Vin d'honneur — A celebration of 127 years of Philippine Independence
Published Jun 23, 2025 01:36 pm
The ceremonial toast: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shares a ceremonial toast with H.E. Mohammed Rida El Fassi, Ambassador of Morocco to the Philippines and Vice Dean of the Diplomatic Corps
In commemoration of the Philippines’ 127th year of independence and diplomacy, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos hosted this year’s Vin d’Honneur at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace on June 12, 2025, welcoming members of the international community, national government officials, and esteemed guests.
This year’s celebration carries the theme ‘Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.’ It weaves together history, patriotism, and culture into a collective tribute to the legacy of Filipino heroes, inspiring hope for a stronger and more united future.
Many foreign dignitaries in attendance expressed their sincere appreciation for the Marcos administration’s warm hospitality and genuine intention to strengthen ties with its neighbouring nations.
A unique cultural highlight marked this year’s celebration: foreign lady ambassadors graced the afternoon event in bespoke gowns designed by the Philippines’ most celebrated fashion designers. The nationalistic showcase was a befitting and beautiful tribute to the ingenious craftsmanship and talent of Filipino stylists.
Romania Ambassador Räduta-Dana Matache with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
Norway Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
Qatar Ambassador Ahmed Saad N. A. Al-Homidi with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
Ireland Ambassador Emma Hickey with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
Indonesia Ambassador Agus Widjojo with with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
China Ambassador Huang Xilian with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
France Ambassador Marie Aude Françoise Lassalle ep. Fontanel with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
Spain Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgado with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
United Kingdom Ambassador Laure Nicole Stephanie Beaufils with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
European Union Ambassador Mariomassimo Santoro with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
Malaysia Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
Singapore Ambassador See Sin Yuan Angelita Constance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
Belgium Ambassador Michel Monique M. Parys with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos
Distinguished designers Avel Bacudio, Jun Escario, Michael Leyva, Francis Libiran, Dennis Lustico, Philip Rodriquez, and Lulu Tan Gan worked closely with the lady ambassadors in attendance to create gowns that harmonized traditional Filipino motifs with modern elegance turning the evening into a celebration not only of history, but also of the Philippines’ promising future in international arts and fashion.
The Vin d’Honneur is a long-standing tradition that remains a symbol of unity, shared aspirations, and the Philippines’ constant place in the global community.
Guests were warmly welcomed at the Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace
Lady ambassadors wearing specially made ternos by some of the Philippine’s world-class designers. From left: Slovenia Ambassador Dr. Smiljana Knez, Sweden Ambassador Anna Ferry, New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, Finland Ambassador Saija Nurminen, Ireland Ambassador Emma Hickey, Singapore Ambassador Constance See, Brunei Ambassador Megawati Manan and Australia Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu
Michael Leyva, Deputy Social Secretary Dina Tantoco, and Social Secretary Bianca Zobel
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his welcome remarks during the reception
Hungary Ambassador Dr. Titanilla Tóth; Sweden Ambassador Anna Ferry; Israel Deputy Head of Mission Ester Buzgan
United Kingdom Ambassador Laure Nicole Stephanie Beaufils with incoming Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro and Romania Ambassador Räduta-Dana Matache