Manual for modern behavior Retired Philippine diplomat publishes guidebook on protocol and more

During the ongoing pandemic, a personal passion project bore fruit: a Guide to Protocol, Social Graces, and Etiquette, a manual for behavior, courtesy and related matters in and out of the diplomatic world.

It's authored by Ambassador Monina Estrella Callangan Rueca, who began her career at the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Manila and served in foreign posts such as Paris,

Tokyo, Geneva, and Madrid. She was then appointed as Philippine ambassador to the Republic of Hungary with concurrent jurisdiction over Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Prior to her retirement, she became assistant secretary and chief of protocol.

She now shared her experience and wisdom through the years in this 280-page softcover compendium, which delved into the modernday decorum insights she amassed through her career as a diplomat and a lecturer.

Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos in the book’s foreword stated “Today protocol, social graces, and etiquette are as relevant as ever in our increasingly interdependent world. Nations and people continue to strive for peace, harmony and friendship. The observance of time-tested rules of behavior creates a conducive environment for achieving these common goals. The rulesevolve, recognizing facets of modernity and technology while keeping the core values present since the beginning of humanity.”

Ambassador Rueca was inspired by Ambassador Luis Moreno Salcedo, who wrote Guide to Protocol in the late 1940s. “It was the very first one written by a Filipino which saw wide use,” she said. “The rules of protocol and etiquette may have evolved over time but what remains constant are the core values of humankind.”

Published and printed by Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc., the book was edited by Melandrew Velasco. The cover design and layout was by Michelle Manuel, while graphics and illustrations are by Kim Buenconsejo and Jenesis Ann Canua.

0917-638-6285 | susanubina@ yahoo.co.uk

The rules of protocol and etiquette may have evolved over time but what remains constant are the core values of humankind.