Confessions

I can’t believe I am now on my fifth year here in New York! I thought I would be here only for a year. 

Special Leave. I arrived in late September 2005, on special leave without pay from ADB, to work as an audit specialist for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The whole recruitment process was like a roller-coaster ride that commenced with my online application in September 2004 after initial consultation with my immediate family, and concluded only after a telephone interview, a 2-hour written exam in UNDP’s Makati office, a panel interview at its headquarters in New York, a video interview by my future boss, submission of personal technical documents, reference checking, a medical check-up by a UN doctor, and a final review and approval by UNDP’s appointment and promotion panel. After each major milestone, I had reflective conversations with my husband and children. During the process, I had to be hospitalized twice, first for an invasive biopsy that indicated a precancerous state and second for surgery that indicated benign results. Meantime, I had to prepare for an art exhibit in July. Finally, around August, I learned that I was selected. To have some flexibility, I decided to take a 2-year special leave, which was granted with help from my then boss (Peter Pedersen).

I arrived in New York with my 21-year-old daughter, who was to pursue her master’s degree in forensic psychology, and my husband, who came temporarily to assist with the luggage, due to my recent surgery, and to help us move in to an apartment. Left in Manila were my 16-year-old son, who was in school; my 83-year-old mom; and my art career, which had been steadily taking off. I took a deep breath. The contract was only for a year anyway, so I said to myself.

Adapting. The first year was horrible, as the family struggled, being apart for the first time. I anchored on my faith and my friendship with former ADB colleagues (Ruth Esmilio and Chato Ledoñio O’Buckley). Thanks, too, to my former Japanese audit colleagues (Toshio Higaki and Kiyoshi Okamoto); former boss (Louis Wong); and another ADB colleague (Francis Narayan), who introduced me separately to Shoji Nishimoto (then UNDP’s Assistant Administrator and Director of the Bureau for Development Policy). Shoji welcomed me warmly and gave me tips on how to survive New York and UNDP! This was how my ADB connection helped plant my feet firmly on the ground. Through Ruth and Chato, I met more former ADB staff working in the UN system, including Emma Dumalag, who later became a very good friend. Being with former ADB staff indeed made my transition less painful.

I accepted a contract extension for another year, as I could not leave my daughter alone in the midst of her higher studies. Then, my 2-year special leave was up. So, I retired in September 2007. While I was relieved when I made my final decision, I was so grateful to ADB for the 25 years, for the knowledge gained and shared, professional experience, meaningful friendships, and valuable lessons learned. Blood, sweat, and tears, sure. But laughter, too! My UNDP contract was extended for another 2 years. I started getting involved in activities such as travel and art again, and the Philippine Cultural Society.

Moving On. The opportunity to do one-woman art shows presented itself. From 22 September to 3 October 2008, I exhibited 24 oil paintings at the UN Secretariat Lobby during the General Assembly time. Many people from all over the world viewed my paintings and I received good comments, and sales! The exhibit was sponsored by the Philippine Cultural Society. My next art exhibit, this time at the Philippine Center in New York, is scheduled from 26 April to 7 May 2010.

Another career opportunity also presented itself. In UNDP, where promotions are not given as a matter of course, I competed globally for the next higher level as chief of a unit and went through another rigorous recruitment process that included a longer written exam and more panel interviews! I survived.

Now in my 5th year, my audit career continues to be fulfilling, and my art career looks very promising. The family is thriving. My husband, who took early retirement from his VP job at Bank of the Philippine Islands, is enjoying his time as an eco-friendly agronomist and contract grower, between attending to our son and visiting my mom in Bicol and us in New York.

So, up to when will I be here? I will go when and where God leads me. After all, that is what I have been doing all these years.