A momentous gathering of the diplomatic corps, top government officials, world-class Filipino talents, business magnates and the crème de la crème of civil society, the Vin d'honneur hosted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence, marked the return of elegant Filipino fashion to Malacañang Palace.

If the night was grand in all aspects, from the scrumptious buffet spread by Margarita Fores' Cibo to the fantastic lighting by multi-awarded theater personality Monino Duque which elicited the admiration of the guests especially the members of the international community, just as inspiring was the presence of ladies and gentlemen who arrived in their best Filipino finery.

Noteworthy were the lady ambassadors who took pride in their Filipiniana-inspired gowns and ternos designed by some of the most important names in the Philippine fashion industry, namely, Ivarluski Aseron, Avel Bacudio, J.C. Buendia, Mark Bumgarner, Paul Cabral, Jun Escario, Lulu Tan-Gan, Rajo Laurel, Michael Leyva, Dennis Lustico, Randy Ortiz, Puey Quinones, Philip Rodriguez, Milka Quin and Joey Samson.

Again, the First Lady, who has been at the forefront of promoting Philippines arts and culture, including crafts and fashion, initiated this unprecedented endeavor of dressing up the ladies, all for her noble aim of showcasing the unique talents of our designers, at the same time highlighting our rich and authentically Filipino cultural heritage.

As the guests partook of the sumptuous selection of Filipino delicacies, among them black truffle chicken galantine; ensalada of pako ferns with homemade mayonnaise, ikura and lumpfish caviar; organic Negros lechon and on the spot sisig duet; roast lamb carcass with barako coffee-guava jelly glaze; and Gen San tuna and blue marlin 'malasugue' tanguingue;  salted red egg "brazo de Mercedes," salted San Miguel Bulacan pastillas cioccolato; pastelitos de manga, and Silay pili bars, many could not help referring to the feast that was served to General Emilio Aguinaldo and his fellow revolutionaries in Malolos, Bulacan, where the Kawit declaration of independence was ratified a few months after 12 June 1898.

If any significance is to be derived from this recent celebration in Malacañang, aside from our paying tribute to our forefathers who bravely declared our independence, it was that the evening showcased to the international community the best of our culture and identity.

To President BBM and our dear FL, Liza Araneta Marcos, congratulations and we hope you continue with your good work of celebrating and promoting Filipino artistry.

To the Filipino designers who designed the gorgeous Filipiniana gowns of the lady ambassadors, may your God-given talents continue to flourish.

And to your excellencies, our lady ambassadors, thank you very much for celebrating with us this most important milestone in our nation's history. Your participation and presence indeed are the best proof of the friendship that your countries enjoy with ours.