LEAKIPEDIA | When the penguin waddles into diplomacy

Apparently, “penguin” resonated.

After THEPHILBIZNEWS’ Leakipedia piece on the so-called “Uncouth Socialites,” the reaction within diplomatic circles has been rather interesting.

At last night’s German Unity Day celebration, several ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community brought up the piece. Without naming names, there were knowing smiles, nods of agreement and, in some cases, stories of similar experiences quietly shared over conversations.

The feedback was, to put it mildly, lively.

If there is a “fashion police” for questionable fashion choices, perhaps THEPHILBIZNEWS has inadvertently become something of a “diplomatic police” — not by appointment, but simply by observing what happens at diplomatic gatherings and putting into words what others have already noticed.

And apparently, the Penguin description struck a chord.

So, without naming names, let us look at another episode that left several ambassadors, diplomats, and guests shaking their heads.

The beer-mug incident

According to witnesses, including THEPHILBIZNEWS representatives and diplomats who were sharing a cocktail table with us, the incident unfolded during a national day cocktail reception. SP, our “Selfie Penguin,” spotted a lady ambassador approaching the group and then reached over and grabbed an empty, used beer mug from our cocktail table. The table was being shared by several ambassadors and diplomats, and the mug had already been used by another guest. The guest whose mug was suddenly taken was understandably shocked.

SP then approached the lady ambassador and asked her to pour beer into the mug for a photograph. The Ambassador reportedly obliged, maintaining the diplomatic courtesy expected of an envoy. SP raised the mug, the Ambassador raised hers, they clinked glasses and several photographs followed.

According to those who witnessed the scene, SP appeared visibly delighted with the result and seemingly undaunted by what had just happened. Some diplomats and guests, however, reportedly described the behavior as “squami” — uncouth, overly familiar, and inappropriate for the setting.

The lady ambassador reportedly maintained her composure and diplomatic smile throughout the photo opportunity. For an envoy, perhaps that is simply part of the job. For those watching, however, the episode left a rather lasting impression.

When the selfie becomes the story

There is, of course, nothing wrong with politely asking an ambassador for a photograph. Diplomats are often gracious enough to accommodate guests. But there is a difference between requesting a photograph and turning an Ambassador into a prop for a social-media moment.

Diplomatic receptions are about relationships. They are about countries, cultures, friendship, cooperation, business, and diplomacy. They are not about collecting ambassadors as photographic souvenirs.

According to people familiar with the group, SP and companions have developed a reputation for seeking out ambassadors at receptions and attempting to pull them into photographs, sometimes while the envoys are already engaged in conversations with other guests. One photograph is perfectly understandable. But when conversations are interrupted and diplomats are repeatedly pulled into photo opportunities, the line between networking and social climbing becomes rather difficult to ignore.

Perhaps that is why the “penguin” description resonated so strongly with members of the diplomatic community. Sometimes, a nickname captures a behavior more effectively than a paragraph ever could.

The clue is in the glass

The photograph may look completely innocent to anyone who sees it later. What makes this particular episode memorable, however, is the context behind the image and the circumstances witnessed by those who were there.

There is no need to name names when the details themselves provide enough clues.

The giveaway is the beer: the world’s first pale golden lager.

For those who know the incident, they know exactly what the clue means.

And as some witnesses put it: You cannot buy class.

Que barbaridad!