Another tribute to Ambassador Arizala
ON AMB. RUDY’S 80TH BIRTHDAY
By Consul Marciano R. de Borja
Dear Alejandra,
Even before my assignment to the Philippine Embassy in Santiago, I already heard of Amb. Rudy Arizala and knew that he is one of the few career diplomats in the Philippine Foreign Service who is part-time writer. I'm also familiar with his published works on Philippine foreign relations. I was therefore looking forward to meeting him.
Amb. Rudy and Doña Loreto gave me and my family a warm welcome in his apartment in Avenida Ricardo Lyon. It was the start of a close and productive relationship. He was excited to know that I'm also writing on the side and that I was then writing a book on the "Basques in the Philippines." Amb. Rudy lent me a Basque encyclopaedia which has an extensive entry on the Philippines and he later introduced me to Pedro Aratzabla, the former Basque delegate in Chile, who lives just across the street. Amb. Rudy's encouragement and support helped me a lot to continue the research and writing of the book despite my hectic schedule. It was also Amb. Rudy who insisted that I publish the book in the United States (University of Nevada Press) to target a wider international readership. I'm now reaping the rewards of his advice. The book now has a nice webpage in amazon.com.
During my final year in Santiago, I visited Amb. Rudy almost every weekend and certain holidays. We sometimes met and talked in a cafe in Los Leones just a few minutes by foot from his apartment. We talked extensively about the Foreign Service, diplomacy, politics, history, Latin America and Chile. We sometimes argued and disagreed in our views but he was always gracious and patient. I consider him not just a superb mentor but also as a "father" (my own father passed away in 1997) for his deep concern for my career and family life.
Being with Amb. Rudy and listening to his ideas and views were like attending a graduate course in international relations. In fact, I joked that I felt like I was taking up a doctorate in diplomacy with him. He generously lent me books and other materials, some of which inspired me to pursue a new research project on the so-called "State Department Boys.” They were the early Filipino career diplomats who were sent to Washington, D.C. before and after Philippine independence to study the fundamentals of diplomacy and consular practice. Amb. Rudy served under some of the State Department Boys and knew many of them. I'm pleased to say that his research project will be completed in a few months time and that Amb. Rudy continues to be my adviser on this project.
Even after I got recalled in 2003 and returned back to Manila, we continued to correspond. Amb. Rudy never fails to keep in touch and dispense good advice every time I consult him about certain topics in the Foreign Service. To this very day, I know that he only wishes me and my family the best, just like a good father.
I wish Amb. Rudy a very happy 80th birthday and I pray for his good health and long life.
Best regards,
Marc
Marciano R. de Borja
Ministro y Cónsul
Embajada de Filipinas
Calle Eresma 2
28002 Madrid