WHY WE DO IT

Why do we do it?

Why do we go off to remote places and faraway lands?

Why do we separate ourselves from our friends and family?

Why do we work longer hours for lesser pay?

Why do we put ourselves in harm's way?

Why do we take on the world's troubles?



We do it . . .



Because service is its own reward.

Because there's always someone out there in need.

Because we're ready and able to face the world's toughest challenges.

Because we want to help.



We also do it. . .





Because of the unexpected bathroom privileges.

Because if the wife ever falls in love with a Zara blouse but can't find one in her size, there's a network of batchmates around the world you can e-mail to help hunt the thing down: "I'm never to busy to help you with your Zara emergency!!!! NEVER TOO BUSY FOR SHOPPPING! So if (she) needs more Zara clothes...feel free to send requests. : ) You never know how happy you made me with that request. hahahaha!"

And we do it because . . .


. . . maybe . . .


. . . just maybe . . .









The cast of "Bubble Gang" will visit your post.





Any more questions?


Didn't think so.

FSO MANNY PACQUIAO FACTS

On the occasion of Chuck Norris' 69th birthday, a fellow FSO forwarded to me the comprehensive list of Chuck Norris Facts. Needless to state, I peed in my pants laughing. When I finally dried myself off, I decided to have some fun and try my hand at a few, but limiting the references to diplomacy and foreign relations. Because Chuck Norris would have wanted me to.

My original intent was to come up with more Norris diplo-facts, forward them to a couple of other FSOs, and hope they'd get on the Chuck wagon and add a couple of their own. But then it occurred to me: we're Philippine diplomats, dammit! We can't be promoting Walker Texas Ranger! Surely there's a Filipino who can equally kick ass, rock the 'stache and bring the awesome!

Behold, then: Manny Pacquiao DFA facts!

(If some of these seem too obscure, remember: there are no inside jokes; just humor Manny Pacquiao gets and you don't)

• If Manny Pacquiao were an ASEAN country, there would be no more principle of non-intervention; there would still be, however, the principle of consensus -- his.
• Manny Pacquiao could topple a Regime of Islands.
• Manny Pacquiao's passport photo is always the right shade of royal blue.
• Manny Pacquiao's First Person Notes are in the third.
• The Senate needs Manny Pacquiao's confirmation.
• Manny Pacquiao avails of the shipping container AND the 50%.
• Manny Pacquiao needs only two pillars of foreign policy: his left and right fists.
• Manny Pacquiao can tell diplomats to go to hell such that they look forward to the trip.
• Mexico set up an Assistance-to-Nationals desk to help out Manny Pacquiao's victims.
• A fair fight for Manny Pacquiao is ASEAN, Plus Three.
• Manny Pacquiao sued the U.S. for copyright infringement; "Visiting Forces" are what he's always called his left and right jabs.
• Manny Pacquiao can read an e-passport.
• Manny Pacquiao cannot assure Your Excellency of his highest esteem and consideration.
• There is no Exclusive Economic Zone, just the 200 nautical miles countries need to stay away from Manny Pacquiao.
• Manny Pacquiao will make you say ARF like a dog.
• Manny Pacquiao picks his teeth with those fixers' sticks.
• Manny Pacquiao is so fast the Home Office is still not sure if he made a personal appearance for his passport or not.
  
• Manny Pacquiao laughs at your Full Powers.
• Protocol is defined as behavior so wussy Manny Pacquiao doesn't bother to kick its ass.
• Manny Pacquiao recalled the Home Office.

By the stockings of Dela Hoya, that was fun to make!!!

No, Manny. Para sa 'yo.

NOW THIS IS A FACEBOOK STATUS UPDATE!....UPDATED!

Bells rang, birds sang, the sun shone, friends laughed, children played, families dined, the LLDD-Hyphen-L glowed, and I proved once and for all that Star Wars fans can know the touch of a woman.

It was a beautiful day.

To everyone who was there, our heartfelt thanks. To those who weren't, so help me if your gift isn't on the way yet I will hog-tie and force you to look through a staggering amount of wedding albums and baby pictures the next time we meet.

Until then, enjoy:

The Pre-Nup Pictures

From Sketch to Storage, The Evolution of Gown

The "Lost" Homemade Slideshow that Didn't Get Played Because of Technical Difficulties

The Onsite Photo Feature that Y'all Get to Enjoy for Free but which We're Hoping Marie Claire will Pay Us One Million For

The "Bonus" Wedding Video that Wasn't Really Part of Our Coverage Package but We Like to Think Still Got Made Because We Were Such a Hot Couple.

The Too-Cute-For-Words Fil-Aussie Flower Girl Pretending to Sing Along with the Tagalog Offertory Song

All the Guests' Partypics Souvenir Photos

Honeymooners' Pics Where We Could Only Look Happier if We Wore Matching-Themed outfits like Koreans

Gratuitous Bikini Pics of the LLDD-Hyphen-L, for those of You Out There I Just Know are Wedding-to-Engagement Backcounting

And, of course, a Little Something for the Ladies