SONA Style 2014

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is highly anticipated for two main reasons: To give ear, critical or otherwise, to the President’s speech (more often than not, met with the cacophony of militant placard-bearing protestors outside the hallowed halls of the Batasan Pambansa ); and to keep an eye out, critical or otherwise, for the red carpet fashion extravaganza (more often than not, fueling the protestor’s cacophony.)

Many have sharply criticized the SONA red carpet as frivolous and excessive; with some outspoken detractors saying that such luxury is likely at the taxpayer’s expense.

Whichever side of the fence you’re on – whether you believe the red carpet to be spectacular or simply a spectacle – this year was yet another showcase of designer “bests” and designer “bombs,” as officials, their spouses and guests sashayed and strutted their SONA-style.

You be the judge of what outfits worked best, and which ones bombed at the SONA 2014 (though netizens went to town with comments about Nancy Binay and Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao’s outfits, in particular; heckling the former ‘s morning gown as a “hot air balloon” and the “Brazilian flag,” and praising the latter’s elegantly pulled-together “Santacruzan-inspired look.”):

1. Sen. Nancy Binay in what she referred to as a “blouse and skirt” ensemble by Randy Ortiz. (Photo: office of Nancy Binay)

2. Mommy Dionisia Pacquaio’s show-stealing, scene stopping “Santacruzan” style gown had people virtually mobbing the boxing legend’s mother for a photo and selfie opportunity.  (Photo from Twitter: Nimfa R. Ravelo @nimfaravelo)

3. Sen. Chiz Escudero and lady love Heart Evangelista, in an off-white “caged”-top Joey Samson terno, make a dashing couple on the red carpet (Photo from Twitter: Ginger Conejero @gingerconejero)

4. Sen. Loren Legarda, a champion of cultural preservation wore a traditional ensemble by the Mandayas of Mindanao. (Photo from Twitter: People’s Television @PTVph)

5. Imeldiffic: Imelda Marcos, in a pale pink Filipiniana gown (terno). (Photo from Twitter: Ginger Conejero @gingerconejero)

6. Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez garbed in a flesh-tone terno by Randy Ortiz, with husband Richard Gomez by her side. (Photo from Instagram: richardgomezinstagram)

7. Kris Aquino, hailed as the Queen of All Media, in a yellow and black Maria Clara-influenced gown by Cary Santiago, attended in support of her president brother.  (Photo from Instagram: lovekrisaquino)

8. Sen. Pia Cayetano in a pink terno with sister-in-law Taguig City mayor, Lani Cayetano in a lilac terno. (Photo from Instagram: piacayetano)

9. Akbayan Chairperson Risa Hontiveros, in an elegant, modern take on the traditional Barong Tagalog meets baro’t-saya. (Photo: Facebook page of Risa Hontiveros)

10. Sen. Grace Poe, looking stately and graceful in an intricately embroidered off-white terno by forthcoming designer Roulette Esmilla. (Photo: Facebook page of Grace Poe)