During the COVID pandemic, a personal passion project bore fruit for retired Ambassador Monina Estrella Callangan Rueca. She published a book titled “Guide to Protocol, Social Graces and Etiquette: A manual for Behavior, Courtesy and Related Matters In and Out of the Diplomatic World.”
Rueca 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 ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the epublic of Hungary with concurrent jurisdiction over Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
Prior to her retirement, she was assistant secretary and chief of protocol. She now teaches at the School of Diplomacy and Governance of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
Rueca shares her experience in her 280-page softcover book, which delves into the modern-day decorum insights amassed through her career as a diplomat and a lecturer.
Former 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.”
He added, “The rules evolve, recognizing facets of modernity and technology while keeping the core values present since the beginning of humanity.”
Rueca said she 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 are by Michelle Manuel, while graphics and illustrations are by Kim Buenconsejo and Jenesis Ann Canua.
Susan Ubina, tel. 0917-6386285; email [email protected].
