“Part memoir, part history, part social commentary and part journalism, this book gives us perspectives of how one diplomat found and fashioned his own path to diplomacy. Written during his first foreign posting in Rome, Italy some years ago, this book contains personal reflections of Consul General Fernandez on the unique experiences he encountered and the valuable insights he gained during his sojourn in the Eternal City. Weaving a refreshing narrative of his maiden voyage in the world of diplomacy, his essays leave trail marks which can help other “travelers” find their own place under the sun.

A Pathway to Diplomacy will be a very good reading material especially for those with dreams of pursuing a career in diplomacy; and for those who want to make a real, positive difference.”

                --- From the Foreword by
                    The Honorable Albert F. del Rosario
                    Secretary of Foreign Affairs

ABOUT THE BOOK

Career diplomats literally come in all shapes and sizes. The Philippine foreign service, like most of its counterparts all over the world, is composed of men and women with the most diverse academic and professional backgrounds imaginable. Its corps of officers includes erstwhile academicians, journalists, writers, lawyers, certified public accountants, bankers, economists, political scientists, sociologists, psychologists, social workers, registered nurses, military officers, architects, engineers, schooled musicians, theologians, priests, philosophers and poets, to name but a few. There is probably no other field in both the public and private sectors that can equally pride itself with the immense diversity of its talents. And the reason for this is simple: There is no single pathway to diplomacy. One who wishes to pursue a diplomatic career is not required to arrive at his destination via a standard (much less, an obligatory) route. There are, rather, many possible roads he can take to reach his goal. In fact, he can even create his own path to diplomacy.

This book is about how one career diplomat found and fashioned his own pathway to diplomacy, and about the unique experiences and insights he gained along the way. Its pages contain “trail marks” that could help young aspiring diplomats find their own way to the very challenging but immensely fulfilling world of diplomacy.