Cover Vin d’honneur 2024
Vin d’honneur 2024
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On January 11, a toast was raised for the diplomatic corps at Malacañan Palace
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos ushered in the new year with an age-old French tradition, Vin d’Honneur, on January 11 at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace. Translated as “wine of honour”, it is an event during New Year and Independence Day that highlights a toast between the President and the Papal Nuncio—a testament to the Spanish influence on Filipino culture.
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Along with friends in the diplomatic circle, the government celebrated partnerships and international cooperation. All guests assembled and mingled in the hall adorned with Sampaguita flowers and Bahay Kubo design elements.
Above The President and Papal Nuncio Charles John Brown III
Above The First Lady entertaining guests
The President and Papal Nuncio Charles John Brown III
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Above President Marcos with Amb Ilan Simon Fluss and Amb Phan Peuv
Above President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos
President Marcos with Amb Ilan Simon Fluss and Amb Phan Peuv
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After addressing everyone with a warm welcome, President Marcos introduced the new ambassadors to the Philippines: Marciano Octavio Garcia da Silva of Timor Leste and Lai Thai Binh of Vietnam. He proudly referred to them as his “Asian brothers who recently presented their credentials” at the palace.
The gathering brought about meaningful exchanges, setting aside differences and forging stronger alliances for global peace, stability and prosperity. The President stressed in his speech his hopes for the future, particularly that “we will continue to serve as able agents of our respective governments and countries in furthering the breadth and depth of our bilateral ties”.
“It is with confidence that I announce that the Philippines has gotten back to its feet from the reeling effect of the pandemic and subsequent shocks that we suffered from the Ukraine war and now from the conflict in the Middle East,” says the President. “We have since turned the corner and are now back in business—eager to do more.”
Amb Hae Kyong Yu, Amb Marcela Ordoñez
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Following him was Papal Nuncio Charles John Brown III, who highlighted the kindness he experienced under the care of our fellow citizens. “As ambassadors, we are the recipients of the legendary hospitality and warmth of the Filipino people,” he says, rephrasing the previous tourism slogan to “It’s more enjoyable and pleasant in the Philippines”.
Guests enjoyed cocktails and a gastronomic feast by Margarita Forés, mingling under the tunes of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. A cultural performance in the form of a shadow play by El Gamma Penumbra and a beautiful fireworks display officially capped off the festivities.
This story was originally published in the March 2024 issue of Tatler Philippines. Download it on your digital device through Zinio, Magzter, or Pressreader.
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