangular trading network between Europe, the Americas and West Africa – how it operated and yung effects nya dun sa 3 region
4. Something about Kublai Khan and the Khanate Empire
5. Spanish colonization of Latin America
6. Causes of and lessons from WWI
International Affairs
1. Something about choice between regional trading patterns ata sa Asia (i’m not sure uli)
2. WTO negotiations, APEC membership or ASEAN
There are 5 more questions ata pero I already forgot
English:
Part I
1. Do you agree or disagree with the US criticisms regarding the killing of Bin Laden na they used torture daw and what they did is a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty (this is based on my understanding)
2. Write a speech that you will deliver in the US Security Council to report yung harrasment ng Chinese boat sa isang Philippine boat ata sa may Spratlys and the action that you want them to do
3. The communications strategy that you will use regarding the impending execution of a convicted Filipino drug mule in China.
Part II
30 items wherein you have to re-write the given sentences correctly
10 items objective type pero you still have to write all the sentences
Filipino:
1. Ano ang pinakamalubhang bantang panloob? Bakit at ano ang dapat gawin para masolusyunan ito?
2. Ano ang pinakamalubhang bantang panlabas? Bakit at ano ang dapat gawin para masolusyunan ito?
3. Translation from English to Filipino
Philippine Conditions (eto ang pamatay – 10 questions all in all, tapos may mga sub-questions pa yung last 3):
1. Choose a national artist and what are his/her contributions and how will you promote their work as an FSO
2. Choose an tangible or intangible cultural heritage or your chosen region and how will you promote it abroad)
3. Conditional Cash Transfer (yung mga sub-questions nya medyo kailangan ng specifics regarding the program)
4. Public-Private Partnership (sub-questions regarding the priority projects in 2011)
5. Name 5 sectors identified by BOI and choose 1 that you would like to focus on and state the reasons for your choice; what region in the phils is ideal for that sector and which trading block (Asia, Europe, etc.) would you promote this sector to – I think yun yung idea nung mga sub-questions.
Yung other 5 medyo hindi ko na maalala.
I just noticed na medyo current yung mga questions for Internation Affairs and Phil Conditions so dapat talagang magbasa palagi.
Correction lang dun sa #2 Philippine Conditions
*Choose a tangible or intangible cultural heritage of your chosen region and how will you promote it abroad
medyo killer ang Philippine Conditions.
tsambero: not medyo. haha killer ang Phil Conds.
miro: good job! nakalimutan mo though ang pinakafavorite kong question: At the end of El Fili, Padre Florentino said something about freedom. What did he say? How relevant are his thoughts today?
HAHA.
Yung sa int affairs:
- there is something about Libya and UNSC reso 1973
- something about the Thai-Cambodia border dispute
- the earthquakes in NZ and Japan and the Arab Spring
- rule of conduct in SCS (sorry, West Philippine Sea na pala ngayon)
sorry guys, last year, I was able to remember them all, but this year, ayoko na lang haha. Nakakapraning kasi eh. HAHA.
Hello readers of this blog…
Congrats to my fellow exam takers…to go through, and actually finish the three-day exams, is already an accomplishment…bakit kaya biglang umayaw sa kalagitnaan ung iba? =)
I will resist the temptation to post the questions…guys have done it already…siguro isa lang ang contribution ko, which is my favorite…translation of the FLOWERS OF MAY from english to tagalog…hahaha…
Well, let’s keep our fingers crossed ’til September…hopefully, my name will still show up…best of luck to everyone alse who survived the three-day challenge!
Day one, i had nosebleed…
Day two, i suffered from brain farts and freezes…
Day three, i suffered a mental breakdown which almost got me admitted at NMHI at Mandaluyong…
Just kidding!
It was an experience i will never forget…one that i will tell my good friend Pablo, mi amigo muy favorito, hahaha…
God bless y’all!!! =)
I’m missing 1 question on Philippine Conditions…
1. Not granting fiscal autonomy to ARMM – a failure?
2. Political party system in the Philippines
3. Tangible or intangible cultural heritage of your province
4. ?
5. National artist and his/her work you would promote
6. Padre Florentino on Freedom (without bloodshed blah blah)
7. High school principals’ new take on being a global citizen (need not promote Philippine culture anymore)
8. Conditional Cash Transfer (and about 5 Millennium Goals! Huh??)
9. Public-Private Partnership
10. Invest Priorities Plan 2011
For International Affairs, I think it was only 6 instead of 7 questions…
1. Regional trade arrangements
2. WTO/APEC/ASEAN trade agreements–which would you prioritize?
3. UNSC and NATO and the no-fly-zone in Libya (this is the real killer)
4. Code of conduct in South China Sea conflict
5. Recent earthquakes, tsunamis, uprisings…lessons learned, and what can our country do as preparation?
6. Thai-Cambodia conflict, why has it not been resolved, esp. by ASEAN?
Results don’t come out til September, which is really excruciating to wait. T_T *fingers crossed*
Oh by the way guys, I encourage you to take the short quiz below
Just replace US with the Philippines, obviously
http://careers.state.gov/officer/is-the-foreign-service-right-for-you
And this book, if you can grab a copy of it
http://openlibrary.org/works/OL5879787W/Bababa_ba
Best of luck to the 2011 takers!!
nice job on recalling the questions guys.. i can hardly remember a question after the written exam.. i guess i went to repression to forget the trauma i had during those three days.. haha..
although the question in the philippine conditions were quite familiar and expected (except for that padre florentino), i must say.. in my opinion, even if you are familiar with the concepts to be discussed, it would still be difficult to really organize the flow of thoughts in the essay and moreso elaborate given the limited time given to answer many questions and their specifics (especially the last three in phil conditions)..
nakakatuwa yung Filipino kasi i had much trouble on translating girdles, church dome and lilies.. haha.. and i was really contemplating whether the instruction asks us to translate the excerpt verbatim..
i’m not banking much on passing though.. i have to find a diversion while waiting for the results.. nakakastress kapag naaalala ko yung exam.. May the Lord bless us all..
astroboy: I did not think that the IPP question was expected. Until I read the question, I have never heard of it.
I was actually a little more euphoric after the first day of examinations. After Phil Conds, however, I did not think that I would pass anymore.
Nassstress din ako pag naaalala ko yung exam and yung questions (and how I answered them). There always is a reason to fret and think na I have not answered adequately or to curse myself for having forgotten that one detail that would have made my answer better.
I took the test last year and did not pass, although, at 71++, I must say that it was pretty close. This year, however, I am hoping for really lenient checkers and a miracle.
Nevertheless, the exam experience was still amazing. Pardon the Harry Potter reference, pero I felt (with the vastness of the venue and the antique feel of the whole building) that we were taking the OWLs theory portion (you have to have read HP to know that LOL). Di ba?! hehehehhee.
)
@aspirant: call me lucky because i had the chance of reading about the investment plan of 2010 while randomly browsing the net.. unfortunately, though, i was not able to go through its details (and the 2011 plan which was asked for) since i was cramming on reading too many topics back then.. i just had to focus on its overview and its basics.. the devil is in the details they say..
i’ve heard that the examiners last year had high standards on checking the answers which reflected the relatively low percentage of passing.. they say that this time, examiners would be more lenient.. i’m not sure regarding the truth of this but i’m hoping that they do..
i know that i need to go through a needle hole to pass that type of exam.. if i fail, i’ll happily go through the same traumatic experience of the written exams again next year.. i am truly humbled by the exam, all the while i thought that i knew a lot of things until i went through it.. it’s difficult and frustrating but trying is the only way that i’ll be able to realize my dream of becoming an FSO..
@astroboy: wow buti ka pa may idea (I think the 2011 IPP did not really deviate much from the 2010 one.)
You got it! Details are the one thing I was certain that they would not give much fuss about. The coverage of the exam is very very vast that to consider poring into the nitty-gritty of everything just seems like overkill! Apparently, however, they did not think it was overkill this year. Like you, I also bothered only with arming myself with the general ideas of the topics I thought would come out. Evidently, it was not enough this year. (That makes it depressing because I am sure I exerted more effort this year than I did during the last year!)
Like you, I am also praying that the rumors of the examiners being more lenient this year (given last year’s dismal output) will be true.
Unlike you, though, I don’t know whether I’ll still happily face the exams for a third time (should things not work out this year — WAG NAMAN haha). It really is a daunting and exhausting task.
Good luck to us, @astroboy.
May we see each other in the DFA (and, if we’re that lucky, maybe even be batchmates? haha)
Goodluck to us who’s planning to take the exam next year … hahah., Godbless us all.., :]
@aspirant: i hope we will be among the lucky ones who will pass the exam.. i am not very optimistic in my odds though.. after the exam, i still felt short of what i should have delivered.. i thought i missed to write about some details which could have made my answers better..
God Bless to both of us and may luck be on our side..
hello guys, I’ll be turning 33 next year, is it too late for me to become a Foreign Service Officer? I’m currently working in a broadcast media company. My friend told me about this kind of career and it sounds wonderful to me. I actually just finished my degree in college because I dropped out of college 10 years ago. Could you give me some advice?
who wants to form a study group here for the next year’s exam? we can set the venue and set a schedule on where and when we are going to meet. it would be fun sharing our thoughts on different issues and topics and share our review materials. :]
Hello!
From the past few months, I just realized what I wanted to be after I graduate – that is, working in the government. So I searched the net for possible career options if I choose that path. As I have been searching, I come across this thread and I found out that a career in the foreign service is what I really wanted.
I am now a 4th year Industrial Eng’g student in UP, and probably will graduate next school year. And also, a recipient of DOST and Chevron scholarship. (This would mean that I am more incline in the science & technology – a disadvantage?)
In addition, I have taken a Japanese Language Training course before. And I am fond of reading current events and issues. (does this add merit to me?)
Are there other FSO aspirants whose situation is like mine? Can you give me some advice? Thanks.
@emblem0204: Your undergraduate degree is not in any way a disadvantage, you are just slightly handicapped. You can compensate this situation, however, by beefing up on the subject matters that you need to know or learn. You can do this by taking extra classes, enrolling in an FSOE Review Class, or self-study. I myself is a math major but through my desire to enter the foreign service and sheer persistence to succeed, I tried to learn everything I need to pass the exam. I made it on my second try mainly through self-study.
Knowing a foreign language beforehand is always an advantage, at least you have one less thing to worry about on the written exam.
As for advice, just read this blog through and through, including the other links offered herein. I found the ideas and thoughts in this blog very insightful and useful.
Stoke your passion of hurdling the challenging exam; match it with perseverance, hard work, and tenacity of the human spirit; and of course pray.
Good luck to all aspirants.
Hi Toe and everyone!
I’m also an FSO aspirant. But I may have a little problem because I’m married to a foreigner. According to the law, those who are married to a foreigner he/she must secure an authorization to take the FSO Examinations from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs through the Board of Foreign Service Examinations. So, I would like to ask if this is easy to get and what are the requirements and when should I start processing the requirements if I’ll take the Qualifying Test next year.
And also I’d like to ask if can get this authorization from the DFA Regional Office in my region.
Looking forward for your replies. Thank you so much!!!
Hi Marisa, for quick feedback I suggest that you coordinate with the BFSE.
Hi Jean, thank you for the suggestion. Yes I’ll do that.
For last year’s FSO exams, how come the written exam only had 8 passers but the total FSO passers were 11?
Hi anon!
Aside from the 8 people who passed the written exam in 2010, there were some other people who took the oral and psychological exams. These are people who a) took the oral or psychological exams in 2009 and 2008 but did not make it and were therefore retaking them or b) people who passed the written exams in 2009 or 2008 but decided to forego taking the oral and psychological exams for those years.
For current FSOs,
Are FSOs allowed to pursue graduate studies or even law school after passing the examinations? How about study leave? I understand that they undergo one year of training first before being posted in other countries. Thanks for the replies.
@yang tseng,
Yes, if their schedules permit them…why not?
First of all: You people are so generous. thank you so much for all the useful info. it’s good that so many of the passers are not madamot with the info.
now for the questions:
a.) know any fso exam review centers here?
-if there are indeed any choices, which is the best?
b.) which international magazine would help us prepare best? (i.e. the economist?, time?)if any at all.
-and how ’bout useful websites?
-books?
c.) Is there a limit on how many times you can take the exam?
Again, thank you so much for not being madamot with what you know.
-especially to the actual taker’s and the passers.
Ha ha!
Asked and answered.
sorry.
-it’s true that i really need 2 hours (atleast) to read the whole blog.
Anyone got a tip when will the written test results be posted?
I have a fearless forecast on the results of Written Exam… 5 examinees will qualify for the next level. wooooooooohoooo
only 5? O_O how come?
Lili Xiao: You may not be wrong. There are rumors that less than 10 people passed this year. It’s not impossible, given that last year, only 8 passed this part of the exam.
What was it they say? Hope for the best, but expect the worst. That’s what I have been trying to do.
Good luck to us all.
It’s already October yet there is still no info as to who qualified. I almost forgot that i took the written test. Haha. Now, i feel jittery than before. I feel that I am one of those who has the slimmest chance of nailing it but my fingers are still crossed. Let’s hope for the best guys and i wish to see you in the next level.
@astroboy: been reading this whole blog… it’s great too read that one of us who also took the written exam this year is from Baguio… I’m from La Trinidad…
It’s already October so the results should be out sooner or later… wishing luck for all of us…
Oh my gosh…I did it.
It’s here you guys!
DFA ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF THE
WRITTEN TEST OF THE 2011 FSO EXAMINATION
The Board of Foreign Service Examinations would like to announce that the following twenty six (26) examinees are invited to take the next step in the FSO Examinations.
1. AMONCIO, ANNA MARIE JOSETTE B.
2. ATANGAN, FRANCES GAIL M.
3. BAGUIOS, JOHN MARIE T.
4. CASTAÑEDA, CHIARA ELISA E.
5. DACANAY, FLAUREEN D.
6. GARCIA, CATHY ROSE A.
7. IGNACIO, RAFAEL VICTOR L.
8. JUGO, JAMINA VESTA M.
9. LAZARO, ANDREA LYNN N.
10. LOPEZ, LEMUEL D.
11. MANANTAN, LEANDRO LUIZ S.
12. PANEMANGLOR, AJEET-VICTOR S.
13. PANGWI, VON RYAN G.
14. PANGILINAN, MA. LOURDES CARMELLA JADE D.
15. PONCE, MARK JOSHUA B.
16. PUA, MAJELLA CRISTY U.
17. REVILLAS, ENRIK FORT E.
18. SADIARIN, ELIZABETH JOY M.
19. SALAZAR, VIRGEMARIE A.
20. SAN JUAN, DAVID MICHAEL M.
21. SANTIAGO, CARLO L.
22. TANJUAN, JOSE ANTONIO N.
23. VALLES, MARIVIL V.
24. VALLESPIN, ALEX O.
25. VELASQUEZ, NOELLE S.
26. YANCHA-PO, DASHELL C.
****** NOTHING FOLLOWS ******
These examinees are hereby eligible to take the Psychological Test of the 2011 FSO Examination to be held from 10 to 14 October 2011.
I didn’t. I guess I’ll take next year’s. Congrats to the 26! That’s a lot compared to last year
Well done!
@mjwatson: It is! and thanks!
finally, passed the written portion of the rest… I must thank this blog for giving tips (Thanks Toe, and all posters)… but it’s not over yet… so what goes on in the psych test anyway?
iBalili1979: my friend who took this last year said that the psych exam is just a set of routine exams.
when’s your schedule? 
hope to see you soon! 
@aspirant: Just checked my e-mail. I’m slated for Thursday. How about you? Hope to see you soon, too.
To aspirant, ibalili1979, and the rest of the peeps tuned in,
Congratulations to those who made it! Good luck sa inyo for the remaining stages.
I didn’t make the cut, but the FSO experience was valuable for me. This experience is God’s way of telling me that at 35 years old, it’s late in the journey for me to achieve my high school dream of being an ambassador, and that i should stay at my present job because i might have a career breakthrough in the form of a promotion, who people say is well-deserved. =)
But for the 26 passers, you truly deserve it. It is my sincerest prayer that you become full-fledged FSOs, and that you may use your future position to serve people irregardless of social standing. It is my hope that when you do every bit of task, you do it for God’s greater glory.
Best of luck to the successful 26 passers and may God bless you more!!! =)
iBalili: for Monday.
FSO-sana: Thank you so much! And I hope you get that promotion.
It was a short and long wait for the results. Ugh, I didn’t make the cut, too, mjwatson! Oh well, let’s try again next year.
Congratulations to the 26! I saw two familiar names btw.
Sigh, I didn’t make it again. This is my second time to fail the written. Should I take a hint guys? -sad face-
@sigh-borge: you should try and try ’til you succeed!
@rowlingstones: would you know for how long is the prequals valid? Is it 3 years or 3 tries? Because I’m thinking of taking it year after a couple more years or so, to gain more experience, by taking Masters or something. I was also told during prelims I was quite young so -_-
It’s 25% percentile passing this year. Props to all passers! Hope I’ll be one someday, too!
Hi there! Thanks for this blog! I passed this time! Thank God! No harm in retaking the exams. Mind you, I passed it on second take, and I barely prepared for the second take. So, just keep on dreaming friends! Retake it until you pass it! and wish us luck!
Just curios, this year’s written exam passers will proceed to the psych part? what happened to the oral exams?
This year, the psychological exams will be taken before the oral exams.
They announced this during the first day of the written exams. 
Dear Al:
The written test result has been released.
Congratulations to the passers.
Ms.Sadiarin, hoepfully next time, i will make it too.
Best,
BJ
To those who passed, congrats! Would you mind telling us how you prepared for the exams? What’s your background?
@ mjwatson: hi! one of the passers this year told me it’s valid for three years. btw, my friend shared her friend who is now FSO IV devoted an entire year of preparation for the entire exam, especially the written. he was also taking master’s during the time he took FSE.
perhaps we should try again next year. pick ourselves out of this failure. good luck in 2012!
@ sigh-borge: don’t sulk. i knew two passers this year who took written exams four and six times before they passed it. i’m inspired by their persistence. and you should be, too!
@ Elijah: congrats! good luck on your psych and then oral exams. hope next year, we hurdle the written!
any news on the psych part?
Hi! I’m a Poli. Sci. major from UP Diliman and I’ll be graduating this school year. Can I take the exam kahit po fresh grad palang? One of our professors have been convincing us to join the Foreign Service and I thought I’d give it a shot.
Hi Iya!
I did not do it (take the FSE fresh out of college), but I would definitely recommend doing so! Take advantage of your youth! Besides, if you don’t get in on the first try, at least you can treat it as a sort of review.
Good luck!
what happened to the orals? why is it psych exam already after the written? tinangal na ba ng dfa ung orals?
Hi drake!
No pinagpalit lang nila yung order ng orals at psych this year.
@aspirant: how was your psych? can you tell us what happens in the psych exam? hope it went well for you!
mjwatson: hello! okay lang siya, it’s what you’d expect from psych tests. it’s a pain in the hands kasi ang daming writing involved.
i really don’t know, however, how I did in that test. haha.
Thank you for this blog!
i am currently a 2nd year student at MC studying communication arts and i have been trying to find info on diplomats when this blog came up. it has been most informative.
after graduatiing, i would like to apply, but im afraid that being a communications arts student may not help me in doing this. before i chose this course i didnt know what to do so i just picked comm arts. not im worried i can apply as an ambassador or diplomat. im am a filipino but i dual nationality, and i have only been here in the philippines for a year. i have no knowledge of philippine history and i can only speak basic day-to-day tagalog as english is my first language. what can i do to help me apply for this exam after i complete my comm course? the only part i feel confident about from what i have heard of the exams is the foreign language and history of the middle east.
i am lost right now, i need guidance towards what i can do to improve myself before i graduate so i can be prepared. thanks!
how much salary does a diplomat ( entry level) receives. i mean after passing all the exams, how much do they earn? thanks.
hi guys! Congrats sa lahat ng pumasa ang good luck sa inyong psyche and sa oral interview….
Gusto ko rin sana magexam for this next year! kinakabahan nga lang ako since I only have few months to prepare… well Good luck sa inyong lahat..
and I hope your dreams will come true
Salary grade of an entry-level FSO is SG24.
hi. just a query, i passed last years quali but did not make it in the pre interview. can i still take the pre interview next year? am turning 35 this december and am not sure f once qualified in the quali exam u are still allowed to cont. pls enlighten. thank you.
What is SG24? 24k?
@Mayumi:
I don’t know about the age thing but I myself passed the qualifying test but failed the pre-interview last year… but retook the pre-interview this year and was able to reach the psych test portion (the results of which I’m not so sure about)… I believe that you can retake the qualifying test but read next year’s age requirements just to be sure…
@Mayumi:
…sorry, you can retake the preliminary interview next year but do check the age requirements… my bad…
When will be the next FSO exams? I am 36 years old now, can I still take the exams? I am from Bohol, where do can I get the examination forms?
For those inquiring about the Home Office compensation package, you may refer to Executive Order 811. You can also look up the Salary Standardization Law, since government salaries are scheduled for two more increases. Overseas allowances are another matter, of course.
FSO compensations are modest but adequate. It won’t make you rich, but you will not starve either.
Last time I checked this site, I think the blogger’s posted in Cambodia? That was way back in 2007 when I was about to graduate from college. Now, I’m already doing my master’s here in Australia and I met a Filipino PhD student, Jed D., who’s also a diplomat (FSO I). I think he’s your batchmate, and he also encouraged me to take the FSO exams! I might try to take the exam someday. I just remembered this blog and tried to check it.. it’s really helpful, so it’s not surprising that this particular post still draws a lot of comments from people interested in the foreign service (five years after this post was uploaded!).
Hi! Registered nurse na po ako at gsto ko sana mag try ng exam for FSO, eligible po ba ako to take the exam kahit na hindi naman about foreign service ang course ko? tnx po ..
^of course you can. lumabas na actually yung announcement for the 2012 fso examinations: http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/newsroom/announcements. good luck!
@amy>> salamat hehe… congrats sa mga pumasa!
yaeger cpa review…
[...]kurokuroatbp » Do You Want to be a Foreign Service Officer (FSO)?[...]…
I want to take the 2012 FSE. Who will be taking the test next year? Maybe we can form a study group, or at least share review materials?
Hi all!
Okay, those who are asking about next year’s FSE, check DFA website. The announcement’s already up.
And pretty bad news for some of us. Read this: “The Board of Foreign Service Examinations would like to announce that examinees who passed the 2010 and 2011 Qualifying Test but failed the 2010 or 2011 Preliminary Interview and Written test may submit their application forms for the2012 FSO Qualifying Test if they opt to continue the Foreign Service Officer Examinations. Passing the Qualifying Test shall be required for applicants to proceed to the 2012 Preliminary Interview.”
So @mayumi, @sigh-borge, and @mjwatson, we’re back to zero. haist.
ok what? ano kayang nangyari? I’ll try calling to ask kung bakit wala na yung validity.
yes..ill be taking the exam next year..
I am thinking of a career chance nowadays, from CSR to teacher now as a bank anlayst for a foreign bank . I am interested being an FSO,if i may asked how much are the fees involved in taking the exam so i can set my mind financially while preparing mentally. Do you have any ratio of passers versus the total applicants who made the cut?
please email me details the details please
hello. thanks for the blog. im graduating from high school this school year. and im still confused what course to take up in college. i want to be an FSO. but i’m not always in correct gramma when speaking in english. i can speak japanese since i lived in japan for four years. that would be an advantage. but do i really have to be really fluent in english?! will i be able to learn correct grammar usage after i finish four years in college?! but i have a good english pronunciation. i am a good conversationalist, reporter, communicator, as my teachers say.
im planning to take up foreign service major in diplomacy. aside from being an ambassador/consul, what other job opportunities can i do in major in diplomacy?
wheww!!!!!my vision became blurred after reading this all.haha!!!anyway im also planning to try to take the 2012 FSO examination.its actually my first time to know the benefits of a FSO and you guys here who were really trying your best to pass the exam.(for those who already tried taking it before.) May God bless us all! Go! go first timers! =)
Hello! I was browsing on having a career in Foreign Service in the Philippines and I had a peek through it already. Thank you for such a wonderful post. I aspire to be a diplomat or a consul someday. Now I know it’s not easy going through the FSO exams as well. I think I should do well in my subjects so that I can have a good foundation on making through the exam in the future and do well especially in French class. I never thought it was needed. Thank you for the post. Very informative.
@irtwisted i agree with you. i wanted to take again the FSO exams. i have seen an ad before that ateneo is offering a review for FSO exams but i dunno how much is the tuition. maybe we can share resources for this to succeed in our dreams!:-)
@braddy: it’s 13k (the tuition).
you can call 426-6001 (loc 5238/5239) and look for Kai. Of course, it all still depends on the person, but the review really helped me. 
@aspirant: thanks for the info! do u have an idea if they would allow in case i will just pay for the materials only and will not be attending class sessions considering that i am staying here in the province? i hope to hear from you soon!:)
im also planning to take the FSO next year. goodluck to us!
Thank you very much for this Toe!
i’m still in college but i have plans of taking FSO exam in the future.
@braddy: i have the same problem. i work and live in the province so it would be difficult for me to attend the review classes in ateneo. but i really want to attend though. i’ve heard that the review was really useful.
@ibalili: good luck! i hope you go far and achieve your dreams. i’m from baguio too.
i also took the written exam this year but didn’t make it. i guess the review would help me patch up the 7% i needed to pass. hahaha. i only got 68%. that was my first take though and i had no background on FSO, being a nurse. and i need to review my spanish more. i remember my self writing an essay in the foreign language part and i was totally clueless. hopefully, the experience i had in the exam this year would help me when i retake it next year. keep us updated with the results! God Bless!
to braddy and astroboy: I knew someone who knew of the review a little bit too late (by the time she knew that there was one, we were already in our final sessions), so what she did was contact Ate Kai (I posted the number in a previous comment), and she still got the materials sent to her via email (only the powerpoints though because the handouts were all photocopied). I suggest you contact Ate Kai and see if they still do that: give away materials. (I don’t know how much this girl paid though).
astroboy: Getting a 68% on the first try is actually impressive, especially given that you finished a course not really aligned with foreign service.
Good luck next year! (Although I hope I won’t have to take it again. haha)
@aspirant: i called a while ago and talked to ma’am kai. the review will be held on january 14 to march 31 next year and the tuition would be 13k. i asked her if i could have the handouts and powerpoint resentations and just pay for it without attending the classes. unfortunately, she said that they are bundled with the review program so she can’t do that. most probably i’ll have to review by myself again for next year. although i’m thinking about dropping my saturday law subjects just to attend the review. will i ever pass without a proper review program? hehe.
the world history part is killing me. it’s just too broad and i don’t know where to start. i have to skip the realpolitik by otto von bismarck question because i don’t even know what to write about it. my bad because it was too late for me to realize that i should have written anything so that i could have availed of even just a point. that would be better than getting “0″ for a clean answer sheet. haha. i hope i’ll make the cut next year.
astroboy: ah of course it is possible to pass without the review! haha. If you really can do that (dropping the law classes on Saturdays) and if you feel you need the review, then I suggest that you do it kasi it really is helpful. Sa world history, don’t overwork yourself: I read two books: one by Perry et al and the other by Zaide (both of them high school text books). Find a system that suits you (eg, do you feel better studying by geographical area or by chronology). Make digests (as I’m sure you do in law school haha). the unfortunate part about the three major subjects is that they are all too broad and you don’t know where to begin (or end!). Just…absorb as much as you can.
@aspirant: thanks for the tip. appreciate it much.
it was just now that i have read of the “back to zero” policy of the DFA while backreading. it’s quite disheartening to know about it. good thing i have read it just in time before the application deadline. well, i have to review my management concepts again. to those who took the 2010 and 2011 FSO exam but didn’t make, we are back to square 1. i hope we ace the exams this time.
astroboy: I thought that it was unfair. If they wanted to remove the validity, they should have just started with the 2012 examinees. Ewan ko, I really thought it was a sudden decision.
@astroboy: its quite difficult for us pala to obtain those materials. I jst hope that someone would share here their experience of the areas where the questions were taken, although, we’re not sure they would repeat it.:-)
@braddy: a lot of the questions in the past are actually posted above. just have the patience to backread. i hope we can help each other in getting some reviewers.
@ aspirant: i’ve just re-submitted my application for next year’s exams. medyo dreadful having to do that again. i was itching to ask BFSE why they’ve removed the validity. then i felt, it’s ridiculous to ask about it. oh well, good luck na lang ulit sa amin! thanks for the “digest” tip.
Hello Toe, FSO Aspirants (like me) at sa lahat ng mga kababayan ko!
I’m sorry for this off-topic message but I’d just like to share my idea on how we can help the people in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro.
I am asking you to please join me in my PhP 10 campaign for the victims of the flash floods in Iligan City and Cagayan De Oro. From the bottom of my heart, I really would like to help the people there but I can’t do it alone. I have this dream that if we can convince at least 1 million people our 10 pesos will become PhP 10 million and this will help so many lives. I think almost all of us can afford this and it’s very easy to do. We just need to send it through a text message to the PHILIPPINE RED CROSS. For Smart subscribers type RED 10 to 4143 and 2899 for Globe. Example: RED 10 and send to 4143. For Globe subscribers, you have to send twice since their denominations start from 5.
I want you to know that if we can start doing things like this we are helping building our nation and I know the Heavenly Father will be happy with us. So, Please join me and ask your friends to do the same! Thank you very much. Please post this on your status on Facebook/Twitter.
Sincerely,
Marisa
Reference:
http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate
Hello to all!
I’ll be taking the FSO exam next year, though I haven’t submitted my application yet. Who’ll be attending the review session in Ateneo this coming Saturday?
Mr. Java BVMC-SJX33GT…
[...]kurokuroatbp » Do You Want to be a Foreign Service Officer (FSO)?[...]…
Hi Toe, everyone. Since the thread is kilometric
and I can’t seem to find the time to backread, can anyone help in giving me an insight what kind of management concepts are involved in the exam, is this like SWOT, etc? Is there a particular introductory book that you can recommend? Thank you for your help and time!
this is it! tomorrow is the first leg of the exams. good luck for all of us who will take the qualifying test. lot of thanks for this blog who give a lot of insights and overview about FSOE. kudos!
just a thought… kailan kaya ang labas ng result??
I called CSC today and asked if the results are ready, they said its ready and its just waiting for the approval of their director. Once approved they will turn it over to DFA for posting on the DFA website. Anytime this week or next week, it will be published.
Thanks for the update, archduke.
Hi Toe. Hope all’s well with you.
Hi everyone. Good luck to those who took the exam.
Hi Toe! Here’s an update for the 2011 BATCH.
Just released today. Out of 628 examinees, 9 made it. What a feat! Congratulations!
DFA ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF THE 2011 FSO EXAMINATIONS
Thursday, 22 March 2012 11:30 DFA WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
The Board of Foreign Service Examinations would like to announce that out of the six hundred twenty-eight (628) examinees, nine (9) examinees passed the 2011 FSO Examinations, namely:
1. Dacanay, Flaureen D.
2. Garcia, Cathy Rose A.
3. Ignacio, Rafael Victor L.
4. Manantan, Leandro Luis S.
5. Panemanglor, Ajeet-Victor
6. Pangwi, Von Ryan G.
7. Pua, Majella Cristy U.
8. Revillas, Enrik Fort E.
9. Vallespin, Alex O.
***Nothing Follows***
I really would love to try this exam. I am an Accountant by profession, my husband is a CPA and his dad was a former Ambassador. I am encouraging
him to take this exam too but we are worried how difficult it is. imagine, only 9 lucky individuals made it out of 628!!??
Is there a review school for FSOE? How much?How long?
How much is the salary of the entry level?? FSO Level IV right?
hope you can help me…
Thanks a lot! i learn a lot from this blog..
Hi Ms. Toe,
I recently got interested in taking the FSO though I am quite hesitant since I am a fresh graduate (AB Political Science) and I might be on a notch lower than most of the takers.
I am not sure if this was asked before but how would the oral exam go? The one where you have to attend a gathering in Filipiniana?
Also, does it mean that since you are a lawyer, you can only be assigned in the legal office and thus have no opportunity at all to be assigned abroad?
Thank you so much!
Accdg to Miss CSC, result for pre-quals might be this Friday. 31 March sched and 4,5,6 April sched, cancelled. Until formally announced at the DFA web site, don’t take my word for it though.
Prequal results are up!
Congrats to the 90 passers! Pwede ba malaman ang raw score and corresponding percentage? Dinidisclose ba iyon ng DFA?
Congratulations to the 90 passers!
JA: Two years ago, they gave the percentages out (you can ask them!). I don’t know now.
GUYS, fair warning lang. the BFSE’s policies have a tendency to change drastically (like the removal of the three-year validity for prequal passers in 2010 and 2011), so be prepared. I was not prepared for such changes, and now, I am forever blacklisted from the FSEs. (Last year, they introduced another new policy: those who fail the psychological test will not be allowed to retake: of the 26 people who passed the written, only 15 passed. SO ANOTHER TIP: Don’t take the psychological exam for granted. Sabi nila, we failed daw because our personality profile is not fit for an FSO. I don’t really know how to fix that. haha).
Anyway, good luck still! I am sure there are FSOs among you.
You can call the DFA/BFSE for your rating.
Hello,
I passed the prequals this year, but I won’t be able to make it to the prelim interview this April 14, because I’ll be abroad by then for a meeting. Can I still defer and take it next year instead? Ganun pa rin ba ang policy ng DFA? Tinawagan ko ang DFA/BFSE at walang sumasagot.
Thanks!
Hello! I am a 2011 graduate, i want to take the FSOE . This blog seems to be really helpful. It made me a little nervous though reading through that only 9 passed out of 600+ who took it. tsss. anyways, KUDOS passers!
@nonaspirant
Do they announce changes?
Also, if they’re going to bar people whose personalities needed to be FSOs, should not they offer the psych exam first and not the last?
Why allow people to take the grueling process and then say their personalities do not jive with the position? Isn’t that a bit unfair?
@Cheryl:
The BFSE pays for the Psychiatric exams so it would be more cost effective for them (as well as an act of better time management for the test results take time to be analysed) if the number of psychiatric test takers are lesser in number. And yeah nonaspirant was right about the sudden policy changes and the fact that those who fail the psych tests are now perpetually barred from taking the FSOE so take this test seriously but be sure to be in as great a mood as possible once taking that test and being interviewed by the shrinks.
Also I heard from a friend of a friend of one of those who took the orals that they didn’t use Filipiniana during the formal dinner. The guys wore suits suited for evening formals whilst the ladies wore evening gowns, so be prepared for such an eventuality.
what happens during the preliminary interview? Is that the one where a panel conducts the interview asking you about your current job and presents you with various scenarios and ask what you would do if you were already part of the dfa? Or is that already the oral exams which you take after passing the written (essay)exams? i’m reading different blogs and im getting confused. eep help please?
I did not make the prelim interview, unfortunately. However, I want to understand why. Do you think its okay to call and ask? Because i got the general feeling that I was answering correctly. they were nice and very interested (so can those be an act?) and if i am going to take it again next time, i need to know what i did wrong this year. I know it is probably too late to change the outcome, and I already accepted the outcome anyway, but i still cannot understand. my bruised ego wants to know.
[...] aspiring FSO will most probably have found, read and bookmarked this blog on the net, written by a current FSO. The exam, as grueling as Toe describes it, isn’t even [...]
Hello! I’m an incoming college freshman. I’m enrolled in Up BA psychology but i’m planning to shift to Pol Scie. Is it a really an asset to be a lawyer because with much conviction i do NOT want to take up law proper. I’ve always dreamt of being in the foreign service but not as a lawyer.
is it true that you have to write cursively in the written exam, and if not, checkers will not correct the paper?
Hi guys! I went through this blog and noticed that sample questions of previous written exams have been posted except for the recent exam last 18 April. Why is that? Doesn’t anyone remember them anymore? Those who took them of course.
1st exam – English
Part 1 – Multiple Choice: Grammar
Part 2 – Multiple Choice: Rhetorics
Part 3 – Essay
– Write a press release on a BRICS summit that was held in one of the capitals of the member countries. Include its objectives and the contemporary issues discussed. Bear in mind the 1). eurozone crisis; 2). weak economy of the US; 3) the 2008 global financial crisis.
- Write an essay defending the passage of RH Bill. Base your opinion on scientific and environmental arguments. Please remember that women are the most disadvantaged sector in this matter.
- Finish an editorial by writing two sensible paragraphs that emphasize that regional integration should be pursued by Brazil towards other Latin American countries, rather than protectionism, as shown by Latin America’s current situation.
2nd exam – International Affairs
- Explain the National Treatment Principle of the GATT 1994 and relate it to the WTO case of the Philippines’ Taxes on Distilled Spirits.
- Explain the concept of sustainable development and give examples of international advancements with respect to the said concept.
- What should be the position of the Philippines with respect to the looming competition between the US and China?
- In his book ‘Globalization and its Discontents’, Joseph Stiglitz enumerated his arguments against Globalization. Give your opinion on it.
- Explain Fareed Zakaria’s “non-polar world,” which states that several actors are dictating today’s world order. Give examples of the said actors.
- In the Arab Spring, religious and Islamist groups have taken over the government. What would be its effects on our OFWs?
3rd Exam – Filipino
Part 1 – Multiple Choice: Filipino Grammar
Part 2 – Essay: Dahilan ng pagpili sa propesyon sa Ugnayang Panlabas at paano naimpluwensyahan ang iyong desisyon ng iyong pag-aaral ng kasaysayan, historya at pamahalaan ng bansa. Ano ang papel ng Pilipinas sa mundo ngayon? Ano ang iyong kontribusyon sa iyong napiling propesyon?
Part 3 – Pagsasalin sa Filipino at interpretasyon ng maikling kwento na “The Vulture” ni Franz Kafka.
4th Exam – Philippine Conditions
1). The current Philippine Medium Term Development Plan aims for ‘inclusive growth’. Discuss the important economic policies of the current administration that will lead towards the achievement of inclusive growth.
2). It is said that the Philippines’ stunted growth is because of its fiscal policies. Discuss the fiscal policies that contribute to the said conclusion, including the three important elements of fiscal policies which are taxation, government spending and spending on budget deficit.
3). If you were the president of the CCP, would you close down the exhibit entitled “Kulo” mounted by artist Mideo Cruz?
4). It is said that art is a great factor in creating social awareness. How would art contribute to the caring of our environment?
5). You were an ambassador and assigned to France, which is known for being a bastion of culture and the arts. What would be your three core programs to promote Philippine creative industries in the said country?
6). It is said that the Philippines has a damaged culture, which is why artists and academics advocate a strong cultural education in our schools. How should a strong cultural education be implemented in the country?
7). Does the new social media contribute to the current political dynamics of the country? Does it factor in the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona?
8). How did globalization modify the concept of the “nation-state”?
9)
10)
5th Exam – World History
- What is French Revolution? What were Louis XVI’s policies that caused conflict with the Third Estate? (May question din about the National Constituent Assembly, but I forgot)
- Who is the Dalai Lama? Why was he given the Congressional Golden Medal of Honor by former president George W. Bush in 2007? How can you characterize his relationship with the governments of China and India?
- What is Inquisition? Why was the Office of the Inquisition based in Spain? What was its effects on the 14th to 18th century ethnic groups that remained in Spain?
- Choose between the Austronesian migration and the Indo-European Migration and compare/contrast it to the contemporary patterns of migration.
- Write three major global trends in the 19th century and how do they relate to the current state of international affairs.
- How was the Industrial Revolution different in its effects in England and in Japan?
Part VI
Foreign Language
how on earth would you be able to answer those questions? its so trivial and out there haha now it makes me panic because im set to take the exam next year! dang!
2012 written test results now posted in the dfa website.
danjoe – I took the test this year. Walden Bello’s book on Phil eco (the anti-development state) helped me a lot. Got my basic framework on phil eco and globalization from this book. I suggest you get this. Even if it concentrates on phil eco, you will get a gist of how globalization works for other countries too. Just build on the knowledge from there by reading academic papers, etc.
[...] is a government exam taken by people wishing to join the Philippine diplomatic and consular corps. Here is a blog post by a current FSO on the subject. Anywaysss, I still can’t decide if it’s an amazing experience or a traumatic one. [...]
Hi Toe, Joe, and Alvin!
I’m planning to take the exam next year. My greatest fear is the pre-qualifying exam since it’s the first stage which i have to pass. Can you share with me what review books you used for the pre-qualifying exam?
Thanks!
Hi Toe and Aspirant!
Thanks for all of your tips. I am planning to take the exam this coming 2013. Your inputs and insights are really appreciated! Let’s hope for the best.
Ive been wanting to be in the foreign service yet i never had the chance to pursue it coz i dont know how to be there and what to do to be there ,today i come to read your blog when im searching for the requirements for passport application .Im so happy to know all the facts and ways to become one though it is really a sad thing that i could not take the exam. anymore for im already forty. if only i have stumbled to this very inspiring and helpful blog in 2006 i could have taken the exam myself.
Kudos to you for sharing this here . i know there are many young, passionate people out there that were inspired by your blog and i thought of sharing this to my colleagues who are younger and still have the chance to make it there.
God bless you,toe.
hello everyone!
I’ve been planning to take the prequals this coming March. Thank God for this blog! I hope it will be of great help. I hope someone would post more on the essay questions. thanks! Im also wondering if what history and economics book would at most help us to tackle the essay part. Thanks in advance.
Oh my! I’m supposed to submit the requirements this afternoon but as I read your comments, I’m thinking otherwise. How on Earth can I answer those kinda questions? I only watch news and read headlines but barely browse the economic and arts pages. I think this ain’t my cup of tea. Thanks for all your comments. I already made up my mind. I know now that I would hardly pass the exams thinking that history, economics and politics are greatly parts of it. Blessed be to all examinees! Follow your heart! =)
Hi everyone!
If anyone wants to share notes for the FSOE 2013, please contact me. My friend and I are taking the exam this March. It would be great if we can help each other out. Got some materials that I can share. Email at: sheldz_silva16@yahoo.com
i took the exam this morning. i guess i have to try one more time. hehehehehehehe…
O may Golay! Ay feyld da kwalipaying ex-sam.
Ang ganda ng site na ito. kasing-ganda ko. Ewan lang ang nag-create… heheheheh
May nakakaalam ba kung kailan malaman ang result ng fsoe last 10 Mar?
Prequals result out already. please see DFA website. Good thing I had an experience last March 10. I have to work harder for next year’s pre-quals!
Congratulations and Good Luck to those who passed stage 1.
Hi Toe! Do you have any tips for the Preliminary Interview? =)