‘It’s more enjoyable and pleasant in PH’
Presenting himself as a broadminded and genial leader, President Marcos underscored the value of solid international relations, starting with the postpandemic revival of the vin d’ honneur (wine of honor), hosted by Malacañang Palace.
Held every New Year and on Philippine Independence Day, the vin d’ honneur is a social event where the President personally greets each of the ambassadors and heads of major multilateral organizations (institutions formed by several countries for one goal such as the Asian Development Bank and World Bank). This custom began during the American period until the term of President Rodrigo Duterte just before the pandemic. It was rebooted in 2023.
Last Jan. 11, envoys from 55 countries and 11 heads of foreign agencies, spouses of the heads of mission, and government officials gathered for the President’s speech, plus cocktails and entertainment at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace.
Marcos began his speech in humor. When the audience clapped loudly after he introduced first lady Liza Araneta Marcos, he quipped, “I’m getting jealous. She’s getting the bigger applause.”
Profuse in gratitude to the diplomatic corps, he attributed the success of his official visits to the embassies who made sure that the trips materialized and created new opportunities for the Philippines and the host nations.
Since economic security is a pillar of Philippine foreign policy, Marcos summarized the economic report card. Despite reeling from the impacts of the pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Israel-Hamas war, the Philippines has “turned the corner” and is now back in business, eager to do more with the guests’ respective governments and business sectors, he said.
Quoting forecasts from multilateral organizations, Marcos said the Philippines is touted to become one of the fastest-growing economies among major Asian countries.
Marcos said his administration’s plans are based on sound economic policies that consider risk factors such as geopolitical tensions and climate change. Foreign policy is shaped according to evolving geopolitical realities. Ultimately, it strives to “encourage peace and foster cooperation” via teamwork with other countries.
Legendary hospitality
After the ceremonial toast, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown III, dean of the diplomatic corps, responded to the President’s hospitality.
“As ambassadors, we are the recipients day in and day out of the legendary hospitality and warmth of Filipinos,” he said. Rephrasing an old tourism campaign slogan, he said, “It’s more enjoyable and pleasant in the Philippines.”
The Papal Nuncio congratulated the Philippines not only for its economic progress but also for the success of the Bangsamoro peace process.
“We can be grateful for the reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society. The international community has supported this important process of reconciliation both financially and diplomatically,” he said.
The Papal Nuncio is the ambassador to the Pope. Archbishop Brown explained that the Holy See (universal government of the Catholic Church) has had a long history of diplomacy. “Our desire is to further peace and reconciliation,” he told Lifestyle.
After the toasts and talks, the guests went to the different bahay kubo food stations, set up by Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016 Margarita Forés and her catering team. The international buffet was given a Filipino twist with dishes such as pancit molo, foie gras, Pinoy salad, and seafood, and took into consideration religious dietary requirements such as vegetarianism and halal.
Forés said, “We made sure there was a lechon but served like a sisig taco. There was a halal lamb and a cheese station with Filipino cheeses, jam and honey, and truffled chicken galantina. The croque en bouche (choux pastry dessert) had a salted egg filling instead.”
The dress code advised national costume/Filipiniana and business attire. Whippet-thin Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco wore a terno by Cebu-based designer Jun Escario, while broadcaster Karen Davila favored slacks. Since the event ran from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., most of the diplomatic spouses preferred stylish dresses. Some envoys such as US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Hungary Ambassador Titanilla Toth wore outfits with pleated sleeves that referenced the Philippine terno sleeves.
The evening ended with a shadow play number by El Gamma Penumbra and fireworks at the veranda. The blazing display echoed the President’s rosy outlook for 2024 as “another full year of bilateral engagements and meaningful partnerships.”
