Tag

Diplomatic Incidents

in Almost Diplomatic on Print, Diplomatic Incidents

Hosts never eat first and why rushing never did me any good

This article first appeared in the August 28, 2021 issue of The Manila Bulletin.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been in a state of rushing. Rushing to school, rushing to finish a project. I was always in a hurry to grow up, to get a job. To run after sources and to finish my stories. My time as a TV reporter was a constant state of an adrenaline rush followed by a huge crash after a full day’s work. Then come the hours of feeling exhausted as I stared at the ceiling, hoping to fall asleep. In the morning, I wake up to my alarm, ready to have another go at my energy roller coaster.

I brought that way of life with me even as I left the broadcast industry. Often saying yes to so many things only to rush getting from one commitment to another. “I never run,” AA Patawaran, Manila Bulletin’s lifestyle editor, once told me. It was a balmy evening in Berlin and we were on our nth glass of port. “But what if you’re late for a flight?” I asked him. He told me no, not even. He was smiling but I knew he was serious.

AA never seems to be in a rush and that’s something that fascinates me. I’m always in a hurry and, more often than not, I often find myself in a pickle because of it.

Continue reading

in Almost Diplomatic on Print, Diplomatic Incidents

At Home with German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel

This article first appeared in the August 7, 2021 issue of The Manila Bulletin.

Germany’s Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel arrived in Manila back in August 2019. Tall, blonde, svelte, and with a warm air of sophistication, she had seven months to get to know the Philippines before the pandemic hit. She acknowledges that she’s quite lucky to have arrived when she did. She had a bit of time to lay the groundwork for some of their projects before the world went into a standstill.

NATURE’S CONVERGENCE A Buddy Bear, one of Berlin s most memorable symbols with a whaleshark painted on its stomach, welcomes people into the German ambassador’s home in Manila

A different challenge

The pandemic hasn’t been kind to people who love to socialize. For diplomats who are required to engage in socialization and build networks to be effective in their careers, the new normal has been quite the new, untamable animal. “It’s just not the same kind of atmosphere when you are talking, exchanging thoughts,” says Amb. Reiffenstuel. “The large part of what diplomats do in these meetings is catch the atmosphere, getting an idea of what’s going on in the margins of the conferences.”

Continue reading

Afternoon Tea: The Complete Guide
in Diplomatic Incidents, Etiquette, How-Tos

Afternoon Tea: The Complete Guide

I love me some tea. Even more when it comes with scones, finger sandwiches, and tiny pastries served on elegant, tiered serving stands. Afternoon Tea is something I simply adore doing with my girlfriends. So much so that one of my first articles for Forbes was about it. There’s just something so attractive with this dainty tradition that goes all the way back to the 1800s. It’s so feminine and quintessentially British.

With that said, let me walk you through this tradition based on what I’ve learned through experience as well as research. From its history and the modern-day adaptation that was started by the Mrs. Caroline Astor of the St. Regis in New York.

Continue reading

8 Myths About Life as a Diplomatic Spouse
in Diplomatic Incidents, Personal Musings

8 Myths About Life as a Diplomatic Spouse

Everyone seems to have an idea of what a diplomat’s wife – or diplomatic spouse – does on the daily. Most of it is usually a lot more fancy and dull than what it really is. Only three years in and two countries later, I think I’ve heard everything – from “Aww, too bad you lost your career.” to “I envy your life of leisure!”

While a lot of people may mean well, I thought that it would be great if one of us diplowives sets the record straight. I have received e-mails and even have some friends asking what is it exactly that we do. While it’s fun having some sort of mystery and having a unicorn-like appeal, I thought I’d share some insights.

So, I’ve listed some of these common myths and misconceptions. I’ll also be debunking them here by telling you what’s the real deal. Ready? Here we go.

Continue reading

Close