Today I had lunch at the Asian Development Bank (arranged by friend Chantale) with several extraordinary people -- classmates from my days at the Kennedy School of Government -- and all very well positioned and connected in the Philippines. One was a Cabinet member in the Ramos administration, the Secretary of Agarian Reform. Another had been an Asst. Secertary of Agriculture. Yet another is a VP at the Development Bank of the Philippines. The conversation was incredible because these are people who know the players in this government, who have been the players, who have the gossip about this coup, and who know that the ex-President (I suppose that "ex" depends on who you ask) voraciously ate noodles as he was being ousted from the palace.
Once again, I am humbled. But more hopeful. We sat and had a jumbled conversation of politics, policy, my travels, our experiences since graduating, and who will be placed where in this new government. I heard intelligent, earnest voices determined to do good for their country and believing that it is possible. And I was surprised by my feeling of pride for my alma mater that it trains people so well.
I realized in this conversation how much I miss policy dialogue. I could have stayed hours discussing rural development with one and the role of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) in contributing to alleviating societal ills with another. I can see a series of work-related fantasies developing. Tonight, I am running a micro-enterprise operation much like the Grameen Bank in Bangaladesh. But I'm not doing it in Manila. It's still wickedly hot and it's still wickedly ugly.