The annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a highly anticipated event for Filipinos, offering insight into President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s reports and updates on the nation’s current state of affairs. While politics and governance traditionally take the spotlight, fashion has now emerged as a significant aspect of SONA.
Beyond just a platform to showcase their political acumen, the SONA has become an opportunity for politicians, personalities, and celebrities to exhibit their fashion prowess and make bold statements. The event serves as a canvas for attendees to convey messages, express cultural values, and, most importantly, promote the incredible creations of Filipino fashion designers.
This year’s SONA saw a dazzling display of style and elegance, with prominent politicians, celebrities, and even celebrities-turned-politicians gracing the occasion in outfits that stole the spotlight. Let’s take a closer look at the fashion stars who lit up this year’s SONA.
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio attended the second State of the Nation Address with her traditional Maguindanaon yellow dress as a tribute to Moro tribe.
Designed by Israel Ellah Ungkakay, the vice president partnered her Bangala with a trouser and a malong.
Imee Marcos
Senator Imee Marcos showed off a colorful ensemble inspired by the tribal costume of the Cordilleras gifted by the Igorot. She also had some henna tattoos on her body.
The President himself was even surprised to see his sister donning the tribal outfit and looked closely at her tattoos. In a statement, she said that it is her way of paying tribute to the colorful culture of indigenous people.
Nancy Binay
Senator Nancy Binay walked the red carpet confidently and elegantly wearing a white Michael Leyva Philippine dress. Her gown is designed with organza sheer details perfect to grace the SONA 2023.
Risa Hontiveros
Paying tribute to our Filipino weavers, Senator Risa Hontiveros donned a traditional Filipiniana inspired by Filipino weaving traditions created by Joel Acebuche. To complete her SONA outfit, she wore a pair of shoes made by a century-old shoemaker in Marikina, Zapateria.
Loren Legarda
Senator Loren Legarda walked down the red carpet wearing an upcycled abaca dress that she wore during her first term in the Senate.
Her “pinya liniwan hand embroidered-top designed by Filipina fashion designer and heritage conservationist Patis Tesoro” partnered with a pair of Marikina-made shoes from Tish Sevilla and a bag created by a young Filipino designer, Carissa Cruz-Evangelista, explaining that it was her way to promote and support MSMEs.
Audrey Tan Zubiri
Senate President Miguel Zubiri was accompanied by his wife, Audrey Tan Zubiri, who looked stunningly beautiful in a Rajo Laurel floral Filipiniana outfit during the State of the Nation Address.
Heart Evangelista
The actress and fashion icon looked stunning as always during the opening ceremonies of the Senate. She showcased her beauty in a pearl-colored modern Filipiniana created by Michael Leyva, accompanying her husband, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
KaladKaren
TV host and actress KaladKaren was also present at the Batasang Pambansa to attend the SONA. She wore a simple yet elegant violet Filipiniana dress, created by fashion designer Martin Bautista, and completed her outfit with a pair of silver dangling earrings by Miladay Jewels.
Stella Quimbo
Marikina City 2nd District Representative, Stella Quimbo, elegantly chose a contemporary terno made of exquisite white silk with a gracefully draped front bodice, skillfully crafted by renowned designer Michael Leyva.