Vin d'honneur

Vin d'honneur literally translates from French to "Wine of honour" and is akin to a prolonged social celebration after an official ceremony like a marriage.

Philippines

Vin d'honneur is the name of two official receptions hosted by the President of the Philippines at Malacañan Palace on New Year's Day and Independence Day. The custom derives from the New Year's Day receptions hosted by the American Governors-General that was ultimately derived from the receptions held by the British Sovereign. The ceremony was continued by Manuel Quezon and his successors who held in the afternoons, and it was termed "at home day" or "open house" in reference to the fact that the President and his consort remained in the Palace that was open to visitors from different sectors of society.^[1]

The modern ceremony was reinstated and received its present name in 1987 under Corazón Aquino. It is now held on the morning of a convenient date immediately following New Year's Day, and has since evolved from a generally social custom into a diplomatic function.^[2] The iconic highlight of the ceremony is the toast between the President and the Papal Nuncio who, despite the country having no de jure religion, retains his position as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps due to Hispanic custom.

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