In IMLI, I was exposed to this fascinating universe of International Maritime Law, of which I quickly and humbly realized I know very little about. Prior to going to IMLI, I only have a bare minimum working knowledge of the Law of the Sea gained out of necessity in performing my work relating to UNCLOS dispute settlement, maritime boundary delimitation and marine scientific research. At IMLI, my mind was exposed to all the other areas of International Maritime Law, such as Shipping Law, Maritime Security Law and Marine Environmental Law. I also learned a lot of IMO Conventions and how to effectively draft legislation to incorporate and implement the various IMO Conventions into the national legal system. I was guided into this fascinating universe of International Maritime Law by the school’s eminent Director, Professor David J. Attard and the school’s resident stellar faculty, Professor Norman Martinez, Ms. Elda Kazara-Belja, Ms. Ramat Jalloh, Ms. Tetty Lubis and Mr. Buba Bojang, To them, I am also profoundly grateful. Together with the visiting professors who are renowned experts in their respective fields, Professor Attard and the resident faculty equipped us with knowledge on International Maritime Law that is so precious we left IMLI ready to take on our respective roles in helping our governments resolve matters relating to International Maritime Law. After graduating from IMLI, I resumed the performance of my functions as State Counsel in-charge of maritime law matters. In such a capacity, I have helped in the drafting and finalization of the revised Guidelines for the conduct of MSR in Philippine waters, prepared comments submitted to the Senate for the ratification of various IMO Conventions and Protocols in preparation for the IMO audit of the Philippines in 2021, and provided policy inputs to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. In the academe, I have also resumed the performance of my functions as Professor at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Law where I currently teach Special Issues in International Law, focusing on the Law of the Sea. I also teach Law of the Sea, focusing on the South China Sea, for the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) of Philippine lawyers, a requirement by the Supreme Court. I was given this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study International Maritime Law. I know there still a lot to be learned. But I have been properly quipped by IMLI and in furthering my knowledge and strengthening my expertise on International Maritime Law, I will always be guided by the discipline and training I had in IMLI. With this knowledge and expertise, I aim to continue to help my government in all matters relating to International Maritime Law.