Manila, June 12 -- More than an event to nourish bilateral ties with allies, traditional, and non-traditional partners, the annual Independence Day vin d'honneur (wine of honor) has also become a platform for the first couple to promote Filipino textiles and fashion.

In this year's presidential reception, Filipino designers will again take center stage alongside their muses -- the members of the diplomatic corps, who are the very bridge and people who enliven Philippine relations with the world.

On this occasion, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu will wear a classic royal blue Francis Libiran terno (Filipino traditional dress), featuring the famous butterfly sleeves.

"I chose this out of many of his drawings because I love...