Filipino fashion, textile take centerstage at SONA red carpet

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

Women senators pose for a traditional photoshoot during the opening of the 3rd Regular Session of the 19th Congress Monday, July 22, 2024. (Photo: Joseph Vidal, OSP / Senate Social Media Unit via Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Filipino weaves and textiles took centerstage on the red carpet of this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

Senator Raffy Tulfo wore a Rajo Laurel barong, adorned with key symbols from the Philippine flag, and took inspiration from one of the country’s national symbols, the anahaw leaf.

His spouse, Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, donned a “terno” (Filipiniana) dress made from Champagne Gold Silk Lamé inspired by Philippine shells.

Senator Loren Legarda proudly showcased the Filipino heritage with her elegant Maria Clara-inspired ensemble designed by Puey Quiñones.

The outfit featured a vintage piña fabric from Legarda’s personal collection, adding a touch of timeless elegance.

The ensemble includes a “panuelo” (Filipino lace-like embroidered neck scarf or shawl worn around the shoulders) and a multilayered skirt with sunburst electric pleats over embroidered, beaded, and Callado piña tapis.

Legarda, a champion of Filipino craftsmanship, said her choice of piña celebrates the artistry of Aklan weavers.

Senator Grace Poe, meanwhile, arrived wearing a white “terno” gown of silk crepe material, adorned with two-toned beadwork.

Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta, meanwhile, wore an elegant gray Maria Clara-themed attire embellished with red floral prints by Fidel Marquez.

“The color is red at the background of gray, symbolizing peace, unity, progress, and good health for the Filipino people,” she said.

In a chance interview, Acosta conveyed high expectations for the SONA but said she would grade the Marcos administration’s performance in the past year, nine out of 10.

“For me it’s a nine because napakasipag nilang mag-asawa at minsan kasama pa ako sa pagdalaw sa mga maralitang lungsod. Wala silang sinasayang na oras (the couple have been working hard and I sometimes accompany them in visiting poor communities),” she said.

“While others are busy criticizing them, they are busy doing what is good for our country — kumakalinga sila sa mga magsasaka at fishermen and, of course, giving justice to the Filipino is a milestone (they’ve been taking care of the farmers and fishermen and, of course, giving justice to the Filipino is a milestone),” she added.

Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado, who was with her husband Senator Bong Revilla, showcased the colors of Mindanao as she pulled off an “inaul” modern dress, a hand-loomed fabric from Maguindanao.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s third SONA was graced by more than a thousand dignitaries from the government, the private sector, non-government organizations, and foreign diplomats.

Some of the ambassadors present were Japan Ambassador Kazuya Endo, United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, French Ambassador Marie Fontanel, and Qatar Ambassador Ahmed Saad Al- Homidi, among others.