First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos was one of the dignitaries who graced the 123rd founding anniversary celebration of the Manila Bulletin at the Manila Hotel on Thursday, Feb. 2.
The First Lady, clad in pink, arrived at the venue past 6 p.m. Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil was also present along with other officials from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
She likewise joined Manila Bulletin's executives on stage to raise a toast to the broadsheet's 123rd year since it published its first issue on Feb. 2, 1900.
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) described the gesture as celebrating "the company's successes and achievements in the delivery of public service by providing news and information to the Filipino people."
While she did not make a remark nor grant an interview, Marcos shared a short light moment with members of the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) before she left the venue.
The First Lady's attendance at the event took place a week before she joined President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on his official working visit to Tokyo, Japan, next week.
With the theme, "Manila Bulletin @123: Protect. Propagate. Prosper.", the newspaper focused its celebration on sustainability.
Manila Bulletin President Dr. Emil C. Yap III thanked the Manila Bulletin's audience for reposing their trust in the institution.
In a short speech during the toast, Manila Bulletin publisher Sonny Coloma renewed the publication's commitment to helping preserve the planet and promoting the country's progress.
"We wish to renew our commitment to protect, propagate, and flourish our environment and to ensure the sustainability of the plant-based resources," the former Palace Communications chief said.
"The Manila Bulletin is committed to be an exponent of Philippine progress," he added.
In a message, President Marcos joined in celebrating Manila Bulletin's milestone.
"As one of the oldest and leading newspapers in the country, the Manila Bulletin has borne witness to the most remarkable events that shaped the course of our history," he said.
"I share the pride that each official, editor, writer, and avid reader holds as the company adds yet another year of responsible journalism and successful operations to its belt," he added.