By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF
National Day celebrations hosted by foreign embassies are meant to be sophisticated gatherings, graced by dignitaries, esteemed business leaders, government officials, and select media. It’s a stage for diplomacy, where etiquette and a touch of finesse are the norm. And naturally, those donning the Philippine flag are expected to carry themselves with decorum. That’s Diplomacy 101. Understanding the fine line between privilege and propriety? Well, that should go without saying.
At the recent Austrian National Day reception, a group of officials—all too eager to “Love the Philippines”—made quite the impression, though perhaps not in the way they intended. As the evening unfolded, with distinguished guests mingling and enjoying themselves, a long line formed at the buffet, everyone patient and polite. That is, until some colleagues of the “bald eagle” seemed to believe that protocol didn’t apply to them.
With practiced ease, they slipped into the line as if they’d been waiting all along. Their ruse might have gone unnoticed—if it weren’t for a few sharp-eyed diplomats and observant members of the media. Whispers floated through the room: Had these latecomers mistaken the National Day celebration for a free-for-all fiesta?
Some diplomats, evidently unimpressed with this display of “entitlement,” subtly reminded these “guests of honor” that there was indeed a line, and others had graciously waited their turn. But rather than apologizing, the officials held their ground, insisting they’d been there all along—a bold assertion that raised more than a few eyebrows among the bystanders.
In the end, it was a stark reminder that a National Day reception is not a children’s party, nor is it the place to “play pretend.” For those sporting the Philippine flag, understanding the art of diplomacy goes beyond mere words—it’s a matter of conduct. Perhaps it’s time some guests refreshed their playbook on social graces, especially when they’re representing a nation whose motto, ironically, calls for love.