Oct 01 2007

FAQs on the FSE

Published by Toe

Toe’s note: I have started a series on the Realities of the Foreign Service here.

Like a lot of you who wish to enter the Foreign Service , I didn’t know anything about being a career diplomat before I took the Foreign Service Examination (FSE). I was fortunate enough to have a friend who was already a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) who encouraged me to take the exam, narrated to me exciting FSO stories, and gave me helpful tips in taking the exam. I am glad that I have the opportunity now to help those who wish to enter the Foreign Service through my blog. My post entitled Do You Want to be a Foreign Service Officer (FSO)? written in April 2006 has been receiving a steady and considerable number of page views and responses since I first posted it. I have to apologize though to the commenters because I have been remiss in answering your questions. Frankly, the reason is that I am quite overwhelmed. With this page in my blog, I now wish to update the 2006 entry by trying to answer your frequently asked questions.

  1. When will the 2007 written exams be held?

    2. Hehe… I know that those who passed the pre-quals are up on their toes waiting for the announcement for the written exams. I suggest that you guys regularly check the DFA website for announcements or call DFA directly.

  2. I am graduating from high school this year. What is the best course to take in College to prepare myself for the FSE?

    3. Unlike the bar, the medical board and other board exams, there is no course requirement for the FSE. Any college degree would do. Guess what was my course in college – Music! I did graduate from law school, but that is definitely not a requirement. In fact, my law education background did not help at all in the FSE. FSOs come from diverse educational backgrounds. There are a few who have taken up foreign service courses in UP (when it was still being offered) or the Lyceum. There are also those who have backgrounds in economics, political science, public administration, commerce, management, among other courses. But there are also those who, like me, come from something very different. I know FSOs who are linguists, nurses, priests, and even veterinarians. Take whatever course interests you so that you would be inspired to study.

  3. Why do they say that this is one of the most difficult exams?

    4. The FSE is one of the most difficult exams because of the encompassing questions and the high mortality rate. When I took the exam in 1999, around 3,000 took the pre-qualifying exams. Only more than 300 passed and took the written exams where only 28 passed to go on to the oral exams (I think I was no. 28). In the end, only 27 of us took our oath. The year after that, no one passed the written exams at all. And the year after that, only 3 people passed the written, one of whom was Luli Arroyo. President Arroyo refused to sign her appointment paper so there were only two FSOs in that year.

  4. How did you prepare for the FSE?

    5. One can’t really prepare for the FSE for a week or a month or even a year. Your answers in the exams would really come from stock knowledge brought about by a lifetime of reading current events and a wide variety of books on history, economics, social studies, and other subjects.

    Nonetheless, it also helped that I prepared as follows (note: this is mostly taken from my comments no. 9 and no. 10 from the original post):

    QUALIFYING EXAMS: I bought those NSAT reviewers in National Bookstore and answered the English, Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Math, etc. parts.

    WRITTEN EXAMS:

    ENGLISH –again, I studied those NSAT reviewers on the English parts.

    INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS – I don’t know anything about Economics… not even the law of supply and demand. But I read this book “International Economics” (sorry, I forgot the author) which just taught me the basics. I also read the newspapers regularly and Time and Newsweek magazines. I suggest that examinees update themselves on current and major local and global issues.

    FILIPINO – I practiced translating parts of the Constitution. I reviewed my balarila using textbooks.

    PHILIPPINE CONDITIONS – I read the newspapers regularly and updated myself on current issues. National artists usually come out.

    WORLD HISTORY – A difficult part of the exams. I studied using a World History textbook and began reading from the middle ages. I read mostly about Europe and Asia.

    FOREIGN LANGUAGE – I chose Spanish. Honey chose Japanese.

    ORAL EXAMS: I bought a jusi blouse and prayed a lot. ☺

  5. Do you have tips and tricks up your sleeve, which you can give us?

    6. Oh, I have a few. I am really not the most intelligent person in the world, you know. In fact, I passed law school through the skin of my teeth (see this post). I almost did not pass the FSE, actually. Sometimes, it’s more about how you take the exam and how you answer questions. (Note: this is based mostly on my comments no. 9 and no. 11 in the original post).

    a) For the pre-qualifying exams, since this is a multiple-choice exam, be sure to 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 or if you’re taking too long computing or figuring out the answer, simply tick one letter. If you have no more time and you’re not yet finished, just tick that same letter. Don’t tick different letters randomly. Your chances of getting a few correct answers would increase.

    b) For the written exam, write neatly, clearly, and legibly. Even if you get the answer right, if the examiner cannot understand your handwriting, then you just threw away your chance of getting a good score. Remember that the examiner is correcting hundreds of papers.

    c) Answer clearly and simply. Your first sentence can be a categorical answer to the question, followed by an explanation supporting your answer, and then a summary. If you know the answer to the question, a short, clear reply would be more convincing.

    d) Write in correct English. Use correct grammar, correct punctuations, correct capitalizations, correct spelling, and for goodness’ sake, do not use text-speak. Practice writing in correct English even if you are writing your blog, commenting in blogs, or participating in Internet forums. I noticed that a few commenters do not follow this. I know that this is only a blog and you are probably in a hurry. But where else can you practice this? And if you’re in a hurry now, what more when you’re actually taking the exam?

    e) 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.

    f) Read the websites of the following: DFA, ASEAN, and WTO.

    g) Stick to the basics. Some people read too much of the nitty-gritty. They want to read all the books ever written on history, economics, political science, and other subjects. If you noticed in no. 4 above, I read mostly textbooks. I feel that it’s better to be well-grounded on the basics than to confuse yourself with a lot of detailed facts. If you know your basics, you’d have something to draw from, no matter how particular the questions. If you read a lot of particulars, this would only confuse you.

    Also, don’t be a smart aleck. Don’t try to impress with your views about this or that issue, like you’re the only one who knows all the answers. The key is understanding the question and properly using the facts you know in responding to the question.

    h) Follow all instructions. Make sure you read them carefully. This is the downfall of a lot of people.

    i) For the written, you may wish to bring a sweater. For some reason, the air-conditioning in the DFA auditorium usually gets very cold for the FSO exams.

    j) 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. When I took the exam, there were a lot of arrogant people who were discussing and debating their answers and insisting that they were right. When I got to the oral exams, I never saw any of them. Use the break times for relaxing.

    k) The written exams are very taxing. It’s from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon for three straight days. Make sure you get enough sleep.

    l) Relax.

    m) Pray.

    For the oral exams, if anyone of the readers passes the written exams, only then would I post tips on the orals. ☺

  6. How did you schedule your review?

    7. If you haven’t been reading newspapers and international magazines as a matter of habit, I don’t think weeks or even months of review would help. I can’t emphasize enough that the most important thing here is stock knowledge and getting the correct facts on current and major issues. You must have developed a habit of reading extensively and practicing writing your English well. If you do pass the FSE, the life of a career diplomat consists of never-ending, continuing education.

    I took my pre-qualifying exams in the morning of my graduation from law school. That was a few weeks after my finals so I was too tired to go back to studying. I only took a few days answering the questions in the NSAT reviewers.

    My written exam was in June. As I was reviewing for the bar in September, I had no time at all to study for the FSE. The written exams were held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I took a break from my bar review on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of that week to study for the FSE. The people who became my batchmates in the DFA were not studying for the bar at that time. But they were all busy with work. I think that most of us just took a few days off to study mostly textbooks and briefing papers.

    As I said, just stick to the basics and make reading a life-long habit.

  7. Can you give me some sample questions?

    8. Seriously, my memory isn’t that good! ☺ I took the exam more than seven years ago and I don’t recall any of them. But Crusading Cynic (comment no. 26) has a post on this one so you may wish to check it out. Pau D. on comment no. 48 posted some questions. Elektra King, in comment no. 51, also offered to share the questions in the 2006 written exams.

  8. What if I don’t pass the exams?

    9. If you’re really dead set on becoming a career diplomat, if you don’t pass it one year, consider it as a review for next year. You’ll be better prepared then and you would know what to expect. As far as I know, you can take the exams a number of times. However, you wouldn’t be qualified to take the exam if you’re over 36 years old unless you’re already an employee of the DFA. I believe that if you have already passed the pre-qualifying exam, you don’t have to take it again the following year for you to make it to the written exam.

    However, don’t feel bad and be a sour grape if you don’t pass. Some people tend to have all those silly excuses, like they took the exam because they were just dared to by friends, or that the exam questions were wrong and some have loopholes, that they didn’t really study, etc. Some even say that it’s better to work for this or that organization rather than the DFA, or become an employee in the UN, foreign embassies or international organizations, when they learn that they did not pass. Those who have all these excuses are really showing ignorance than anything else. As I’ve said, if you’re really interested in becoming an FSO and a CAREER DIPLOMAT, then I believe you will be exerting time and effort to study for it and learn from those who already are FSOs, like you would do for other careers that you believe are for you.

  9. I am interested in taking the exams but I know that I couldn’t take it anymore this year. When is the next schedule for the FSE? Should the requirements such as the transcript, diploma, birth certificate, etc. be original copies?

    10. For all queries regarding schedules and deadlines as well as the requirements, you can check the DFA website or you can call the BFSE for information.

  10. How do you get around politics and the palakasan system in becoming an FSO?

    11. Like the Civil Service Exam, the bar, and other board exams, entering the Foreign Service is based on a competitive examination so the palakasan system doesn’t work here. We are career diplomats and we have security of tenure. This is different from political appointees who are appointed and serve at the discretion of and/or during the tenure of the President. In the Foreign Service, political appointees are limited only to ambassadors.

    Thus, to pass the FSE, you need to get at least 75% in English and 75% average in all other subjects… no matter who your father, mother, or uncle might be.

  11. Before taking the FSE, do I need to take the Civil Service Exam? Do I need a master’s degree? Do I need to take a PRC-regulated exam? Do I need work experience?

    12. No to all. All you need is a college degree and of course, you have to be within the age limit. My youngest batchmate was about 21 and a fresh college graduate when we passed the exam. Our median age though was about 27 and most of us did have quite extensive work experiences. A few have graduate degrees. But as I said, that is not a requirement at all.

    I do recommend some work experience though. It is hard to handle the problems of a consul when you’re young and abroad for the first time without any work experience. Furthermore, if you don’t pass the exam, you’d still have your work to fall back on.

    Some prior work experience may also help you build up confidence in dealing with your fellow FSOs as well as diplomats from other countries. Imagine being posted abroad and dealing with people who, like you, passed one of the most difficult exams out there. You get the picture.

  12. Has anyone who read your blog ever passed the FSE?

    13. Yahoo! Yes… 121 responses in the original entry as of this writing and at least one has passed and took his oath of office. Not a bad passing rate… almost the same passing rate as the actual FSE. ☺ Check out comment no. 60 (Jojo). I know Bakdrap (comment no. 68) also passed the 2006 written exams.

  13. I do not know any foreign language. How could I pass the foreign language section of the exam?

    14. Some people worry too much about the foreign language test when it actually comprises only 5% of the entire written examination. I suggest that you choose Spanish. I don’t know Spanish either yet I passed the exam. Lucky for us Filipinos, we know some Spanish words. There’s mesa, amigo, amiga, padre, madre, ventana, escuela, etc.. Study very basic Spanish like, como esta vd.? And others. You can also listen to free Spanish podcasts. I remember that they made us write a letter in Spanish. So you can just go, caro amigo, como esta vd.? Hehe… something like that. With a little knowledge, you can wing it. ☺

  14. I took the FSE and did not pass. Are there any other options for me to enter the DFA?

    15. You can work for the DFA as a contractual employee. If you are civil service-eligible and if there is an item available, then it is possible for you to become a foreign service staff officer (FSSO) or foreign service staff employee (FSSE). However, this could take years. I also heard that if you got below 80% and at least 75% in the English part of the written exam and attained at least 75% in all other subjects, you could also be eligible to be an FSSO. But do check with the BFSE on this.

  15. Are there any review materials, review courses, review groups and review centers for the FSE?

    16. Not that I know of. I think it would be better to read newspapers and political/economic magazines regularly and to practice writing well. From the comments, I believe that Carrascal, Carlamon and Nyliam (did I miss anyone?) are organizing a study group. However, approach this with caution. A study group may or may not help (you may end up wasting time debating unimportant issues instead of spending precious time reading by yourself).

    And of course, follow my tips. ;)

    GOOD LUCK to Nyliam, Carrascal, Ralphgladz, Carlamon, Fauve, Piggy, Voltaire, Sigenanga, Jenkins, Angelgirl, Headband, Ajax, OJ, and to all those who are through to the written exam!

Technorati tags:


412 responses so far

412 Responses to “FAQs on the FSE”

  1. # newbieon 07 Nov 2007 at 2:59 pm

    well.. i have yet to apply for it but i just wanted to ask(before i spend days dreaming about it at all)
    is the experience in dfa good? i mean do you and your hubby have kids? because i do and i don’t know if i’ll be able to handle being a mom at the same time. and now that you’re in cambodia, how’s your family life? i’m really interested because i think working abroad is good and you’ll still be a filipino citizen and not necessarily an ofw. do you have a choice in your assignment abroad at all?

  2. # Piggyon 08 Nov 2007 at 10:14 pm

    thanks for wishing us well, toe! good luck everyone!

  3. # Piggyon 15 Nov 2007 at 11:25 am

    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 :)

  4. # Melisaon 14 Dec 2007 at 6:28 pm

    Hi! I would just like to thank you for somehow giving me an advance Christmas gift this year. It took me 3 years to find an actual site that would give such thourough tips on the written exams. Well thanks to those who commented on your post also. I will also be taking the exams next week, together with all those you’ve mentioned. I hope it would be a fruitful year end for all of us.

    Anyways, with regards to adding to the overwhelming info in your blog… I’d like to advertise, which I believe is the only review center available up to date:

    Foreign Service Officers Examination Review
    at the European Studies Program Office of the Ateneo de Manila University

    Contact Ms. Kai, 426-6001, local 5239 for more information.

    It’s held yearly. The cost is a bit high, but with the materials offered and the extended coaching by the professors, it’s pretty much worth it, than starting with an empty plate. I’ve never really been for a tutorial person myself, but if you have time and money to spare on your summer, this is worth checking out.

    Thank you once again Toe! It has been a long time dream for me to enter this career path. I do hope to meet you in the future as a colleague! Or nevertheless, it would be nice to meet you, to thank you personally.

    Cheers to you all and warm wishes for the HOLIDAYS!

  5. # Tammyon 16 Dec 2007 at 8:20 am

    Hi Toe! Your blog was actually one of the first ones I read prior to taking the pre-qualifying last May. Now, days into the written exam, I am frantic for help! I should’ve checked a lot earlier, but I really did not have time to dedicate for review. I am hoping that the practice I had after writing numerous case study papers recently in business school helps plenty.

    Thank you for your tips, we are definitely going to need them. Hopefully when we qualify *fingers crossed* for the oral tests, you can still hold our hand and give us a guide.

    Best regards to you and your hubby. And to everyone taking the exams next week, Good luck to us all!!!

  6. # Annieon 18 Dec 2007 at 12:07 pm

    I’ll be taking the written exam tomorrow, and oh gosh I’m freaked out. Truth be told, I have not studied much. I just tried to cram everything I can in between work this past week, focusing on World History and IR. My TV and web browser has been permanently fixed on CNN and BBC. Good luck na lang talaga.

    Thank you so much for all the helpful advice. It certainly gave me an idea on what I was getting myself into.

  7. # ferdieon 20 Dec 2007 at 4:04 pm

    hi annie! if you could, pls tell us your experience about the exams. i chickened out at the last minute kasi hindi pa ako ready

  8. # Lesteron 23 Dec 2007 at 12:13 am

    I bought the lastest edition (2007) of a reviewer for the Civil Service exam. I just want to know whether or not this is enough for the prequals, or should I get other reviewers like that of the NSAT?

    Thanks!

  9. # Lesteron 23 Dec 2007 at 12:19 am

    By the way toe, your blog about the FSE is very helpful. I’ve been searching the web for some details about the exam and it was through your blog that I’ve discovered that the written part should be answred in essay form! I really didn’t expect that. I hope that the examinees of this year’s FSE would be able to provide some input regarding the exam (specifically, the questions, hehe).

  10. # Annieon 24 Dec 2007 at 11:50 am

    Hi Ferdie! I don’t remember the questions, but I do recall the main topics. I wrote them as a reply to Toe’s other entry here: http://kurokuroatbp.com/?p=747#comment-212179

    I hope that helps.

    @ Lester :
    The qualifying exam is very much like the standard college entrance examination, which should not be much of a problem for college graduates. I’d suggest that you give some time to reviewing basic management principles if your degree is not on business. There should be textbooks available at National Bookstore. =D

  11. # Lesteron 26 Dec 2007 at 7:22 am

    Hey annie! yep im not into business.. I’m a student of political science, and im graduating by march 2008. I’m interested in taking the FSE next year. I’m just hoping that my lack of extensive job experiences would not be a significant disadvantage for me. or is it actually better if i’d get a job first?

    by the way annie, are u fresh out of college ?

    (napansin ko lang, bakit laging nagi-English ang mga nagcocomment? pde naman mag Filipino diba? hehehe)

  12. # Annieon 26 Dec 2007 at 11:22 am

    Hi Lester! I graduated way back in 2005 (almost 20 years old at the time). I decided to forgo law school last-minute, and have been working in an MNC since then.

    I really don’t know if job experience is required, but I suppose it depends. Personally, I think my job experience is a plus, since it gave me plenty of exposure working with different nationalities in our regional offices. Toe also advised in her posts that getting some experience could be good confidence booster.

    Good luck with your studies. :D

  13. # Lesteron 27 Dec 2007 at 1:10 am

    Hey annie! yeah i saw toe’s suggestions about gaining a job experience first, though i also learned that her youngest batchmate at that time was a 21-year old fresh grad. i’ve already read Salonga’s book on international law (as required by my course on int’l law), and i’m starting to gather my notes and books on Economics and World History. I’m considering the FSE coz as of now, i’m not really sure about law school. I wasn’t able to take UP’s LAE kasi eh. U said u didnt go to law school, polsci ka din? hehe

  14. # Annieon 27 Dec 2007 at 11:03 am

    Hi again Lester. Actually, I’m a Business Management & Economics major. I passed the LAE, but after receiving several offers, I decided to see how the workplace felt like (thus, going AWOL on enrollment day). That way, I won’t have any regrets before I commit myself to one binding career. =D

    I’m constantly amazed at how much studying the exam-takers have done/planning to do for FSE. The only preparation I did was reading two textbooks (one on International Relations and another on World History), and keeping tabs on current events via the evening news. I think a lot of people also took review classes (wow). If I fail this exam, I might as well enroll into review classes as well.

  15. # Lesteron 28 Dec 2007 at 12:19 am

    the review’s quite expensive kasi eh..i mean, okei sana, but if i can gather the reviewers (my notes and books) coupled with my determination, i think i can study by myself… sayang naman, i heard the review would cost Php8000…

    good luck, sana nga pumasa ka.. i think you’d make it coz u dont seem so nervous eh.. (with ur comments) hehe..

  16. # Bootson 28 Dec 2007 at 11:21 am

    Whew! I am one of those who took the written exam last December 19-21. At the end of each day my head down to my shoulder, arm and fingers ached like hell. The Saturday after that I couldn’t get up.

    The May qualifying exam was really difficult, more difficult, I think, than that in the written exam. In the qualifying exam the choices were five and most qualify as possible answers! In the written exam last December, the choices were just two and they were easy. Has or have? Jive or jibe? That level. 70 items on grammar, 30 logic, comprehension, etc.

    The next part we were asked to write a synopsis on three separate but related excerpts. We were explicitly told not to plagiarize. The synopsis should answer the question, “What are the prospects for our OFWs?”
    Exerpt 1: about the plan of government and some private financial institutions and NGOs to maximize OFW cash in-flow and its implications on the OFWs.
    Excerpt 2: a technical study on the emotional and social aspects of spouses left behind by the OFW.
    Excerpt 3: the recent strengthening of the peso against the dollar. Special mention of the the role of OFWs here.

    Part 3 – you are to write about a cultural or artistic unit, group or individual or something (couldn’t recall now because of the stress hahah) for an international magazine geared for cultural tourists. You must mention how it is unique to the Philipines and how it shows our culture such as fiestsa, song, dance etc. (or something to that effect)

    International Affairs questions (what I recall of them): 8 questions and we had to answer all in 3 hours.
    1) According to Kofi Annan of the UN: security, development
    and human rights are what the world needs (or must have). Security is based on development and development is based on security and development and security cannot exist without human rights. (My head was spinning upon reaching this line.) Explain and relate this to the events of 9/11 and in international affairs huhuhuhu

    2) Did the 9/11 events serve a turning point in international affairs/ policies? explain huhuhuhu uli

    3) Will it be profitable for a country to prefer a regional trade alliance? In what way or something like that. What will be the effect of that contry’s stand in the WTO. (This was quite a long question, much longer than number 1 and 2).

    4) Explain the challenges the the EU needs to hurdle now that it is expanding its membership. Explain along the lines of a common democratic tradition, the rising euro, migration, etc. (there were two more but I could not recall them right now.)

    5) What can you say about the dream of the ASEAN to have a common charter that is rules-based as in the EU?

    6) Explain the effects of the ASEAN adopting an integrated economic bloc like what the european community did.

    7) You have been appointed as FSO to the Philippine ambassador to Paris. Provide a detailed outline for a 6-month plan that is innovative so that you will be successful in making an economic mission (or something treaty ba
    ewan). (dito nabaliw-baliw na ako pero i managed to invent
    something hahaha).

    8) How has migration affected the new state and the home state in terms of the North-South divide? Explain also based on the viewpoint of the Philippines. huhuhu

    Questions from the second and the third days of the exam next time. Papa-spa muna ako. Na-stress uli ako from recalling these International Affairs questions! (And you think matindi na ang Intl. Affairs? Wait till you see the Phil. Condition questions hahaha.) Good luck!

  17. # Toeon 28 Dec 2007 at 12:00 pm

    Boots, ang galing! This is really helpful. Thank you and I sure hope that you pass. Good luck!

  18. # Lesteron 28 Dec 2007 at 2:14 pm

    This is so perplexing (pero helpful,hehe)!! The questions really change every year! We really have to read a lot.. lalo pa i have minimal knowledge about the cultural or artistic groups that Boots had mentioned above.. haha.. magaaral na tlga ko.. I’ll read my high school textbook first, G. Zaide’s World History, then saka ko babasahin ung college history books ko..hehe.. Good LUck boots!

  19. # Lesteron 29 Dec 2007 at 2:39 am

    can’t wait for the Phil. conditions and world history questions… Boots! hehehe!

  20. # Annieon 29 Dec 2007 at 5:11 pm

    @ Boots:

    Mabuti ka pa naalala mo. Haha. After the exam, my mind just went blissfully blank.

  21. # Lesteron 31 Dec 2007 at 1:42 am

    Boots, where are the World History and Phil. conditions questions? hehe.. i hope you’d still be able to remember them… hehe.. happy new year!!!

  22. # Annieon 31 Dec 2007 at 11:18 am

    Ako na lang magbibigay ng World History questions…
    (Not exact; just the topics as I remember them.)

    1. Discuss the conditions that made the domination of Europe in the 16th century possible.

    2. Discuss how the ff. revolutions affected world history: (choose 3)
    Neolithic, Commercial, Industrial, Scientific, French/American/etc Revolutions (I think there were more, but I forgot… =/ )

    3. What do you think is the most significant challenge/problem that the world faces today, and what do you think is the solution?

    Pasensya na at di ko na matandaan ang Phil. Condition (just that there were 12 questions where you had to choose and answer 8). I just remember that 1/3 of the questions had to do with economics and 1/3 with politics.

  23. # Lesteron 31 Dec 2007 at 8:43 pm

    okei okei. thanks! seems like the world history questions for 2006 and 2007 are similar.. hehe..

  24. # Bootson 01 Jan 2008 at 9:04 pm

    Happy new year to all! Thanks, Toe, Annie and all for the support. I wasn’t really expecting to pass the qualifying exam. But now that I’ve been through the written part as well, I hope I could make the cut. My background is not really the social sciences. Nasa hard sciences and math ako pero I took some graduate courses about ancient and contemporary southeast asia and somehow I was able to come up with some answers.

    Day 2 naman. Sa Filipino exam grammar at sanaysay. Nagsisimula pa lang akong sagutan ang mga tanong, nabubuo na sa isip ko na parang hindi pinaghandaan ang Filipino exam. Pang-high school ang level ng grammar part pero may mga interesting questions gaya ng bakit dapat marunong ng Filipino ang isang FSO at kung anong sangay (o komite ata) ng gobyerno ang nag-rereview ng wikang pambansa natin. Multiple choice, Wasto o Mali, paggawa ng buod base sa isang apat na talatang essay into a 5-sentence summary. Topic was about Angono na dating mayaman ang ilog at dagat na siyang ikinabubuhay ng mga tao doon. Then came urbanization and deforestation and environmental degradation and then finally the loss of livelihood from the sea and rivers. (See, mas madali talaga mag-Ingles hahah)

    Then sa composition, choose any one of the following topics. Write something about them. Dapat 2 pages lang at dapat skip one line. Parang
    sulating pormal nung elementary tayo. Topics were :

    1)kailangan ang kapayapaan sa kaunlaran
    2) makatutulong ang globalization sa isang bansa
    3) mabuti ang kapayapaan sa mga bansa (something to that
    effect).

    Dito ako actually nahirapan dahil unang-una, one-sided na agad ang topic mo. Di ka man lang makagawa ng conflict o ng opposing sides and try to settle them. By this time, nasagot na ang tanong sa isipan ko na ano nga ba ang i-eexam sa Filipino ng 3 oras?

    Then sa hapon, Philippine Conditions. Dito nag-panic ako dahil we were flooded with 12 questions. We had to answer only 8 questions. The exam time was the longest among the exams but I tell you 3 hours and 45 minutes was not enough for me. I was panicking towards the end I could not think clearly anymore. Until now I still could not recall all the questions I chose because of the trauma hahah.

    Here are the questions I chose:

    It is said that the Philippine political structure is an “elite democracy” which stems from a “semi-feudal economic system” . First define “elite democracy” and “semi-feudal…”, then discuss how they are connected.

    Compared to its neighbors, the poverty rate in the Philippines is very high. What could be the reason for this? This should be unique to the country…

    Terror is often used by anti-state groups. Is it also possible for a state to use terror against its citizens? Trace the history of terrorism and relate this to the Philippine situation.

    How do you preserve your culture and tradition? (Something like that but the actual question was much longer.)

    Something about WTO.

    The rest, kahit anong try ko i-recall, di ko talaga ma-recall gaya ni Annie. And, Lester, I’ll just add to what Annie wrote in World History:

    1. Discuss the political, economic, social and cultural conditions that contributed to the rise of Europe in the 16th century. You also have to discuss how this affected the rest of the world. (Yup, rehash siya from lst year).

    2. The world has encountered a lot of revolutions. Discuss the origins and effects the ff. revolutions : (choose 3)
    Neolithic, Commercial, Industrial, Scientific, Political Revolutions such as the French and American Revolutions.

    3. There are so many problems that the world faces today. What do you think is the most significant? It is said that problems are also opportunities. What opportunities are presented by the problem you chose?

    Then in the afternoon, I took the Japanese language exam. It was very easy. One sem of Jap is enough to pass the exam. It is actually Level 4 (the lowest level; 1 being highest) of the Jap. Proficiency exam, I guess. Master your katakana and hiragana and just a few basic kanji. First part, you choose the pronunciation of the kanji, and then supply the kanji for some words. Then multiple choice of how a sentence means (Rephrasing lang kumbaga). Last part is you fill the blank with the correct particle: ga, ha, no, he, kara, made, etc. I was glad there was no essay. I left the exam room early and forgot about the whole 3 days! hahaha

    Oh, just a word of advice. READ INSTRUCTIONS AGAIN AND AGAIN. I remember in the English test, I answered the multiple choice test NOT with the letter of the choice but the choice itself. That was 100 items. I realized it only during the last 15 minutes. I had to rewrite the whole thing! Then in the World History Exam, I answered ALL revolutions e tatlo lang hinihingi. Nasayang time and effort ko.

    So, for those who took the written exam, good luck to all of us. And for those who will take it next year (my sister included; her stint abroad couldn’t wait much longer), also my best wishes.

  25. # Bootson 01 Jan 2008 at 9:10 pm

    Ay, now lang bumalik sa isip ko. Phil Condition question also included: Should the ASEAN adopt a common charter to protect it from terrorism? Syempre you are asked to explain and answer other follow-up questions.

    Other questions, i-post ko as soon as I recover from the trauma. =)

  26. # Lesteron 02 Jan 2008 at 2:14 am

    okei boots! these questions would be really helpful!

    for the examinees next year, i suggest that you read some PIDS (Philippine Institute for Development Studies, pids.gov.ph) articles for the socioeconomic conditions in the Philippines. Bulatlat (bulatlat.com) articles are also useful for Philippine current events and issues.

  27. # Annieon 02 Jan 2008 at 1:40 pm

    Boots, bilib na talaga ako that you remembered the questions with that level of detail, especially the Phil. Conditions part. That portions was just so long. =/

    Anyone have ideas on how long it takes to process the written exam?

  28. # carlamonon 03 Jan 2008 at 9:31 am

    Annie, my FSO proctor said the waiting period is about four months. It’s a bit long, eh?

  29. # Annieon 03 Jan 2008 at 3:45 pm

    Four months IS long. Then again, if they only have a handful of people checking 150 exams of around 30-45 pages each, it’s bound to be tedious… Sigh.

  30. # sigenangaon 03 Jan 2008 at 7:21 pm

    We took the 2006 FSO written in August 2006. I got the news I was among the 26 who passed the written in January 2007. We took the Orals in March 2007 and the Psych exams in November. It’s already January 2008 and we’re still awaiting for *THE* results. Patience, as they(?) say, is a virgin. haha

  31. # Lesteron 04 Jan 2008 at 2:49 am

    @ sigenanga

    so ur stil working muna while waiting for *the* results? hehe

  32. # Annieon 04 Jan 2008 at 2:34 pm

    @sigenanga

    Okay, woah. Almost one and a half years later, and still no results for the 2006 batch? I’m…speechless. D=

    @Lester

    Just my 2 cents; it’s advisable to get some work experience in the meantime. You might want to give the private sector a shot before going into public service. They say the difference is staggering, but at least you won’t wonder about what you’re missing (considering the FSO career seems like a lengthy one, if not life-long).

  33. # sigenangaon 04 Jan 2008 at 9:29 pm

    Nevermind what I said. The results of the 2006 FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER EXAMINATIONS is out. http://www.dfa.gov.ph/news/fsoexam/fso-examinees-01-04-08.htm

    The twenty four (24) successful examinees are:

    1 ABEJUELA, RICARTE III B.
    2 BAGO, VANESSA G.
    3 BAGUIO, BRYAN JESS T.
    4 BAO, BOLIVAR I.
    5 BEUP, FERNANDO JR. V.
    6 BORRA, ALENA GRACE S.
    7 CAPILI, MARIA ANGELICA A.
    8 CRUZ, SARAH MAE S.
    9 FLORES, FERDINAND P.
    10 FLORES, SHIRLEY L.
    11 GARCIA, MICHAEL LYNDON B.
    12 GENOTIVA, REDENTOR D.
    13 GOCE, RONA BETH G.
    14 HIPONIA, CHARISSE C.
    15 IMPERIAL, DOMINIC XAVIER M.
    16 MACASPAC, CHARLES ANDREI P.
    17 MONEDERO, MARIA SHEILA U.
    18 OSIAS, JARIE R.
    19 PONDOC, RYAN C.
    20 RAMIREZ, MARY JOY B.
    21 SEGARRA, GILBERT L.
    22 SULIGUIN, GERONIMO JR. C
    23 VILLAMAYOR, MARY GRACE V.
    24 VILLANUEVA, ROGELIO JR. E.

    I see my name there. Salamat po sa *Kanya*.

    sigenanga

  34. # Toeon 04 Jan 2008 at 9:33 pm

    Sigenanga, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I’m so happy for you. But who are you there? ;)

  35. # carlamonon 05 Jan 2008 at 10:51 am

    congratulations, sigenanga! was the wait worth it? hehe. i guess it’s our turn to do the year and a half wait. although i did hear that they’re expediting the prelim exams for ‘08 because a lot of FSOs have retired or are retiring this year. translation: many items that need to be filled. maybe that means the processing of the written exams will be expeditious as well. *cross-fingers*

  36. # Annieon 06 Jan 2008 at 7:42 pm

    Wow, congrats! 2.5% passing rate for the 2006 examinees too… @_@ Scary.

  37. # sigenangaon 06 Jan 2008 at 9:30 pm

    Salamat po. I’m really looking forward to a career of public service. And to all aspirants, you have a supporter in me.

    Congratulations are in order as well for Mr.BAKDRAP of the previous thread. See you **dude$* on Tuesday. haha

    2.5%…not bad, not bad at all.

  38. # BAKDRAPon 07 Jan 2008 at 5:13 pm

    Oh, there’s my name! Thank you. Hi Toe, as of last count, how many in the blog who made it? sigenanga, promise me you’ll drink with us tomorrow night. Unless you are already one of those notorious drunkards in our bacth! See you! Thanks for the blog, toe!

  39. # BAKDRAPon 07 Jan 2008 at 5:15 pm

    After reading those questions, I am so darn glad I am so through and done with it. Big whew! Goodluck to those who took it and to those who will take it!

  40. # Toeon 07 Jan 2008 at 7:16 pm

    Congratulations Bakdrap! I hope I get to meet you, Sigenanga, and Jojo someday. So far, I know that the three of you passed the FSE… not a bad passing rate for this blog. :)

  41. # iaon 20 Jan 2008 at 2:42 pm

    How many times can an individual take the FSE? (just in case he/she fails..=/)

    I was trying to find in one of the websites (DFA, CSC…) the allowable number of takes but i couldn’t find it. But I read from the comment of elektra king on your other post that there are 3 chances for you to take the test. Can anyone here confirm this?

    Thanks! =)

  42. # henryon 22 Jan 2008 at 10:43 pm

    Before reaching a certain age (i think the age is 36), you can take the foreign service exam every year, until you pass the exam.

    In the event that you have passed the qualifying exam, but you failed to pass the written exam, you can skip the qualifying exam (for three years) and go straigh to take the written exam.

  43. # Annieon 24 Jan 2008 at 12:56 pm

    …but what if we pass the written exam but fail the oral exam? O:

  44. # Toeon 24 Jan 2008 at 1:56 pm

    Annie, I think you’ll be qualified to be a Foreign Service Staff Officer (FSSO). But if you want to be an FSO, you can take the written again. I think you’d be exempted from the pre-quals.

  45. # sniperon 29 Jan 2008 at 5:23 pm

    congratulations to the new FSOs Batch 2006!

    thanks a lot to Boots, too, for the juicy details…

    i have a feeling i know you… hehehe… wish me luck in 2008!

    thanks, toe, for all your help here.

  46. # sigenangaon 31 Jan 2008 at 3:13 pm

    @ ia

    Yes, there is an age limit of 36 yrs. Once you passed the qualifying exam, you can take the written portion within 3 consecutive years. Please note however that one has to file anew an application within the set period and pay Php200 for each time one decides to take the written exam. So you don’t technically go straight to the written exams.

    Corollary to this,

    Q: What if I’m 36 when I passed the qualifying but failed the written, could I re-take the written portion next year?
    A: No. Your new application would be rejected bec. you’d already be above the age limit.

    @Annie

    The FSSO/FSO exams was conducted in 2004 or 2005. The announcement indicated that those who failed to qualify for the FSO *may* be considered for appointment as FSSOs. Because of the implementation of the Rationalization Program that same year, BFSE did not pursue FSSO appointments.

  47. # cluelesson 06 Feb 2008 at 2:14 pm

    is there any update on the release of 2007 written exam results? thanks.

  48. # Annieon 11 Feb 2008 at 9:18 am

    @clueless: Last time, it took 1.5 years before the people who took 2006 written examinees got the final results. I think the written exam portion took half a year to be graded. So… I’m guessing we should get ours around June.

    In the mean time, let’s relax and return to our normal humdrum lives. :D

  49. # Rachelon 14 Feb 2008 at 9:46 am

    Hi! I just wanted to ask about how fresh FSOs are given assignments once deployed abroad. Is this on an availability basis (like a waiting list for “vacancies” as positions open in various embassies or consulates), or are FSOs immediately deployed after a certain time period?

    Thanks to all in advance, and good luck.

  50. # leion 17 Feb 2008 at 6:39 pm

    wow. really helpful. i’ve wanted to be an FSO for like forever! i’m 21 and a nurse by profession. lol super layo but i really like to try. so now i’m waiting for the announcement for the 2008 exams. good thing pala my favorite channel is CNN. haha :)

    thanks for all the helpful tips! :) and to the others who let us peek on how the questions are like. super hard nga pala talaga. i hope i make it! :)

  51. # Krameon 25 Feb 2008 at 1:08 am

    congratulations to the FSOE passers ;) … and with the *deadly* passing rate, goodluck to all of us aspirants :o hehe

  52. # sigenangaon 03 Mar 2008 at 12:02 pm

    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!

  53. # Whiteon 13 Mar 2008 at 12:43 am

    Hi Toe,

    Followed the link from your other post. ADMU is offering a review for the FSO Exam. Do you recommend it?

    Albeit belatedly, congratulations to the 2006 passers :)

  54. # fayeon 13 Mar 2008 at 8:46 pm

    hello toe (and everyone else)!

    im an FSO hopeful and im graduating this may 2008. :) is the math part difficult? as it is, my course is utterly devoid of mathematics (unless you count math 1, which was just a G.E. course. hehe) so im pretty scared about the math. hehe. its been so long since i last took it. and i followed the link for the ADMU review. do you recommend it?

    oh, and how many times does DFA hold the FSE? i read the other people’s comments saying that they took the test in december and the others took in it may. would you happen to know? :(

    thanks!!!! your blog was really really helpful.

    faye- mauwee_24faye@yahoo.com

  55. # fayeon 13 Mar 2008 at 8:48 pm

    *how many times in a year does the DFA hold the FSE exam? :D

  56. # Rachelon 14 Mar 2008 at 4:45 pm

    Faye –

    The exams are held only once a year. There’s a Qualifying Exam around second quarter, a Written Exam at the end of the year, and an Oral exam the year after.

    Also, I don’t think you have to worry about the Math portion. It’s pretty much like your standard college entrance exam.

  57. # iaon 19 Mar 2008 at 9:10 pm

    I was wondering what kind of tests these are 1) logical reasoning 2)quantitative reasoning/data interpretation 3)leadership and management concepts? (can someone give a brief explanation or example…or maybe put it in layman’s term)

    I noticed that math wasnt mentioned in the scope of the test but its mentioned in this site that math is included..which part does math enter? Is it more of basic algebra, geom or trig or calculus? (math’s hard for me even if its the most basic..)

    thanks!=)

  58. # havengoeron 24 Mar 2008 at 12:03 pm

    First of all, thanks to creator of this blog, Toe! We hail you for providing us pertinent information not just about the FSO exam, but also about the life and career of an FSO. Thanks to the commenters, the tips and previous questions you share are greatly appreciated. :D

    I’ll try the 2008 pre-qualifying exam (but I’m kinda worried that my TOR won’t be available by April 11, the deadline of application). I just graduated with an BS IT degree with animation and interactive multimedia as specialization (lagot na… lol) Hope my general education subjects help.

    I just inquired about ADMU’s review classes for the FSO exam and its Php9,500, a hefty price, but they indicated that the speakers/lecturers would be from the academe, former ambassadors, etc. Also, the topics cover the written exam topics, which is good. They even have “social graces and etiquette” in one of their classes.

    But being a fresh graduate (therefore I’m broke), I can’t afford this investment. For now, I’ll just buy reviewers, books, and print from the net. ;.;

    I’m sorry if this post is long :P

  59. # bonj25on 24 Mar 2008 at 2:42 pm

    me nakapasa na bang taga Xavier University? Tiga dun ako eh… Sabi nila wala pa daw..

  60. # hamburgurlon 25 Mar 2008 at 6:35 am

    Hi Toe,

    I saw your blog yesterday when I was trying to find tips on taking the FSO exam. You see, I’ve been jumping from one job to another since I graduated. It seems like I haven’t found yet an ideal and fulfilling job for me. Sometimes, no matter how high the remuneration I get from private firms, there’s always something missing.

    I took the civil service examination 6 months after graduation hoping to be a public servant (not the politician type ha…). Luckily, I passed the exam but I never tried applying for a job in any government unit. To cut the long story short, I really feel excited to take the FSO exam this year. I hope you can help me by answering the questions that I have in mind to help me gauge if being an FSO is really what I want. Toe, I won’t be asking question tips anymore as I have backread already :-)

    The following are my million dollar questions: (hahaha!)

    1. What are the positive and negative sides of being an FSO?
    2. I saw in some posts that this is not a high-paying job but it is a glamorous job. Is it true?
    3. After the oath-taking of FSOs, what happens next? Did you undergo any sort of training? Is the training conducted here in the Philippines prior to your foreign assignment?
    4. Is Cambodia your first foreign assignment? How long does an FSO stay in one country?
    5. How often can an FSO go back to the Philippines and visit his/her family in a year? Can I take my parents with me during my foreign assignments(I’m still single…)?

    Toe, I really do hope you can find time answering my questions… Thanks a lot and May God bless you and your family always!

  61. # Toeon 25 Mar 2008 at 12:10 pm

    Hamburgurl, very good questions. I think that I will write another post entitled “The Realities of Life in the Foreign Service” or something to that effect. I haven’t replied to the questions of other commenters regarding this either so perhaps it’s high time I do it.

    To the new FSOs and the other readers who are curious about life in the Foreign Service, do post your questions and I’ll try to answer them in the post I’m planning to write.

    Happy Easter to all and good luck to the 2008 examinees! :)

  62. # amaranthaon 25 Mar 2008 at 1:35 pm

    hi. i took the FSO written exam last December 2007 and my reaction: bloodbath! It was so weird kasi i finished early on the international affairs and world history part and i felt i should have written more. I was even gnashing my teeth because i had a copy of the movie Elizabeth:the Golden Age lying around and when i watched it after the exams, i realized i could’ve answered the question on ’soci0-economic, political conditions of 16th century Europe’ sana based on that movie :)

    I had trouble with Filipino (being Waray) and the Foreign Language Exam (Spanish). What i noticed about the Foreign Lan. Exam was that people submitted their papers just 15-20 mins after it was passed out! I didn’t know if they were forgoing taking it since 5% lang or were blue-blood espanyols but i really did give my best even if I started studying the language just a week before the exam. I got a little flustered because it was just me and 2 others in the room and I was trying to compose a letter professing my love for the Mexican actor Gael Bernal and the writer Gabriel Marquez (we were suppose to write something about ourselves).

    I don’t expect to pass since majority of my answers were based on movies (the American Revolution on the Mel Gibson movie The Patriot) but i think it was a good reconnaissance mission for this year’s written exam. I will take it prepared this time and hopefully pass. My advice for the FSE hopefuls, don’t get pressured when you see everyone is already submitting their papers. Pace yourself and maximize the time available. Make history and current events part of your daily bathroom reading. Skip the funnies in the newspapers and go directly to the business and world news page. That’s what I’m planning to do this year and sana magtagumpay tayo :)

  63. # hamburgurlon 26 Mar 2008 at 6:08 am

    Thanks Toe, that’s really cool! :-)

    We’ll definitely watch out for that post. By the way, thank you for creating such a very informative blog. Cheers!

  64. # voltson 26 Mar 2008 at 7:42 pm

    hamburgurl there is a book by a diplomat named Borja that can answer all your questions. Try checking it out. I know it is available at the DFA and DLSU library. It is highly recomended for aspiring FSOs. The format of the book is similar to a memoir. When reading it, you feel like you are reading a novel/how to.

  65. # hamburgurlon 27 Mar 2008 at 6:04 am

    Really? Thanks, volts!

    I’ll try to check on that book this saturday. :-)

  66. # havengoeron 27 Mar 2008 at 10:20 pm

    hiya!

    I’ll be looking forward to that future post of yours (“The Realities of Life in the Foreign Service”) ^_^

    I have some questions:
    1. There are some officials who manage to stay in their positions even though they should have retired years ago. Is this a big demotivational issue for FSOs?
    2. Do you know the UNIFFORS? If so, to what extent? :P
    3. Is age an issue in working for DFA?

    Thanks again for entertaining our curiosity :D

  67. # havengoeron 27 Mar 2008 at 10:42 pm

    volts, thanks for the book recommendation. I was browsing for books about life as a diplomat, but they were only available through online stores like Amazon.

    anyway, I managed to get a hold of Marciano R. de Borja’s book “FSO IV: Starting A Career in the Philippine Foreign Service”. The first part were actually about how he became an FSO (which is very interesting), and the second and third parts were more about relevant information that a hopeful-FSO might find interesting (like history, hierarchy, organization, promotions, foreign posting, etc).

    I was published in 1999, and back then there was no qualifying exam (he did not mention any), and the written exams lasted for 6 hours for 3 consecutive days. Whew…

    Perhaps I’ll post relevant information I got from this book, but the book said “no part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner or form without permission by the author and publisher, except in the form of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews”.

    I’ll find time to share what I read from this book in a critical review or article of some sort :P

  68. # voltson 28 Mar 2008 at 12:16 am

    By being patient, Mr. de Borja’s book can be informative. But his work is outdated. I am looking forward to Toe’s article because it is more recent. It also offers a different perspective of working in the DFA.

  69. # hamburgurlon 28 Mar 2008 at 5:59 am

    Hi havenger,

    Where did you find the book of de Borja? I’d love to see his book while waiting for Toe’s post on the realities of life as an FSO. :)

    Thank you.

  70. # havengoeron 28 Mar 2008 at 11:27 am

    hamburgurl , in DLSU. I asked my sister to borrow it for me :D

    The DFA building has a library that that is open to the public (I think its the Carlos P. Romulo library). I plan to make visits, if I get my TOR in time >_< otherwise, I’ll take the FSOE next year.

    volt , yup, I just recently finished reading it last night. Its very informative. But like you said, its outdated. He mentioned the DFA was understaffed before. I wonder if its still true :P

  71. # hamburgurlon 28 Mar 2008 at 1:56 pm

    Thanks havengoer!

    How I wish I can also visit DFA’s library one of these days. In case everything falls into right places, we’ll all take the same exams this year.

    Goodluck to us. :)

  72. # voltson 28 Mar 2008 at 7:20 pm

    The DFA library has speeches of former Secretaries and other information regarding the DFA. But do not expect to find recent studies about international relations. If you need recent studies, such as books and journals about politics, economics and others, it is better to go to the DLSU library. I am not sure, but they may allow outsiders to enter the campus. You need to go the the main gate and tell the gaurd you want to go to the library to look for references. They will ask for your I.D.

  73. # havengoeron 28 Mar 2008 at 10:19 pm

    Yup, the DLSU library is a goldmine. But on they have an advisory on their website: Library shall not accommodate visiting users from April 1 – June 1, 2008. Regular schedule resumes on June 2, 2008. (Retrieved from March 28,2008 11:17pm http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/library/)

    so blah…

    But if you want to look search for books without physically going there, you could check their online catalog found at: http://lib1000.dlsu.edu.ph/

  74. # Clarizon 31 Mar 2008 at 12:38 am

    I have not seen copies of this book in any bookstore, and the one available online is worth $200. (I wonder if DFA has a bookstore :P ) As this book might not be available for many, I’ve summarized briefly the written exam part. Most of the pointers here have been actually pointed out by Toe and the commenters. But still, its interesting how the FSO exam was like 18 years ago. And if you manage to find “FSO IV: Starting A Career in the Philippine Foreign Service”, buy it! :D The other parts of the book are very, very informative.

    There was no qualifying exam before. The author mentioned that the FSO examination was advertised in the dailies but they were small ads, so few people would actually know about it. But today (actually last month in Inquirer), the ads occupy half of the spreadsheet.

    Anyway, here are the tips for the written exam shared by Mr. de Borja:

    ENGLISH:
    An FSO should have an above-average if not excellent command of the English language. The test questions are open-ended, tackling international issues. When Mr. de Borja took the exam in 1990 (18 years ago~), they were made to:
    • Summarize foreign policy statements
    • Write a speech defending the Philippine position on a particular issue
    • Diplomatic correspondence

    FILIPINO:
    Like the English test, the Filipino exam assesses the examinee’s ability to express her/himself, but this time in Filipino. His pointers are:
    • Philippine arts
    • current issues
    • the leftist movement
    • agrarian reform problems
    • other international issues
    • English to Filipino translation and vise versa

    FOREIGN LANGUAGE:
    He stresses the importance of knowing a foreign language. Other foreign ministries like Korea, Japan and other Southeast Asian countries require their diplomats to be at least trilingual (know 2 foreign languages). Junior FSO should not depend on interpreters and translators abroad, as they mostly accompany the higher ranking officials.
    The exam is only 5% of the total average. So deserving applicants who don’t know a foreign language will not be penalized heavily.

    CONSULAR & DIPLOMATIC PRACTICE
    This is not included in the current exams (2008). Probably, as reasoned by the author, applicants who were already employed in the DFA have a huge advantage.

    INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIES & FINANCE:
    Mr. de Borja enumerated some questions for this part:
    • How much is the current Philippine foreign debt?
    • How will inflation affect economic growth?
    • What is the effect of allowing more foreign banks to operate in the Philippines?
    • What is AFTA, NAFTA, LAFTA, EU, APEC, EAEC, etc?

    INTERNATIONAL POLITICS:
    “The key in answering questions like these do not lie on the presentation of details and historical explanation but also demands a familiarity with international relations theory and international law.” He enumerated issues like the Spratley Island conflict (which is still on going), the Middle East situation (still on going), China-Taiwan relations, European integration, UN affairs, etc. The examinee should relate these issues to the Philippine foreign policy and how it may negatively affects or benefits our country.

    PHILIPPINE CONDITIONS:
    He said you wished you weren’t sleeping or absent during history and social science classes. Know the Philippine foreign policy. “A Filipino diplomat must have a good, if not excellent knowledge of Philippine institutions and government. If not, he does not have any business representing the country abroad.”

    SOURCE: de Borja, Marciano R.. FSO IV: Starting A Career in the Philippine Foreign Service. New Day Publishers, 1999.

    Its really a good book for those who want to know what’s in stall for them when they become an FSO. Although it was written a decade ago, the anecdotes, jokes, memoirs, and stories make the book a rich source of information.

    So Toe, maybe you should write a similar book? :D

  75. # shagamion 08 Apr 2008 at 7:13 pm

    Toe,

    Nice nickname and good pictures huh! Anyway, i really wanted to thank you in providing for this pool of information for FSO wannabe like me. The in-depth information about FSO and the quite intriguing exam can be described as scarce. However, your blog has presented not only a bird’s eye view on the profession, but also a very intelligent way of describing on what to expect in this high level job.

    I must say I envy you for reaching your position right now, and I dream of holding office and representing our country out there either as consul or ambassador.

    I hope to get to work with you (ang kapal!) and meet other FSO hopefuls, malay nyo magkatulungan hehe. I really am looking forward for the exams and hurdling all three of them.

    Thank you once more and may you inspire more souls. .

  76. # Toeon 22 Apr 2008 at 1:38 am

    Hey guys! I just posted this: Realities of the Foreign Service (Introduction).

  77. # Geminion 03 May 2008 at 5:55 pm

    Hi Toe,

    im a fresh lawyer. however, im considering the option of becoming an fso.
    im actually confused…. is there a department in fs where i could still practice law? and if so, is taking the fso exams the only route?

    i wanna be an fso but i dont wanna say goodbye to lawyering…. oh well, as ive said im pretty confused…. could you please enlighten me on this???

    thank you so much…. hope to hear from u soon….

    God bless

    PS: can u include the downside of being an fso… perhaps it could help me decide which career option to take…again… thanks :)

  78. # Toeon 04 May 2008 at 6:48 pm

    Hi Gemini. I answered a similar question in the post Realities of the Foreign Service (Introduction). I will answer your question more extensively perhaps in an installment of that series. For now, I can tell you that I was assigned in the Office of Legal Affairs when I was in the Home Office. At post, my knowledge on Family Law, the Constitution, International Law, Tax Law, Immigration Law has helped me a lot.

  79. # Geminion 05 May 2008 at 3:17 pm

    Hi Toe,

    Thank you soo much. Im soo glad to hear from you…

    Uhm… Im curious… why did your classmates (in your story above) take up law when they were already FSOs. Did they choose lawyering over foreign service?…what were the reasons?

    And oh! I know it would be “ignominy” to ask this… but i wish to know the income of an fso as i would be helping my sister in raising her baby. My starting salary now is roughly 50K and I’ve heard that an fso’s income is only roughly 20K.

    I really wanna pursue my dream of becoming an fso, however, i have my obligations to my family as well…

    I really hope to hear from you sooon…

    Thank you soooo much Toe.

    You’re truly a blessing :)

  80. # Kiyapoon 22 May 2008 at 7:22 pm

    from henry: “In the event that you have passed the qualifying exam, but you failed to pass the written exam, you can skip the qualifying exam (for three years) and go straigh to take the written exam.”

    Does this mean that if, after three tries, I still have not passed the exam then I have to take the pre-quals again?

    I passed the pre-quals last year but I decided not take the written exam. Does this mean that I only have two chances left to pass the written exam? Wah.

  81. # Toeon 31 May 2008 at 9:58 pm

    Hey guys! I just posted this: Realities of the Foreign Service (Part 1).

  82. # Maricrison 17 Jun 2008 at 12:48 pm

    Toe, it’s good of you to encourage these young hopefuls to enter one of the most cutthroat civil service careers out there, but be more up front with them about the rampant politicizing, the bitter senior officials, the broken marriages, the thankless & angstful diplomatic brats, the sh*tty foreign policy, the abusive OFWs, the new face of diplomacy.
    Let’s not enter the spider’s parlor half-blind.

  83. # Bootson 19 Jun 2008 at 10:52 pm

    Maricris’s comment seems interesting. Hahahaha. Well, it will certainly add color to life as an FSO. I wonder when the results of the written exam be finally released?

  84. # Toeon 19 Jun 2008 at 11:06 pm

    Maricris and Boots, first, I have started a series on “Realities of the Foreign Service” where I would eventually dwell on “some” of these problems. Second, if you read my blog, you would notice by now, that petty politics is not the purpose of this blog. This is actually just a personal blog where I mostly write my memoirs with a few posts helping aspiring FSOs on what to study for the exam. It doesn’t intend to change the world, least of all, the Foreign Service. Whatever little change I could do for the Foreign Service, I try to do it in MY WORK and NOT in this blog. There are multitudes of political blogs and political columns out there which reveal all the problems of the Foreign Service. Third, I know the problems of the Foreign Service but what kind of diplomat would I be if instead of representing the best in our country, I advertise to the world through the world wide web everything that is wrong with it?

  85. # Kiyapoon 19 Jun 2008 at 11:19 pm

    “I wonder when the results of the written exam be finally released?” – are you talking about the 2007 written exams? The written exams for this year are scheduled on August, right?

  86. # Juanelon 21 Jun 2008 at 9:08 am

    argh, if only i have read this blog entry any earlier.

    I forgot all about the FSO Exams already, i applied around 1999 or 2000, but I did not take the exams because i was intimadated most esp. with the Languange requirement, di naman pala true yung mga rumors, that you NEED to be FLUENT in another languange aside from English!!and the thing is, the one who told me about this is the girl in charge of application/submission something in the DFA!! wish there was this internet blogging phenomena back then, like this very informative blog..

    I really want this more than Law. lol..When will the next FSO Exams be?

  87. # Mr Deenon 25 Jun 2008 at 1:49 pm

    Ms Toe is right. If there have been internal shambles in the DFA, this blog is not the proper venue for it. Anyhow, politics is never a cold issue as regards any organization, be it public or private. When we decided to dream and embark on this career, its downsides had already been carefully considered. And I’d say, it all weighed in favor of a Foreign Service career.

    @ Juanel:

    To me, taking up Law would help somehow. For all you know, foreign service needs a fair appreciation of pertinent philippine and international laws. Although it’s not really a requirement since you can get all this by reading, at least, you get a taste of it. You might want to give it a shot while your dream of becoming FSO is yet to unfold. Just visit the DFA for information concerning foreign service or refer to the previous posts of Ms Toe above regarding the FSO exams.

  88. # merrycrison 04 Jul 2008 at 10:04 pm

    Maricris is right. Telling people only about the positive things in the DFA is deceiving. We need the truth. We need to know what we are getting into.

    Toe does not need to be specific. She only need to give us an overview of the difficulties.

    Tell the story about Lhuillier!
    Tell the story about greenhorns!
    Tell the story about rats crawling in almost every floor!
    Tell us the truth!

  89. # BAKDRAPon 05 Jul 2008 at 9:22 pm

    Why don’t you tell us about it instead? You seem to know the….truth

  90. # Mr Deenon 07 Jul 2008 at 8:15 am

    Maricris and Merrycris, as I’ve said, this is not the proper forum of the awful realities you were talking about. Ms Toe has all the necessary leeway to say things about practically anything under the sun except the one you have been insisting on. Other wise, it would be a blatant disregard of her avowed fidelity to the Department and to the Republic. We should respect the supposed FSO-DFA relationship, if ever there is.

    Of course, I know all about these things, not that I forced myself to cast a blind eye on it, but because those things are not the proper subjects of this blog. As Toe said, this blog is purposely for the encouragement of hopeful FSOs, no more, no less. We could not compel Ms Toe to dwell on these issues.

    But at any rate, should the commenters/visitors on this blog wish to unravel the things you were saying, I would like to direct them to the blogs of Ms Ellen Tordesillas and the Unnifors, there you can find it. Perhaps, you could also direct us to your blogs, should you happen to have one, tackling all these issues.

    Peace…

  91. # mamang sorbeteroon 07 Jul 2008 at 8:24 am

    Hey y’all…

    How about giving justice to the allegations posted by merrycris above? BAKDRAP is right, why not you merrycris tell us about these things? I wonder if this has something to do with the delay of all the exam results…

    (tsk…tsk…tsk…)

  92. # Fidgeton 10 Jul 2008 at 11:47 am

    congratulations to the recently sworn in Foreign Service Officers!

  93. # scent_lateon 22 Jul 2008 at 5:15 pm

    hi everyone!

    i’ve been visiting this blog for quite some time just to keep up with the ‘latest’ bitz in fso.. thanks toe and to those who provided tips about the exam.

    it’s been 7 months after the written exam 2007 last dec, yet no results are posted. does anyone out there know when this result will be shown? thanks!!

    God bless to those who will take the written exam 2008!

  94. # Beanon 23 Jul 2008 at 11:40 am

    DFA said to call back for the written exam 2007 results next month. (They also said that last April, May, and June. Hahah.)

    It’s fine, we need to acquire much patience if we seriously want to work at DFA. I mean, there are so many who have already been accepted and have not yet started the job.

  95. # pasaway!on 24 Jul 2008 at 1:06 pm

    Right guys…Perhaps nobody had passed in the 2007 written exams that is why they have been hesitant in releasing the results and are still deliberating whether to lower the passing rate or not….hahaha! Or it could be that they are just turtle-slow in their work…peace…

  96. # Chaaon 24 Jul 2008 at 4:38 pm

    To ia:

    I took the exam in May of this year and if i recall correctly:

    1) logical reasoning
    Basically covered abstract reasoning and your typical IQ test figures. Also had some parts about language comprehension. It was a typical IQ test to be quite honest.

    2)quantitative reasoning/data interpretation
    Some basic maths and statistics. There was a little trigonometry, but it consisted mostly of basic arithmentic.

    3)leadership and management concepts?
    They basically asked questions about what you would do if you were a manager.
    Also asks some basic management questions, like what do you call the reward system where it is based on maximum amount of sales. etc.

  97. # mamang sorbeteroon 25 Jul 2008 at 8:36 am

    To ia:

    i took the May prequals this year. i did not pass. just want to add some observations on the kind of qualifying exam that was given

    1. Logical reasoning

    there were around 30 questions. almost all of them dealt on basic logic, such as:

    All A’s are intelligent
    Some A’s are good looking,
    Therefore, some A’s are not good looking.

    these were how logical reasoning questions are framed, more or less. you are then given 5 seemingly the same derivative statements out of that premise leaving you with nothing to think but divine miracle.

    2. Quantitative reasoning/data interpretation

    there were 2 graphical figures. for each figure, you are required to answer 5-10 questions. it involves simple mathematical operations, but time-consuming ones. Five questions also were math problems. a mastery of algebra is required here.

    3. Management/leadership concepts

    Thirty questions were given. i must say, put your management book in the sidelines. it’s no use. all the questions can be answered based on your common sense.

    in a nutshell, as what fellow commenters pointed out. stock knowledge is the only weapon. the only way to do have it is through reading.

    Thanks. Hoping this helps.

  98. # Beanon 31 Jul 2008 at 3:00 pm

    For the FSO out there, any news on whether there are vacancies? I’ve heard that a some FSOs who got accepted in 2005 are still not yet assigned abroad, so there must be plenty of FSOs still in-country. They might not need to swear in new FSOs any time soon after all, so I guess there’s no hurry to release 2006 results…? (Scary prospect)

  99. # scent_lateon 01 Aug 2008 at 5:08 pm

    Hmm… 2006 results had been posted last january 2008… there were 24(?) of them… i’ve heard that they’re on training already…

    i’m not sure though if that’s what you’re asking, Bean. But you can check the dfa site… then try to search 2006 fso results…

  100. # ewankoon 04 Aug 2008 at 7:31 am

    oh man, well…think we’d better forget FSO then!

  101. # Maricrison 05 Aug 2008 at 3:53 pm

    Antonette Oblena, you have a talent for exaggerating the opportunities available to new recruits in the Foreign Service. You know what that’s called? Deception, estafa, misprepresentation.
    Kids, don’t believe her!

  102. # Clarizon 05 Aug 2008 at 4:18 pm

    I think the one who’s exaggerating is you, Maricris. Please don’t use such inaccurate words if you just want to flame. She’s clearly stated that the Foreign Service exam has a higher mortality rate than the bar exam over and over again. (Lots of counterarguments defending Toe’s blog entries about the FSOEs are not misrepresentation of the opportunities available to new recruits in the FS can be viewed by other commenters above. In fact, her blog entries are not about opportunities for new recruits, but are mostly about the work itself and the process of entering as a FSO IV).

    And, yeah, disclosing the blog author’s name is rude.

    My two centavos~

  103. # kiyapoon 05 Aug 2008 at 4:28 pm

    Maricris, maybe you should read these posts first before you accuse the author of sugarcoating the harsh realities of life as an FSO:

    http://kurokuroatbp.com/?p=1687
    http://kurokuroatbp.com/?page_id=1502

  104. # michaelon 05 Aug 2008 at 7:14 pm

    I’m with Maricris on this one!! Whoo-hoo!

  105. # michaelon 05 Aug 2008 at 7:21 pm

    In addition, to avoid further argument, I think it would be better if Toe stops writing anything about the DFA. Her blog is still OK to read even without the topic regarding the FSO exam. Unless, that is all you want. hehe

  106. # Jasminon 05 Aug 2008 at 10:21 pm

    To Maricris and your allies:

    ang masasabi ko lang sa iyo…very informative ang blog ni Ma’am Toe lalo na para dun sa lahat na nag aspire maging FSO. Malaking tulong itong ibinabahagi ni Ma’am Toe patunay lamang na hindi siya madamot sa kaalaman niya at nagiging daan din ito para maibahagi rin ng ibang tagasunod ng blog ni ma’am na nakapag take na ng exam na -ishare din dito ang mga nalaman nila tungkol dito. tingnan mo marami na ring pumasa.

    gusto ko rin sana i-remind sa iyo na hindi ito inquirer or article ni tulfo na maglathala tungkol dun sa mga binabanggit mo.

  107. # Jasminon 05 Aug 2008 at 10:34 pm

    Michael…it’s not only about he FSO exam that we want to read here….

    Ma’am Toe’s article are worth reading, magaling siyang magsulat…unless you haven’t read it…baka ikaw naman ay tungkol sa FSO exam gusto mong basahin dito.

    You wrote:

    I think it would be better if Toe stops writing anything about the DFA

    Well, Michael this is kurokuroatbp…you see anything under the sun can be written here and we all love to read it….I THINK it would be much better if you stop making nasty comments here…

    and hey! please don’t tell the author to stop writing…or much as we can say…you ar not obiliged to read…unless you direct your mouse and click on the website…you’d still be coming back man because you love to reade here too!

    Peace…!!!

  108. # Jasminon 05 Aug 2008 at 10:37 pm

    Maricris nga pala…alam mo ba ang estafa? Ba’t naman napunta dito iyon sa writing ni Ma’am Toe…

    You wrote:

    Antonette Oblena, you have a talent for exaggerating the opportunities available to new recruits in the Foreign Service. You know what that’s called? Deception, estafa, misprepresentation.
    Kids, don’t believe her!

    Maricirs, hindi kaya ikaw nag exaggerate…over reacting ka. Mag research ka ng maayos.

    Peace!

  109. # amaranthaon 05 Aug 2008 at 11:37 pm

    Maricris and minions,

    This blog is at best a personal blog. It does NOT represent the DFA nor attempt to unravel the mystery and mentality of the DFA. Every well-meaning person who take the FSE is well aware of the meager pay (it’s the government, come on!) as well as the politics, the intrigues and the endless, mind-numbing bureaucracy (its the government, come one!).

    Anyone can sugar coat government posts, especially with the DFA with its lure of travel and life in a foreign land but i don’t think you need to read a blog to know the negative aspects of the job. Anyone who has half the brain to take the FSE with its mind-boggling questions should know that it won’t be paradise once you are in (just like the Bar, no new lawyer expects massive wealth after passing the exams). Expect more suffering. Any government post in the Philippines is paved with hellfire and brimstone. Who are you kidding?

    So there is no misrepresentation. Anyone crazy enough to go into a government post KNOWS that the job will be nothing but a labor of love. And Michael, who are you to say Toe should stop writing about the DFA and the FSE? Who died and made you emperor? You should instead stop reading the blog all together and maybe start one your own detailing your life as a total nobody.

  110. # Anonymous2on 09 Aug 2008 at 4:42 pm

    The Philippine Foreign Service Officer Qualifying Exam (August 23 – 25, 2006)

    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.)?

  111. # swiperon 30 Aug 2008 at 7:00 pm

    congrats to boots and others who passed the 2007 written exams! yey!

    go na go na sa oral exam!

    i’m taking my written exams this year. *ngatog*

  112. # ekudon 01 Sep 2008 at 10:35 pm

    Dear Toe,

    Your blog is honest, charming and speaks of 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 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

  113. # ekudon 01 Sep 2008 at 10:35 pm

    duke.villanueva@yahoo.com

  114. # bootson 02 Sep 2008 at 3:55 pm

    swiper, thanks. (i think i know you na). was at DFA today. tentatively sa last week of november daw ang written this year. i don’t know if it’s true.

    thanks din toe for this site. i hope makatulong mga tips naming nag-written exam. now i have to start preparing for the orals. good luck to the other passers!

  115. # whoamion 03 Sep 2008 at 11:08 am

    Congratulations guys…sana maabot namin naabot ninyo! Goodluck sa oral exams!

    God bless….

  116. # emmmon 17 Sep 2008 at 5:38 pm

    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!

  117. # galateaon 21 Sep 2008 at 6:44 pm

    This is a very nice entry. Honestly, this is the most detailed description of the FSE I’ve seen in the net so far. I’m also hoping to take the exams but I think I really need a long time to review for this. :)

  118. # swiperon 22 Sep 2008 at 4:34 pm

    The written exam is on Nov. 19, 20 and 21, 2008.
    That’s what the BFSOE said when Boots was there to submit papers for the orals. Everyone concerned, please just verify.

    Good luck to us! :D

  119. # magon 23 Sep 2008 at 10:34 am

    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.

  120. # Michon 25 Sep 2008 at 6:55 am

    Let us talk about naman para sa next year. I called up the BFSE last week and I asked for the next qualifying exams. November pa daw, tagal naman, I hope they could make it earlier para di sayang ang time.

  121. # take-ako-uliton 25 Sep 2008 at 2:38 pm

    @ Mitch:

    Did you just say the prequals is scheduled in November???

    This is unusual. Normally, the qualifying exam is given every May. Whew!

  122. # Michon 26 Sep 2008 at 11:53 am

    To take-ako-ulit:

    Yun nga sabi ko sa kanila. Because this year, they conducted it in May di ba? Maybe, let’s just wait for further announcement. I don’t even want to believe that info nga eh.

  123. # enrico patototon 26 Sep 2008 at 3:15 pm

    why didn’t i find this blog earlier?

    anyway, thanks toe! so, how about some tips for the oral exams? Ü

    congrats to boots (lupet, naalala mo yung mga questions sa written?! Ü) and my other batchmates.. malapit na orals..

  124. # Chaaon 27 Sep 2008 at 5:06 am

    The prequalifying exam is not in November. I think s/he might have misunderstood your question. They do not schedule the prequalifying exam in the same month (nor quarter) as the written exam.

  125. # galateaon 27 Sep 2008 at 11:36 am

    Ask lang po. . . Is there any review center that can help you in the FSE preparation?

  126. # take-ako-uliton 29 Sep 2008 at 8:30 am

    Hi Mich!

    Love your name(lolz!)…sabay pala tayo magprequals next year…sana makapasa tayo, anyway, just want to keep in touch with you…here’s my yahoo id: mayol21@yahoo.com…what’s yours?

    Good luck Mich!

  127. # Michon 30 Sep 2008 at 9:54 am

    Hi take-ako-ulit!

    Thanks for the compliment! Yeah, I will try to take the exam next year. I want to do it as soon as possible that’s why I’m preparing now. Buti na lang may blog na ganito.

    Gud luck to both of us and all of us who will take the exam. E-mail you soon.

  128. # mikeon 01 Oct 2008 at 9:55 pm

    The DFA is under corrupt management. I am glad that I don’t work in the DFA because the appointment of retirees must be very demoralizing. DFA is being used as a personal tool of GMA to keep herself in power (much has been said about the number of political appointees in the DFA).

    A lot of irregularities and abuses are going on, especially in our posts abroad, that have not been brought to the attention of the authorities or if they have, no follow through has been taken.

    Officers from the rank of FSO to Chief of Mission should be given a crash course on management techniques, since the bulk of the problems of the DFA are management-related.

  129. # Fatimaon 02 Oct 2008 at 12:04 am

    gosh naiiyak na ako d2 hehehe.. lahat po ng sinabi mong wag gawin, yun ang iniisip kong gawin in the future! hoooo! thanks po again Ms. Toe! Idol!! :)

  130. # insomniacon 11 Oct 2008 at 1:04 am

    3-day ordeal is done. just winged it. life goes on.

  131. # Crescenton 18 Oct 2008 at 10:16 am

    To Mike:

    I love this blog very much not only for its quality writing, but also for giving me such a wonderful information base on the FSE and diplomatic life. And although I have only been reading along the sidelines ever since without actually commenting, I am now breaking my silence because of you. I just can’t help my self… YOU ARE GETTING INTO MY NERVES!

    IF YOU ARE SO EAGER TO CHANGE THE MANAGEMENT OF OUR GOVERNMENT, THE PRESIDENCY, AND THE DFA– THEN DO SO BY ALL MEANS!

    RATHER THAN WAILING ALL YOUR SENTIMENTS IN THIS ONCE PEACEFUL AND INTELLECTUALLY STIMULATING BLOG IN SUCH A VULGAR FASHION, WHY DON’T YOU LET YOUR ACTIONS, YOUR PERFORMANCE DO THE TALKING?!

    Mahatma Gandhi used to say “Be the CHANGE you want to see in the world”. Now, if you think you are such a righteous person that the government is so beneath your impeccable morals, I dare you to go out there, tell what you vulgarly displayed here squarely to the officers’ faces and change the DFA overnight! But first of all…do attempt to change your self. By the way you commented on this blog, you’ve clearly proven to the world at large what an unprofessional and overidealistic person you are. It’s all well to pour out your frustrations when all you do is that. How can you change the world if your sentiments only stop at your mouth? You talk as if you are an authority on political morality! You see, before you give unsolicited advice, be sure you have already acted upon them. Manage your ego first before you demand a change in the DFA management.
    I’m sure everyone in this blog is intelligent enough to comprehend the dark side of the foreign service– not to mention government and politics. It is not necessary to wave one’s knowledge or understanding of these things to the rest of the world (via the web). That would be self-incriminating. Besides Mike, you would be a hypocrite to deny that you haven’t received an ounce of benefit from the DFA during GMA’s administration. It is estoppel.

    Furthermore, you could argue about freedom of expression and stuff, but if you must know too, you had encroached upon another person’s freedom of expression and imposed your standards on her and her avid readers. This is TOE’S BLOG– not MIKE’s. Write your own bitter blog about the bad, awful, and immoral realities of Foreign Service and receive just as much bitter comments. I wonder why you insist to feed your ideas to people who have no inclination of eating them. Consider may be, but it’s not as if we don’t know already. Life is not a bed of roses, it is filled with paradox and not a single human person is worthy enough to be called ‘perfect’. With or without your ramblings about the DFA, people are aware that good things coexist with the bad ones. And you apparently were unable to procure solid, verifiable pieces of evidence for your allegations. So basically, the issues you raised are moot and academic now, exhausted by you to the brink of rudeness.

    When there is sufficient provocation, as well as force and aggression, one must employ means to repel them with a fair amount of such force and aggression. An attack is tantamount to a defense.

    00xxxxxxxxxxxx00

    Having said all that, and with all due respect to Ms. Toe, who has inspired me to write more and be one of her ilk (the FSO sort– LOL) someday, I will dismiss myself now and hope that Ms. Toe and her Honey will continue to be blessed beyond measure. :)

  132. # Beanon 20 Oct 2008 at 9:51 pm

    Batch 2007, my group mate has just informed me that the October ‘08 oral exam results are out. Time to call the BFSE. :)

  133. # insomniacon 20 Oct 2008 at 10:28 pm

    just got a call from bfse monday afternoon….. i guess psych test is next. :-)

  134. # bootson 21 Oct 2008 at 11:19 pm

    ah, my name is there. thanks, toe and to all you guys for all the support and prayers. my extemporaneous speech was to me a disaster but i kept fighting… and now it’s psych test time! swiper, it’s your turn now. congrats to all the other passers.

  135. # swiperon 22 Oct 2008 at 8:25 am

    hey hey hey! congrats boots and to others who made it!

    i hope i’ll wing it soon in the written exams… shivers down my spine..all the way to the land of the sleeping giant….

  136. # emmmon 22 Oct 2008 at 1:48 pm

    Congratulations to those who passed!
    I know how you feel swiper, I’ll also be taking the written exams next month and just thinking about it makes my stomach churn, but knowing that 38 made it (a high number compared to previous years) gives me hope :)

  137. # swiperon 23 Oct 2008 at 3:04 pm

    hi emmm!

    thank you!

    i’m going crazy now just thinking about it. Boots, though, said to have a good grasp of the general issues, have a clear idea of your own principles. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt to have a lot of stock knowledge — like what Toe has been saying.

    hope we can make it to the orals and beyond!

  138. # helping handon 23 Oct 2008 at 11:38 pm

    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.

  139. # Beanon 24 Oct 2008 at 9:42 am

    Helping Hand–

    I’m afraid I’m having the same misgivings. The starting salary is Php19,000 *gross*. Deductions will reduce it further. By taking this opportunity, I am agreeing to a 50% pay cut. It weighs heavily on my mind especially with the state of the economy…

    I also made a list of pros and cons. I have also made budget projections for next year, as well as a list of tasks that I must undertake to uproot myself (move to a new house, find someone to rent my place, changing my billing addresses, etc). The inevitable change in lifestyle is quite overwhelming.

    I know it will get better once we get deployed (the panelists have assured me so), but 3 years is a long time. I worry about my family.

    Yet… The entire exercise comes across to me as an exercise in letting go and starting anew. I feel like I’m conditioning myself away from this old job and lifestyle already.

  140. # helping handon 24 Oct 2008 at 4:57 pm

    Thank you Bean for the quick reply. To share with you honestly, the gross amount you mentioned is almost equal to the monthly amortization I am paying for the place I purchased and living in now. It’s one of those important things to an independent (I have been living alone since I started working at 20), single and strong-willed person that I am; I have not been dependent on my parents, I have investments to look after. And the pay cut, Geez!!!! I do sympathize with you given that you have a family (i assume) to consider. I have been doing some pencil-pushing already, and it really won’t be sufficient; and this is where reality sets in. Maybe if I started this gig when I was a little bit younger, I could still adjust especially with the monetary considerations. But now…. then 2-3 years pa…. anything could happen… today or tomorrow… we can never tell.

    Would you happen to know about cases of deferment, and is there a deadline/cut-off period of some sort. I am scheduled to take the psych test next week. I guess I just have to go through it, then decide after. I don’t even have an idea what the test would be like…it might just validate how crazy and loony I am, that would really get the BFSE thinking that they made a mistake of including me among the “38 parallels” hahaha.

    Anyway, thank you for the response. It seems that Toe is very busy, but I know she will respond as needed. Thanks!

  141. # Beanon 24 Oct 2008 at 10:49 pm

    Hi Helping Hand,

    I’m really glad I have someone to talk to about this matter. Everyone I’ve discussed this with is so caught up with the positives of it that I almost feel shallow for dwelling on financial matters.

    I may have jumped the gun, truth be told. I thought that I’d take the exams and worry about it *if* I pass. (I had seriously doubted that I’d pass considering that my only preparation was reading a high school history textbook while so many of our batchmates shelled out for that expensive Ateneo review class.) Anyway, I’m here, and I’ll be taking the psych exam in a couple of weeks. Every now and then I imagine that they’d conclude I’m too insane for the job, haha.

    Like you, I’ve been financially independent since I graduated at 20 (and God forbid that I’d seek support from my family now). My main concern is that I have a brother that I’m helping my mother put through school. In another two years, he’ll be in college, and I have NO idea how I can afford to send him to LaSalle or Ateneo with an FSO’s salary. I’ll worry about med school much, much later.

    Regarding deferment, an ambassador mentioned that they approve certain cases if you submit an appeal. BUT, it better be a “damn good reason.” I’ve considered it, and came to the conclusion that deferment will only delay the inevitable. Next year, our salaries in our current jobs will most likely be higher (versus the haggardly slow increase of government wages), thus creating a bigger “panghihinayang” to stew over. It’s a Catch-22, I tell you.

    …I’m going around in circles, aren’t I? Oh dear. I almost wish for red tape to hold back our appointments just to gain more time to mull this over.

  142. # kiyapoon 24 Oct 2008 at 11:10 pm

    “…how I can afford to send him to LaSalle or Ateneo with an FSO’s salary.”

    Maybe you should consider sending your brother to UP; I heard that it’s a cheaper and better alternative. :-)

    Perhaps when they said that FSOs get a 19k-starting salary, they meant “basic salary” (i.e. sans tax-free allowances). According to a former professor, FSOs get allowances for clothing, rent, and the other things they need to live a dignified and comfortable life as representatives of the country.

  143. # Beanon 25 Oct 2008 at 12:07 pm

    I’d love to send him to UP, but unfortunately he’s insisting on Ateneo or LaSalle. He’s also not very confident on his chances at passing the UPCAT (alas, I share his doubts).

    FSOs do get allowances (almost $2k a month for low-indexed posts from what I hear), which comes when they’re deployed abroad. We’ll still be in the country for 3 years or so, but after that things should get much better financially.

    Oh well, God will provide… (I hope.) I took this exam knowing the pay cut already. I think it’s just a matter of firming up my resolve. We all have to make sacrifices to achieve what we want, and this is one of them.

  144. # Sanjaon 28 Oct 2008 at 8:03 am

    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

  145. # Hashimon 29 Oct 2008 at 7:44 pm

    Tulong! Sa November 29, 30 at Dec.1 ang exam namin! Saklolo! Tips naman dyan! Thanks.

  146. # Michon 30 Oct 2008 at 8:30 am

    To Bean and Helping Hand.

    So what are your decisions guys? Tell us something about your plans now. Are you going to grab the opportunity to be a diplomat or not?

  147. # Beanon 30 Oct 2008 at 8:34 pm

    I’m going for it. I’ll worry about the bills later.

    If all else fails… I can always marry an heiress. (Jk!)

  148. # helping handon 30 Oct 2008 at 11:24 pm

    to mich, i will finalize my decision when i am presented with the compensation package. my plans for now is to continue with my current work, life goes on for me. this FSO opportunity is just another option on my career map, a wonderful option, but just another option. yes, a lot of FSO would-be’s would love to trade places with me, i know. but deciding will take a lot of serious thinking. and when i get to that part, i will surely share it with you.

    to bean, i admire your doggedness.

  149. # Michon 31 Oct 2008 at 11:31 am

    To Bean and Helping Hand,

    I think it is really a big achievement to pass those gruelling exams. Did you have a second try or you passed them all at once? Anyway, do you guys already have your MA degrees?

  150. # Michon 31 Oct 2008 at 12:11 pm

    To Toe,

    Where did you work prior your entrance to Foreign Service?

  151. # helping handon 31 Oct 2008 at 5:14 pm

    hi mich, yup got two MA degrees :-)

  152. # Fatimaon 02 Nov 2008 at 7:20 pm

    Good Evening to all! Im a Senior college student in Lyceum taking up BS International Relations Majoring in Diplomacy. After reading your helpful comments and very inspiring stories, I became more inspired to take the FSE and ultimately become an FSO. I am seriously considering it but I am threatened and let’s say, insecure of my education. I just feel like I’m still not prepared and equipped with the knowledge needed for the FSE. Feeling ko kasi Im still too young! So my question is, Is my degree enough? or is it advisable to take a Masteral degree first before actually trying my luck? Moreover, I would like to ask if there’s an institution that offers review courses for those who wish to take the FSE.

    Regards to all and I hope you could help out.

    Congratulations to all FSE passers! I look up to you guys! :)

  153. # Michon 03 Nov 2008 at 8:06 am

    Helping Hand,

    Wow! 2 MA degrees?! That’s a lot!

  154. # Tinon 03 Nov 2008 at 10:59 am

    well, i’ve just seen the results of the FSE 2007 at the DFA website. it’s scary watching it. 38 passers out of 716 who took the exam?! i’m horrified! according to my calculations, that’s 5.3% passing percentage. the mortality rate’s worse than other national board exams..tsk, tsk, tsk.

    good luck to those who are going to take the 2008 written exams this november! 2 more weeks, guys, before your walk to the gallows!!! hehe…

  155. # Beanon 03 Nov 2008 at 12:25 pm

    @ Helping Hand -
    Starting salary is P19k gross, right? I still cringe at the figure, but I’ll find a way to deal with it. (If you see someone selling tocino at the home office, that would be me… j/k =p) I’m also doing my best to ignore the people insisting that this is a “demotion” for me.

    @ Mich –
    This was my first try. A good number of my batch mates had taken the exam before, though. Hats off to them for their determination; I don’t think I could have summoned the courage to try again if I failed the first one. Also, I don’t have any post-grad degrees. I was planning to take it up while working, but I found I couldn’t balance the workload without gorging myself with Red Bull on a daily basis. =p

    @ Tin –
    The 2006 batch passing rate was 2.5%. We were actually quite lucky to hit 5%. Even the panelists were surprised to see 54 people taking the oral exams. (And good Lord the speeches took FOREVER… Thank God for really good cheesecake.)

    @ Fatima -
    Ateneo de Manila offers review classes for the FSO exam, but I don’t know how helpful it is. I did it the old fashioned way: locked myself up in a library and read till my eyes bled.

  156. # Tinon 03 Nov 2008 at 4:13 pm

    Bean,
    —> so you’re batch 2006? how’s foreign service so far? why speeches? is there no time limit to the oral exams?

    oh…well, at least you can really guarantee the quality of our foreign service officers, having endured a rigorous series of exams– not to mention the number of casualties. if ever the passing percentage reaches 10%, then there must be something fishy going on…haha…

    anyway, it’s all or nothing…everyone should risk for their dreams…:)

    by the way, something’s wrong with kurokuroatbp today…is there a system failure? the set-up’s quite different…hmmm…

  157. # Eddieon 04 Nov 2008 at 12:25 pm

    Hi Toe! I`m Eddie (a pseudonym) hehe. I am a graduating BS Foreign Service student in the University of San Agustin. Well, all of us are dreaming to become diplomats in the near future. But, some of us are doubting if we could pass the FSO Exam compared to the Philippines` Ivy League Schools. But I do agree that it` s not in the school but its in the person who is taking the exam. I` m also planning to take up Law after graduation in preparation for the FSO Exam. My logic is that if I pass the Bar Exam, more likely I could also have the probability in passing the FSO Exam.Do you think that after graduation, do I have the knowledge and skills to pass the dreaded FSO Exam and if I pass can I be an effective one- because of the fact that I` m a fresh graduate next year?

  158. # Nemoon 04 Nov 2008 at 3:27 pm

    hello Toe. i am worried about my transcript of records because I have a few failed grades during my undergrad days in UP. I want to ask whether or not students with failed grades are allowed to take the exam. please help. salamat talaga. sobrang helpful nung site mo =).

  159. # Beanon 04 Nov 2008 at 4:01 pm

    @ Tin –
    No, I’m with batch 2007. We have no idea when we’ll start since people are still undergoing the Crazies Test (aka psych exam).

    And… We’re not allowed to talk about the oral exams. :] Let me just say that you never know what topic you will get. You could end up with any topic from blogging to some obscure bilateral treaty that no one even knows exists. Prepare for the unexpected, and yes, it was that scary.

  160. # Chaaon 05 Nov 2008 at 5:29 am

    @ Nemo

    I also graduated from UP and my transcript had grades from before I shifted… and I had a few ‘red’ marks.

    I got to take the exam though. So, I doubt they bar you from the exam based on failed marks.

  161. # phidelaon 05 Nov 2008 at 9:12 am

    to toe and everyone else: thanks for unselfishly sharing your thoughts and tips on how to prepare the fse. i am now in my early 30s and this will probably be my last chance at this, which is why i have been both praying hard and going crazy on how to prepare for and pass the written exams (for now, and the oral exams eventually, haha). i must say that the exchange here in this blog has been most helpful. my friend and i are most grateful =)

  162. # Michon 05 Nov 2008 at 12:27 pm

    It’s Obama!

  163. # Michon 06 Nov 2008 at 10:35 am

    To all of you out there,

    Can someone give me an idea about the compensation of contractual employees at the DFA?

  164. # Hashimon 06 Nov 2008 at 2:15 pm

    Bullshit! It seems that being an FSO is not that financially rewarding then. You have to wait for 3 long years before earning more? A three-year cadetship period before being posted abroad? That’s too much! I read an online text of a law regarding Philippine foreign service and I came upon the conclusion that after a one-year training, an FSO should be posted abroad. Perhaps, the law has been repealed or revised? Or this is a case of the government failing to implement its own laws?

  165. # Annon 06 Nov 2008 at 2:18 pm

    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.

  166. # Tinon 06 Nov 2008 at 4:41 pm

    Hashim
    —> Sometimes, if money is the driving force behind your work, you wouldn’t get any sense of fulfillment in being an FSO. So you just have two options in this case: a fulfilling career or heaps of money. Is it the work or the money that makes you most happy? It’s your choice…your music…hehe

    Bean
    —> thanks for the info… :) gee…wonder if i’ll get through one of these days.

    hehe…long live obama…guess america’s growing up and shedding off its racist propensities….

  167. # Hashimon 07 Nov 2008 at 10:46 am

    Tin, of course money is a driving force. Come on, we’ll all motivated by it. Will you work for free? Of course not. But yes it is not the only driving force. What I’m fretting about is the fact that in reality an FSO will get posted only after 3 years in the home office even if the law says the training period should be only 1 year.

  168. # Tinon 07 Nov 2008 at 1:40 pm

    Hashim
    —-> Which law are u referring to? R.A 7157?
    Well, i skimmed that part you seem to have qualms with, sec. 15 the Internship Program, and i didn’t see any conflict there. There is a succeeding section though, sec. 18 Reinstatement of Foreign Service Officers, and i think that would give you the justification you must have been looking for. You might want to check on that. :) So 1 year training plus 2 years assignation to any regional or local office equals 3 years in our homeland; and then off the FSO goes to wherever he/she might be deployed..
    That’s the fairytale….;)

  169. # Tinon 07 Nov 2008 at 1:59 pm

    P.S

    I would like to add that public service is a vocation, a cause. One cannot survive in government service if one doesn’t have the passion and the heart for it. You know vocations…they entail a lot of personal sacrifices on the part of the public servant– including wealth (but of course, this part is a farce..hehe). Under the Code of Ethics for public servants, one of the values explicitly stated in there is “simple living”. How could a garishly garbed government employee say he truly serves the meek and humble masses? And don’t forget about the Ombudsman and the COA. They regularly audit, check for anomalies and scrutinize every public servant’s SALN…hehe….

    So if you don’t want those guys running after you, then better commit to simple living. Well, heck! do we really need complex standards of living? What do we need a lot of money for? See?…i’m talking like a nun. haha.

    And my last argument…well, public service is the best avenue for idealistic and driven individuals to plant the seeds of good change. The DFA is an ideal institution to start with because of its scope. Mind you, it’s international! It represents our country in the world of states. It has a state in both our internal and external sovereignty.

    So…All’s well that ends well! hehehe…:)

  170. # subangon 08 Nov 2008 at 12:49 pm

    Well, you know what some say: if you can’t take the heat, don’t become a cook.

  171. # sigenangaon 09 Nov 2008 at 10:23 am

    Folks,

    It’s quite disheartening to read comments about how much one has to sacrifice in terms of paycut if he chooses to pursue the FSO path. I come from a family of public servants and was brought up to think that serving the country is the highest honor one can aspire to.

    My mom earned less than 7 thousand pesos a month when she retired from being a public elementary school teacher. She was a strict teacher who brought her work home at the expense of quality family time. It was her who told me that what drives her is the fact that she knew she made a difference in the lives of her students whose only chance in life was education.

    Nevermind the prestige. Nevermind the travels.

    I AM A PUBLIC SERVANT. I am an FSO and am proud to be one.

    I envy those who have lots of opportunities presented to them. If being an FSO will make you bitter, then please stick with your private sector jobs. I think you can help more people in that way.

  172. # Hashimon 09 Nov 2008 at 7:11 pm

    To Tin. Yes it’s that RA. Anyway, that’s just a little problem. The govt should only make sure that the basic pay would be high so as to attract the best “vocation seekers”
    To sigenanga, well, every man is a public servant. Even those who serve in private companies serve the public. Your mother has endured such pay because in the olden days, it’s a decent amount already. We’re in the year 2008 already,and inflation is at 14%. You can’t blame people who clamor for higher pay.

  173. # Tinon 10 Nov 2008 at 9:53 am

    Hashim and Sigenanga
    —-> Well, seems like we’re crossing some bridge over troubled water… :) Seriously, to each his/her own, guys. I may not agree with some of the things you said but…yeah, you have every right in the world to say it (special citation of Voltaire). Diplomatic life works differently for different individuals. :) If your strategy suits you, then tally ho!

    That’s how I see public service- a cause, a crusade. I won’t see it any other way though because this strategy has worked for me, being in public service myself. There are many truths though as post modernism contends. So our respective truths are just part of the bigger plethora of truths out there. As long as foreign service makes a person happy (irregardless of the issues and circumstances), I see no reason for anyone not to enter it. :)

  174. # Tinon 10 Nov 2008 at 10:35 am

    P.S to sigenanga

    i’m certainly not bitter about my work. you may have misunderstood me. i love being a public servant and my previous comment was drafted for the sake of those who are from the private sphere but are considering the FSO because of financial reasons. :) but thanks for your retort, anyway. you have just proven what i’ve said about passion for public service. you will get ahead with that. :)

  175. # helping handon 10 Nov 2008 at 8:11 pm

    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. :-)

  176. # Beanon 11 Nov 2008 at 11:12 am

    I think a few people are forgetting that some aspiring public servants also have responsibilities, like bills to pay and kids to send to school. It’s hardly responsible to jump into something that will not only affect you, but also people who rely on you now and will rely on you in the future. Thus, we have to also consider the financial aspect of this career.

    If all we’re after is money, then we wouldn’t have bothered applying for a government position and stayed in our comfy private sector jobs where the credit card bills always get paid and there’s more than enough for mortgage. I know a lot of people are in it for the travel and the prestige, but we do our fair share of country-hopping and meeting executives in the private sector, so yes, we are in it for the love of country.

    Helping Hand is right in saying that this is a life-altering decision, a VOCATION, and as such we can’t do it wearing blinders. In my opinion, it’s better to air out all doubts and misgivings now rather than allow them to haunt you later in life. Regrets are very dangerous when you’ve dug yourself in too deep. :)

    These are also just my thoughts. Think of it as hearing us thinking out loud and sharing our decision-making process.

  177. # helping handon 11 Nov 2008 at 5:24 pm

    Thank you Bean, well said. :-)

  178. # phidelaon 11 Nov 2008 at 6:27 pm

    helping hand, thanks for posting your mobile number (isn’t that dangerous?, hehe) and for helping us who are serious about the fse. malapit na ang fse-written and, even if i try very hard not to, i am starting to panic already, haha. please help all of us who will take it pray hard, really, really hard.

    btw, why won’t you push through with fso anymore?

  179. # helping handon 11 Nov 2008 at 10:25 pm

    hi phidela, if i weren’t serious about helping i wouldn’t post my number :-) send me an sms where i can email you, if you’re still interested, some files that may help you in your review.

    with regard to your question of not pushing through…. too many considerations for a life-changing decision. maybe one of these days, i’ll share with you my reasons why and when i do decide finally, you’ll read it here.

  180. # Michon 12 Nov 2008 at 6:04 am

    Helping Hand,

    Can I contact you through your mobile phone also?

  181. # Tinon 12 Nov 2008 at 7:13 am

    Well, that is as they say: “there are many sides to every story”. :) There are always two sides of the coin no matter how many times one slices it. It’s our respective stories we’re talking about here as well as those of others directly affected by our decisions. Well, life is what you make it for certain. :)

  182. # emmmon 12 Nov 2008 at 12:47 pm

    Hi Helping Hand, may I also send you an sms of my email address? I’d appreciate all the help I can get for the upcoming written exams :)
    Phidela, I know how you feel, when I think of how the exams are only days away I get a queasy feeling in my stomach :s

  183. # helping handon 12 Nov 2008 at 1:56 pm

    Phidela, Mich, Emmm, you are all welcome to send me an sms. I can burn the files in CDs or if you have a thumbdrive you can copy it from me if you’re free to meet up. I’m available on the 15th at 8pm, the Starbucks adjacent to Alchemy Bar near Tiendesitas :-) just confirm through text.

  184. # Childon 12 Nov 2008 at 2:42 pm

    To Helping Hand:

    I was thinking of SMSing you too… But I’m unfortunately in Cebu. =(

  185. # helping handon 12 Nov 2008 at 5:11 pm

    Hi Child. I can email you the files. :-)

  186. # Childon 12 Nov 2008 at 6:57 pm

    Really? So I sms you my email and stuff? Thanks soooo much!

  187. # helping handon 12 Nov 2008 at 7:13 pm

    Sure, Child, I don’t see any problem helping out by sending some files.

  188. # subangon 12 Nov 2008 at 7:27 pm

    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.

  189. # Michon 13 Nov 2008 at 4:25 am

    Helping Hand,

    Thanks so much. I’ll send you an sms to give my email address. May God bless you for whatever decision you make.

  190. # galateaon 13 Nov 2008 at 1:57 pm

    To Helping Hand,

    Thank you very much for sharing your views despite the fact that you are not going to pursue the diplomatic career. I’d also like to send you an sms to give my email add. I’d like to take the FSE too. I don’t know what exactly to review. Please do enlighten me. God bless you!

  191. # barry_john06on 27 Nov 2008 at 7:12 am

    To TOE

    I am pleased of the information you’ve shared with us aspirants of FSO. My questions are:

    1. What and how many would be the possible questions that panel of ambassadors would usually ask during the Oral Examination?

    2. What preparation should one do to face the panel of ambassadors? Give us further advice on preparing for the oral examination.

    I hope you could give light to the questions that always bothering me.

    Thank You and More power!

  192. # barry_john06on 27 Nov 2008 at 7:35 am

    To Helping Hand

    Please do assist me in reviewing. I have asked Toe to provide me information about the oral examination as i was thinking ahead and it bothers me too much.

    I am law student and want to pursue a diplomatic career at the same time. I can not find any suitable materials for my advance review for the FSO examination, which, I believe that your review materials would help me a lot and others as well.

    Please send me information on how can I get a copy of your reviewer. I need it. Thanks in advance

  193. # Your Nameon 27 Nov 2008 at 2:22 pm

    I thought I’d give some tips as well since I squirmed my way through the orals.

    1. What and how many would be the possible questions that panel of ambassadors would usually ask during the Oral Examination?
    - The will ask you about ANYTHING under the sun. It could be about politics/economics/philosophical ideologies, or just your personal/professional life. You can’t really prepare for it. Just make sure that your CV is genuine because they will poke and prod at it, and shoot you down if they find anything suspicious.

    2. What preparation should one do to face the panel of ambassadors? Give us further advice on preparing for the oral examination.
    - Don’t panic. People tend to let their nerves get the better of them when they’re surrounded by a dozen interrogators shooting different questions one after another, but keep your cool and answer confidently and truthfully. :)

  194. # helping handon 27 Nov 2008 at 7:43 pm

    to barry john 06: i didn’t have any reviewers. i banked on stock knowledge and experience. those files, which i already shared with 3 persons i’ve met through this virtual convergence channel for FSOs and would-be FSOs, are just some papers i’ve downloaded (from WTO, ADB, wikipedia, etc) but i never got to reading or reviewing. With regard to your questions on the Orals, “Your Name” addressed your concerns already. But if i were you, i’d take it one step at a time. Have you taken the pre-quals? Are you on the 2nd stage, i.e. taking the written exams this coming weekend? If your answer is NO to both questions, then my advice is not to fret yourself this early about the Orals. :-)

  195. # barry_john06on 28 Nov 2008 at 5:24 am

    To Your Name

    Thanks for the advices. At least I can prepare myself as early bird catches the worms.

  196. # barry_john06on 28 Nov 2008 at 5:36 am

    To Helping Hand

    I am still planning to apply for the pre-quals. Nevertheless, all the advices I’ve read in this forum will help a lot for it contains rich information.

    However, as much as early at this time, I would like to collect probably all relevant materials that would help me not just in the beginning of the exam but till the end. You said that you have downloaded those relevant papers, can you please list them in this forum for the benefit of aspirants of FSO?

    Thanks in advance.

  197. # Hashimon 01 Dec 2008 at 6:08 pm

    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

  198. # barry_john06on 01 Dec 2008 at 7:04 pm

    TO Hashim,

    Please provide us further details for indeed it will help us. Thanks

  199. # Childon 01 Dec 2008 at 7:42 pm

    To Barry_John06

    Further details? Like the questions asked?

    Looking at a previous poster’s sampling of the questions and the questions from the last three days… there’s really no point to post it. Andthe only aid I could give you is to tell you to read read read like hashim said. (I will post what I recall)

    It’s so easy, that it’s hard. Most of the questions are so general… that the difficulty is in deciding how to tackle it and how to present your answers for the word requirement and to avoid redundancy and to make them comprehensive.

    The questions are an attempt at gauging your analytical skills though.

    English Questions: 3 of them… basically covered issues… meaning it needs you to read the news. They gave us 3 local issues for this one. MILF & PG challenge, rich and poor gap, and “how-can-Philippines-weather-the-(recession)-crisis?”

    International Affairs: not sure if it was 4 or 5 questions… not what I expected at all. Mostly dealt with current issues and stuff you would find in the news. Recession seemed to be the favourite. Reading books on International Political Theory really helps too… Along with studying International Poltical Economy.

    Filipino: Some easy grade school stuff. Translations, finding errors, and a 900-1500 word essay on some recent issues… to be answered in Filipino of course!

    Philippine Conditions: By far the longest. 6 questions, 4 hours. Not difficult to answer… but can hurt a hand BAD. Asked questions on some situations… what you would do and how you would tackle things if you were already an FSO, your analysis on some key issues and comparing and contrasting the 3 EDSAs. Read read read! Know some protocol and know some history!

    World History: This one was the easiest by far, but to my understanding also the most variable. Really no set timeframe of what period questions really come from. If I recall correctly, the first item was to describe the commonalities between 5 classical societies and their legacies (Persia, China, Rome, Greece and India [omg they forgot egypt!]). The 2nd was about cross-cultural interaction between east and west by colonializers/ mariners in the 15th century and the succeeding ones, cite by a point in case or examples of networks of power, communication or trade. 3rd was something about colonialism and imperialism’s role in the 1st and 2nd world wars…. 3 hours of scouring your brain of High school lessons! READ READ READ!

    Language: From what I saw earlier… The people who took different languages were given different tests. Nipponggo got the sh*t end of the stick: Had lots of translations and stuff. French also had a short end too! Lots of translations and 3 items of multiple choice and had to write an essay (12 lines of it) on their opinion on Barack Obama as president of America! And from what I noticed… Spanish… it was the easiest. My friend took Spanish.. she said lots of multiple choice… and some translations and their essay portion? Was to write an informal letter. Seriously.. they should standardize the language exam and give all the languages similar items and not exams of varying difficulty! 1.5 hours… IswearItotallyregretpickingFrenchandIwishIchoseSpanishbecauseitwassodarneasy!

    And so… further details will really not help… will just give you a vague idea of what the exam is all about. The Foreign Service Officer Exam is a very dynamic exam. Dynamic in the sense that any question out of the blue will popout and go BOO! There really is no set parameter on what they cover per exam.

    The only help I can give you is to say… READ READ READ!

    Good luck Written Exam takers! Now the nail biting (after the brain siphoning and refueling) begins!

    Bonne chance to those who want to take the qualifying!

  200. # Hashimon 02 Dec 2008 at 1:06 pm

    To barry_john06, send me your e-mail address.

  201. # chingon 04 Dec 2008 at 2:55 am

    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!!!!

  202. # barry_john06on 05 Dec 2008 at 8:56 pm

    To Hashim,

    barry_john06@yahoo.com… thanks

  203. # Chardonneyon 10 Dec 2008 at 12:57 pm

    hi. is there anyone here who still has a copy of Crusading Cynic’s post FSO exam questions. i clicked on the link and it doesn’t seem to be working. would u be so kind as to send me a copy? thanks. swabero@ymail.com.

  204. # hamburgurlon 22 Dec 2008 at 8:57 am

    Hi helping hand, please send also some files and review points to me at kristene5382@yahoo.com.

    Thanks in advance!

  205. # Michon 06 Jan 2009 at 12:45 pm

    When are they going to release the results of the latest FSO examinations?

  206. # kiyapoon 10 Jan 2009 at 10:22 am

    mich:”When are they going to release the results of the latest FSO examinations?”

    Based on what happened last year, they’ll probably release the results next year… :-)

  207. # blankoon 11 Jan 2009 at 12:56 pm

    hello! does anyone have a link to Crusading Cynic’s blog? Some of the comments here tell me the blog contains FSE tips and questions as well. (Or maybe you also have yours to share like the others have done. Hehe.)

    Anyway, I’m planning to take the FSE after I graduate (and, oh, the UP LAE as well) from UP Diliman PolSci, and choose between these two tracks – this is not to say that there are no other options though.

    Btw, Ms. Toe, thanks for posting FSE-related and -relevant information on your blog and allowing it become a venue for discussing details about Foreign Service. Kudos!

  208. # Michon 13 Jan 2009 at 7:45 am

    Kiyapo:

    You mean, next year? In 2010? Why it takes a long time?

  209. # kiyapoon 23 Jan 2009 at 10:37 am

    Mich:

    I meant around the end of this year (sorry, I was still in 2008-mode when i wrote that :-) )

    It took a year for the results of the last test to come out, so I guess the same thing would happen this year.

  210. # Michon 28 Jan 2009 at 12:24 pm

    Kiyapo:

    Ok. But I think, it’s still late if it’ll be in the end of the year. How about those who wouldn’t pass the last exam, they have to prepare for this year’s exam in November, I suppose.

  211. # Your Nameon 29 Jan 2009 at 12:47 am

    Hohoho, Batch 2007 chismis says that their papers are now routing for signatures. I guess we’ll start middle of 2009? Perhaps June?

    We took the written exams in December 2007 but will take our oaths mid-2009, so that should give your guys an idea of how long it takes to get through the ropes.

    Inabutan na ko ng puting buhok, haha…

  212. # Chingon 29 Jan 2009 at 4:36 am

    One of the proctors said that Congress has mandated the Board a quick turn around for the written portion of the December 2008 exam. The proctor said 3 months. I’m thinking early March we’ll have the result. Let’s wait and see if that’s going to happen.

  213. # flunkeron 29 Jan 2009 at 3:49 pm

    grabe! tagal pala. question sa mga pumasa na: did you have a feeling that you would make it after you had taken the written exam. i ask this kasi i ma not so confident with my written exam. can that be an indicator that i wouldn’t make it? salamat.

  214. # pikachuon 01 Feb 2009 at 3:49 pm

    flunker,

    when I was done with the written exam, i did not feel confident about passing. I hardly finished the IR portion of our 2007 written exam but I am very grateful that I did. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of praying very hard for what you want, assuming that you did your best. I’m sure that you will get what’s due you in due time.

    hope you make it. :)

  215. # flunkeron 03 Feb 2009 at 1:11 pm

    pikachu,
    thank you.

  216. # Sanjaon 06 Feb 2009 at 3:13 pm

    flunker,

    I agree with pikachu. Prayers do wonders– for the restless spirit, the agitated mind. Nakakaloka maghintay ng results pero everything was worth it.

  217. # khreysion 17 Feb 2009 at 12:50 am

    According to the DFA website, applications for the 2009 FSO Exams are now open. Sa March ang deadline for applications.

    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.

  218. # Nemoon 17 Feb 2009 at 10:44 pm

    But the P500 non-refundable fee just for the prequals is a bit disconcerting. That is too much!

    I hope the authorities would reconsider this one.

  219. # Supreme Jedion 18 Feb 2009 at 11:05 pm

    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).

  220. # flunkeron 20 Feb 2009 at 1:47 pm

    Supreme jedi,

    Kilala kita. hehe. good luck sa yo at sa lahat!

  221. # pikachuon 20 Feb 2009 at 2:48 pm

    Nemo,

    If you think that P500 is too much to pay for the pre-qualifying exam, just think of it as an investment in your future career, similar to buying a new office polo or blouse. Considering the rising cost of everything these days, it’s not really too much…

    Gook luck!

  222. # heroon 24 Feb 2009 at 1:36 am

    Im excited to get started and get everything done and over with. IT HASNT EVEN STARTED YET haha! 5 stages is wacko. Its just plain brain drain, literally. And does anyone actually believe we’ll be done with the 5 stages by NOVEMBER 2009 (according to the website)?? No seriously, do you guys think they’ll speed everything up this time around?

    ANXIETY ATTACK.

  223. # kiyapoon 28 Feb 2009 at 1:02 am

    I am just curious as to how this new selection process will affect second-time takers of the Written Exam. If, say, I unfortunately do not pass the written exam, do I need to go through the Preliminary Interview before I am allowed to retake the Written Exam or would I be allowed to bypass the interview since I have already taken the Written Exam before and this policy was not yet in place when I first applied?

    Would appreciate any answer. Thanks.

  224. # heroon 28 Feb 2009 at 5:48 am

    KIYAPO,

    if ur retaking the written exam, they said you’d go through the preliminary interview as well before taking the written. Its mentioned there in the website, read it again to make sure.

    hero

  225. # kiyapoon 28 Feb 2009 at 11:44 am

    HERO,

    thanks.

  226. # arvinon 28 Feb 2009 at 12:32 pm

    I took the written exam last December too, and I distinctly heard the head proctor say there will be “big changes” for the 2009 exam. I guess this new interview is what he was talking about.

  227. # potteron 01 Mar 2009 at 9:09 pm

    hello toe!

    I just graduated last year with a degree of AB International Studies major in Asian Studies and I’m planning to take the FSO exam this year… thanks for this site.

    Mas mahirap daw ang exam ngayon sabi ng dfa kasi five exams na. before ka makapasok sa written exam eh dadaan ka muna sa preliminary interview….

    Wish me luck!

  228. # Michon 09 Mar 2009 at 8:18 am

    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.

  229. # Michon 09 Mar 2009 at 8:35 am

    To all of you guys again,

    I forgot to ask, what about Political Science?

    Thanks again.

  230. # Childon 09 Mar 2009 at 8:41 am

    Neither would be ‘advantageous’ over the other, in my opinion. Nor is one ‘better’ than the other. It all matters on your interest in the field of study.

  231. # Siennaon 10 Mar 2009 at 3:01 pm

    I personally don’t think the undergraduate degree matters all that much with the FSO exam. I’ve seen people with degrees in Sciences and Arts pass. Toe herself is a Music major.

    Like Child said, it’s all about your personal interests. If you are interested in the country’s situation and regularly follow local and global current events, then you’ll have an advantage in the exam. Truth be told, my friend who is a physics major know more about the country’s political and economic affairs than I do, who studied social sciences in college. I’m quite sure he would have had an easier time on the exam than I did. On the other hand, I have a few relatives who took up European Studies and International Studies specifically to prepare for the FSO exam, but did not do that well.

  232. # mamang sorbeteroon 10 Mar 2009 at 11:56 pm

    …which all boils down to one sure-fire way of passing the exams: READ…READ…READ!

  233. # DFAon 12 Mar 2009 at 11:42 am

    THINK…THINK…THINK

  234. # Siennaon 12 Mar 2009 at 8:35 pm

    (The following article appeared in the Philippine Star last week where former foreign secretary Roberto R. Romulo writes a regular column.)

    Managing our Foreign Service

    by Roberto R. Romulo

    From 1989 to 1995, I was in government service as Ambassador and Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Having worked in a multinational corporation for 25 years in various management positions, I presumed that management techniques tried and proven effective in business organizations could be equally applicable in the government bureaucracy. I am writing on this topic, using my experience in the DFA, in the spirit of constructive criticism.

    Carrot and Stick

    I strongly believe in the principle of the “carrot and stick.” I let everyone know from the start that those who perform will be rewarded and those who do not won’t. Regrettably, I found out that my ability to do so was limited both ways.

    First off, for the “carrot and stick” principle to work, everyone should agree on a common standard for evaluating performance. Every year government employees undergo performance evaluation by their supervisors. This turned out to be perfunctory at best. The standards are so loosely defined – and quite subjective – such that they are susceptible to the biases of the rater.

    After my first year in office, I dutifully evaluated my staff in consultation with my deputy. He commented that my performance standards were too high. He pointed out that if I appraised people in the same way as in the private sector, my staff would suffer in comparison to others in comparable posts in the DFA. In other words, I would be punishing my staff by rating them strictly while staffs in other posts were being rated rather benignly! I was told the same thing when I became DFA Secretary, but I never agreed with this attitude.

    Once, when I was on a foreign trip and was scheduled for a bilateral meeting with ministry officials of the host country, the DFA senior official accompanying me failed to appear because he overslept – a major gaffe. I thought of disciplining him, but it turned out that the most that the rules would allow me was to remove him from his then current position. The administrative bureaucracy agreed to remove him from his position but suggested that I “exile” him abroad as a deputy to a European mission. In my naiveté, I thought that demoting him from Assistant Secretary in the Department to just a deputy in a foreign post would be considered appropriate punishment – as it would have been in the private sector. But in this case my decision became the joke of the Department. Rather than applying the “stick” I gave him a “carrot” — a coveted foreign assignment.

    Applying “the carrot” to motivate performance is equally ineffective in the DFA. This is mostly because “seniority” takes precedence over performance. Even if you perform in an outstanding manner, you cannot be promoted ahead of others who are more senior. And woe to you if you break this iron rule! On the other hand, if a career Foreign Service Officer (FSO) does not die prematurely or commit a major crime where he does prison time, as sure as the sun will rise, he will become an ambassador.

    Coincidence or Design

    A common complaint of politically appointed ambassadors is that they unwittingly find themselves saddled with Foreign Service Officers and staff who turn out to be deadwood and habitual offenders. I recall two incidents where career officers were either cited for dereliction of duty or insubordination – and not for the first time. In both instances, they should have been sent back to the home office. Instead, they were reassigned to other desirable European posts. When I queried the senior bureaucracy about the reassignments, they gave me two explanations. For the one charged with dereliction of duty, I was told: “Kawawa naman, he/she was just assigned to Europe”. As for the one charged with insubordination, I was told: “there are always two sides and perhaps you only heard the side of the head of post”.

    Was it just coincidence that they were originally assigned to posts headed by political ambassadors and were then “punished” for their transgressions by reassigning them to posts headed by other political ambassadors? Would they have been accepted for posting in places where the head of posts are insiders who know these people personally or by reputation?

    Old Boys’ Network

    It was only in retrospect that I realized what I was up against in applying the “carrot and stick” principle. The Foreign Service Act and others preceding it were meant to develop and protect a career Foreign Service in the belief that the best people who can do the job are those who have the aptitude for it and are trained on the job. As a result, the Foreign Service today is a separate, self-governing career service. Promotions and discipline in the Department are recommended by a board of peers whose composition changes over time and whose members are themselves subject to such peer review when they come up for promotion – or discipline.

    While theoretically under the direction of the DFA Secretary and his senior staff, the career Foreign Service has in fact become a creation unique in government, an organization which is self-promoting, self- rewarding, and self-disciplining – contrary to the principles of good corporate governance. Therein lies the problem. Instead of being an oversight body, it operates to protect the interests of the Foreign Service. They take care of each other. The “old boys’ network” of senior officers who “look out for their own” reigns. This leads to a situation where for example the most important factor for career success as an FSO is to be on good terms with the senior members of the network. By the same token, any failings among its members are overlooked or just punished with a slap on the wrist even for such grave malfeasance as sexual harassment, ill treatment of subordinates and financial misdeeds.

    Applying Corporate Governance Principles

    I strongly believe that the career service is and should always be the cornerstone of the Department of Foreign Affairs. As Secretary, I recommended Raul Rabe, a career ambassador, to Washington, despite a long tradition of its being occupied by politically appointed ambassadors. During my time, I also recommended Domingo Siazon Jr. to Tokyo, and later as my replacement as DFA secretary. He was the first career officer to become Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

    I can also cite the “best and the brightest” in DFA such as S.P. Lopez, Jose Ingles, Narciso Reyes, Luis Moreno-Salcedo, Blyke Suarez, Rodolfo Severino and many others who have retired. Clearly, the competence of our career Foreign Service is second to none, but this attitude of “defending their own” regardless of circumstances is regrettable and indefensible.

    The main problem with the career Foreign Service system is the lack of effective management or oversight. No matter how well-intentioned, no agency can adequately police itself, particularly when there is a built-in conflict of interest. The Foreign Service should still maintain its own hiring, promotions and compensation scheme different from other branches of government. But I believe that there should be independent directors, as in corporations, in the Board of Foreign Service and its chair should not be from within the ranks but someone from outside. This would at least assure reasonable and consistent supervision of activities such as personnel management, including promotions and discipline, officer-rank and file relations, inspections, and cost control, all of which need outside review. With oversight control, the Board could force some of the tough management decisions – like discipline – which the DFA has not been able to make because so many of its senior management officials have a vested interest in the system.

    I flag this issue now not to resurrect old grudges but to underline the need for reform. I believe that what is true in the foreign service is true as well in the entire government bureaucracy. In all bureaucracies everywhere – be it in Foggy Bottom or Quai d’Orsay or Whitehall – I am sure there is also an “old boys’ network.” The network’s actions inevitably end up protecting non-performers rather than recognizing and rewarding the deserving. This leads to a culture of self-preservation and a mediocre bureaucracy. I submit that our young foreign service officers deserve better than being sucked into this culture. Their idealism should be fed, not drained.

  235. # Congrats FSO Batch 16!on 13 Mar 2009 at 11:25 pm

    Batch 16, the appointment paper signed by PGMA has finally made its way to the DFA office. Expect a round of calls from the BFSE next week.

    Congrats to everyone. :)

  236. # pikachuon 14 Mar 2009 at 7:00 pm

    Batch 16

    Thanks for your information. I am a part of batch 16. I was told that it is no longer the BFSE but the personnel office which will make the calls. I’m anxiously waiting for that call.

  237. # emmmon 14 Mar 2009 at 8:13 pm

    Congrats batch 16!
    I’m hoping to be part of batch 17, I just wish the results for the written exam are announced soon!

  238. # Childon 14 Mar 2009 at 8:21 pm

    Congratulations Batch 16!

    Emmm: Me too, I hope I make it for the 17th Batch!

  239. # ayaw ko na!on 17 Mar 2009 at 7:51 pm

    Sana pagpalain rin kami sa upcoming prequals this May tulad ninyo. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

  240. # arvinon 19 Mar 2009 at 3:11 pm

    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.

  241. # subangon 19 Mar 2009 at 3:47 pm

    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.

  242. # David Michael M. San Juanon 19 Mar 2009 at 4:39 pm

    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. I’m waiting for a formal notification on the test results, but I might send a letter to the DFA signaling my intention to appeal the supposed results not later than next week.

  243. # zireon 19 Mar 2009 at 10:30 pm

    may i just comment on Mr. San Juan’s lamentations, especially regarding this passage:

    “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.” (emphasis mine)

    Mr. San Juan, with all due respect, i think it is unfair for you to insinuate that those who passed are not genuinely patriotic. that is, in its core, a form of argumentum ad hominem. the fact that we all took the exam knowing that we could earn better somewhere else already speaks of our love for the country. for me, diplomacy is a matter of speaking softly, conveying your advocacy and sticking to your principles while making sure that in the end there is an agreement to disagree if there be dissenters to your espoused ideology.

    maybe, just maybe, those who passed just gave better and more diplomatic answers while at the same time conveying that the interest of the country cannot be compromised. or maybe, just maybe, it isn’t your time yet.

    i wish you luck on your appeal.

  244. # swiperon 19 Mar 2009 at 10:52 pm

    I had a mother who taught me that there is no such thing as failure. It is just a postponement of success.

    These are not my own words but it fits my situation right now… as well as with those like me who are not part of the magic 32. That should be the spirit! (Right, Boots? Where are you, anyway? Go buy a new Barong for your oath-taking soon! At least, I can still set foot in Malacanang with you hehehe)

    A re-take is in order… as long as I can do it, I have the means to do it. I might be much better prepared when I do that this year. Oh well, the attitude should just be — if it’s for me, it is for me. Otherwise, take it with a grain of salt and move on. Life goes on — as it should.

    Good luck to your orals and to everyone else.

  245. # observeron 20 Mar 2009 at 4:01 am

    Mr. San Juan, read your post again. No wonder you failed. Improve your writing skills. It’s not good enough for you to be an FSO.

  246. # nowheremanon 20 Mar 2009 at 10:26 am

    Congratulations to those who passed the 2008 Written Test. Kita-kita tayo sa May.

  247. # xyzon 20 Mar 2009 at 10:33 am

    Will the DFA inform the non-passers how they did in the exam?

    I think they should so that non-passers like myself would know how we can do better the next time we take the exam (if we decide to, that is.)

  248. # xyzon 20 Mar 2009 at 10:35 am

    Will the DFA inform the non-passers how they did in the exam?

    I think they should so that non-passers like myself would know how we can do better the next time we take the exam (if we decide to do so, that is.)

  249. # Childon 20 Mar 2009 at 10:40 am

    I recall them saying that they would send the non-passers their results.

    Good job to those who took the exam!

    And good speed to those who passed!

    And see you next time to those who did not! (Like myself!)

    And I still don’t get why people would be so bitter on failing, it’s not like you’re horrible or anything.

    There are no such things as wrong answers on essays, just better answers!

  250. # xyzon 20 Mar 2009 at 10:45 am

    @Child: Thanks!

    I know what you mean. Some people just need to realize that, maybe, it’s just not their time yet.

    See you in July (I think).

  251. # sigenangaon 20 Mar 2009 at 2:34 pm

    Congratulations to prospective members of Batch17!! Goodluck sa Orals. I hope to see you all in the Department.

    http://dfa.gov.ph/?p=3832

    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 *****

  252. # sigenangaon 20 Mar 2009 at 2:39 pm

    Ooops, may nauna na pala…

    My sincerest congratulations again!

    Appeal?! hahaha

    sigenanga
    Batch15

  253. # sword tongueon 20 Mar 2009 at 8:59 pm

    Mr. San Juan,

    I don’t think they would deliberately fail you.

    1. Maybe your hand writing was awful and they didn’t take time to read your essays?
    2. And maybe poor answering of your foreign language elective didn’t help pull up your score?
    3. Maybe your history part didn’t have much substance?
    4. Possibly you got sloppy in the English part?
    5. Maybe you just accidentally wrote the wrong examinee number on your test paper?

    There could be a hundred reasons.

    Don’t sweat it. A lot of smart people don’t pass the exam. Also I believe it isn’t an “old boys’ club” that checks your papers but a couple of college professors.

    Try again next time!

  254. # Proud.on 20 Mar 2009 at 9:07 pm

    For those who failed, do you feel shame?

    - A passer.

  255. # xyzon 20 Mar 2009 at 9:16 pm

    @PROUD:

    Not gloating much, ei?

    Nope, I don’t feel any shame for not passing (can’t say the same for others, though). Who says you have to pass the exam on your first take anyway?

    I just want to echo what others who commented on this blog have already said: failing the test doesn’t necessarily make you any less smarter than those who passed. Take heart! There’s always next year.

  256. # Nowheremanon 21 Mar 2009 at 12:16 am

    @ Proud

    Would you have felt ashamed if you’d failed the Written Test?

  257. # swiperon 21 Mar 2009 at 8:13 am

    @Proud

    Naman. I was having second thoughts of glorifying your question with an answer. But, I thought you ought to be told what you were not told in kindergarten — that shame is only for those who hurt other people deliberately, those who are a burden to others.

    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.

    Your Q… what a waste of space. Passer ka pa naman. Grow up. I sure hope we won;t see immature comments here anymore. Kakahiya kay Toe. Di na tuloy sya nag-rereply. Hehehe. Di ba, Boots?

  258. # sjon 21 Mar 2009 at 9:19 am

    Than you for posting the results. I made it. Salamat sa Diyos!

    Ms. Toe, thank you for blogging about the FSE. I still can’t believe I made it. Are there also tips about the Oral Examination?

    Salamat po! :-)

  259. # sjon 21 Mar 2009 at 9:20 am

    Than you for posting the results. I made it. Salamat sa Diyos!

    Ms. Toe, thank you for blogging about the FSE. I still can’t believe I made it. Are there also tips for the oral examination?

    Salamat po! :-)

  260. # heroon 21 Mar 2009 at 1:48 pm

    Proud,

    Cocky much? You must have some MAJOR insecurity issues. Yeah, passing does make you proud. But not at the expense of other people. You havent passed the whole thing yet. I bet my ass you have a big chance of FAILING the PSYCH test. Based on this.

    I have yet to take the prequals this may. While passing is my ultimate goal, failing does not constitute Im less of a person. We have three shots.

    Your immaturity says that its better to be a genuinely good person than to pass that freakin exam. SO taking your passing grade and shove it up your…

    No, im usually not diplomatic to people like you. So maybe I’ll fail. But so what.

  261. # heroon 21 Mar 2009 at 1:51 pm

    Oh, and congratulations to all passers!! Cheers! except you Proud.

  262. # Beanon 21 Mar 2009 at 5:04 pm

    Congrats to the passers of the 2008 written exams. I hope to see some of you next year.

    For those who didn’t make it, no sweat; just try again next year. Several of my colleagues in Batch 16 didn’t get it the first (or second) try either. Perseverance and determination are remarkable qualities in a public servant. I couldn’t help but

    @ Proud – Dropping such remarks the diplomatic circle will earn more ire than cooperation, and the former is something we cannot afford to invoke in the DFA.

  263. # Beanon 21 Mar 2009 at 5:08 pm

    Oops, seems like I accidentally deleted a portion of my previous comment… Never mind, then. Just don’t give up, guys. You’ll get there if you’re meant for it.

  264. # bootson 21 Mar 2009 at 11:15 pm

    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. =)

  265. # Anonymoson 22 Mar 2009 at 10:07 am

    @ PROUD:

    For those who didn’t pass, don’t sweat it. See it as a chance to learn skills and gain valuable experience outside of the DFA that will help you become a better diplomat one day. Who knows? Maybe because of that extra year of waiting, you’ll get to do something impressive that will help you create a positive “reputation” when you do join the DFA. After all, during your first few years, you’ll have to draw on your past to get ahead. You’ll get asked what you used to do and you’ll be “requested” to do jobs because of who you were. You’ll carry your old CV around with you (in a manner of speaking). And then after that, you’ll be judged almost solely on how well you’ve done your so far.

    Passing the exam is only the first step. You’ll be an FSO IV, a glorified assistant. Going up the ranks is another matter altogether – and THAT requires people skills and leadership/management skills that cannot be objectively tested in an exam.

    When you’re already an FSO, only the vain and immature will care that they’re #1 or #32 in the overall ranking or whether they passed it on their first try or their 10th.

    Just because you knew the answers to a few questions that was relevant that particular year, that doesn’t mean you’re smarter than the next guy or that you know more. Just because 10 people liked you (or your answers) enough to let you pass in the oral exam, that doesn’t mean you’re more charming or more eloquent than the next guy. It’s one particular year, one particular set of judges when you were at one particular age/time in your life.

    Remember, your batch will likely have a 21 year old and a 36 year old. That 21 year old might seem clueless when you all first start out, but imagine how much that 21 year old can learn in 15 years. By the time he’s 36, he might already be a career minister giving a lecture to the new cadets! Or his lack of experience (or other influences/perspectives/fresh ideas) could lead to failure and he’ll have the kind of reputation that will haunt him for the rest of his career!

    On the other hand, that 36 year old might already be high ranking in his previous job and because of that background/experience, he’ll have what it takes to get promoted a lot faster!

    Let’s pretend that 21 year old got a higher score than the 36 year old. He’s not necessarily smarter. It just might be that the 36 year old is no longer used to writing after years of having a job that doesn’t require that kind of academic writing! But give him a few more years and he’ll get it all back. And he’s already a great manager so he’ll do a lot better than someone who doesn’t know how to manage people.

    Being enrolled in a relevant master’s degree program is probably the best way to review for this exam. You’ll get into that academic mode – which is good because it’s usually UP/Ateneo/La Salle college professors who check the exams!

    But don’t stop working. After the exam, you’ll be managers half the time!

    Some FSOs stop studying once they passed, and honestly, some will probably not pass the foreign service exam if they have to take it again. Nevermind if they were #1 when they first took it. So let’s have some perspective here. 10 years from now, if your batch were to take that exam again, I guarantee you, no one will have the same ranking. And some might fail, even the one who came up #1 on his first try (who might also be the last to be promoted in the batch). Unless that #1 really is absolutely brilliant or continued to be interested in history, foreign languages etc. etc. And the one who had to take it several times? He might just be an Undersecretary one day – and he’ll be your boss even if you passed the exam sooner!

    No exam could test who will be a good diplomat or not. This FSO exam only aims to establish that you have the minimum level of knowledge and communication skills needed to perform the job of an FSO IV. Let’s see how you’ll fare as an FSO III, II, I or if you’ll ever be invited to take the Career Minister exam so you can go be CM1 and CM2. Many never make it that far. Even those who passed on their first try or came up #1. So please don’t gloat. Your journey has just begun.

  266. # Anonymouson 22 Mar 2009 at 10:34 am

    @Mich

    If you’re a lawyer, you’ll have an easier time getting ahead (the department needs and respects lawyers). As for passing the exam first, read a lot. If you’ve been out of school for a long time and you only want to pass the exam, see post above.

  267. # Anonymouson 22 Mar 2009 at 11:25 am

    @ David Michael M. San Juan

    Read your post again. And then think about this: Diplomacy is the art of saying “nice doggie” until you can find a stick. Do you still think the examiners should have passed you? If you were applying for a job in Microsoft, do you think criticizing Bill Gates will give you the job simply because you think you love Vista more than everyone else and that you think you are better at it so you deserve take a spot in the 32 positions available that year – without knowing who the other 32 people are? If you still don’t know the answer to that question, ask anyone, even an intern, in an HR department to enlighten you.

    I hate to break this to you but the examiners are usually academicians (historians etc.)/experts (and not current DFA employees). During cadetship, some of these examiners would give lectures that are quite critical of the goverment.

    In fact, practically EVERYONE in the DFA is cirtical of our political system (and yes, even the government and the very organization we’re part of). But a diplomat’s job is to advance the national interest, as is ultimately defined by the democratically elected President. Nevermind your opinion about that President.

    Just to not make it personal, let’s take US diplomats during George Bush’s presidency as an example. Do you think many of them agreed with the invasion of Iraq? And yet they have to defend that policy again and again to minimize as much as possible the damage to their country’s reputation (even if they themselves hated the policy). And now they have Barack Obama and now there’s less need for damage control.

    As a diplomat, you are in a good position to make a difference. You can advice, you can strongly oopose, you can try to find ways to advance your own agenda for yourself or for the country (I don’t know what yours is) but once a final decision has been made, you do as the President tells you, so long as it’s not unethical. If you don’t like that, quit. Become an activist.

    For decades, hundreds of diplomats (and in your case, activists?) have had the best interest of the country at heart. They’ve had the best training, the best minds. They did what they could, within the limits of the position given to them. If you want a drastic change, run for office. Or lead a revolution- bloody or not. You can only do so much as a diplomat as you serve the OFFICE of the President (NOT THE PRESIDENT HIMSELF in the personal sense. You know what they say, The King is Dead. Long Live the King – meaning individual kings come and go but the monarchy lives!).

    Do you want a technocracy (a form of government in which scientists and technical experts are in control) or a democracy? It would be nice if technocrats can play a bigger role in our government like in other countries so there will be more consistency in policy and we can better avoid a meltdown whenever there are idiots in office – and let’s face it, our people has a penchant for electing idiots (in fairness, the choices are very limited) but I’ll leave it to you to figure out how that kind of sweeping reform can be done. Along with how to not offend the very organization you’d like to join.

    Still, I like people with fire in their bellies. So do yourself a favor and reconsider that appeal. Think of it as passing the bar exam, your argument for passing (i’m in the top 10 in law school! i love law! law is my life!) simply won’t fly.

  268. # Anonymouson 22 Mar 2009 at 11:36 am

    @ Sienna

    The scary thing is, who will sit on the Board? The congressman who will block your promotion because you had to attend to an OFW in distress rather than pick up his laundry during his visit?

    If a Congressman asked you to say he’s delivered a speech when he didn’t (he just wanted to travel at the expense of the government), do you say no? And ruin your career? Is it worth it?

    If that Congressman promised to let you go off easy (or to promote you), does he now control you?

    Who will sit on this Board?

  269. # EEPon 22 Mar 2009 at 11:41 am

    Congressmen on a power trip that’s who!

  270. # Davidon 22 Mar 2009 at 10:00 pm

    To ZIRE: Better and patriotic answers? That’s too politically naïve. In a highly politicized world such as ours, there are only politically correct answers. I have written that post ab irato, so the implied denunciation of passers is unintentional. They are of course patriots but perhaps not that patriotic as everyone else in “government.” Yes, everyone is a patriot. Bolante, Neri, Macapagal-Arroyo, Eliseo dela Paz, Versoza, Raul Gonzales, Norberto Gonzalez and Winston Garci. Yes, patriots indeed. Patriots who give orchid fertilizer to rice farmers. Patriots who build a non-existing 400-million dollar railroad. Patriots who gave fertilizer funds to urban areas. Patriots indeed! Patriots who refuse to renegotiate our debts. Patriots who lick the ass of America. Patriots who saved Daniel Smith and damned Nicole. Patriots who deny extrajudicial killings but cry crocodile tears for Rebelyn Pitao. Patriots indeed. Patriots who condemn Zimbabwe, North Korea and Sudan but refuse to comment on Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib. Patriots who don’t know or at least scoff at the principles of Alejandro Lichauco, Pedro Salgado, Renato Constantino, Lorenzo Tañada, Apolinario Mabini, Rolando Olalia, Jose Diokno, Teofisto Guingona, Nemesio Prudente, Francisco Nemenzo, Lean Alejandro, Edgar Jhopson, Elias, Ibarra, Don Filipo, Simoun, Padre Florentino, Pilosopong Tasio, Mando Plaridel, Tata Matyas, Dr. Sabino… Patriots indeed who still don’t know or refuse to know what a colonized and lobotomized mentality is. Patriots WHO DOESN’T EVEN KNOW THAT GENOVEVA EDROZA-MATUTE DIED TODAY. Patriots who don’t even know who she is. Patriots everywhere. Patriots who sold Mt. Diwalwal to the Chinese while pretending to be concerned about the increase of Chinese patrol boats in South China Sea. Patriots who believe only foreign investors can save the Philippines (refusing to recall that such has been our policy for the past 100 years of our collective poverty). Patriots who believe that 100% foreign ownership of land and business in the Philippines is good for Filipinos. Patriots indeed! Patriots who care more for the IMF-World Bank. Patriots who don’t care about hungry children in Samar, in ARMM, in Rizal and elsewhere. Patriots who believe in human rights yet insist (just like McCarthyists) that socialists and communists have no place in a “democracy.” Patriots indeed! Patriots! Patriots! Patriots! Long live patriotism!
    To SWORD Tongue: 1. Maybe your hand writing was awful and they didn’t take time to read your essays? (PERHAPS. But that’s a non-issue. I have won many essay contests before with a “Greek handwriting”) 2. And maybe poor answering of your foreign language elective didn’t help pull up your score? (Perhaps. But that’s only 5%. And I still doubt that I failed it. I was satisfied with the questions in Spanish.) 3. Maybe your history part didn’t have much substance? (HOW DARE YOU! THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. You can test me on this anytime. We can chat.)
    4. Possibly you got sloppy in the English part? (I don’t think so.)
    5. Maybe you just accidentally wrote the wrong examinee number on your test paper? (Perhaps. That’s why I’ll try to appeal). Thanks for the suggestions.
    TO PROUD: SHAME? SHAME ON YOU! SHAME ON YOU, SOME PATRIOTS FLUNKED! SHAME ON YOU, NATIONALISTS WERE BOOTED OUT! SHAME ON YOU, DISSENTERS WERE REJECTED BY A “DEMOCRATIC” INSTITUTION! SHAME ON YOU, YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHO ALEJANDRO LICHAUCO AND PEDRO SALGADO ARE! SHAME ON YOU, A WOULD-BE STOOGE, A FUTURE BABBLER OF AMERICAN LIES! SHAME ON YOU, A FUTURE DEFENDER OF A TREATY OF PERMANENT SLAVERY! SHAME ON YOU, A PASSER! DON’T BE TOO PROUD BECAUSE PASSING MEANS YOU’LL BE OUR FUTURE EMPLOYEE (FOR WE’RE TAXPAYERS). SHAME ON YOU! SHAME ON YOU, JUST YOU, PROUD STOOGE! (BUT GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATULATIONS TO OTHER PASSERS!)
    TO ANONYMOUS: Comparing DFA with Microsoft is the height of naiveté. DFA is supposedly democratic, that means even dissenters should be accepted there. Microsoft is a private company where the owner’s whims are supreme. In the DFA, the country’s welfare should be supreme, thus dissenters who can serve the people deserve to be in. You’re the one who’s offending DFA. I’m defending DFA as a democratic institution. It’s different from Microsoft. Serving the nation DOESN’T MEAN SERVING THE PRESIDENT. THAT’S IDIOTIC!
    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.

  271. # Anonymouson 23 Mar 2009 at 12:50 am

    @ David Michael M. San Juan

    Subtleties are not your thing I guess but let me try again: you serve the OFFICE of the President as the DFA is part of the Executive Branch of goverment. That means… oh why bother, you won’t get it anyway. I suggest you take up PolSci 101, maybe a semester of studying can help you. Try reading up on the Constitution if you can handle it.

    And I was referring to the people element of job applications (which is applicable to both the private and public sectors) when I made a reference to a random company. I could explain the point further, but I have the impressioni that I am wasting my time trying to make you understand. There are smart people who didn’t pass the exam on their first try but I’m beginning to suspect you’re not one of them.

    “I got to show them that not all Filipinos are passive automatons relishing the subtleties of tyranny.” — “them?” Who do you think will take a look at your appeal? Based on your posts, you probably deserve to fail. I pity the the poor staff who will have to waste her time entertaining your rants instead of working on something else.

    And again, I hate to point this out but Renato Constantino, you “ideological father” actually GOT IN the Foreign Service without needing to appeal and he made a career out of it for decades. You will never have the chance to do that I guess. And it’s not because you are a nationalist, it’s because you’re not as smart as you think you are. :)

    How about an experiment? Take the exam again next year but this time, write down answers that you think the old professors from UP and Ateneo would like to hear. I suspect that you’ll be ranting about the tyranny of those who demand perfect handwriting next time as an excuse as to why you didn’t pass. :)

    Every batch has an activist (of the good sort) and unfortunately, there’s almost almost always an extreme nationalist (to the point of chauvinism) – guaranteed. But THEY still got in. I wonder what the difference is between you and them? Might it be… (I’ll leave it this space blank for the rest of the forum participants to fill in – I think we’ve all reached the same conclusion here) :)

  272. # anonymous dinon 23 Mar 2009 at 9:01 am

    natatawa/natutuwa ako sa mga debate n’yo. Makasali na nga. Nabuhay ang blog dahil sa inyo.
    @david
    Better luck next time. Wag mong dibdibin. Baka di talaga para sa ‘yo ang career sa DFA. Mas papakinabangan ka ng ‘Pinas labas sa DFA. Mababansot ka lang sa DFA.
    @anonymous
    Read this (On Renato Constantino):
    “His writings invariably reflected his nationalist, democratic, anti-colonial and anti-imperialist perspective whether he was writing historical articles or articles on the economy, Philippine society and culture. Because of what were then regarded as his radical views and his criticisms of those in power, he was persecuted many times in his life. He lost his position in the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1951 and thereafter he was prevented from getting a job because intelligence agents discouraged employers from hiring him on the ground that he was a security risk.” (excerpts fr: http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Renato_Constantino )
    Kaya lang siguro nakapasa sa test noon si RC, di pa ga’nong mahigpit sa political orthodoxy ng mga sagot ‘yung mga nag-checheck ng papel. Saka, later, ayun, nung mabuko ang pagkamakabayan, ang radicalism niya, nung todo na ang criticism n’ya sa foreign policies ng Phil.govt. na talaga namang tilted in favof of USA, ayun, tigbak di ba, kahit magaling? Siguro mas malala lang ngayon. Sa test pa lang di na pinapalusot. Anyway di talaga naiiwasan ang pulitika. Kahit sa’n meron nun. Kaya minsan sa gobyerno, hindi porke IN ay MAGALING na. O di porke OUT ay DI MAGALING. Actually, maraming bobo sa service. Sige hanggang dito na lang. Baka matsismis ko pa ang mga nangyayari sa dept. namin.

  273. # Anonymouson 23 Mar 2009 at 3:05 pm

    @ anonymous din

    I was wondering if I should have mentioned that part about Renato being kicked out of the department but I decided that dwelling on that would have made the post too long. Suffice it to say that the man, whom you call a true patriot, stayed in the department. So during the years that he was there, did he quit because he felt that it was a hopeless system? No. He was asked to leave. Every administration is different.

    “Makabayan” does not equal radical. If you are a radical, do start a revolution or become an activist. Or run for office. But joining the bureaucracy? Are you kidding me?

    Who should be the chief architect of Philippine foreign policy according to our constitution?

    @ Mr. Juan

    You’re fond of using the word “naive.” But you seem to have no understanding of how foreign policy come into being.

    You say you want to “serve the people” that’s why you want to join the DFA. How do you intend to do that? Do you plan to grab the pen from Arroyo and sign your own name on a treaty? Who gave you the right to be the ONE to FORMULATE Philippine policy? Were you elected by the public to negotiate on their behalf? You want democracy? Where’s your mandate boy?

  274. # zireon 23 Mar 2009 at 3:43 pm

    Mr. San Juan,

    according to my previous post,

    “maybe, just maybe, those who passed just gave better and MORE DIPLOMATIC ANSWERS while at the same time conveying that the interest of the country cannot be compromised. or maybe, just maybe, it isn’t your time yet.” (emphasis mine)

    according to you,

    “David on 22 Mar 2009 at 10:00 pm

    To ZIRE: BETTER AND PATRIOTIC ANSWERS? That’s too politically naïve. In a highly politicized world such as ours, there are only politically correct answers. I have written that post ab irato, so the implied denunciation of passers is unintentional. xxx” (emphasis mine)

    Thank you for the admission that what you said about the passers was unintentional and was just a product of your rage. but that was, as can be apparent, before you started actually and directly maligning those who passed the examinations in your follow-up posts.

    Of course, as you can see above, i didn’t say patriotic answers. diplomacy is not synonymous with patriotism. but as was said by someone above, you and subtlety do not mix.

    you don’t know me enough to know if i am indeed as politically naive as you would like to believe. i don’t know you either and i have no right to make judgments on your person, no matter how much you try to goad people into defending themselves for implied allegations of being less a Filipino than you.

    so again, i wish you luck on your appeal.

  275. # oceloton 23 Mar 2009 at 3:52 pm

    To Toe:

    Thanks for sharing with us the experiences that you gained while taking the exam (even though I only found out about your blog now). This expression of gratitude is on behalf of all of those who want to become foreign service officers and have a zeal for public service, no matter how many problems we have in the country and no matter how stark the realities of day-to-day governance are. I appreciate the fact that you’re still in the service, a few years after you passed the exams and learned about the positive and negative qualities of the department and day-to-day governance in the executive department.

    I started my FSO Exam odyssey on May 2007. I took it because I wanted to have another option aside from the legal profession. By the end of my first year, I was starting to question whether being a lawyer is the right career for me because that burning passion that I had in college was not present. I didn’t expect anything from the exams because I know how difficult it is based on stories from my batchmates and friends who know/are related to people working in the DFA.

    Fortunately, I passed all the phases on my first try. Good thing that I was in law school at the time when I took the written part (December 2007). Even though this wasn’t my first career choice (despite having attended a seminar on the Philippine Foreign Service during my senior year), it evoked that passion for service that I developed when I was in college, being a political science major and an active member (then later, officer) of my home department’s student organization in my junior and senior years.

    In preparation for the entire thing, I took the review course in Ateneo (which cost P8,000). It was worth it because it gave me a refresher course on the vital subjects that are relevant to foreign policy and the actual exams (the written and oral parts), plus a practice session for the qualifying test. Still, I did not stop reading up on current issues on the newspapers, Newsweek and The Economist because I knew that any key concept or issue that I pick up might be asked during the written and orals. But my background in political science still came in handy.

    Anyway, I hope you will continue to serve the country and make a difference inside the department through your work, insignificant it may seem to others. This is my way of giving back. I will try my best to prove to everyone who is skeptical or pessimistic about being in government service that this is still a worthwhile endeavor.

    To everyone:

    For those who have that zeal for service, coupled with the realization that you will have to dig in the trenches and fight many battles along the way, and the desire to show that passion through the foreign service, then prepare for it diligently and take the plunge. But just a reminder. If you’re working right now or if you’re working and you have a family to support, be more careful in making that career-changing decision because you will get the additional benefits only when you get posted and if that post is an “ipon” post (e.g low cost of living) .If you truly believe that taking on this endeavor has value, go for it. I wish you the best of luck. Godspeed!

    To my batchmates in the orals last October 2008 who passed, congratulations! May all of us have the resolve and inner strength to serve our country. For those who passed the written exams last November, congratulations too! Value every moment because whether you pass or fail, the experience from these exams will still be valuable in the future, one way or another. Good luck in the orals (tentatively scheduled for May)!

  276. # pikachuon 23 Mar 2009 at 4:32 pm

    @ Anonymous:

    You have very strong and very well-written arguments. I agree with what you’re pointing out, but it seems that Mr. San Juan’s mind is already closed to the opinions of others, or else, he is just too radical to accept that we cannot dictate upon everyone to see things our way or to accept our personal view point or arguments on things.

    @Mr. San Juan:

    The DFA system (or any system for that matter) is not perfect. You have to accept the fact that systems and organizations are run by people, people who have differing views and opinions which may change over time. Perhaps, your perspectives/principles and opinions on the relevant matters are not the cup of tea of the DFA’s current leadership (including whoever checked the exams). Maybe it’s just not your time yet.

    As to appealing, it is ultimately your decision, but Anonymous has a point. You may just be wasting your time and also the time of the personnel who will be tasked to reply to your appeal. If I were you, I would just try my luck again in the next written exam. Maybe you will get lucky. Don’t get me wrong. I am not mocking your skills by saying that you will pass the test because of luck. Rather, passing an exam is the result of several factors, not just your knowledge and skills. Maybe the examiners who checked the exam were just very strict or were looking for something in particular that you didn’t have in your answers. You really won’t know why you did not pass the test, but rather than blaming the examiners and exchanging sharp words in this blog, I suggest you humble yourself through this experience and accept that your standards are not yet up to par with the standards required of FSOs. If you truly respect yourself, don’t waste your time and energy on things that will most likely not bear fruit. Try the exam again in July (or whenever it will be scheduled this year) and maybe you will make it and even top the exam, despite what Anonymous said.

    I warn you, though, that you may have made a few enemies in the DFA through your comments in this blog, including SIGENANGA, who hinted that he may be sitting in that panel of interviewers this July. It does not help that you publicized your identity. I suggest you lie low and keep your harsh comments to yourself for now. Like I said before, your redical stance may be construed (rightly or wrongly) as an attitude problem, and we don’t like that in the DFA. Whatever you decide to do, may your endeavors be fruitful and meaningful.

  277. # sword tongueon 23 Mar 2009 at 5:15 pm

    Here are five more possible reasons why Mr. San Juan failed the test:

    6. the proctors left his paper behind
    7. The checker was in a foul mood that day and after seeing his Greek-handwriting didn’t care to read past the first few sentences
    8. Someone didn’t add up his test scores properly, instead of 78 he got 68.
    9. he didn’t do well on the Tagalog portion
    10. There were some questions he forgot to answer

  278. # sword tongueon 23 Mar 2009 at 5:18 pm

    I think Proud is trying to intentionally stir up foment and ire!

    …or perhaps it was a philosophical or a rhetorical question in the line of post-modernism.

  279. # sword tongueon 23 Mar 2009 at 5:21 pm

    Give Mr. San Juan less coffee.

    He should know that the way to change people is not to fight or criticize them, but to “win friends and influence people” as Dale Carnegie says.

  280. # No egalitarianon 23 Mar 2009 at 5:34 pm

    Who is more suited to life as a diplomat, man or a woman? Is it better if the woman is good-looking?

  281. # heroon 23 Mar 2009 at 7:31 pm

    Egalitarian.

    Interesting question. How bout gay men or gay women? :)

  282. # green_linuxon 23 Mar 2009 at 8:49 pm

    SWORD TONGUE, yes, PROUD is deliberately fomenting chaos here.Anyway, we’re in a democratic country. Let him do his stuff.
    HERO, sex is a non-issue. It’s about skills.
    ANONYMOUS, there are many activists in the bureaucracy. They’re more productive than typical bureaucrats, mind you. Also, read the Constitution again (re: foreign policy and the executive branch).

  283. # Anonymouson 24 Mar 2009 at 7:35 am

    @green_linux and @Mr. Juan

    I never said our diplomats are not productive. To imply that diplomats (of any democratic country) are helpless was unintentional. My guess is that the majority are competent and well-intentioned, waking up everyday to do what is possible.

    And of course, a lot are activisits – the higher you are, the bigger your voice become! So let me qualify what I said to Mr. Juan, go and become a MILITANT activist if he insists on mouthing off like that.

    I was simply rhetorically asking Mr. Juan on how he plans to single-handedly change Philippine Foreign Policy.

    The Foreign Service shapes foreign policy, no doubt about it (and young foreign service officers, more than almost any other young government employee, are in a position to shape national policy).

    But, I ask, Mr. Green Linux, can our Foreign Service take “credit” for the Daniel Smith fiasco? I think we all know what happened there… the buck stops with the President, as the chief architect of Foreign Policy. The whole of the Foreign Service cannot overturn the democratically elected President’s decision once it is final (but before that, a lot can be done and should be done!).

    Before the buck reaches the President, the Foreign Servcie should be the one doing the daily grind of foreign policy. For the most part, the President leaves that to the Foreign Service anyway – except for the most politically explosive issues. And those are the issues Mr. Juan knows about. All the other quiet victories of the Foreign Service may not have been known to him. And mind you, the other government agencies (including Malacanang staff) meddle with Foreign Policy when they’re not supposed to! Makes the job of a Foreign Service Officer all the harder.

    But as I said (to avoid going personal), if George Bush decides to invade Iraq, despite the advice of their Foreign Service, there are two options left to you: Quit the service (and try to bring down that President) or do what you can do to minimize the damage and work on changing that policy (and pray that the next election will bring better political masters – but alas, that depends on the choices of the people based on the options given to them!)

    All I’m saying is, we all believe that we should serve the national interest. And that we believe in democracy and that “Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.” But Mr Juan, just for one second, sit down and think. How do we get things done in a huge bureaucracy? Systems will be put in place, authority vested in some and not in others. If every Foreign Service officer can meddle in every single controversial issue, the bureaucracy will collapse. No one will be left to run personnel, to do the daily memos on this and that, no one whose job is simply to help OFWs in distress (or try to get Filipino criminals out of jails abroad so they can go home as heroes and commit crimes in the Philippines instead) and yes, even interview FSO applicants! If every Juan and Juana is to be consulted in everything, if 100,000 rallyist is to mean that what they shout about will become law (nevermind everyone else who decided to go to work and whose opinoin might have been different), if we change positions because newspapermen are against what we’ve worked so hard for (despite the fact that the media don’t know all the details of some types of negotiations – and they cannot know because if they know, then the Japanese we’re negotiation with will also know and we’ll be in no position to bargain!), then what is government for, what are elections for? If an FSO IV is as powerful as a Career Minster or a President in formulating policy, why would anyone need to get promoted or run for office?

    But having said that, as an FSO IV, there are a LOT of things you can do that DOES make a difference. And to say all government employees are corrupt, lazy automatons is an insult to those who gave up six figure salaries, or lucrative jobs abroad and who work at least 12 hours everyday to try to make a difference. What have you done lately Mr. Juan, apart from terrorize a clerk in the DFA with your so-called appeal?

    But ok, there are lazy, corrupt ones…. because it’s nearly impossible to fire a government employee. Those who are doing well in government HATE that as well. It just means that the other guy will have to work doubly hard to take up the slack! No wonder so many gets burned out.

    @anonymous din – you sound like a bitter government employee. If you hate your job, quit and try to find your own spot under the sun where you can better contribute. Let someone else who wants to make a difference take up that spot. The “people” Mr. Juan likes to speak on behalf of, DESERVE better.

    So yes, go and read up on the laws as there are lot you cannot change in the system – even salaries – without the relevant laws being passed (otherwise whatever you’re doing would be illegal).

    Apart from the Consitution, here’s another relevant law – Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991: http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno7157.htm

    This is my last post, I’m no longer sick and I can now go to work!

  284. # Anonymouson 24 Mar 2009 at 7:43 am

    Oh one last coz I cannot help it….

    It’s a beautiful job. You’ll die knowing the world is a little better because of you. Everyday, you get to do something good or you get to literally help someone.

    (apart from getting to travel the world, meeting all kinds of people, from domestic helpers to world leaders and generally having an exciting life half the time – as the the other half is taken up by bureaucratic red tape or picking up congressmen on a power trip at airports and doing less exciting tasks found in every job).

    Good luck to you all!

  285. # observeron 24 Mar 2009 at 6:28 pm

    anybody seen a walking bitter melon and a screaming sourcream?

  286. # Beanon 26 Mar 2009 at 11:12 am

    Batch 16, if you haven’t joined our mailing group yet, now is the time. :)

    Oath-taking and cadetship schedules have been posted. See you all next week.

  287. # detteon 27 Mar 2009 at 7:08 pm

    Liam, Thanks!!!

    Irwin, Hi! I have submitted my applications an hour earlier than yours.

    Guys,

    So Prequals is most likely a Toefl and a gmat type of exam?

  288. # Anonymous dinon 28 Mar 2009 at 2:00 pm

    To Anonynomous,
    I perfectly love my job. I’m not a bitter gov’t employee. I’m a perfectly industrious and effective govt employee. We’re in the same dept! Perhaps I should visit your cubicle come Monday.

  289. # Anonymous dinon 28 Mar 2009 at 2:01 pm

    Oops. sorry for the typo.

  290. # Pretty Cogon 28 Mar 2009 at 4:56 pm

    “DFA is supposedly democratic, that means even dissenters should be accepted there. ” – I find this statement hilarious.

    A few quick layman definitions of democracy:

    * the political orientation of those who favor government by the people or by their elected representatives
    * a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them
    * majority rule: the doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions binding on the whole group

    Wow, that guy feels like he’s going against a monolithic entity. In reality, like all essay exams, you pass because the guy checking your paper likes what he reads. He doesn’t need to agree with it, he just needs to find it academic and factual enough to merit a pass.

    I didn’t know having a democratic political system means a goverment agency should let everyone who wants in, gets in just to have the whole political spectrum represented. And then what? They all hold hands and sing kumbaya?

    Let’s see, if you’re hiring for a goverment project with the aim of tackling climate change, would you hire the most brilliant scientist who just happends to deny the very idea of climate change just to be “democratic”? In the DFA, being in charge of diplomacy, they’re also probably looking for a certain type. Which is, I don’t know, maybe, just maybe, they need the kind of people who are, ah… diplomatic? :)

    If that guy’s answers were better reasoned, less hysterical, less offensive, maybe he would have passed. But what’s the use? He’ll most likely fail the psychological exam anyway. After all, because HE failed an exam, that suddenly makes everyone who passed the exams automatically less patriotic than he is and of course, the whole of DFA must be unjust for not letting him in. I think it’s safe to assume the guy has serious issues.

    According to that guy, everyone else who has a different background, a different opinion, a different understanding of the world, and heaven forbid, those who dare disagree with his politics and his political remedies – they are all American stooges, unpatriotic idiots – all of them! He and his idols are our saviors, the messiahs they are, we are all weak and stupid in comparison. We don’t understand anything because we were all brainwashed but he managed to somehow shield himself from American propaganda by the sheer power of his intellect. We are wrong, he is right. Yes, the DFA needs that kind of guy.

    Why did he fail the exam? Why would any HR personnel reject his application? How unpatiotic of them! How dare they? He is after all, democracy himself! The Republic in all its shining Filipino glory. He is the epitome of diplomacy. Milliions of Filipinos who came before him, they all failed in their attempts to change the system – as goverment employess, as private citizens. Our last hope is with him. He will appeal the result of the exam and he will become a diplomat. The moment the HR personnel gives him a DFA I.D., that will be the end, THE END, i tell you, of all UNJUST treaties. IMMEDIATE amelioration will be felt by all. He has won NUMEROUS essay competitions so he must know BEST. (Or was he preaching to the already converted? Did the 2nd placer feel cheated because he didn’t win? Did Mr. 2nd placer feel that those judges must have been biased against his version of politics and history? Or was it a poem writing contest? We all know diplomats need to be able to write poems.). Juan will eloquently WRITE the Americans and they will be moved enough by the sheer beauty of his words and they will leave. Juan is the only one capable of critical thinking. He is the BRAVEST and FAIREST among them all.

    Toe, you’ve been there for years! How could you have allowed so many unjust treaties to have been signed? Oh wait, you’re in Cambodia doing your job. Couldn’t you have flown in, stop it all from happening? Did you lose your idealism along the way like every single goverment employee that did not get fired because of their beliefs? How dare you all retire after 30 years of service and yet you leave us with a concrete wall that Juan still needs to smash? :P

    “Thanks for admitting that the DFA remains a hierarchical entity (despite being within a supposed republic).”
    — WOW, a goverment agency within a republic cannot be heirarchical! Geez, this guy has no idea what a HUGE role PROTOCOL plays in diplomacy. Who gets to sit on your right and who gets to sit on your left around a dinner table is all based on hierarchy and protocol. During international gatherings, who is allowed to speak and in what order is based on hierarchy.

    SO… apart from staging a political revolution in the Philippines by becoming a bureaucrat (oh sorry, by APPEALING the result of an exam that would have made him a bureaucrat), I suggest that Juan or whatever his name is, also find a way to TAKE DOWN the heirarchy that has beset diplomacy since it’s inception. It’s just wrong, wrong, wrong. All these so-called Republics allowing themselves to be ruled by the tyranny of a HIERARCHY! Phlippines, France and everyone else, shame on you! You call yourselves a republic and yet you have hierarchies, shame shame shame! Hierarchy has no place in a republic.

    Democracy means you are allowed to be as offensive as you like. This is no private company, examiners’ are not allowed to have their biases. The “people” get to decide who gets the job! And they want Juanito in the DFA. The DFA’s 2000 employees, oh sorry, automatons, they all have the same opinions. Exam checkers, next time, look beyond the hysterical answers, and you’ll see…. a good natured dissenter, who doesn’t want to burn you at the stakes, he just wants what’s best for you. Juan, I wonder, if you were the examiner, how many of those who believe in a liberal economy would you have passed just to be “democratic?” Or those who would have wanted the Philippines to be the 51st State of the United States – just so Filipinos who believe this would have been best for them will haev a voice in the system? Of those who think we should go to war to get Sabah back? How “democratic” an examiner would you be? :P

    “Someone ought to bang his head against the wall so that the next batch of wall smashers would find it easier to destroy.”
    - What were those examiners thinking? Not allowing a guy who likes to smash his head against walls the chance to destroy the system they are the gatekeepers of? Really, I don’t understand.

    Generations upon generations have attempted to improve the world, as government officials or as private citizens. Some have tried to change the political system itself – from monarchies to republics, from capitalism to communism. Juan, you are not the only one dreaming of a better world. With a finer mind and a kinder heart, maybe your world can include those who disagrees (”dissents”) with your opinions without labeled as American stooges, or politically naive or automatons.

    Diplomatic activists and reformers, yes. Offensive destroyers who think they have a monopoly on knowledge and solutions, no.

    There’s more than one way to skin a cat.

  291. # Take-ako-uliton 28 Mar 2009 at 10:27 pm

    DETTE:

    The best way to prepare for the prequalifying examination is to bury your head on any book, magazine, pamphlet, newspapers, etc. that you may come across.

  292. # heroon 29 Mar 2009 at 2:19 am

    San Juan,

    Dude you failed. get over it.

  293. # subangon 30 Mar 2009 at 8:43 am

    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.”

  294. # semanticson 30 Mar 2009 at 5:48 pm

    Can we get over the negativity please? It’s very off-putting to the FSO hopefuls who come here for help.

    Anyway, to the 2007 batch, our cadetship has been moved to May 18 in consideration for those who have to file with 30 days notice. Thank you, FSI, for listening to our batch’s supplication.

  295. # magon 31 Mar 2009 at 9:35 am

    Yes! Lets move on to other things. Like the upcoming orals (”,)

  296. # detteon 31 Mar 2009 at 10:54 am

    Thank you for your tips Take-ako-ulit!

    Are you going to take the prequals also? Good luck to all of us, I am already making a countdown whoaaa!

  297. # detteon 31 Mar 2009 at 11:08 am

    Semantics, you’re right . It’s my first time to take the exam. And I am really looking forward to it, although some postings are putting as off ( FSO hopefuls). But still I’m keeping my spirit high. After all reality in this life, isn’t made of sugar and spice.

    THANKS!

  298. # semanticson 31 Mar 2009 at 2:48 pm

    I think we need an FSE forum so people can get help easier…

    It’s messy if we just spam Toe’s blog like this. People end up asking/answering the same questions, which some get skipped over. And then, we also have “derailing” issues like the drama above.

  299. # take-ako-uliton 31 Mar 2009 at 4:16 pm

    great idea semantics!

    Actually, that kinda of struck me also. The number of commenters just gets bigger and bigger everyday and having a forum in place for all of us would rid toe’s blog of unwanted, sometimes reckless (and malicious) comments. As to how are we gonna start and do this, that I don’t know…hehehe. Maybe somebody ’round here knows about how to set-up a forum, please lend us your helping hand.

  300. # take-ako-uliton 31 Mar 2009 at 4:18 pm

    Hi dette:

    Yeah, gonna try my luck again this May 10.

  301. # first timeron 31 Mar 2009 at 4:56 pm

    I second the motion of mag. Please provide us some “tips” for the Oral Test. Thank you and more power.

  302. # subangon 01 Apr 2009 at 2:10 pm

    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!

  303. # subangon 01 Apr 2009 at 2:13 pm

    “Congratulations TO the 31 newly sworn in officers of Batch 16!” pala dapat. Haha! My bad.

  304. # magon 02 Apr 2009 at 9:37 am

    First of all, thanks Ms. Toe and to all who contributed to your blog. I couldnt have gotten this far without it.
    got my letter from the BFSE. it comes with a blank medical certificate for a govt. doctor to fill up and a blank CV which actually reminded me of the scrap books we filled out for our friends. But this time, entries must be in essay. you could say that its another exam by itself. and you must reproduce 22 copies of your CV (for the 22 panelists?)
    tips naman dyan

  305. # Sanjaon 03 Apr 2009 at 2:41 pm

    22 copies? They had us produce only 20 copies. I guess there’d be 48 examinees for this year’s oral exams. 32 who passed the written exam held December 2008 plus 16 whom BFSE invited to re-take the orals from last year’s.

    Good luck!

  306. # curios?on 03 Apr 2009 at 9:50 pm

    ganun po ba talaga? pag himdi pumasa sa orals, they will be again called to take the orals without having to re-take the pre-quals and written exams?

  307. # semanticson 03 Apr 2009 at 11:20 pm

    @ “curios” – Yes. They will invite you to re-take the orals the following year.

  308. # magon 04 Apr 2009 at 10:04 am

    I didnt know that. but GREAT! (”,)

  309. # detteon 06 Apr 2009 at 4:09 pm

    Take-ako-ulit. God’s luck !!!!!it get’s nearer everyday, by the way will the DFA mail our permits to us?

  310. # semanticson 09 Apr 2009 at 5:30 pm

    @ dette – BFSE would call the passers and ask them to come to the DFA to sign some documents and claim the forms.

  311. # take-ako-uliton 12 Apr 2009 at 12:51 pm

    @ dette

    Don’t know. But the DFA RCO where i had filed my application told me to just wait for their call. Maybe they just want me to pick it up by myself by the time it’s ready. I’ll have to call again tomorrow. I’m getting anxious and nervous for the upcoming prequals. Goodluck to us!

  312. # pikachuon 13 Apr 2009 at 9:28 am

    @ subang:

    Re: Congratulations to 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. ”

    Thanks for that. I have been getting a lot of that sort of advice (from several officers) since I took my oath. Is the “real world” (i.e. work) so much more difficult? I hope it won’t be much worse than the work I’m doing now.

  313. # pikachuon 13 Apr 2009 at 9:36 am

    @ mag:

    It seems that your batch will have more panelists than ours did… I estimate that we had about 16 penelists only, but the lesser number of panelists did not make the orals any less scary, especially for first-time takers like me.

    I don’t think, though, that there will be more than 20 panelists. The 2 extra copies are probably just for the DFA’s file.

    Good luck to mag and everyone else who will take the orals this May!

  314. # first timeron 13 Apr 2009 at 11:25 am

    @ pikachu

    Just some queries. What shall we expect of the 3-day oral exams? Can you please provide us some details on what to expect from day 1 to day 3? Will it be an 8-hour per day grilling? Thanks.

  315. # pikachuon 13 Apr 2009 at 6:13 pm

    @ first timer

    If they stick to the routine of last year’s orals (since there were too many of us to follow the prior years’ traditional set-up), it would be hard to say which to expect for the first day. You can get either panel interview or group dynamics. Half of our batch of examinees went through with the interview first, while the other half was going through with the group dynamics on the first day, and then the roles would be switched on the second day. In the previous years, the first day was reserved exclusively for the interview, and the group dynamics was held on the second day. I understand that your batch has about 48 examinees (32 of you , plus the 16 who didn’t make it last year), so they may also follow the new routine, since it will be impossible to fit all of you in the first day interview.

    They will give an orientation of how the orals will go about on the first day, so be sure not to be late on that day or any day of the orals, for that matter.

    Interview is pretty short–less than 30 minutes. After your turn of the interview, you must leave the building premises. Those who are assigned in afternoon interview schedules can also leave the building and return about 1n hour before your schedule. Unless you are unlucky and get to be assigned a late schedule for the interview, you get to go home early. :-)

    Group dynamics is basically a group discussion within a particular time period, given a particular topic which your group (one among your group) will pick from a fishbowl. After your group’s schedule for the Group du=ynamics, you should likewise leave the building. It is strictly forbidden to discuss your orals (interview and group dynamics) with your co-examinees.

    The 3rd day is a formal dinner wherein you have to dress up (or suit up, as the case may be). After the dinner, each of the examinees will be called onto the (make-shift) stage to give a 3-minute extemporaneous speech about a topic that you will pick out (from the fishbowl, again).

    Our instructions during the orals forbid us to discuss too much about it. That short briefing may suffice, I think. I didn’t know half of that until I took the orals, so you already have an edge! My best advise to you is to start preparing your wardrobe for the 3-day ordeal. For guys, barong or suit. For girls, proper business attire or suit if you wish. Females may also wish to wear a baro during the first 2 days, but none of my batchmates did. For the 3rd day, they will tell you about a week before what the appropriate attire will be. Usually, it’s formal Filipiniana or suit (and the corresponding ladies’ counterpart attire.)

  316. # first timeron 14 Apr 2009 at 9:53 am

    @ pikachu

    thank you very much for the valuable information. this really helps me and hopefully the others prepare for the oral test. i hope most candidates in our batch, if not all, will be able to join you in the foreign service. god bless.

  317. # flunkeron 14 Apr 2009 at 12:50 pm

    thank you pikachu and first timer. yes, the information is truly valuable. i hope the oral exams would be fun and successful!

  318. # curious?on 14 Apr 2009 at 2:38 pm

    @ pikachu

    What’s the scope of the topics to be expected in the extempo speech?

  319. # pikachuon 14 Apr 2009 at 7:40 pm

    @curious

    Just continue reading on current events. Topics are sooooo varied you will never know what to expect, so you can never truly prepare for it. If you ask me, that was the scariest part of the orals, aside from the interview (because you’re alone facing a “pack of wolves” duirng your interview).

    Try to know something more about Philippine culture and our national artists, as well as the different international organizations and fora that the Philippines joins or is a member of. You don’t have to know the details, but at least be familiar with the key players, so that you will not be staring into space when you pick a topic about ASEM, for example. It is important to be able to package your speech so that you do not come off as being too arrogant or ignorant (even if you are not too familiar with the topic), which implies choosing diplomatic words and nothing too offensive, dramatic , or politically sensitive.

  320. # pikachuon 14 Apr 2009 at 7:46 pm

    sorry for typos…poor typing skills. hehe.

  321. # curious?on 14 Apr 2009 at 9:24 pm

    Pikachu, you’re as cute as your name…hehe

    Thank you so much for the info about the orals. This will really help!

  322. # Andreion 24 Apr 2009 at 8:07 pm

    just asking, how much is the salary of an FSO? hahaha. just curious. :-)

  323. # Andreion 24 Apr 2009 at 8:13 pm

    well i am really very eager to take the exams but I guess I have to take it next year. Bummer I didn’t know about the posting soon enough. If you need help brushing up with your world history and philippine culture and geography, I can be of help. Hehehe.

  324. # heroon 25 Apr 2009 at 1:35 am

    Andrei, try reading toe’s blogs and the comments.. i remember the salary was discussed some time ago. :)

  325. # Andreion 25 Apr 2009 at 2:30 am

    hahaha. yah i just read it entirely its 19,000.00 well not really bad if your single.

  326. # kuraon 27 Apr 2009 at 11:03 am

    the FSO exam has become harder than ever…there’s a new system…after the qualifying test those who pass would have to undergo preliminary interview first before he or she can proceed to the written exams….if FSO hopefuls flunk this part, then he or she would have to redo the qualifying exam again…this is an additional calvary to overcome “sigh”…

  327. # curios?on 27 Apr 2009 at 8:43 pm

    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.

  328. # Anarquistaon 28 Apr 2009 at 2:29 pm

    Glad to see this blog. I feel nostalgic but would write something acerbic.
    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 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.)
    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.

  329. # heroon 29 Apr 2009 at 1:26 am

    Anarquista, I hate the fact that Yano gets to become a diplomat. Ive read it in the papers today. No matter how objective the papers write about it, we can all smell the dirty politics behind it. Bad news for FSOs indeed.

    Anarquista, you’ve made some very thought-provoking comments. :) Is that why you left the DFA?

  330. # Michon 29 Apr 2009 at 5:53 am

    Anarquista,

    Where do you work now?

  331. # Anarquistaon 30 Apr 2009 at 2:58 pm

    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!

  332. # Andreion 30 Apr 2009 at 9:51 pm

    sino kaya ang presidenteng makakapagbago ng bulok na sistema? I really hope that by 2010, there will be less politics and more nationalism among government officials. Wala na tayong pagmamahal sa bansa natin eh.

  333. # Anarquistaon 01 May 2009 at 7:41 am

    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…

  334. # Andreion 01 May 2009 at 9:47 pm

    hehehe anarquista, i am already registered. Actually, im already 23 and I am a first time voter, I gave up the idea of voting dahil wala ka namang mapagpilian among the candidates. Pero since its a rightful duty of all citizens to vote, I am doing so now. So where are you working now? How long were you in the service?

  335. # Anarquistaon 05 May 2009 at 12:34 pm

    Been there for 7 years. I now work at a local office of a UN agency.

  336. # semanticson 05 May 2009 at 5:09 pm

    Anarquista,

    There’s only so much that decent people can do amidst a corrupt system, but it is a start. Much of our efforts may turn out to be futile, but even a small drop in a pond creates ripples.

    I hope you found the avenue to make a difference in your current agency. In the meantime, my batch and I will see what (small) service we do for our countrymen.

  337. # sword tongueon 11 May 2009 at 10:28 pm

    Anarquista’s repies are so long few will bother to read them.

  338. # sword tongueon 11 May 2009 at 10:28 pm

    *replies

  339. # heroon 12 May 2009 at 12:45 am

    Sword tongue,

    Like this one, your comment is completely useless.

  340. # requiemon 12 May 2009 at 2:58 pm

    well, what if the earth just suddenly decides to end itself. suppose we’re all non-existent here… everything, our life, the troubles in it and our ideals, are nothing in comparison to the never ending cycle of violence inherent in nature and in the scheme of the universe. one day, the sun will come as close to the earth and burn it away; or planets might suddenly collide with one another and burst into absolute nothingness the way stars turn into super nova black holes upon death.

    this earth is dying. it might decide to kill itself one day, in the same manner of death as the stars. so off with all your worries, troubles, and insatiable moral questions on life, death, or the existence of God or the devil. for all you know, there really is nothing to worry in the first place. unless, you choose to think on the other side of the coin.

    yeah, we can just wag our tongues to exhaustion. the corrupt will always be corrupt. we can ostracize them, have them executed, but still, economic and social status / class disparities remain rife.

    this is the pessimist discourse – as well as the vile truth of existence. but as albert camus contended, this life, living on this earth, is a myth and we, the many faces of sisyphus, continue to live on even if at the back of our minds we fear that there is really no meaning to everything at all; that everything we see, what we do, what we seek are wholly framed by our own human capacity to create images out of nothing.

    everything, you see, is socially-constructed – if not self-initiated. there is no way of returning to innocence.

  341. # flunkeron 12 May 2009 at 3:51 pm

    how does this comment fit in here? my shallow thinking cannot fathom it.

  342. # Anarquistaon 12 May 2009 at 4:34 pm

    ###SWORD TONGUE. At the very least, you’ve read it eh? Or, at the very least, some pious readers would surely read it. Besides, my comments are perfectly relevant to foreign service. So, long or brief, people concerned with our country’s foreign service ought to read it.

  343. # requiemon 14 May 2009 at 5:51 pm

    >> flunker, it’s a code actually; and if you can decode it, you’ll understand my comment’s relevance to this FSO page… everything is connected to everything else, you know. the clue points out to previous comments on corruption in the government and all. :)

  344. # flunkeron 15 May 2009 at 4:32 pm

    requiem, i was playing dumb. sorry. yes, i think i am able to make something out of the post. i would still want to believe in man’s innate goodness and his capacity to develop it. this kind of attitude will immensely help this ‘dying earth,’ and it is also the same attitude that the DFA/government can benefit from. i think it is still best if we espouse positivity despite the corruption and class disparities etc going on. there are still a few who would like to see things in a more positive way; some would do what anarquista did; others would do whatever they want to do! as for me, i will still do what is right and find meaning in things i do. i hope everyone feels the same way, too.

  345. # uapon 15 May 2009 at 7:15 pm

    hello poh! I’m an aspiring FSO. i have read your blog entry and it really inspire me.. Wil you please add other informations regardign the foreign service? thanks a lot!

  346. # Yikeson 16 May 2009 at 2:43 pm

    @Anarquista

    Dude, you work for the UN? Don’t you think the US and other rich countries control that organization?

    Do you think that working that system is better than staying in the DFA?

    PLEASE.

    Decision-making in the UN, as an international organization, is all about the self-interest of the countries that compose it. The majority of these countries are as corrupt and poor as the Philippines or as corrupt and rich as the US.

    The highest levels of its Secretariat are composed of people who got there through a system (candidatures) that is more or less as arbitrary as the appointments of our generals to ambassadorial posts.

    AND YOU TAKE YOUR ORDERS FROM THEM. You think you escaped the command of the US or the Philippine goverment? Think again.

    Where the hell do you think the UN get their funding?

    For someone who claims to have worked in the DFA and now working in a UN agency, you seem to know very little of how these two organizations work.

    Mr. Juan.. is that you? :P

  347. # Yikeson 16 May 2009 at 3:05 pm

    @Anarquista

    Enough with the anti-US hubris. Venenzuela has OIL, hence US investments. My god, you want the Philippines to become more like Venezuela. Are you joking?

    I USED TO LIVE THERE. So much oil, so much potential wasted. DEAR GOD, TANKS ON THE FREAKING STREETS. CRIME EVERYWHERE. It’s one of the most dangerous countries on earth.

    We have to stop blaming another country for our ills. We have to start taking responsiblity for ourselves.

    You hate America? You hate Philippine government (how many Filipino families have a member who work for the government?)? You are defining yourself based on ANGER and HATE.

    Sorry, but I find your brand of politics useless.

    In diplomacy, we have no permanent friends nor permanent enemies. Just permanent interests. Best you remember that.

    And don’t blame the DFA for Executive Orders and decisions made by Congress.

    For the young, aspiring diplomats, don’t be discouraged. You can make a difference in the DFA or the UN, just understand that these are huge bureaucracies but if one little corner of it (yours) functions as it should, then you’ve done good.

  348. # Bahala naon 16 May 2009 at 3:28 pm

    Guys, one thing that we can do as a country to lift ourselves out of this “colonial mentality” is to simply LOVE the color of our skin. Let’s start there.

    You guys rail against our old colonial masters. And yet, I’m sure most of the people here find the “mestizo look” as the ideal beauty. So many probably use skin whitening lotions. It makes me want to puke whenever I see commercials about it.

    We make ourselves inferior as a race by simply wanting to be “white.” If that’s our ideal of beauty, then real white people will always be better than us. As a country as a whole, we can never be “whiter” than the caucasians.

    You want to be proud as a nation? First accept that your brown skin makes you beautiful.

    I know this is being simplistic. But I’m tired of reading about the problems of the country and walking away not knowing how to change things. I stay let’s start with something concrete. Like discouraging people from using whitening creams and stop saying mestizo as a subsittute for gwapo or maganda.

    We can’t blame DFA people for acting the way they do. They are Filipinos and they are not immune to the follies of Filipinos. So let’s start changin as a nation. Let’s rediscover our own traditions and take pride in that and yet let’s also acknowledge the good that we can learn from other nations.

  349. # Another oneon 16 May 2009 at 4:34 pm

    “You know, sometimes I think the worst thing that colonialism did was cloud our view of our past. Without the white man, we might be able to make better use of our history. We might look at some our former practices and decide they are worht preserving. Others, we might grow out of. Unfortunately, the white man has made us very defensive. We end up CLINGING to all sorts of things that has OUTLIVED THERI USEFULNESS. Polygamy. Collective land ownership. These things worked well in their time, but now they most often become tools for abuse. By men. By governments. And yet, if you say these things, you have been INFECTED by Western ideology.”

    “My daughter, she has no use for night runners. You know, her language is not Luo. Not even Swahili. It is English. When I listen to her talk with her friends, it sounds like gibberish to me. They take bits and pieces of everything – English, Swahili, German, Luo. Sometimes, I get fed up with this. Learn to speak one language properly, I tell them. But I am beginning to resign myself – there’s nothing really to do. They live in a mixed-up world. It’s just as well, I suppose. In the end, I’m less interested in a daughter who’s authentically African then one who is authentically herself.”

    And Bahala na is right, you can’t be authetically yourself if you don’t accept your own color as a standard of beauty.

  350. # Anarquistaon 16 May 2009 at 5:28 pm

    Hello, YIKES.
    Taking orders from them? I assure you, the only Caucasian in our group is a Briton (and a former union official at that). We’re involved in humanitarian missions. Thus, we’re almost apolitical. In fact, ours is the least coveted positions in the UN system. Our job is full of danger. The UN is more pluralistic than the DFA. Also, promotion is based on merit alone. We don’t have incompetent generals as heads either.
    CRIMES in Venezuela? It’s instigated by the opposition funded by the USA. The people there love Chavez better than Filipinos love our very own supreme lady.
    I’m in a hurry. I’ll just answer some of your concerns later.

  351. # YIKESon 17 May 2009 at 10:44 am

    humanitarian missions are apolitical? were you too young to remember rwanda? do myanmar and sudan mean anything to you?

    “The UN is more pluralistic than the DFA. Also, promotion is based on merit alone.” – Maybe you are too far down the ladder to know that promotion in the UN is NOT based on merit alone. Connections and influence do play a role. Especially at the top. I’m a UN brat, hence the travels. But going beyond personnel, there are bigger issues of corruption – let’s see, there’s the Food for Oil fraud and the involvement of Kofi Annan’s son. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2005-02-13-un-edit_x.htm

    Have you lived in Venezuela? Because I did. Heck, do you even speak Spanish and have you talked to the Venezuelans on the street? Not that it matters as I’m sure Hitler was popular during his time. And honestly, with practically each Filipino having a relative or friend in the US (and I bet the majority would jump at the chance to join these relatives and friends), do you really think anit-US sentiment would be welcomed by your average Juan de la Cruz? They’ll probably burn your house if what you do affects them getting their US visas. Heck, this country LOVES Uncle Joe, whether we like it or not. Personally, I agree with Bahala na, don’t wanna be “brown brothers” wanting to be white but I’m sure I’m in the minority here.

    But yes, of course you are right. The pickpockets and the petty murders in Venezuela are all funded by the U.S. They must export their criminals from New Orleans (all those poor angry blacks lashing out) as a matter of foreign policy:

    Here are the list of the most dangerous cities on earth:
    Caracas, Venezuela, 130 per 100,000 residents (official)
    Cape Town, South, 62 per 100,000 inhabitants
    New Orleans, United States, Estimates range from 67 (New Orleans Police Department) to 95 (Federal Bureau of Investigation) per 100,000
    Moscow, Russia, 9.6 per 100,000 (estimate)
    Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 54 per 100,000 (2004 official figure)

    Ok, ultimately, all I’m saying is this:
    Some people here did not pass the exams, and they are bitter.
    Some people here found that the life of a Filipino diplomat is not for them, and they left feeling bitter.
    Some people here do not want to be corporate slaves, nor do they want to be lawyers or doctors.

    But that doesnt’ mean you should discourage people from trying out the Foreign Service for themselves. Especially if they have the best of intentions. Maybe it did not work out for you but hey, maybe these kids will fare better, maybe coz they’re well connected, maybe coz they’ll get lucky or maybe coz they’re just charming as hell and will make all the right moves. If they are one or all of these things, that doesn’t diminish their competence. Heck, it just might be their calling, the one thing that they can do well, that will come easily to them.

    Some people hate hobnobbing with socialites and politicians, with the rich and (in)famous, some people hate the fact that their kids spend most of their lives abroad and have turned out to be more foreign than filipino despite their best efforts, some people hate the fact that there is only so much you can do, that ultimately your well-researched papers and positions can be set aside by the final decision-maker, some people hate the ’security of tenure” of goverment positions as the most incompetent are protected and you have to work doubly hard to make up for the fact that you are given 3 staff members, 2 of whom are either idiotic or lazy. Some people get burned out by the long hours, by the competition, by the steep learning curve.

    And yet SOME PEOPLE THRIVE. No job can be more exciting, it’s equally challenging and frustrating. But that can only be true if the diplomat’s life is for you, whether it’s for the Philippine Foreign Service or the U.S.

    I do have admiration for that American ambassador who resigned so she can freely protest against the Iraq war (something you obviously cannot do as the spokesperson and representative of the government to the world). That is the path she has chosen and that is the right path for her. Others will stay, and try to make a difference their own way.

    I left the service to get married and start a family. I have no regrets but I do miss it and I envy the men who can bring their wives with them.

    I say, just because it didn’t work out for you, that doens’t mean it won’t work out for these kids. And I encourage everyone with the right intentions to join public service… that’s one way to change how goverment works. If just one task, one desk works the way it should, then you’ve made a difference somehow.

  352. # flunkeron 17 May 2009 at 12:24 pm

    AMEN to that!

  353. # New Passeron 17 May 2009 at 3:46 pm

    One test down, another to go. Does anyone know what’s included in the Career Minister Exam? Best to start preparing for that now… even if it’s more than 10 years away. Little efforts now so that there would be no need to cram at all! Plus, I do believe that we should continue to “improve” ourselves while serving and one way is to keep on learning, with the CM exam as a sort of guide/ benchmark.

  354. # New Passeron 17 May 2009 at 3:55 pm

    Salary: you’ll get around P20,000/month (net).

    You will not be paid for the first 3 – 6 months, while budget goes through its long and deliberate process. Funny thing about goverment, they make it so difficult to get honest money out it (anti-corruption measures, blah blah), but the real devious ones always find a way to steal.

  355. # pikachuon 17 May 2009 at 7:47 pm

    @ New Passer,

    About the CarMin exam, cross the bridge when you get there. You’re not even sure if your chance will come 10 or 15 years down the line. The CarMin exam will probably be tough, but if you do your job well, and learn from your experiences in the DFA, I’m sure you will have no trouble passing it in due time. For now, I suggest you focus on your new FSO career.

  356. # requiemon 18 May 2009 at 8:59 am

    jajaja… this post has become very, very, very long indeed. this just goes to show how much we ‘care’ about this world, this country, this life, despite our supposed neutrality (i mean, not making a stand is a stand in itself), apathy, and clashing ideals. i’m sure the earth will not die as long as people have this fire within them. hurray to everyone who care enough to say a word. ;)

  357. # requiemon 18 May 2009 at 9:00 am

    jajaja… this post has become very, very, very long indeed. this just goes to show how much we ‘care’ about this world, this country, this life, despite our supposed neutrality (i mean, not making a stand is a stand in itself), apathy, and clashing ideals. i’m sure the earth will not die as long as people have this fire within them. hurray to everyone who cares enough to say a word. ;)

  358. # subangon 18 May 2009 at 5:07 pm

    Batch XVI has started cadetship already. Enjoy the ride guys! Learn as much as you can. It’s gonna be a fun experience you will soon miss!

  359. # detteon 18 May 2009 at 5:52 pm

    Wow congrats batch XVI! Guys update us on your journey to cadetship, of course you will only know the real score inside, once your inside hmmmm! I’m curious with all negative write ups.

  360. # Anarquistaon 19 May 2009 at 9:44 pm

    Rwanda? Yes, of course I know about it. It’s a genocide that UN didn’t care to stop. But at the very least, aid agencies were there for some time. But I assure you, the Rwandan experience won’t be replicated here. Ok, I’m too far down the ladder but it doesn’t matter. What I want to point out is that pluralism is dead in our DFA. The scandal concerning Kofi Annan’s son is bollocks. He’s not that malleable to US interests, so he had it coming. America is so pissed off with his anti-war declarations then. Never lived in Venezuela, though I speak Spanish. Hitler WASN’T popular in his time: there are many assassination attempts against him.
    You’re mistaken my friend. I’m not discouraging anyone from joining DFA. Haven’t you read that all my posts were written ala-Tsip Tsao? I’m just preparing them for the real world out there. And, as matter of fact, I’m adding fuel to their zeal by making them aware of the changes the DFA must be forced to undergo it is to remain of service to Filipinos. That’s it.

  361. # ayaw ko na!on 21 May 2009 at 7:44 pm

    Once a goldmine for FSO exam tips, this blog has unfortunately transform itself into a forum of varied ideas. Cut the crap folks!!!

  362. # curiouson 24 May 2009 at 4:02 pm

    Sorry ayaw ko na, but I have to ask one thing before plunging in head first into the foreign service.

    assuming we (esp. women) get posted abroad without first getting married in manila, how common is it to find a husband abroad? is it frown upon if you marry a foreigner?

    i’m not getting any younger and if we keep moving around, we need a worldly mate who can make his living wherever his diplomat wife gets posted to. diplomats spend most of our lives abroad so there’s a bigger chance you’ll meet your wife/husband abroad.

    now, my tip for those who wants to pass. read the economist and time magazine, and just scan our local newspapers (most of their articles are badly written, you don’t want to end up writing like their reporters).

    enroll in a language course (sayang din yung 5%), spanish is the easiest.

  363. # ayaw ko na!on 25 May 2009 at 2:09 pm

    @ curious

    no need to say sorry, girl. I don’t think your post is crap enough.

    worldly mate? yeah, your mate has to be somebody who has been living a life in a suitcase for years so uprooting, every once in while, will be as easy as a walk in the park.

    anyway, are you an FSO already? tips naman for the orals…hehe

  364. # chuckon 30 May 2009 at 11:42 am

    Hi All!

    Just survived the 3-day grueling oral examinations, culminating in last night’s dinner. I hope I pass!

    Note that the passing score is 80%. Others say it’s a 3-way split between the personal interview, the group dynamics and the dinner.

    Anyway, to help out those who are worried about the oral exams, here are some tips I learned along the way:

    1) INVEST IN YOUR ATTIRE – especially for the ladies. Wear business attire (suit or barong for the men, blazer, etc. for the ladies) for the personal interview and group dynamics portion, complete with accessories. Yes you will end up broke afterwards, so once you know you made it to the orals, make sure you have enough money for these things. Risk looking overdressed than underdressed.You need to feel good about yourself, and one way of doing that is making sure you look good. Plus, examiners take note of your physical appearance. So look good and feel good.

    2) READ READ READ. You need to have a good grasp of current events, local and international. Look for good political analysis of the news.

    3) BE GOOD TO YOUR GROUPMATES – of course it’s a competitive examination, but for exams like group dynamics, it would be better for all of you in the group to be helpful and cooperative with each other. Don’t try to dominate the discussion or force your opinions on the other examinees. Try to always acknowledge their good points, don’t disagree with their opinions openly, try to be supportive as much as possible.

    4) WATCH OUT DURING THE DINNER! – some examiners, according to my friends, were deliberately violating dining etiquette – perhaps to check how confident examinees are about what they’re doing.

    5) MAKE A COHERENT SPEECH – it’s easier said than done! Still, the important thing is never to lose your cool. Don’t forget to smile and look the audience in the eye.

    We were informed that if we pass the orals, we would have to undergo psychological examination before receiving our appointment.

    Hope I pass! And I hope all 43 of us will get in!

  365. # curious?on 30 May 2009 at 12:04 pm

    Chuck, thank you for all these things!

  366. # ninion 31 May 2009 at 8:19 pm

    Hi Chuck!

    Magkasama tayo nung orals. Nahirapan ako sa speech ko, sobra. Wala halos oras tapos magsasalita na pala.

    Sa mga aabot sa oral examinations, magbabago na for sure ang rules. Dahil ngayong taon, 5 na ang exams. Sana applicable pa rin ang ginawa nung time namin. Kung hindi man, basta laging tandaan:

    Wag magpatalo sa kaba! :)

  367. # Creatoron 01 Jun 2009 at 7:23 pm

    Everyone, lets give toe’s PERSONAL blog back and move to a new FORUM site for the Philippine FSE!

    http://dreamingoftheforeignservice.blogspot.com/

    All is welcome to comment and share information about everything revolving the foreign service! Be the first to start a new discussion.

    http://dreamingoftheforeignservice.blogspot.com/

  368. # semanticson 01 Jun 2009 at 9:54 pm

    Creator,
    Thanks. Toe’s blog has gotten cluttered now. But perhaps we should get an actual forum where people can register, create topics, and reply accordingly? It would also allow for reasonable moderation. I’ll have to figure out how to get one for free, though. Haha.

    Toe,
    It was great to finally see you in person. You’re a bit of a celebrity among Batch 16, so when you were introduced during our call to Amb. Yabes’ office, we couldn’t help but be excited. Too bad we couldn’t speak with you. :)

  369. # Creatoron 01 Jun 2009 at 11:54 pm

    Ive been searching for that kind of web application thats FREE. With my mediocre knowledge of technology, alas I failed and opted for the next best thing. :)

  370. # first timeron 02 Jun 2009 at 8:10 am

    @ chuck

    i have some questions. of the 43 that took the oral test last week, how many are from the 32 aspirants that qualified this year (2008)? also, how many are from the previous year (2007)? are they re-takers of the oral test or they simply deferred taking the test last year and instead opted to take it this year?

    by the way, your tips are very appropriate. they will be useful for those who aspire to become FSOs. good luck to you and to the others who took the oral test last week.

  371. # fidgeton 02 Jun 2009 at 10:22 am

    @ creator

    I guess there’s a good number of webhosts out there where you can create your own forums for free.

  372. # Davidon 03 Jun 2009 at 9:07 pm

    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.

  373. # detteon 03 Jun 2009 at 11:14 pm

    With high anticipation on the prequals and a high spirit because if i passed the prequals that means , I’ll be on step 2 . This site does always post great tips for FSO hopefuls.

    Mabuhay sa lahat!

  374. # Ooion 09 Jun 2009 at 8:32 pm

    http://fsoexam.forumer.com/

    Here’s a forum we can use. Let’s pack up and move? At least there we can compartmentalize different topics. The political arguments can move into their own little section.

  375. # detteon 16 Jun 2009 at 12:39 am

    @ooi have visited the site, great work, who ever did it.

    I’m so anxious for the prequals resulT!!!!

  376. # Ooion 18 Jun 2009 at 11:25 pm

    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

  377. # chuckon 20 Jun 2009 at 10:47 am

    hello all! i got THE CALL from dfa. i passed the orals! :D

  378. # magon 20 Jun 2009 at 1:00 pm

    congratulations, chuck! got THE CALL too yesterday before lunch but i was starting to think that I dreamed it all up since nobody was posting. I tried to get my letter in the afternoon but i had to turn back because of the traffic.

    To all those who posted tips, prayed and everything else. THANK YOU. Ill do my share and start posting my own tips.

    Now, how do I pass the psych test? (”,)

  379. # tagal naman!on 20 Jun 2009 at 7:36 pm

    Aren’t they going to post the results of the orals? Been looking for the results in the DFA website but to no avail.

  380. # Ooion 22 Jun 2009 at 9:39 pm

    Mag,

    The psych test is nothing to be concerned about. It’s just a series of exams to gauge personality, values, IQ, EQ, and most importantly, mental stability. The best preparation is a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast.

    There have been people who flunked the psych exam, though few and far in between. I guess they seemed like security threats or “unstable”.

  381. # bobon 22 Jun 2009 at 11:14 pm

    To tagal naman, I called the DFA earlier. They are NOT going to publicly release the names of those who passed the orals until after the Psych Test. According to them, those who passed the orals have been informed individually by phone.

    To Ooi, yeah I’ve heard of some people who failed the psych exam, but as you said, very few cases.

  382. # Andreion 24 Jun 2009 at 12:08 am

    Dun sa written exams, malalaman mo ba yung rating mo and yung ranking just like the board exams?

  383. # nemoon 24 Jun 2009 at 9:20 am

    MAIKLING SUHESTIYON PARA SA MGA SASABAK SA 2010 FSO QUALIFYING EXAMS:

    Ang qualifying exams ay hindi mahirap lalo’t lalo na kung voracious reader ka. Paramihan lang yan ng nababasa. Kahit ano, basahin nyo—articles, komiks, magazines, newspapers, lifestyles, classified ads—basta po ang importante malawak yung scope ng nababasa nyo. Pero sa tingin ko po magbasa kayo, unang-una sa lahat, yung mga developmental issues. Halos lahat ng questions po nakasentro sa ekonomiya ng Pilipinas. Pumunta lamang po kayo sa ibon.org or sa pids.gov.ph. May mga articles po d’yan na pwede ninyong mabasa. And be sure you have with you your thesaurus. Vocabulary is also ONE big aspect of the exam. The more you read, the more your chances of passing. Comprehension din po kasi tine-test ng exam. Yan lang po talaga ginawa ko, so far okay naman po resulta. Kita-kita na lang tayo sa interview sa lahat ng nakapasa sa qualifying exams.

    Ciao!

  384. # Ooion 24 Jun 2009 at 10:20 pm

    Please do share how the prelim interviews go… I’m curious as to how BFSE will conduct this.

  385. # MJon 11 Sep 2009 at 12:43 pm

    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?

  386. # trying hardon 17 Nov 2009 at 2:04 am

    @ Nemo

    thanks a lot! great advice.

  387. # Gamatatsuon 15 Dec 2009 at 4:36 pm

    The preliminary interview is conducted by a panel of three FSOs. They can ask you about your career and experiences as well as substantive questions. I was asked about my opinion on GMA’s investment policies while one of my friends was asked about the origins of the global economic crisis.

    I found the 2009 written exam hard. From the variety of questions, I think the best bet for an examinee is that he has a lot of stock knowledge. So for the younger readers, better start reading newsweek, time, or the economist NOW! In my opinion, the best course for the FSEs is still International Studies (not my course) because it already gives one exposure on development, history, and political economy. But at the end of the day, if the examinee can’t apply his stock knowledge to the questions, that is, he can not present a plausible and critical argument, then he would have less of a chance to pass the written. So both substance and style matter. (I remember that we were asked about the relevance of the Meiji Restoration, and the only thing that came to mind was Ruruoni Kenshin/ Samurai X; what I did was to frame the event from global perspective, relating it to the rise of Japan and its role in WWII).

    I guess the rule of thumb when you study (and answer) for the written exams is that you know the relevance of each issue and fact to world history and development.

    As a matter of giving back, because this blog and forum have helped me much in my preparations for the written exams, these are the questions I remember from the 2009 written exams:

    - What is the relevance of the Meiji Restoration in Japan and its history
    - What is the Columbian Exchange and its relevance to the history of world trade?
    - Explain the rise of the Roman empire
    - Give the relevant features of the hague convention
    - Japan protected its industries from imports enabling it to build its own industries. This is a plausible argument for trade protectionism. Provide a critical analysis on the issue.
    - Give a critical analysis of the automated elections
    - something about the partylist system
    - Give an example of a world heritage site and explain why it’s a heritage site
    - should an FSO be fluent in Filipino?

    That’s all I remember.

    Good luck sa ating lahat!

  388. # Rosson 13 Jan 2010 at 12:27 am

    I am planning to take the exams this march but i have visible tattoos, is that a problem?

  389. # Jongon 15 Jan 2010 at 3:40 pm

    I plan on taking the exam this March. Saw the DFA post (http://dfa.gov.ph/?cat=24) just last week and I’m thinking of submitting the requirements by the last Friday of January. Wish me luck! :)

  390. # Gamatatsuon 01 Feb 2010 at 1:20 pm

    In my opinion Ross, it’s not going to be a problem for the qualifying exam, since it’s an aptitude exam. There aren’t any real restrictions about tatoos for FSOs unlike for the NBI application. But impressions do matter once you get to the interview part.

  391. # Gamatatsuon 01 Feb 2010 at 1:24 pm

    In my opinion Ross, it’s not going to be a problem for the qualifying exam, since it’s an aptitude exam. There aren’t any real restrictions about tatoos for FSOs unlike for the NBI agent application. But impressions do matter once you get to the interview part.

  392. # eonson 01 Feb 2010 at 6:43 pm

    Hello guys. I’ve been trying to access the DFA web to download the ap form but to no avail. By any chance, does anyone here have a softcopy or PDF file? Can you please e-mail it to me? I can’t personally go to DFA to secure one and I’m running out of time. Thanks a lot.

  393. # Jongon 04 Feb 2010 at 6:26 pm

    hi eons, if you still don’t have a copy, email me at: dlecaytiles@yahoo.com and will reply with the fso form.

  394. # eonson 08 Feb 2010 at 4:30 pm

    Hello Jong,

    Thanks so much but I was finally able to secure one from the site. I already filed my application this AM :-)

  395. # macsnobon 08 Feb 2010 at 9:11 pm

    Hi I just came across this website and it provided me a lot of tips. Thanks! I’m taking the FSE again this year (I didn’t make it last year) :(

    Eons, if you see this, maybe we can get together to study?

  396. # eonson 09 Feb 2010 at 12:46 pm

    @macsnob sure I’m just near la salle area but have to find time to do the studying maybe weekends. Goodluck :-)

  397. # yawnon 24 Feb 2010 at 5:03 pm

    gud pm. sino po may study group?? Pa-join.. can’t study kung ako lang, i tend to just sleep all day. Tsk. Kailangan ko baguhin study habits at discipline ko if i want to be an FSO….

    -yawn-

  398. # macsnobon 24 Feb 2010 at 10:10 pm

    I’m trying to organize one, but I work during the weekdays. I can only meet during the weekends. That makes three of us already. eons and yawn, how will we contact each other?

  399. # rosson 25 Feb 2010 at 3:09 pm

    can i join? its my first time to take the exams, my sched is usually open during weekends.

  400. # Jongon 02 Mar 2010 at 12:04 pm

    May I also join the studygroup? I’m free on Saturdays starting April. Please keep me posted. Thanks!

  401. # yawnon 09 Mar 2010 at 3:50 pm

    hey eons and macsnob, have u started? nag-meet na ba kau??

    -Yawn-

  402. # macsnobon 09 Mar 2010 at 4:03 pm

    Yawn, hindi pa. Wala na ako hear from Eons ulit eh.

    Lapit na yung test. Has anyone studied na?

    Ako konti pa lang :(

  403. # yawnon 18 Mar 2010 at 3:43 pm

    hi macsnob:

    di ako nag-apply this year… next year na lang… pero i want to study na sana,,

    yawn

  404. # Jongon 18 Mar 2010 at 4:11 pm

    Pasali rin ko! Di ko rin tinuloy application ko this year, next year nalang para makapag-aral pa…

  405. # Girlalouon 06 Apr 2010 at 5:56 pm

    I took the 2010 prequals last March 28. The exam was not that difficult but most of the the questions were sooooo long. There were 180 questions of which ten were just about yourself.

    I find the management part more into Human Resource Management concepts. I studied the books of my bro on Strategic Management but none of those concepts came out. Good thing is I’m exposed to government processes kya nagrely na lang ako sa natutunan ko on the job.

    Natatandaan ko there are some questions about evaluation of employees’ performance. Buti na lang naaral ko iyong OPES namin. May limang questions yata about this. Tas meron din sa training. Tip ko: sa management part aralin niyo HR concepts sa government.

    Madali iyong math part ksi basic algebra and kaunting geometry. Mga word problems lang sya. Natatandaan ko isa:

    1. A father is four times as old as his son. Three years ago, the age of the father is five times the age of his son. Find the age of the son.

    2. Point AB is 9 inches long. Point C is in the middle. Point AC is 1 and half shorter twice AB. How long is point CB?

    Mga ganyan iyong math.

    Iyong English eh the usual correct usage, identifying errors, word analogy, arranging sentences to make them logical and reading comprehension.

    Hope I will make it…Ipagdadasal ko ito.

  406. # macsnobon 06 Apr 2010 at 10:26 pm

    I took the exam too; in fact, it’s my second attempt. They actually repeated some questions from last year’s exam. The test this year had less math problems and the English part (especially the reading comprehension and arranging sentences) has become even more boring and longer than ever. The analogy part has become less too.

    I’m not very good in Math, so I did that part last. I spent too much time reading over the longer parts of the test, which was my stronger areas. Before the Math part, I did the management concepts. Had to rely on “common sense” and basic knowledge on that one.

    I hope I make it this time. The passing rate is 80%, so out of 180 questions, you shouldn’t miss more than 30 questions in order to pass.

  407. # mayumion 13 Apr 2010 at 1:05 am

    to the 2011 fso takers:

    lets keep each other posted for exam scheds n other relevant info. for now lets do what we can to prepare. :)

  408. # Hellkiteon 04 May 2010 at 10:44 am

    Does anybody know if one can delay accepting the appointment as FSO IV because of certain service obligation in another branch of government? If so, for how long can we hold it of and would there be any problems or additional requirements should you finally decide to accept the appointment. Were there already instances that this case happened? Thanks

  409. # Jongon 04 May 2010 at 10:57 am

    @hellkite: i’m not sure with the actual practice but here’s what the Philippine Foreign Service Act (http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno7157.htm) says:

    Section 14 “[...] Any person who, after having passed the examinations, declines to accept an initial appointment as foreign service officer within a period of one (1) year from the date he was offered the appointment, shall be required to take and pass examinations again in order to be eligible for an initial appointment.”

  410. # Hellkiteon 05 May 2010 at 8:32 am

    @Jong: Thanks for the reply. I also found this provision Sec. 30. Lateral Entry. — Lateral entry into the Career Foreign Service Corps shall be permitted for those individuals who have successfully passed at the written and oral examinations conducted by the Board of Foreign Service Examinations but at the time when offered an appointment as foreign service officer, class IV, decided to join another government agency: Provided, however, That:

    (a) The duration from initial offer of appointment and his request for lateral entry in the Career Foreign Service Corps shall not exceed more than six (6) years;
    (b) That he has very satisfactorily served another government agency for the same duration
    (c) His reappointment shall be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments; and
    (d) The rank to which he is being reappointed shall not be higher than that of his successful co-examinees who have joined by the Service immediately after being offered the appointment.

    Not really sure if this applies when one is already connected to a government agency (considering the clause “decided to join other government agency”). Just wondering if there’s anybody in the forum who knew of an actual case like this. Thanks so much though.

  411. # BJon 09 Jul 2010 at 8:54 am

    Hi All,

    It is confirmed, DFA exam is really hard. I have been away from school for 5 years now. But I want to try the FSO.

    I dont know if I am as smart as you bloggers, but as some of you have said, it is not only intelligence.

    Please advice a review center or review material source for DFA exam next year.

    Thank you all,
    BJ

  412. # Heroon 09 Jul 2010 at 9:39 am

    BJ,
    yeah it is very hard. Especially the prequals. Dont worry, its takes a whole lot more to pass the FSO than to appear prolific in the blogging world.

    ADMU has an FSO review every summer. Its a good review if you already have a background in International Relations, Political History, Political Economy, etcera..
    The review does not however cover the prequals. I think it downplays the prequals altogether. Basically its a preparation for the written exam (3rd stage). Although, FSO speakers occasionally give TIPS on the oral exam and anecdotes on their work. Which is very amusing for the hopefuls.

    If your luck isnt in the FSO, there are many other ways to chart a career in international relations and diplomacy. :-)

    Best of luck!

    Hero

Trackback URI | Comments RSS

Leave a Reply