MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) became a day of glitz and fashion as important personalities dressed up for the big event.
As the President was set to deliver his plans for the country on Monday, July 25, important personalities walked down the red carpet of the Batasang Pambansa to showcase their own fashion statements. We listed some of the fashion outfits that have captivated the interest of netizens.
1. Vice President Sara Duterte
|
| Vice President Sara Duterte dons a Bagobo Tagabawa traditional dress | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Sara Duterte |
Amid a room full of Filipiniana attire, the Vice President arrived in a traditional Bagobo Tagabawa traditional dress. She was in a full-ensemble complete with headdress and accessories. Wearing her traditional dress in vibrant colors and intricate beading, Duterte captured the attention of the crowd that she became a trending topic online.
The Bagobo Tagabawa is an indigenous tribe from Davao City. According to Duterte’s spokesman, Reynold Munsayac, a traditional Bagobo dress would take more than a month to create, so Duterte had to borrow from the deputy mayor of the Tagabawa tribe of Davao City, Bae Sheirelle Antonio.
2. Imee Marcos
 |
| Senator Imee Marcos wore two outfits | Photo Courtesy: Instagram/Imee Marcos |
As expected, Senator Imee Marcos was dressed for the special occasion of her brother, President Marcos Jr. She wore 2 modern ternos, one for the opening of the 19th Congress, while the second one was for the SONA.
She wore a terno top paired with pants in royal blue color. It was designed with prints of farmers to showcase Marcos’ love for agriculture. It was designed by Edgar Buyan. Meanwhile, she wore a Filipiniana with fashionable sleeves made by Jan Garcia. She wrote about it on Instagram, saying, “Off to my ading’s first SONA wearing a Jan Garcia creation.”
3. Marga Nograles
 |
| Marga Nograles’ gown was handwoven by T’boli Tribe of Lake Sebu | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Kaayo Modern Mindanao |
Marga Nograles, the wife of Civil Service Commission chair Karlo Nograles, also joined the Vice President’s theme as she wore a Filipinia inspired by an indigenous tribe. She donned a beautifully-made terno that was handbeaded by a Maguindanao tribe of South Cotabato called the T’boli Tribe of Lake Sebu. The gown was created by Kaayo, a contemporary fashion brand.
4. Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel
 |
| Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel handpainted barong took 12 hours to paint | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Kabataan Partylist |
Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel wore a Barong Filipino which was handpainted with a bright blue phoenix from the chest to the back. According to the Kabataan Partylist, it was a symbol “depicting the continuous flow of energy, hope, struggle and optimism of youth in forwarding education, livelihood, health, and human rights among other issues portrayed.”
According to the designer Albert Raqueno, the 12 hours of painting was worth it.
5. Heart Evangelista
 |
| Heart Evangelist wore a Mark Bumgarner Filipiniana | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Heart Evangelista |
Heart Evangelist didn’t miss the chance to dress up as she walked down the SONA red carpet with her husband returning Sen. Chiz Escudero.
The fashionista celebrity looked classy in a shimmering all-white Filipipina terno made by Filipino fashion designer Mark Bumgarner.
There you have it! It’s not everyday that personalities, government officials, and political families gather to share pleasantries. Aside from the SONA, the fashion at the red carpet is also anticipated by many. So, who’s fashion taste was your favorite? Share them in the comments.
— Sally, The Summit Express
