President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. —File photo from the Presidential Communications Office
MANILA, Philippines —The first Vin d’Honneur for this year is set for January 11, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez said on Thursday.
The traditional Vin d’Honneur, attended by the diplomatic corps and national leaders, is held twice a year to celebrate the start of a new year and commemorate Philippine independence. It usually takes place in Malacañan Palace.
The term vin d’honneur originated from the French tradition meaning “wine of honor.”
At last June’s Vin d’Honneur, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized his commitment to fostering economic growth that benefits ordinary Filipinos.
“Today’s celebration has taken a whole new different meaning, as we mark this occasion with renewed hopes and spirited resolve to rise anew as a nation, not from political oppression but from economic scarring engendered by the crippling and lingering effect of the pandemic,” Marcos said then in his toast.
At the same event, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos was seen briefly sipping from the wine glass of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
He appeared to laugh off the moment as a waiter quickly provided her with her own glass.