The Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C. has long served as a steady point of contact between two countries bound by history, security cooperation, and one of the most active diasporas in the United States. During our recent visit, Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez received us with the same openness that has shaped much of his work in the capital. His background in journalism, years of public service, and close familiarity with political and civic institutions on both sides of the Pacific give him a vantage point that is unusually broad and practical.
Our conversation moved through several themes shaping the next phase of Philippines–United States relations. The Ambassador spoke about the value of personal rapport in diplomacy, the growing relevance of trade and technology partnerships, and the steady role of Filipino Americans in strengthening public understanding between the two nations. He also reflected on the expanding space for cultural engagement, from academic exchanges to the rising visibility of Filipino cuisine across major American cities.
At a time when regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific continue to evolve, Ambassador Romualdez offered a clear view of how Manila approaches cooperation with Washington, both in bilateral channels and in wider forums such as ASEAN and the emerging security frameworks in the region. His insights provide a grounded look at how traditional relationships adapt to new economic, digital, and geopolitical realities.
This interview captures his perspective on diplomacy as both a craft and a continuous exchange shaped by people, institutions, and shared interests across the Pacific.
People-to-People Ties at the Heart of Philippine Diplomacy in the United States
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) December 13, 2025
In this brief reflection, H.E. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States, speaks on the role of Filipino Americans, students, workers, cuisine… pic.twitter.com/b4qjvqhYZg
Your journey into diplomacy, shaped by your background in journalism and public service, reflects a rare blend of storytelling and statecraft. How have your early experiences influenced the diplomat and leader you are today?
Well, being in media, I started off as a news reporter for a television network in the Philippines. That exposed me almost immediately to the political world, so to speak. And so that exposure obviously brought me to a situation where I was able to interact with many politicians in the Philippines and ultimately with a number of diplomats whom I got to know during the later years of my being in the media world. So that actually prepared me for what I have experienced in terms of relationships with people and interaction, and perhaps that is why I eventually became a diplomat. Not by choice, but more by accident, because former President Duterte really wanted me to leave for the United States. He said that I was the right man for the job, but I jokingly told him perhaps he just wanted me to be away.
As the current Ambassador of the Philippines to the United States, what personal experiences have most influenced the way you manage and strengthen the Philippines–U.S. relationship?
Well, I must say that my personal relationships here in Washington, D.C., are probably what carried through many of the aspects of my work here. I had a number of friends who worked in the think tanks, and that eventually led to meeting some of the members of congressional staff. That developed into expanded relationships that I have had over the years. That is how I have been able to conduct my business here in Washington.
International trade remains a central pillar of modern diplomacy. How do you view the future of Philippines–United States trade and investment, particularly in areas such as supply chains, technology cooperation, and workforce development?
Well, international trade is a very major part of our relationship with the United States, at least for the Philippines, and I am sure for many countries as well. International trade plays a major role in security because we are one of those countries that really believe that economic prosperity means economic security for our country.
Because of this special relationship that we have with the United States, particularly on the defense side, it is important for us to have economic resources to buy what we need to continue to build up our armed forces, make them responsive to the times, and become a real mutual defense partner of the United States.
In other areas of cooperation, we have cybersecurity, cyberspace, and the digital world. These are all part and parcel of relationships that are very important for both our countries, and I think we have been able to manage that well.
Beyond bilateral engagement, the Philippines plays a strategic role in multilateral platforms such as ASEAN. How does your work in Washington shape your approach to multilateral diplomacy and regional collaboration?
Multilateralism is very important for us. The Philippines believes in an approach not only on the defense side but also in international trade. You need a coalition of countries with the same mindset. What is important is the fact that international trade is what makes the world go around, so to speak.
ASEAN is a very important institution for us. We were one of those that started ASEAN. It was called the Southeast Asian Treaty Organization at that time, and it evolved into ASEAN today with 11 members. This is a very important force now driving international trade in our area, and that is one particular multilateral forum that we believe in.
There are other areas in which we also believe in multilateralism, like the Squad, which consists of South Korea, Japan, Phillipines and Australia where we are together in what we call a Maritime Security Cooperation that is very important for the security of the Indo-Pacific region.
Cultural and people-to-people diplomacy continue to shape international perceptions. How have you advanced Philippine culture, heritage, and soft power as part of your diplomatic work in the United States?
People-to-people ties are one of our main assets in the United States. We have about 4,300,000 Filipino Americans living here. In almost every state, we have a Filipino American community, and they are very much appreciated by members of Congress and local officials.
As far as Juneau, Alaska, we have Filipino citizens working there, not only Filipino Americans but Filipino workers as well, and even in Anchorage. We also have workers in Saipan and many other areas in the United States, which form part of our cultural ties or cultural exchanges.
We have Filipino students studying here, even at Georgetown University and George Washington University. We have what we call cuisine diplomacy, with a number of restaurants that have become very popular not only in Washington, D.C., but also in New York, San Francisco, Hawaii, and many other major cities. It has become an extremely popular cuisine for many Americans, and that has helped us expose our culture.
Last, we have cultural exchanges with the United States on many occasions.
The Filipino diaspora in the United States plays an active role in economic, cultural, and civic life. How do you view this community as a strategic partner in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties?
As I said, the people-to-people ties are a key factor in our diplomacy. I call all our Filipino American citizens our top diplomats. They are the ones who give us the kind of image that has opened doors.
I have had this experience many times. Every time I meet with a U.S. congressman or senator, we may have disagreements on many issues. But at the end of the day, there is one thing we always end up talking about, and that is the Filipino American community. They absolutely appreciate and respect their work ethic and their generosity in doing good for the community and the people they serve. That tells us we can be very proud of the Filipino. They are a good people, and I am very proud of them.
Looking forward, which emerging areas of diplomacy do you believe will define the next phase of Philippines–United States cooperation, particularly in trade, education, innovation, and digital engagement?
In all those areas, in trade, digital engagement, infrastructure, and all aspects of our relationship with the United States, there is going to be strong advancement and cooperation. Our partnership has expanded not only in many areas but in very critical areas, such as digital infrastructure, which is very important for us.
Education is a key factor. Our educational system is patterned after that of the United States, and we hope to have more exchanges and student exchanges between our countries. That is just one of the many plans we have.
When you reflect on your public service, what values and contributions would you want young diplomats in both the Philippines and the United States to associate with your leadership and diplomatic career?
It is very simple. Personal relationships matter most. The fact that you exchange ideas and get to know each other well enough to understand each other’s culture, even appreciating each other’s cuisine, is already a way to move forward for anyone who wants a career not only in diplomacy but in any field.
I will always remember what one of my professors in college told me. He said, ninety percent of the game is interpersonal relationships, and ten percent is
knowledge.
Your embassy participated in the last Embassy Chef Challenge. Can you tell us about the Challenge and its significance for Philippine culinary diplomacy?
The Embassy Chef Challenge has been around for quite some time here in Washington, D.C. Our embassy chef prepared an aperitif or appetizer, which won first place for both the People’s Choice and the Director’s Choice awards. Almost instantly, our chef became popular, and our cuisine became popular, so much so that I had to plan on inviting a number of people to the embassy for a meal because of the publicity that came from winning the competition.
Now, as you mentioned, we have the Embassy Chef Challenge once again, where we took first place together with Peru. That is a great honor for us, to be in the same equation as Peru, because I love Peruvian food myself, and perhaps we have similarities in the way we prepare our meals. It is a great achievement for our embassy chefs.
