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Published June 16, 2025 4:51pm
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. led the Vin d'Honneur reception in Malacañang on Thursday where they welcomed members of the diplomatic corps in celebration of the 127th Independence Day and the Philippines' diplomatic ties with other nations.
The First Lady shared on Instagram photos of herself and Marcos with their honorable guests at the event.
"More than a celebration, it was a moment of connection — grounded in our shared values of peace, respect and friendship," she wrote.
According to the First Lady, it was "heartwarming" to see the diplomats wear Filipiniana attire at the Vin d'Honneur.
"A simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes about appreciation, solidarity and love for our culture. Nakakataba ng puso. Maraming salamat po," she added.
Filipino artistry and culture took centerstage at the Vin d'Honneur as Filipino fashion designers Michael Leyva, Francis Libiran, Lulu Tan-Gan, Dennis Lustico, Avel Bacudio, and Philip Rodriguez dressed the members of the diplomatic corps in their bespoke creations.
Libiran wanted to show the friendship between the Philippines and Australia in the striking blue Filipiniana terno he created for Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
“I chose crepe de Chine for its fluidity and grace, echoing the ambassador’s poise and diplomatic finesse. The cerulean blue symbolizes the vast waters that unite our nations, and the embroidery is custom-designed to subtly incorporate both native Australian flora and traditional Filipino patterns,” Libiran had said.
The esteemed fashion designer also created an elegant white number for Romanian Ambassador Raduta Dana Matache, made of Dupioni silk.
“The embroidery intertwines Romanian lace-inspired motifs with Filipino baroque elements, symbolizing the blending of heritage and mutual respect," said Libiran. "This piece is both a tribute to timeless femininity and to the bridge between Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia."
Other designers featured natural and indigenous textiles in their creations, such as designer Lulu Tan-Gan who used a mix of silk, abaca, and piña in the gray terno gown she created for Hungarian Ambassador Titanilla Tóth.
Meanwhile, Dennis Lustico drew inspiration from the personalities of New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh and Singaporean Ambassador Constance See for their Filipiniana attire.
“For Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, I was inspired by the summer breeze and vast openness of New Zealand’s vista. I chose a cool mint chiffon and paired it with suksok piña silk of the same shade to compliment her excellency’s young and vibrant aura,” Lustico was quoted as saying.
He also took into consideration Singapore's multiracial identity by using various textures and patterns in the gown.
"The gown is made up of geometric woven silk piña, frayed mikado silk and embellished with crystals and beads," he added.
The Vin d'Honneur is an annual official reception hosted by the President of the Philippines in Malacañang on New Year's Day and Philippine Independence Day.
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
