A third-generation Filipino diplomat talks about growing up under the shadows of his illustrious grandfather and father. Their influence has left an indelible impression on him, making him choose a life in the foreign service over writing and music.
By Hendrik Garcia
“Life is a struggle from the cradle to the grave,” he always told my father. In these difficult and uncertain times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I draw strength from this saying.
Today, 12 September 2020, Lolo would have been 110 years old.
For three generations, our family has had the honor to work in the foreign service of the Philippines. Lolo Enrique started the tradition when he joined the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in 1946.
Born in 1910, the late Enrique Melocoton Garcia hailed from New Washington in Kalibo, Aklan. During World War II, he was a guerrilla fighter who survived an ambush by Japanese forces on his unit. The scar on the back of his head served as a lifelong reminder of the attack.
He moved to Manila after the war and finished law school, later marrying the late Dr. Roberta Laperal de Guzman, who was one of the first female doctors in the country.
“Diamond Jim”
He had dark complexion and a tough but cool demeanor. He liked the finer things in life, was an avid billiard player, lover of foreign languages and a heavy smoker. Perhaps because of his penchant for jewelry and elegant clothes, not a few of his colleagues called him “Diamond Jim.” But those who were close to him fondly referred to him simply as “Ka Iking.”
With his battle-proven patriotism, legal training, and wide array of interests and hobbies, he proved to be an excellent diplomat.
After my father, Victor Garcia, was born in 1947, Lolo was assigned briefly to the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations (UN) in New York. He witnessed the passage of the historic UN resolution which paved the way for the creation of the State of Israel. This foreshadowed his later appointment as Ambassador to that country.
In 1948, my grandfather was transferred to the Philippines’ representation in Nanking, China. It was the height of the Communist Revolution. To ensure their safety, the family was moved to Tokyo. By this time, he and Lola had four children.
My grandfather’s next foreign assignment or “posting” was in London. In 1952, he and my grandmother were the official representatives of the Philippines at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
After three years, Enrique was sent to Paris, France. My dad fondly recalls that he went to the local French school with his siblings. It is a fascinating coincidence that decades later I now work at the Philippine Embassy in Paris as deputy permanent delegate to UNESCO, and our kids also go to a local French school – how history repeats itself!
Back to Manila
In 1957, Lolo returned to the DFA in Manila as counsellor for economic affairs, equivalent to the rank of assistant secretary. He later became counsellor for policy planning under the administration of President Diosdado Macapagal.
He was appointed ambassador to Israel in 1965. Below is an iconic photograph of him rubbing elbows with Golda Meier, the first and only female prime minister of Israel. After a long and illustrious career, Lolo retired in 1972 soon after the successful completion of his final tour of duty.
Dad and I followed in my grandfather’s footsteps, continuing his dedication to public service and international relations.
My father took the bar and Foreign Service Officer (FSO) exam, joining the DFA in 1975. Like Lolo, he was first assigned to the Philippine Mission to the UN in New York. Thereafter, he became consul-general in Rome, Los Angeles and Kobe/ Osaka.
He was appointed ambassador to Vienna, Austria and permanent representative to the UN Office there in 1999. He also served as chief of protocol and assistant secretary for legal affairs at the DFA. He capped an illustrious diplomatic career as ambassador to Russia before retiring in 2012.
Growing into the job
In turn, I tried my hand at the FSO exam and entered the DFA in 2002. I was a bit reluctant at first, since I pictured myself more as a writer or a musician. However, I grew into the job.
In a way, I was accustomed to it, being brought up in a diplomatic family. Passion for languages and the arts fit well with a profession aimed at fostering intercultural understanding. I also enjoyed playing a part in strengthening international cooperation to address global issues, such as climate change, combating human trafficking and safeguarding cultural heritage.
I first served at the Philippine Mission to the UN in Geneva, Switzerland covering the Human Rights Council. In the Home Office, I worked at the Offices of European Affairs and the Undersecretary for Policy. As my posting in Paris concludes, our family shall soon return to Manila. We look forward to new adventures that lie ahead.
Throughout my career and life, I have found inspiration in my grandfather’s stoic way of looking at and dealing with things. The realization that “life is a struggle from the cradle to the grave” makes us clear-eyed, ready to face the moment and determined to overcome challenges.
Despite the sacrifices of moving so often, I never forget that it is a privilege and solemn responsibility to promote the interests of our country and people abroad. “Prepare and prepare, for your day will come!” is another quote from Lolo that Dad passed on to my sister, Roxanne Garcia-Plata, and me.
On the occasion of my Lolo Enrique’s 110th birth anniversary, I want to share and celebrate his life as a public servant and diplomat. Thanks to his pioneering lead and my father’s sterling example, I trust and continue this path of diplomacy and discovery.
Happy Birthday, Lolo!
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Jesus Enrique “Hendrik” Garcia is minister and consul at the Philippine embassy in Paris, France. As deputy permanent delegate to UNESCO, he represents the Philippines in discussions on education, science, culture, communication and information and governance. He is married to Marta Uglik Garcia, a Polish freelance translator. They have two children, Sofia and Sean. He enjoys good coffee, wine, jogging, playing the guitar and meditation.
