YOUNG Filipino writers and journalists with both talent and ambition often leave the passion of their youth to become leaders of men. For many, the destination is often diplomacy, and a rare few have gotten to serve the highest post in diplomacy as foreign affairs secretary. Offhand, we can name three: Carlos P. Romulo, Blas F. Ople and the current foreign secretary, Teodoro Locsin Jr.

If we name all the former journalists and writers who served in the diplomatic corps and the ones still serving right now, this column will breach its prescribed word limit. The long list of ambassadors and con-gens past and present is cluttered with former journos, and their sheer number would be enough to fill the dining area and bar of the then National Press Club during the NPC’s glory years. And, we can say with pride that these journos-turned-diplomats all served with distinction.