Presenting himself as a broadminded and genial leader, President Ferdinand 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.

In his speech on Jan. 11, Marcos defined his style of international diplomacy, characterized by mutual benefit between the Philippines and partner nations and an independent foreign policy mandated by the constitution.

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.

On Thursday, 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, 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 Marcos, he quipped, “I’m getting jealous. She’s getting the bigger applause.”

Profuse in his 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.

Economic report card

Since economic security is a pillar of Philippine foreign policy, Marcos summarized the economic report card. 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 respective governments and business sectors.

Marcos said the economy has grown “a good amount” (6.1 percent in November), and he is waiting for the final statistics. Overall inflation rate has been managed as it slowed down in December (3.9 percent) after November (4.1 percent). Yet, with the full-year average of 6 percent, he commented, “Still a little high, but hopefully moving in the correct direction.” Unemployment likewise dropped in November compared with the same time in 2022.

Quoting forecasts from multilateral organizations, Marcos said the Philippines is touted to become one of the fastest growing economies among major Asian countries.

Despite the positive prospect, Marcos said plans are based on sound economic policies that consider risk factors such as geopolitical tensions and climate change

“While striving in continuing bilateral ties, we cannot simply push aside important global developments that affect all of us. After all, we belong to one single community of nations. Amidst geopolitical difficulties, it is our hope that countries will find sincere motivation to work together and tap the power of the collective in finding ways to solve political conflict to achieve peace and prosperity,” he said.

‘Legendary hospitality’

Marcos pointed out that the country’s bilateral ties is not a one-way street. “You may always count on the Philippines whenever situations offer to work with your countries on consequential global issues of mutual concern. The Philippines’ independent foreign policy has allowed us the flexibility to do that,” he said.

He underscored that the foreign policy is shaped according to evolving geopolitical realities. Ultimately, it strives to “encourage peace and foster cooperation” with the teamwork with other countries.

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 to 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.

Int’l buffet with Pinoy twist

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 such as pancit molo, foie gras, Pinoy salad, and seafood, and took into consideration religious dietary requirements such as vegetarianism and halal.

Forés added, “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 croquembouche (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.” —CONTRIBUTED