Uplift Cares Professional And Social Etiquette Training: Equipping Future Professionals

It’s a blessing and privilege to help our underprivileged Senior High School and College scholars, along with our Alternative Learning System (ALS) Junior High School learners, unleash their potential and move closer to their dreams!

In the afternoon of September 25, 2025, they experienced joyful learning for their future at the UPLIFT Cares Professional and Social Etiquette Training, held at the Choir Room of the CCF Center. They were equipped with the skills and values for excellence in character, conduct, and career. Indeed, it was an eye-opening event for them, opening doors for more opportunities when they step into the corporate world.

Ms. Claire de Vera, Ms. Susan Domingo, and Ms. Evelyn Javier generously shared their wisdom with our beneficiaries. Serving as the event hosts were UPLIFT Cares Assistant Scholarship Coordinator Shekinah Infante, along with UPLIFT Cares volunteer Hannah Ramos.

The event was also streamed online for our provincial beneficiaries.

Opening Remarks, Role-Playing Game

In his opening remarks, UPLIFT Cares ALS Program Director Denny Dinsay said that the event was about equipping the attendees with the skills that would help them shine not only in school but also in their future career.

“Today is about learning how character, conduct, and confidence work together to set you apart,” Pastor Denny said, adding that the habits they build today can shape the kind of leaders and professionals they will become.

Before the training sessions, three attendees joined the role-playing activity. They were each told to act in these three scenarios: walking into a job interview with a positive etiquette, approaching the church pastor in a certain manner, and meeting the future boss for the first time.

Training Sessions

In the first session, Claire de Vera, a marketing and sales professional, talked about etiquette and workplace conduct. She shared numerous tips on maintaining a professional presence and the importance of personal grooming and dress code, and encouraged the attendees to represent God outside their homes effectively.

When it comes to grooming and dress code, first impression forms fast. Cleanliness and appropriate dressing also show valuing colleagues’ time and boosts the person’s confidence and professionalism.

De Vera said that as ambassadors of Jesus, we are to represent Him well and aim to please Him through appropriate outfit. In the workplace, first impression counts, professionalism builds trust, and practice creates habits.

The second session, also with de Vera as the speaker, bore the theme, “Reflecting Christ in the Workplace.” She encouraged the attendees to be secure and stand in their God-given worth; and to be respectful, authentic, and teachable.

De Vera shared about the message found in 2 Timothy 1:7, which says that God has not given a person timidity, but power, love and discipline. She encouraged the attendees to show kindness and generosity in their dealings with others.

Susan Domingo, who works as managing partner of a consultancy firm, shared some valuable insights in the third session with the theme, “First Impression and Confident Presence.” As she began her talk, she told attendees that they were so blessed to attend the training.

Domingo said that usually, a person’s first impression is formed within seven seconds, and is based on appearance, posture, and tone of voice.

A person can form a positive first impression by practicing timeliness and punctuality, appropriate body language, polite and engaging conversations, well-groomed appearance, proper way of handshakes, professional attire, authenticity and sincerity, respectfulness, and active listening and displaying genuine interest in others. Practicing timeliness, punctuality, and a positive body language such as smiling and open gestures, as part of professional etiquette, can help make a good first impression.

“First impressions matter because they reflect who you are, and whom you represent. So whom do we represent? Christ in us,” Domingo said.

Evelyn Javier, who works as managing director of an outsourcing firm, served as the speaker at the fourth and last session, “Workplace and Professional Etiquette.” She presented helpful tips on showing respect in the workplace, workplace “dos and don’ts” in communication meetings and teamwork, and handling criticism and conflict gracefully. She also talked about carrying the proper mindset in entering the workplace.

Javier told attendees that they are to know and display their identity in Jesus. “And the Bible should be your ultimate guide on how to relate to your bosses, colleagues, and clients; and overcome challenges,” Javier said.

Other Details, Scholars’ Insights

During the training, some attendees joined the contest for the best social media post about their experience at the event. The participants with the best posts were chosen as the winners.

Attendees received copies of the Bible, which were sponsored by Speaking Louder Ministries. The first attendees who arrived at the venue were given a prize.

The attendees were blessed with numerous takeaways that they can apply to further excel in their studies, and when they pursue their dream careers.

Uplift Plus scholar Lyn Lyn, a second year psychology student, shared about the importance of knowing when to listen and when to speak, choosing words wisely, and avoiding impulsive reactions. She shared that how she communicates reflects her love for Jesus.

“This [training] molded me to be more ready for the workplace, reminding me that people are different and being aware of that is an advantage,” she said.

El Jhon, a scholar in first year college, learned that grooming and dress code reflect discipline, and lasting impressions come more from actions rather than appearance. He also expressed about living out his Christian identity.

“I’ll apply proper etiquette in emails and meetings to avoid embarrassment and be seen as professional,” he added. El Jhon is taking up industrial technology.

Fellow scholar Jan Ezekiel, a first year college student taking up information technology, discovered the power of gratitude, the importance of respect as worship, and the value of teamwork.

“These lessons will prepare me for the workplace and help me build friendships where I can share God’s goodness… God taught me forgiveness and compassion,” he said.

Cristopher Jayson, an architecture student, shared that among his takeaways are being professional with observing the dress code and sending emails; and responding with humility, patience, and self-control. He has also embraced making a difference by being respectful and kind, and remembering that his true identity and security is in God.

“This helped me understand what real professionalism looks like in teamwork and workplace conduct,” he said.

Cristopher Jayson added that leadership trainings would be helpful for students in group projects and organizations.

As the attendees went home with their newfound wisdom on professional and social etiquette, they are now more ready and confident in pursuing their dream careers. It is our prayer that they will fully experience the breakthroughs that God has in store for them!

To volunteer or partner with us for our educational initiatives or community development activities, you may send us a message on our social media accounts or send us an email at sponsorship@upliftcares.com