Rufino Aybar – From DAV Lecture Halls to a Creative Journey Marked by Diplomacy

From a young boy of Spanish heritage who arrived in Vietnam at the age of four, to a passionate student of International Law at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), Rufino Aybar closed four vibrant years at the Academy with the title of valedictorian of Cohort 44 in International Law. But his journey did not end with achievements on paper. Standing at life’s crossroads, Rufino chose to become a content creator — carrying with him a legal mindset, the spirit of diplomacy, and a deeply human heart to connect with millions. His story is that of a young person daring to step off the “safe path,” while holding firmly to the values that shaped him, to prove that happiness and success only come when we are brave enough to live authentically.

Seeds of Diplomacy and the Early Days at DAV

Some career paths are chosen by reason, others begin from small seeds — planted by stories, memories, and emotions. For Rufino — a young man of Spanish blood raised in Vietnam — that seed was a love for justice and diplomacy. “From a young age, I lived in a multicultural environment, exposed to stories about diplomacy and justice. I believed that law is not just dry reasoning, but a powerful tool to uphold fairness and humanity,” he shares.

When it came time to choose a university, Rufino was not looking for a place that only taught technical knowledge. He sought an environment that would challenge him fully — one where he would be forced to debate, negotiate, handle situations, and understand others. With its philosophy of combining diplomacy, law, economics, and communication, DAV became the only choice in his mind. For Rufino, choosing DAV meant choosing a place to sharpen critical thinking, to learn to listen and understand the world, and to turn ideals into practical skills.

His first memory of DAV was not of quiet lectures, but of a stage: DAV’s Leaders, where he entered a professional debate platform alongside outstanding peers. He didn’t just participate — he shone, later becoming Head of the International Law Faculty cohort, a role that brought him both recognition and a valuable network for his four years of study.

Beyond the classroom, Rufino’s energy was just as strong. From late-night debate prep to faculty event planning, he poured himself into extracurricular life. There were nights when he stayed up until 2 a.m. finishing a script, only to arrive on time to class the next morning. “DAV taught me that discipline isn’t a burden, but a gift you give yourself to reach your goals,” he reflects.

In Rufino, one always senses the energy of someone who knows what he wants and is ready to seize opportunities. That is not only the mark of a DAV student, but also a sign of someone who will never stop seeking new “stages” to perform and contribute.

From Legal Thinking to a Creative Identity

Graduating at the top of his class in International Law, Rufino faced the same question many excellent students do: continue along the traditional career path, or venture into something entirely new? The turning point came during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Spending more time at home, he began filming short videos — everyday stories with a humorous twist. At first, it was just for fun. But the overwhelmingly positive feedback from viewers made him realize the potential of this work.

What makes Rufino’s videos stand out in the vast ocean of TikTok content is not flashy effects or chasing trends, but his clear personal imprint. As one of the few foreign-born creators making content in Vietnamese, he brings deep cultural understanding and respect. He enjoys humorously portraying the cultural differences between Vietnam and Spain — always in a way that entertains without dividing. “Humor doesn’t have to mock or hurt anyone. The real challenge is making people laugh while still feeling respected,” he says.

The DAV foundation remains deeply ingrained in how he works. He applies a legal mindset to content creation: fact-checking, analyzing risks, evaluating impact. He applies diplomatic thinking when facing negative comments: choosing not to lash out, but to respond gently or ignore to avoid conflict. For Rufino, every video is a true piece of media production, requiring not only creativity but also professional ethics. His three golden rules: no misinformation, no toxic messages, no personal attacks. “TikTok is a stage. DAV gave me the script, the props, and the improvisation skills to perform while staying true to my values,” he laughs.

Lasting Values and a Message for the Next Generation

For Rufino, success is not measured in follower counts or views, but in positive impact. Each time he receives a message like “You’re the reason I started learning Spanish” or “Thanks to you, I decided to apply to DAV,” he feels assured he is on the right path. “Those words mean more than any advertising contract,” he says.

Though his current career leans toward creativity and media, he has never abandoned his academic field. Partly because nationality barriers prevent him from becoming a lawyer or diplomat, but more importantly because he still loves International Law, Rufino continues his graduate studies at DAV. He believes the knowledge and skills he has gained will always remain useful, no matter what he does or where he stands. Most importantly, he refuses to let social expectations or rigid molds define his path. “The key is to live for yourself. Right now, I’m happy, so I know I’ll never regret my past decisions,” he affirms.

To those torn between a stable job and following their passion, Rufino’s advice is clear: “Those two are not necessarily opposites. Passion can absolutely become a stable, sustainable path if you have a clear plan, work seriously, and stay disciplined. What matters most is knowing what you want, and having the courage to pursue it.”

Looking back at his time at DAV, Rufino chooses three words: Discipline – Growth – Happiness. Discipline, because DAV shaped his resilience; growth, because he learned to adapt and mature; happiness, because he lived his youth in a supportive community. And above all, when thinking of DAV, he describes it in one word: Home.

Rufino Aybar lived his four university years with passion, discipline, and a love of knowledge, graduating as valedictorian of Cohort 44 with a wealth of valuable experiences. He didn’t take the straight, safe path, but ventured into content creation — where his skills, mindset, and values from DAV became the “weapons” that helped him shine. On the stage of social media, he is an actor, a storyteller, and in many ways, a true “diplomat”: connecting people through humor, respect, and positivity.

His success lies not in numbers, but in the hearts he touches — in the young people inspired to learn, to act, and to live authentically. And among all the journeys ahead, he still holds onto one unchanging anchor: the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam — the place where his dreams began, where his courage was nurtured, and where he learned that only by stepping beyond the comfort zone while holding onto core values can we find the most successful version of ourselves. For Rufino, DAV will always be his second home, the place he belongs, and the flame that lights each step of his journey forward.

Thu Huyen