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From Designer to Diplomat
My unlikely road to becoming a career diplomat, with Roots & Wings along the way Whenever someone finds out what I did before entering the foreign service (or whenever I tell my old branding or screenwriting clients why I can’t take on new projects any more), there tends to be a surprise in the inevitable reaction—namely, “How did that happen?”—that I find daunting to satisfy. The simple answer is that my mother-in-law saw an ad for the 2019 exams and thought I might be a goo

Marthy Angue
Jan 249 min read


Three Filipino Books Launch in the Czech Republic
An official press release from the Philippine Embassy in the Czech Republic 22 October 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Czech Republic, in partnership with Anglo-American University (AAU) in Prague ( https://tinyurl.com/3drn7eea ) and in cooperation with the National Book Development Board, organized the official launch of three books written by Filipino authors recently translated into the Czech language: The Uninvited Guests from Bikol (Nezvani hoste z Bikolu), written by

Roots and Wings
Jan 241 min read


Filipino-Germans Eager to Reconnect Heritage Via CFO's YouLeaD program
By the Commission for Filipinos Overseas (CFO) HANAU, Germany — The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) received strong interest from Filipino-Germans in its Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD) Program, which helps young Filipinos abroad reconnect with their heritage. At the “Ugnayan sa Germany 2025: Liwaliw” cultural forum, co-hosted by the CFO and the National Book Development Board (NBDB), many participants—especially Filipino mothers—asked about YouLeaD’s requirem

Roots and Wings
Jan 242 min read


Presidential Awardee Cuizon Pledges Support for CFO Cultural Programs
Press Release from Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Presidential awardee and Filipino community leader Virgilio “Ver” Cuizon has committed to support the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) by serving as a resource person for its Virtual Sentro Rizal–Educational Series. His pledge was made during a meeting with CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II and artists from his group, KUNST Filipino. Commission on Filipinos Overseas Secretary Dante "Klink" Ang II recently met wi

Roots and Wings
Jan 241 min read
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Taste of Confusion
Having lived in multicultural settings, speaking a variety of languages, with many years spent abroad than in our home country-- has any...

Jeno Pineda
Jun 1, 20213 min read


When worlds mix - A rich kaleidoscope of thoughts and feelings
2nd Gen Filipino siblings on their mixed Filipino-European heritage and upbringing For this issue of the “Roots and Wings” online...

Tania Viarnaud
Jun 1, 20216 min read


Envisioning Healing and Inspiration from Abroad: Overseas Filipinos Supporting Filipino Artists in T
As the world continues to adjust to the ‘new normal’, many of us have turned to online or more remote work. Thanks to technology and...
Elizabeth von Atzigen
Apr 15, 20212 min read


Boats with Two Strings
Most Filipinos know the word “kudyapì”… but what does it mean? It’s a musical instrument with two strings and a long narrow body that...
Elizabeth von Atzigen
Apr 15, 20215 min read


Soap Art: A scented story
Jaimerie Novella Mortaud, mother of 3 girls and an IT professional, is turning her love for soap-crafting into a scented reality. At 19,...
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Apr 15, 20212 min read


The Overseas Fabulous Pinay
Have you ever wondered what it takes for someone to live abroad? If you are moving overseas, do you know how to plan your move? Where do...
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Apr 15, 20212 min read


Ready for the next generation of Austro-Filipinos?
Who am I really? Kids, the youth, even young adults navigate themselves through the complexity of life as they grow up. The path is quite...
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Apr 15, 20212 min read


Valenciano: Multi-Generational Visual Artists
The artistic legacy of the late Benjamin D. Valenciano Sr. is evident in his multi-generational family of visual artists. His artwork...
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Apr 15, 20213 min read


#whatsindahouse? Illustrator/painter JV Totañes takes on 14 day quarantine sketch challenge
How did your love for art start? Behind the canvas and paint brushes is me - painter and illustrator - Jesamine V. Totañes (JVTotañes,...
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Apr 15, 20212 min read


The Intricacy of Ballpoint Painting
Chris Adrian T. Concepcion, known to family and friends as Chad, is a bank officer turned ballpoint artist. In 2013, he resigned from...
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Apr 15, 20211 min read
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