I Walked with Heroes

I Walked with Heroes is the autobiography of Carlos P. Romulo, chronicling his journey from a small town in the Philippines to becoming a prominent international diplomat and UN General Assembly President. The text follows his experiences as a journalist, general, and ambassador throughout pivotal moments in Philippine history. The narrative begins with Romulo's childhood in Tarlac during the Philippine War of Independence, where American soldiers first introduced him to the English language. His path then leads through his years as a student and newspaper reporter in Manila, documenting his rise in both journalism and politics. Throughout the book, Romulo recounts his interactions with major historical figures and details his observations of key events that shaped Philippine-American relations in the 20th century. His writing style incorporates personal anecdotes and self-deprecating humor, particularly about his height. This autobiography stands as both a personal memoir and a historical document, offering perspectives on colonialism, nationalism, and international diplomacy through the lens of a man who straddled multiple worlds and roles.

Readers describe this autobiography as an insightful look into Philippine-American relations through Romulo's personal experiences and diplomatic career. The book provides first-hand accounts of WWII in the Pacific and the transition of the Philippines to independence. Readers appreciated: - Clear writing style and engaging storytelling - Historical details about Philippine society and politics - Personal anecdotes about world leaders - Coverage of the Japanese occupation period Common criticisms: - Some passages feel dated in their perspective - Focus sometimes strays from main narrative - Limited availability of the book in print Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (107 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (12 ratings) Notable reader comment: "Romulo's intimate perspective on major historical events makes this more compelling than a standard history text." - Goodreads reviewer The book remains required reading in many Philippine schools but can be difficult to find outside academic libraries.

Born of the People by Luis Taruc Chronicles a Filipino resistance leader's journey during the Huk Rebellion, providing insights into the grassroots struggle for Philippine independence from a perspective that complements Romulo's diplomatic accounts.

Voice of Asia by James A. Michener Documents the author's travels through post-war Asia, including the Philippines, offering observations on nationalism and independence movements that parallel themes in Romulo's memoir.

My American Journey by Colin Powell Traces Powell's path from humble beginnings to international diplomacy and military leadership, mirroring Romulo's trajectory from provincial Philippines to global statesmanship.

Present at the Creation by Dean Acheson Details the formation of post-World War II international order from a diplomatic insider's perspective, sharing the same historical context and diplomatic sphere as Romulo's experiences.

Nationalist by Salvador H. Laurel Presents another Filipino statesman's account of Philippine politics and democracy, covering events and themes that intersect with Romulo's diplomatic career.

★ Carlos P. Romulo became the first Asian to serve as President of the United Nations General Assembly (1949-1950) and won the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism for his series of articles predicting the outbreak of World War II in Asia. ★ The book's title "I Walked with Heroes" refers to Romulo's interactions with prominent world figures like U.S. General Douglas MacArthur, with whom he served during WWII, becoming the first Filipino to reach the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. ★ At just 5'4" tall, Romulo was known for his witty response to a comment about his height by U.S. General Whitney: "I may be small, but I stand for a tall country." ★ The memoir was published in 1961 when Romulo was serving as the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, a position he held for 14 years across multiple presidential administrations. ★ Romulo's transformation from a boy who learned English from American soldiers to becoming president of multiple universities and serving as Secretary of Education showcases the Philippines' educational evolution during the American colonial period.