Press briefed on proper etiquette

CEBU - Media personalities here yesterday learned about proper etiquette, including protocol and social graces from an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs who personally flew to Cebu to brief the members of the press about these.

Franzina Yulo of the DFA’s Foreign Service Institute shared her knowledge about protocol and social graces to selected media personalities including news reporters, editors and students as part of the activities lined up for the Press Freedom Week celebration.

Many of those who attended the three-hour briefing conducted at the Marcelo B. Fernan Press Center in barangay Lahug described the event as very useful to them because it gave them ideas on what to do when they attend formal social gatherings.

Yulo discussed several issues, including a person’s behavior, character, proper appearance, the calling of a person’s name during public speaking, the use of utensils and even some other security-related matters.

She explained that the members of the press should not be arrogant and should be honest all the time because while the integrity of a person is slowly built up over time, it can quickly be lost from him or her over just one misdemeanor.

Yulo also said the mediamen should be always presentable as one way to gain respect from the people.

Journalists themselves admitted some of them just proceed to their respective beats even if they only wear short pants, T-shirts and slippers.

Several years ago, a newspaper reporter in Cebu City was even arrested by the police after he was mistaken as the suspect of a crime reportedly because of his appearance.

Because the media are sometimes invited to functions with buffets and meals, Yulo said there are also rules to be followed.

“Never refill a dirty or used plate,” Yulo reminded the mediamen. 

She also said the right thing to do with the table napkins that are provided to every customer is to place it above the lap, not to tie it around their neck.

Then after using the table napkin, it should not be refolded because other persons might mistakenly use them, believing they have not been used.

Invitations to parties and other social gatherings should also be declined formally if one is not able to attend the event, rather than not responding and then not showing up at all.

During cocktail parties, Yulo said guests should always keep one hand free in case they are introduced to other guests and have to shake hands.

The event yesterday was sponsored by the Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Aboitiz Transport System in coordination with The Freeman, the leader convenor of the 2008 Press Freedom Week celebration.

Aside from yesterday’s event, there are daily activities in connection with the celebration of the Press Freedom Week.

Today’s theme to be discussed by the senior media personalities is the topic about Reaching Out to Future Journalists. – Rene U. Borromeo/BRP (THE FREEMAN)