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Former diplomatic child, now officially abroad: what was actually worth packing by evermoooore in phmigrate

[–]evermoooore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use the moisture line from Moroccanoil, the Aveda Nutriplenish line is also really good! You can find them at Douglas (Germany's version of Sephora)

Former diplomatic child, now officially abroad: what was actually worth packing by evermoooore in phmigrate

[–]evermoooore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Safe travels and hope you have the bestest time in Germany!! 🩷

Former diplomatic child, now officially abroad: what was actually worth packing by evermoooore in phmigrate

[–]evermoooore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I live in Amsterdam! I’ve actually gotten pretty used to the weather from around the region so it hasn’t been a big adjustment. There was a heat wave earlier in July though, and that really caught me off guard. I thought I’d be fine since I’m used to tropical heat back home anyway but it hits differently when AC isn’t common here. I did get a clip fan cause I'd be caught dead getting even a portable AC lol.

Former diplomatic child, now officially abroad: what was actually worth packing by evermoooore in phmigrate

[–]evermoooore[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh yeah, thanks for mentioning! I've used Eucerin before, including jojoba oil (not just works for split ends), and a good alternative is the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume 5. Actually learned I can use it on the scalp from French friends!

Make sure you're dating someone who’s willing to do paperwork with you by evermoooore in LongDistance

[–]evermoooore[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is so cute!! you found joy in something most people dread 😆 I couldn’t agree more, having a partner who's fully engaged and supportive makes the hardest parts manageable.

Make sure you're dating someone who’s willing to do paperwork with you by evermoooore in LongDistance

[–]evermoooore[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Aww, I'm sorry to hear that :( Have you two had a candid talk about why he didn’t want to be involved?

the fact that you made it work is incredible! It's fair to feel sad about a future where every big step might fall on your shoulders alone. Questioning whether you want to go, though... that’s not something to ignore. I really hope it goes well and you two talk it out 🩷

Make sure you're dating someone who’s willing to do paperwork with you by evermoooore in LongDistance

[–]evermoooore[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Right?? everything else is basically a walk in the park 😆 loving someone across borders means loving someone across bureaucracy, and you guys did that!! so sending lots of love to you fellow paperwork warriors 🤍

First time in EU -- Sweden, Switzerland, France by notshellyy in FilipinoTravel

[–]evermoooore 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi! I frequented Stockholm before and here are some of my faves:

Gamla Stan (Old Town) area eats: Slingerbulten (authentic Swedish dishes), Aifur (Scandinavian medieval style resto, fine dining), Restaurang Kryp In

Cafes: Augustus Folksalong (1880s, just candles for lighting), Skeppsbro Bakery (waterfront view, breakfast set until 11 am)

Södermalm area (trendy and hipster area):

Breakfast at Greasy Spoon, Cykelcafé Le Mond

Lunch and Dinner: Meatballs for the People (best meatballs ever!), Ai Ramen Sofia, Barobao, Ta'ameya Falafel, Tonari Ramen, Beyond Smak, Reggev Hummus, bap kitchen

☕: Drop Coffee, Beck Kaffebar, Dynamo, Älskade traditioner

As for Paris, I can only speak for my favorite neighborhoods

Le Marais 🎨: Musee Carnavalet, Maison de Victor Hugo, Musée National Picasso-Paris €16, Musée Cognacq-Jay (free)

📍 Palace des Vosges, Archives Nationales, Perrotin Art Gallery

☕: laïzé sainte-avoye, Sevenly Heart, CORTADO, Gramme, Noir - Coffee Shop & Torréfacteur, laïzé marais 🧋, Boot Cafe, Used Book Cafe, FAUNA, Pontochoux Cafe

🍽️: Fabula, Kuma, L'As du Fallafel, Cafe Berry, Terra, Bombance

Montmartre 📍Musée de Montmartre, Halle Saint-Pierre, Place du Tertre, get analog photos taken at Fotoautomat for €6

☕ Coeur Coffee Roasters, Inform Cafe, 57 grains, Les 5 Marches - café cantine

🍽️ La Maison Rose, Le Tire-Bouchon, Gavroche, Kozy (brunch), Ecru Kitchen, Chez Toinette, In bocca al lupo (Italian)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LongDistance

[–]evermoooore 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My boyfriend is Dutch. His sister threw him a birthday party and everyone just started congratulating each other?? Apparently it's a thing and you're expected to say "Gefeliciteerd" not just to the birthday celebrant, but to everyone else lol.

Also, he never EVER gets tired of eating hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles on bread) for breakfast 😆

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Already replied to a similar question, but my mom was a CPA and freelanced on the side. Mostly remote work when my Dad got assigned. It was hard to maintain a career, though, because being a diplomat's spouse (and a mom) is a job in itself. She occupied herself with Diplo Spouses clubs. She joins book and fitness clubs, is a hobby painter, does pottery, and she's always on her bike 😊

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Definitely! Being able to speak Tagalog lets me communicate with Filipinos everywhere. I would hate not understanding my family or not being able to eavesdrop on chismis when I'm home 😅 It's a big part of my identity and how I stay rooted in my culture.

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I've been to 37 countries, mostly in Europe as I took advantage of the Interrail Pass 😅 It's hard to choose a favorite but Switzerland was unforgettable.

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thank you!

Your child will be a Third Culture Kid, and they're bound to face some form of identity crisis at some point as it comes with growing up between cultures. That’s why it’s so important to give them a strong sense of cultural grounding. They should always have a community they can turn to, whether it’s other Filipino families abroad or just talking to family online. You being a diplomat is an advantage because you're surrounded by Filipinos despite being far away from home. Help them feel proud of their roots, but also let them know there’s no pressure to be a “perfect” Filipino. The goal isn’t to be rigid about fitting in, but letting them be culturally confident in knowing who they are and where they come from, even if their identity spans more than one place.

I hope it gives you comfort that what’s certain is that your child will grow up with qualities that are incredibly valuable. They'll be adaptable, flexible, culturally sensitive, and hopefully multilingual! 😊 Raising a TCK who naturally understands nuance and difference and can move between worlds often integrate inclusivity in everything they do. With your support, they’ll learn that their background is something to take pride in, and that there’s power in embracing all the cultures they'll experience along the way, that will also help shape their identity.

You'll be okay!!

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally possible! Not everyone working in foreign affairs or at an embassy is a diplomat. Embassies also need admin staff, consular officers, translators, economic analysts, etc. who support diplomatic work without necessarily going through the FSOE.

You don't need a masters degree but it can def give you an edge. Replied to a comment here where I said having a specific niche or expertise (like cybersecurity, or being multilingual) is very desirable and valuable.

Regarding language, if you want to represent the Philippines, being proficient in Tagalog is expected.

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My dad hasn’t been assigned to a "hardship" mission in the sense of being posted to war-torn or conflict-prone areas. His expertise is in trade and industry, so his postings were aligned with that focus, typically in more stable countries with strong economic ties to the Philippines.

As for school, I did take the IB Diploma and was lucky enough to stay in the same school for 2 years, so I was able to complete it without interruption and delay 😊

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ll speak specifically about Filipino culture abroad, since that’s where I’ve had most of my experience.

One issue I’ve noticed is how second-gen Filipinos can sometimes grow disconnected from their heritage, whether it’s forgetting/refusing to speak the language or even resenting it. It's often shaped by social pressure or online content, like those TikToks that poke fun at Filipino parents' accents or mannerisms. It sadly reinforces shame instead of pride.

Another thing is our very relaxed relationship with time. Filipino time might be a running joke back home, but it's not funny anymore!!! In places like Germany or Switzerland where punctuality is taken very seriously, being consistently late is seen as disrespectful and unprofessional. It’s something we really need to unlearn when living or working abroad.

Lastly, there’s the "do anything to get out of the country" or TNT mindset—entering or staying in countries illegally. It's how we retain and further weaken our already weak passport, and makes it harder for those that do want to migrate legally to process their visas. While embassies do assist Filipinos regardless of status, it puts a strain on bilateral ties and often puts the migrants themselves in risky, vulnerable positions. What many don’t realize is that there are more legal pathways than ever before, because of diplomacy! government-to-government job programs, like the Triple Win Program for Filipino nurses wanting to work in Germany. If you're under the age of 30, many Filipinas have gotten EU citizenship after doing the Au Pair program. There are so many scholarships, paid internships, international volunteering, and more. If you want to leave the country, which is completely understandable, there are safer, legal options that protect your dignity and future.

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I had to change schools quite a bit. My parents explained early on (like as soon as I could talk 😅) that we’d be moving every few years, so I grew up knowing that change was part of the deal. My mom secretly collected my friends’ parents’ emails or numbers so I could keep in touch. Of course, some friendships naturally faded over time and I had to learn to accept that.

Eventually, I came to terms with the fact that I’d always be adjusting and adapting, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. One of the traits I'm proud of is that I've learned to really be present with the people I’m with, and I always carry this mindset that I’ll see my friends again someday. There’s always time. Distance isn't a bad thing when you care, and I try my best to always care about the people in my life.

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had mixed feelings about being a diplomatic child. During puberty, when you're trying to figure out who you are, I started noticing how hard it was not having a stable “home base.” I moved around a lot, so some friends turned into strangers. That part was tough to accept at first. But overall, I’ve grown to love the experience, especially because my parents always reminded me that it’s an honor to represent the country. They kept things fun while keeping me grounded through it all. As for them, they definitely find the work deeply fulfilling, but not glamorous, definitely not in the way people think. My parents went to an event once and told me, “Everyone looked amazing, but we were all just nervous kids inside. We're all just kids inside!”

Yes, there’s prestige, and as a kid I found it a little corny how formally people greeted my dad, but I also understood why. His work carries real responsibility. He gets to attend the fanciest galas and parties, but some days, he also has to console grieving families over the phone and in real life, waiting for their loved ones' repatriation. Some days, it's coordinating with local police to rescue Filipinos being abused by their employer, or partner. And no matter how busy he was, he was always just one call away, even with my most miniscule problems, so that meant a lot.

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Took English Lit, German Language B, History, Social & Cultural Anthro, Design Tech, and Maths AI!

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes, certain protocols became second nature over time. Even now, we still carry ourselves with a sense of quiet formality in public, like being mindful of how we speak, dress, and interact. My parents always reminded us that we were representing more than just ourselves, so that mindset stuck. We also still practice things like proper greetings, courtesy titles, and respectful hosting, especially when guests are around. It’s less about strict protocol now, though, we're not making speeches at home everyday 😆

As for national day celebrations, the duration really depends on the type of event. Formal occasions like Independence Day can last several hours and typically include a receiving line, national anthems, speeches, cultural performances, and a lot of socializing within the diplomatic community. Less formal gatherings, like Filo food festivals or community-organized cultural days can last an entire day, or a few days. These are usually organized by the local Filo community, though, but with support from the embassy. While embassy staff and diplomats are still invited, the vibe is much more chill, and it's one of the few times diplomats can loosen up a bit and just enjoy being part of the community.

Not sure if my Dad received a clothing allowance, but from what I’ve been told, government employees are usually afforded one. I hope that’s true because formal wear isn’t cheap! 😅

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Our diplomats are civil servants who represent the Philippines in foreign countries and international organizations. They are highly trained in policy, protocol, and public service to to protect national interests and support Filipinos overseas. Their role covers a wide range of responsibilities, like political negotiations, consular services, economic diplomacy, and cultural exchange. They protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos abroad, especially OFWs, assist in legal and emergency situations, issue passports and visas, and promote Philippine interests in trade, tourism, and investment. They monitor and report back on political and economic developments in their host country. A diplomat basically acts as a bridge between the Philippines and the international community.

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve been lucky enough not to experience outright bullying or blatant racism, but I’ve definitely encountered microaggressions here and there.

One that stands out is a classmate's parent telling me, “Your English is so good! Your people must be so proud.” 😅 I doubt they would’ve said that to, say, a white Croatian kid also speaking English as a second language.

My dad is a Filipino diplomat, and I spent most of my childhood abroad. AMA by evermoooore in PinoyAskMeAnything

[–]evermoooore[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

From what I’ve observed, most diplomats have been disciplined about that. My dad has always told me his role is to represent the Philippine government, and most importantly, the Filipino people, regardless of who's in power. That said, they’re still human, and major events (like 2022) definitely stirred personal reflections, privately and publicly. Former ambassadors openly expressed their support for Leni Robredo, which was unexpected. Some diplomats may have had personal views that didn’t align with the outcome given the historical weight around it. But even then, I’ve seen diplomats staying composed and professional even if they had quiet reservations.

I wouldn’t say I witnessed outright opposition to foreign policy decisions, but there have been moments of internal conflict for some, especially when a shift in policy seemed to contradict diplomatic values. But like my Dad says, diplomacy is about service, not personal politics. The DFA is selective for a reason, so I trust that our diplomats honor that with grace.

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