Fashion at the SONA serves as more than just a visual display of elegance and style, but also a vivid reflection of the nation’s identity, heritage, and pride, showcasing the best of Filipino creativity and craftsmanship to the world
This year’s State of the Nation Address or SONA was not only a momentous event for the nation, but also a grand showcase of Filipino fashion and design. Eminent personalities from the realms of politics, government, and society graced the occasion in breathtaking ensembles that paid tribute to the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics. It brought forth a dazzling parade of fashion that celebrated the timeless allure of the traditional Filipiniana dress while embracing modern design sensibilities.
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In this sartorial symphony, we highlight the most exquisite and stylish outfits that adorned the SONA 2023.
Heart Evangelista in Ivar Aseron
Heart Evangelista, the image of elegance and class, attended the Opening Ceremonies of the Philippine Senate in a stunning modern terno designed by Ivar Aseron. The outfit included exquisite banig-style butterfly sleeves that were inspired by the Filipino craft of weaving. The intricate craftsmanship of the sleeves captivated spectators, while the remainder of the gown was made of a light fabric with a beautiful diagonal checkered pattern motif.
For her second look, she sported a Michael Leyva number that exuded an air of sophistication that left onlookers in awe. The diamond-cutout column dress was embellished with crystals and pearls, making the gown’s exquisite craftsmanship and delicate detailing showcase the designer’s mastery.
Chairperson of the Philippine House of Representatives Committee on Ecology Len Alonte in Michael Leyva
The Chairperson of the Philippine House of Representatives Committee on Ecology, Len Alonte, looked like an ethereal goddess in her Michael Leyva gown. Delicately draped lace, akin to a magnificent spider’s web, adorned her figure with a captivating allure. The intricate fringes seemed to invite gentle caresses, adding an air of mystery and sophistication to her look.
Milen Aquino Gonzalez in Vania Romoff
Doctor Milen Aquino Gonzalez graced the SONA in a heavenly Filipiniana dress designed by Vania Romoff. The multi-tiered ruffled hems, starting from the bodice and cascading all the way down, created an ethereal and luscious vision, reminiscent of fluffy clouds on a beautiful day. Her look was truly a head-turner that left an indelible mark on the hearts of onlookers.
Jaja Chiongbian-Rama in Cary Santiago
Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, wife of District Representative Eduardo Rama, captivated everyone in a divine creation by the Cebuano designer Cary Santiago. Her Filipiniana gown embraced modernity with an eye-catching corset, infusing the timeless look with contemporary allure. The simplicity and elegance of the ensemble made a striking statement all on its own.
Bekah Luzuriaga in Isle
Bekah Luzuriaga, girlfriend of Congressman Bryan Revilla, donned a look that left spectators breathless. The simplicity of white was transformed into a symbol of innocence and purity as she floated like a graceful lady in her gown. Designed by Isle, the Filipiniana gown featured exquisite butterfly sleeves adorned with pearls, a stunning testament to the craftsmanship of the Filipino people.
Tootsy Angara in Lesley Mobo
Tootsy Angara, wife of Senator Sonny Angara, radiated as a fresh blooming sunflower in her gown crafted by Lesley Mobo. The delightful floral print pastels, gently dabbed with yellow over pristine white fabric, exuded feelings of happiness and sunshine, while the elegant yellow tulle waving by the side of the gown added a touch of whimsy.
Audrey Tan Zubiri in Rajo Laurel
Audrey Tan Zubiri, wife of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, was a delight in a vibrant and colorful gown designed by Rajo Laurel. The enchanting ensemble that was in a shade of teal came alive with the splendor of pink, orange, and lime flowers adorning its fabric. She looked nectar sweet as if tickled by flowers in a garden of enchantment, with her Filipiniana reflecting the resplendent beauty of nature.
Marga Nograles in Puey Quiñones
Marga Nograles, designer and founder of Kaayo Modern Mindanao, was adorned in a vibrant creation by Puey Quiñones, radiating energy and life with her colorful gown. Featuring a mesmerizing blend of red, orange, and green floral motifs, the gown was a visual delight that seemed to come alive in three dimensions. Nograles took to social media to express her purpose in promoting indigenous communities and Filipino designers, embodying the essence of fostering Filipino creativity and talent.
Xandra Rocha Araneta
Xandra Rocha Araneta looked positively radiant in a youthful design by Lesley Mobo. The gown’s playful and whimsical elements added to the mesmerizing effect, with dainty flowers coming together across her bodice, symbolizing a sense of innocence and joy. The pink tulle, cascading around her like billowing pink clouds, added an ethereal and dreamy touch to her ensemble.
DILG Undersecretary Atty. Margarita Gutierrez
Marga Guiterrez is pretty in pink. In a striking sculptural Filipiniana gown created by Mark Bumgarner, Politician Barbie looked ready to move forward with a new era of leadership. The gown’s bodice, adorned with embellishments added a touch of opulence, while the remaining fabric gracefully twirled around her like the stem of a flower. Her ensemble symbolized the merging of traditional grace with a progressive spirit, leaving an enduring impression of beauty and empowerment at the event.
Sheila Romero in Mark Bumgarner
Amongst the sampaguitas, stands out a Queen of the Night tulip. Designed by Mark Bumgarner, Sheila Romero emerges as a striking beauty in an all-black ensemble as sparkling brilliance. With two small glittering ribbons at the front of her sides, the matching bodice twinkle in contrast with the smooth black lower end of the gown, making her a vision at this year’s State of the Nation Address.
The best dressed of SONA 2023 presented a visual symphony of elegance, creativity, and pride, celebrating the best of Filipino fashion and design. From the breathtaking banig-style butterfly sleeves to the cascading ruffled hems, each ensemble paid homage to the nation’s cultural heritage while embracing modern aesthetics. The fashion displayed not only celebrated individual style, but also exemplified the richness and diversity of Filipino craftsmanship, affirming the timeless allure of Filipiniana fashion in the hearts of the nation.
Featured Image: MICHAEL LEYVA (via Instagram)
