Fashion may be farthest from the topics that will be discussed at today’s State of the Nation Address of the President. But, as in the past two SONAs, Filipino flair is always front and center at the red carpet, with the brand of “ostentatious extravagance” enjoying a resurgence. In contrast to movie premieres, awards ceremonies or film festivals, the SONA red carpet has an unwritten cardinal rule: wear only creations made by Filipino designers and artisans.
ON July 25, 2022, the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City was filled with thousands of people—some better dressed and more appropriately than others—to witness the first SONA of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The President’s sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, wore a royal blue terno top with pants designed by Edgar Buyan for the opening of the 19th Congress.
In her Instagram post, Sen. Imee said that the ensemble symbolized “the Marcoses’ heart for agriculture.” She later changed into a Jan Garcia terno for the SONA.
Basking in the victory of the “Unity” ticket, Vice President Inday Sara Duterte honored the artisans of vote-rich Mindanao. In a post on her socials, she stated: “ State of the Nation Address Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Bagobo Tagabawa.
“ Bae Sheirelle Anino, deputy Tagabawa tribe, Davao City.” Senator and Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros wore a traditional made of fabric from Aklan, and hand-embroidered in Lumban, Laguna. Designed by Joel Acebuche, she paired the ensemble with.