In Loving Memory of Our Beloved and Cheerful Father… the effervescent and vivacious, Mr. Nazir Marohombsar Adiong

I cannot help but to cry while doing this tribute to honor our beloved father.

Just by looking at his pictures which manifest such joy and happiness,
my tears keep on flowing like streams and rivers
and heart is grieving like a lamenting event of great catastrophe.

My parents were even planning to make their first hajj (pilgrimage)
to the Ka’aba in al-Makkah, Saudi Arabia this year (2012),
all of their documents were nearly complete,
instead Allah (God) decided to invite my father immediately.

Wherever you may be, dad, we wanted you to know that your optimal success
is how you brought and guided us (your wife and children)
toward the state of success we are living now.

May Allah and our angels guide your journey to the eternal sanctuary
and blissfully haven. Farewell, for now.

 

Nazir Marohombsar Adiong
August 20, 1957 – January 29, 2012
54 years old
After coming back to Ankara last Friday (Jan. 27) in the afternoon, Uncle Robin (my father’s elder brother) sent me a message that my father was rushed to the hospital because his heart stops beating. I only got the chance to read his message on Saturday morning. The doctors from ER were able to revive him. However, his brain and internal organs were directly affected because of 20 minutes of no oxygen and unstable blood circulation.
While he was quasi-unconscious on Saturday night, he was able to listen to all of the people who were there and talked to him including my mother and my sisters. Until, I was the last who talked through a mobile phone, and my mother told me that his tears fell and he finally bids goodbye. I will miss you, dad, wherever you are. In many years to come, we will be reunited when our time in this world had ended.
In memory of my Dad
i will remember all u taught me
i’m hurt…… but won’t be sad,
cos he’ll send me down the answers
and he’ll always be my DAD:(
This was the last family photo taken in my grandfather’s home in Marawi City, Philippines. 
From right to left: Nazrin (the youngest), our Father and Mother, Alimah
and Myself – the eldest. (August 2011)

Evangeline Santos Nassef, am sure you remember me, though we had not communicated much…I was formerly one of the PTA Presidents of the former TCQC….your father is a very good friend a brother of mine, and just want to let you know that I personally grieved so much on your Dad’s passing. We share the grief on your loss…as it is also a great loss for us. All those who knew Naz and whose lives was touched by him…wanted to let your family accept condelences and prayers. We will truly miss your dad. God bless.

I, together with my friends mourn the passing of a very good friend and Muslim brother…Naz Adiong. We pray for the early repose of his soul. May he bring with him happy memories of our comarederies..moments that made his passing painful for all of us. No doubt that your in the hands of our Lord now. Godspeed Naz…we love you!!! Your Dad Naz was very proud of you, in fact, 1st week of December, he told us you were coming from your successful doctorate studies from abroad, that they are just waiting for you, then we will have our reunion toether with your Mom Sandra. Regards to your Mom.

I missed your Dad so much Nassef, he is one true brother….very simple, very kind, very loving, A TRUE SCOUT IN SPITRIT…everyone likes him…..there’s an empty space in my heart…regret that I hadn’t seen him before his passing in this world. You are one truly blessed child of Naz….you must really be so proud of him…..WE ALL DO!!!

John Philip Santillan ‎Do accept my heartfull condolences to you and Adiong family. It was a shocking news, after a long years of waiting and just and two weeks ago, i was able to talk to your father through his cellphone, my bestfriend in highschool. May his soul rest in peace. . . . I still can remember his voice and our laughters, plans for summer. . . Nassef, thank you. And please do take care and give my regards to Robin he also knew me. May GOD bless you all.

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Nassef, the fellowship and friendship we had with you father, i will never be forget and he will remain my bestfriend. I do miss him. Do take care and surely if you come for a visit norway don’t hesitate to contact me. Have a blessed day. Regards to the family and also to kuya Robin.

Ibrahim Macatoon Abdulrahman Macacua I AM DEEPLY shocked and felt very sad upon knowing the untimely death of your beloved father NAZIR ADIONG, my best friend & my classmate (DC ‘73). I pray for his soul to rest in peace & for you to regain strength. Accept my heartfelt & deepest condolence!

Dvine Gianan mare, i’m very saddened by what happened. Grabe nashock naman kme nila mama kanina. Hope your strength w0n’t fail you, sana nga andyan ako para mabigyan kita kahit unting c0mf0rt lang..wag k masyad0ng mad0wn lalo na nasa turkey k ulit isipin na lang natin peaceful n ang papa mo sa heaven..magkikita-kita din tau ulit! I love u mare, ingat ka dyan.. We send u our c0nd0lences.. I’m here sh0uld u need me..

Clemencius Munez nassef, my sincerest condolences. Be strong. We are always here for you. You have our prayers.
Lorna Abarca hi nas! naiyak naman ako. i just read this. condolences to you and to your family. he just waited for you. am sure he’s just waiting for your voice before he let go. be strong nas and will pray for you. don’t worry nasa creator na natin sya. whatever you are feeling right now, it will take time to heal. ingat! nas, be strong dear!
Alvin Go Dearest friend Nassef Manabilang Adiong, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I never expected that this will happened, since our last talked about him. : C Wherever tito may be, God will always be with him. I, with my family (im sure all your friends too), will pray for tito. He may not any more be physically present, but he will always be alive in the hearts of many people who loves him. Continue to shine, like the stars that shine in the darkest night. We will always be by your side.
Prof. Dr. Clarita R. CarlosNassef, my heart bleeds for you as I  feel deeply the sense of loss and helplessness you feel knowing your father was dying and you were so far away.  I always believe that like my mother who has passed on, your father will also still be with you on another level.  Remember, the amount of energy in this earth is constant all the time, never diminishes… Warm hugs to comfort you…
Dean Julkipli Wadi Dear Dr. Adiong; Our condolences to you and your family. Life is always like that for all of us. As it has a beginning, life has its end too. We all are from Him and to Him is our return. It was good you were able to talk to him; he passed away happy when he heard your voice. He must be very proud of you. In a sense, as he was an acccomplished man, he must have left you the torch to accomplish more not only for your family and relatives but in the service of higher ideals including the principles he believes in.  Thank you also for keeping in touch and for sharing your success and moment of grief. I’d known too many friends and colleagues who I’ve seen their potentials and talents. You are one of them who stand out almost singularly. Good luck and our du’a to your late father and may Allah bless him. Best.
Prof. Dr. Nuri YurdusevI am very sorry to hear the sad news. Hope you soon pull yourself and get back to your normal life. Take care
Dean Meliha Altunisik Dear Nassef, I am so sorry to hear this news. I lost my mom a year ago. So I sincerely understand how you feel. This is a great loss. I console myself by cherishing the good memories we have had with my mom and believing that one day we will meet again. I advise you to do the same. May Allah rest his soul in peace and give you strength. My very best wishes.
Prof. Dr. Yasin CeylanDear Nassef, I am exrtremely sorry for your father’s death. I can imagine how much you are affected by the event. You also know as a beleiving Muslim that he has returned to his Lord, Allah. The only thing that we can do for him is to ask God for mercy and forgiveness. Love.
Marigen Amador Zaimoglu Nassef my dear,as i told you …be strong!!!this is part of our life just pray for him and i know he is in good hands now.My deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family.Dont forget that Iam here to help and comfort you…ate jean..

Sanem Arslan My dearest, I’m terribly sorry to read the saddened news on your wall and so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you, your family and with those he left behind. May his soul rest in peace. Please try to be strong canım… He will be truly missed but may the happy moments you all shared be a source of comfort. My heart goes out to you and your family. I’m always here for you… Let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family. I will give you a big hug when we see each other…

Adeliza Dima-Adiong Condolence klasmet & cozn…Kagabi dumting labi daddy mu but ADIONG FAMILY still cant believe what happen 2 ur dad! young age, very active 2 d’ family, always nkasmile & ur dad s one of legacy of ADIONG.
Tanya Meikshane Nassef, dear Naseef. I am very sorry about your Dad. I wish he rests in peace. Many hugs to you! Take care.
Shan Michael Sputnik my sincere condolences my friend 😦 youre in my prayers. be strong. hugs tight
RJ Dato condolence…
June Sinajon Kuya… *HUG*
Carlo Mertesacker Ong ‎:( condolence Naseef. His in a better place now
Reynan A. Gaban condolence
Joselito Dalisay He’s in good hands where ever he is, just be strong my friend and continue the good works you have started and that would make him even more proud of you. Condolence, Nassef.
Rona Jane Savedra Condolence. welcome back sa Ankara, tawagan mo ako para makapagkape naman tayo.
Grace Tuliao condolence nasef..=(
Ron LaranjoI extend my condolences to you and your family. I will pray for your father and your family
Jennifer Paladcondolence nassef and to the whole famıly of adıong….
Kristhel Anne S. Kabigting condolence nassef. btw my parents would like to know kung dito ba sa manila ung wake? kasma kasi nila yan sa PTA before di ba.
Desiree Anne Comota aww condolence nassef. 😦
Teresita Panganiban condolence …hes in god hand now and rest in peace…
Felix Oko Ankrahmy condolence nassef the Lord knows best.
Me-an Odulio condolence nassef :C
Boggs Tanggol Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun.
Monica Dulos Kuya Nassef, my condolences.
Suray San Innalilahi wa inna illaihi rojiun…..my deepest condolence ..my dear friend Nassef. My prayer for him.
Arvin Sangalang Condolences po…
Mj A Sagle condolence nassef….
Marco Angelo Eugenio My most sincere condolences.
Dyan Santiago Condolence
Whenny SagunCondolences nassef…..
Maricar Flores condolence
Jennifer Anne Gaw My Condolences Mr. Adiong
Rosalinda Cruzcondelence frend and welcome back in Ankara
Rothess Castillocondolence…
Ciera Corca My condolences, I am sorry
Jobir MuminovInnalilahi wa inna illaihi rojiun \*_*/… Accept my deep condolences Nassef… May Allah bless you!
Jona Sh I am sorry sweety…Unfortunately, there is a time for everyone to leave this world… It’s hard to accept this, but try to be as strong as possible and give a meaning to your life as I believe your dad did as well.
Zy-za Nadine Suzara I’m sorry to hear this, Nassef. My condolences.
Betty York condolence…
Lounel Halili condolences
Aron SamsonKuya condolence ngaun ko lang nbasa ~_~
Anna Tasnim Basman inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun
Czi-j Ebuen condolence po
Kadu Toquero condolence
Jeff Baclor my condolences, nassef
Leyla Yosef Condolencemy friend im sure he will wait you in heaven.God bless him.
Anna Tajminah Sumande Basman inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun
Danny Swibel Sorry to hear bro..be well and remember all the good stuff!
Tez Verina condolence , Nasef
Nathan Lawrence Penullarcondolence naseef.
Sheila Dinn Yu-Aquende Condolence Nassef.
Roder Mahinaycondolence nassef
Hanna Navarro Condolence po..=(
Cors Pasia my condolences Naseef
Aiz Gomez oh my, sorry to hear that Nas 😦 my deepest and sincerest condolences to u and ur family
Mae Reysoma Calderon condolence po
JB Manabilangallah bless always your family specially your dad tc. Cousin
Ommie AlangadiI was there…in the hospital last sunday… May ALLAH Bless Kuya Nazz soul…
KissesBeh ZeroThree condolence 😦 😦
Jomaimah Macadato nassef condolence
Vivien Santillan Simms my condolenced to your family.your father was such good friend to us.
Tez Verina condolence nasef
Rosalie Stacey May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time…thoughts and prayers are with you. Ima…my sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad.
Kaye Espinosa condolence
Jhe Velasco miss u chacha.. 😦 condolence..
Edsen Contreras Bunag ate imz condolence..
Reeza Joyce GasconCondolence ima 😦
Iyrah Francesca Lindres Imz imz….miz u n dn….condolence po….
Jenn Ferrancullo Condolence alimah
Joan Noble condolence!!!
Jasmin Rad I’m sorry Ima. Also my conodlence.Be Strong!!
Gaze Isien Ngyn k kng nlman toh ah 😦 condolence mahal.
Joyce Christine Sagle Galitcondolences dear..
Rose Carlongan Amancio Condolence Ima 😦
Rhein ThoMas condolence ate imz.
Curt Bryan Lacuata Condolence ate..
Aiza Llegue Dejucoscondolence alimah,, i met ur dad during our HS days,, and i still remember him til now.. im praying for ur family,, take care.. and IMY gurl..
Laurice Ann Sanz my condolence yma..
Amie Franssen-Halligcondolence Imah.. take care always..
Jane PatanaoCondolence mah…

Xhenezh Singhcondolence ymah…

Maui O’ReillyHi Nassef, I hope you’re hanging along.. Hugs and my condolences to you and your family

Legaspi RavasNassef please accept my condolences for the ascent of your father to God all the best for you and your loved ones

Patrick Famillarannaseef, ok ka lang ba?… Condolence…

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) membership

               

The ICD is an independent, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the theoretical and practical promotion of Cultural Diplomacy.

They offer membership of the ICD to allow individuals and organizations to show their support for our work. By becoming a member of the ICD you are joining over 15,000 likeminded stakeholders across the world, ranging from ambassadors to young professionals, from government officials to college students, and from NGOs to multinational corporations.

All members share a belief in the importance of cultural exchange as an essential tool in the modern world.

International Studies Graduate Makes Academic Waves Abroad

After being an excellent International Studies scholar, UE College of Arts and Sciences-Manila graduate Nassef Manabilang Adiong is making waves internationally as a postgraduate student enjoying multiple scholarships and as an author of several published academic papers.
He is currently a Doctor of Philosophy candidate in International Relations at the Middle East Technical University in Turkey, and is a recipient of both the European Union’s Erasmus Mundus Mobility with Asia Scholarship and the Turkish Government’s TÜBITAK Fellowship for foreign Ph.D. students. (TÜBITAK refers to the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey.)
Hereceived an “Outstanding Academic Performance Award” from the Dean of the Graduate School of Social Sciences and the President of the University. He received the award after fulfilling all the required courses in only two semesters with a high cumulative grade point average of 3.86 out of 4.00, and passing the comprehensive examinations. In addition, he was also awarded the 2011 Korean Government Scholarship Program as Ph.D. student in International Politics, Major in Middle Eastern studies (his second Ph.D. program) at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in the Republic of Korea, but he declined it. He is now considering a PhD fellowship from Berlin Graduate School of Muslim Cultures and Societies in 2012.
Mr. Adiong graduated from the UE CAS Manila with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, Major in International Studies, Magna Cum Laude, in November 2006. He completed the entire degree program in three and one half years.
As a UE student, he was a grantee of the Quezon City Local Government Scholarship Program and was a two-time Academic Excellence Awardee. He also served as Vice President of the CAS Manila Student Council in school year 2005-2006, and participated in many contests and conferences in UE and off-campus. He was a University President Scholar (2nd Semester, SY ’04-05), a University Scholar (SY ’05-06 and in the 1st Semester of SY ’06-07) and a College Scholar (1st Semester, SY ’04-05).
Mr. Adiong went on to receive his Master in International Studies at the University of the Philippines-Diliman in 2009, studying through both a UP Presidential Scholarship and a Willy Keng Fellowship. UP also awarded him with a ‘merit certificate’: twice as a distinguished College Scholar and once as a distinguished University Scholar.
                Moreover, he won full bursary (i.e., financial support, endowment) to learn Muslim and Jewish relations at Woolf Institute, an affiliated research institute of Cambridge University, from January to May 2011. He presented his research papers and served as invited discussant and panel chair in different world congresses and conferences in Manila, Barcelona, Prague, Athens, Istanbul, Ankara, Qazvin and Tehran. He contributed articles to the forthcoming 2012 Encyclopedia of Cultural Sociology of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa to be published by SAGE Publishing, and has written peer-reviewed journal articles for “Alternatives: Turkish Journal of International Relations,” “Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Law eJournal,” “Political Methods: Qualitative & Multiple Methods eJournal,” and “Law and Society: International and Comparative Law eJournal.”
His work on “Islam and International Relations: Mutual Perceptions” will be published by the Cambridge Scholars Publishing (Newcastle, UK) in late 2012. I.B. Tauris Publishers (London, UK), for its part, is interested in publishing his dissertation entitled “The Concept of Nation-State in Contemporary IR and Islamic Studies.” He also contributed one chapter on “Ideology which Spawns Islamist Militancy” in a forthcoming book entitled Counterterrorism: From the Cold War to the War on Terror edited by Prof. Dr. Frank Shanty to be published by ABC-CLIO (California, US).
Mr. Adiong is presently a member of the following academic organizations: International Resource Network (City University of New York, USA), British International Studies Association (Aberystwyth, UK), Middle East Studies Association of North America, Inc. (Arizona, USA), International Political Science Association (Montreal, Canada), The International Studies Association (Arizona, USA), The International Society for Islamic Legal Studies (Massachusetts, USA), Turkish International Studies Association (Istanbul, Turkey), and the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR) standing groups in ‘Religion and Politics’ and ‘Extremism and Democracy.
In providing his post-UE information to Silangan, Mr. Adiong expressed that “I am humbly [sharing] this piece regarding my academia journey…to the whole UE community and hopefully may serve as an example and inspiration for students who are striving for excellence.”
He also said that “[I]t is in UE where [I] learned to strive for excellence while staying humble. Thus, [I am] infinitely indebted and thankful to [my] Alma Mater—truly, the University of Excellence!”
                Mr. Adiong’s writings can be viewed and downloaded online via his author webpage at Social Science Research Network (papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=1556958), blog (nassef-adiong.blogspot.com), academia page (independent.academia.edu/NassefAdiong), or by running a Google search (scholar.google.com/scholar?q=nassef+adiong).

United Kingdom’s Challenges in the European Monetary and Economic Union (EMU)

This monograph faces the question why the United Kingdom ‘opted out’ of the European Monetary and Economic Union (EMU). Then, an analysis will be drawn in accordance to the advantages and the disadvantages of the EMU for UK’s economic and business environment.
From Bordo’s and Jonung’s book (2000), it was stated that since the European Monetary System (EMS) was introduced in 1979, which aims to minimize the risk of changes of exchange rates that hampered trade between the European countries. In this mechanism as ascribed in the research of Cohen and Wyplosz (1989), the currencies in Europe were tied together in narrow fluctuation bands of ± 2.25 % towards each other. Since 1993 this bands have been “temporary expanded” to ±15 %. This system existed 1999 as the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) succeeded the EMS with its task to introduce the Euro as single currency.
The UK left the EMS after two years membership in 1992 on the so-called ′Black Wednesday′ on September 16th. Due to a “loss of trust in the EMS, where several EMS currencies got under devaluation pressure,” after there have been heavy differences between high interest rates in Germany and low interest rates in the USA, what made “finance flow towards the EMS and out of US dollars and sterling.” The British government “took drastic measures to attempt to maintain a rigid position but neither was sufficient to prevent sales of sterling from reducing its rate against its currency well below the EMS ′floor′ DM 2.78. This was withdrawn from the EMS system and allowed to ′float′.” 
Another big topic circulated in Bordo’s and Jonung’s working paper (1999) is the public opinion in the UK. A big number of people do not want to give up the Pound for the Euro, which is regarded as inferior. The government still emphasizes the economic side of effects of joining the EMU, but it does not take much influence on the public opinion. The opposition uses the fear of the citizens to gain votes and tried to win the elections on 7 June 2001 on that topic.
Click here to download the full paper for free.

The Probabilty of Humanitarian Intervention as Framework for Human Security

            The paper aims to present a probable humanitarian intervention as framework of human security. It objectifies humanitarian intervention as an element that will make human security autonomous but not separate nor fully independent from non-traditional security. Several literatures confuses the two terms as synonymous with each other, where others differentiated them explicitly. Thus the essay will address the ambiguity of both conceptions and discuss humanitarian intervention not as a different concept from human security but argues that it may be part and parcel of it, and in fact a possible framework to explain the paradigm of human security autonomous to non-traditional security. This contribution aspires for a sound, simple yet clear and unambiguous interpretation of human security to the evolving field of security especially as a sub-discipline of International Relations. In addition, it will also contend that there is a considerable middle way for both human security and non-traditional security in meeting a tangency point, and that is, a re-conceptualized version of human rights.  
            Why there’s a need to separate human security from non-traditional security? In this line of inquiry, we need to consider the aim of this paper as mentioned above, thus question should also fit to the construction of essay. The proponent wants to emphasize that he is not separating human security from non-traditional security because in his second hypothesis he is also interested in looking for a middle way for both conceived ideas. This is not to separate them but to make the conception of human security autonomous from the conception of non-traditional security. Related literatures have confused both conceptions and increased its ambiguity which directed some scholars and practitioners to formulate their own interpretations of human security and non-traditional security. The proponent is confused when he read studies stating both conceptions identical in nature and hence, equal footing status, when in fact it exacerbated further confusions and tensions.
            Consequently, the primal objective of this study is to remove the confusion that these two terms are facing. To exclude their identical character we need explanatory power to claim and defend our main idea, and what the author is thinking is to present human security with its own explanatory power to make a (standing) paradigm coherent and clear. Further, the purpose is not a matter of challenging what the other scholars have said but to add another view or element to the diverse interpretations of human security vis-à-vis non-traditional security. And his objective is to simply interpret human security as clear as possible and without attached ambiguousness. The proponent’s essay will first look into the evolution and development of the conception of the term ‘security’ then will discuss the ambiguity between the two conceptions and provide humanitarian intervention as the explanatory framework to establish its autonomy.

Click here to download the full paper for free. 

Law and Society: International and Comparative Law eJournal, Vol. 6, No. 130 (October 26, 2011)