Carlos Peña Romulo was born on January 14, 1899, in Camiling, Tarlac Province, Central Luzon, Philippines. He was first married to Virginia Serapia Vidal Llamas Romulo and Beth Day Romulo. He completed his early schooling at Camiling Central Elementary School and later studied at the University of the Philippines, where he excelled in English and literature and later became a professor of English. He continued his studies in the United States at Columbia University, focusing on journalism and international relations. He was one of the Philippines’ most distinguished diplomats, soldiers, writers, and international statesmen.

Carlos rose from a background shaped by the Philippine–American War to become a global voice for the Philippines. During World War II, he served as an aide to Douglas MacArthur, became a general in both the U.S. and Philippine armies, and was a key member of the Philippine government-in-exile. His wartime journalism earned him the Pulitzer Prize, making him the first Asian recipient.

After the war, Romulo played a central role in Philippine foreign policy, serving as president commissioner to the U.S. Congress, ambassador to the United States, and secretary of foreign affairs under multiple Philippine presidents. Internationally, he was a prominent advocate of decolonization, human rights, and international cooperation, culminating in his election as President of the United Nations General Assembly (1949–1950), the first Asian to hold the post, and multiple terms as president of the UN Security Council. Beyond diplomacy, he was a prolific author of essays, memoirs, and novels, and was later named a National Artist for Literature. He died on December 15, 1985, and is now buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig, Southern Manila District, National Capital Region, Philippines.

Source of information: en.wikipedia.org