Senator Imee Marcos wears a gown inspired by the Amorsolo painting “Planting Rice” for the Senate Session Opening on Monday, July 22. (Senator Imee Marcos Facebook page)
Behind the high-ceilinged halls of the Batasang Pambansa, a subtle hum echoes as cultural symbolism permeates the attendees’ attire, weaving the tapestry of Filipino identity.
This political event transcends boundaries, enveloping the powerful cultural symbols that underpin the identities of Filipinos.
The leaders, guests, media personalities, and designers who gather for this annual spectacle all encapsulate the traditions that celebrate the significance of the government’s official function.
Aside from the President’s report on the state of the nation and his plans for the country’s future, one of the most anticipated aspects of the SONA is the cultural and traditional dresses worn by the attendees.
This has become an opportunity to showcase the talents of local designers in the Philippines.
Cultural and traditional dresses through the years
Even during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, when the SONA was held virtually, the attendees continued to don creative cultural and traditional dresses, refusing to let the circumstances restrain their expression of Filipino identity.
(Photo courtesy: Emmeline Aglipay-Villar IG Page)
Among the standouts was Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, who donned a beige and black “banig” (woven mat) inspired terno.
(Photo courtesy: Philippine Star Lifestyle)
Ilocos Sur Representative Kristine Singson-Meehan, meanwhile, wore a two-piece ensemble featuring a handwoven puff-sleeved top from Ilocos Sur weavers and a handwoven ball skirt from Marawi, representing the diverse regions of the Philippines.
When the SONA returned to the Batasang Pambansa in 2022, the attendees continued to embrace their cultural dresses with pride and expression, despite the added precaution of face masks.
(Photo courtesy Rep. Raoul Manuel IG Page)
Kabataan Partylist Representative Raoul Manuel showcased his hand-painted barong Tagalog with a large blue phoenix design, a symbol of his “freedom of expression.”
(Photo courtesy: VP Sara Duterte FB Page)
Vice President Sara Duterte also stood out in her traditional Bagobo Tagabawa tribal dress from her hometown of Davao City.
Continuing the annual tradition of celebrating Filipino fashion at the SONA, the year 2023 saw more modernized Filipiniana dresses from the country’s designers.
(Photo courtesy: Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB Page)
Senator Risa Hontiveros shone a spotlight on local weavers through her classic baro’t saya made of hand-embroidered banig-like piña fabric.
(Photo courtesy: Kaladkaren FB Page)
LGBTQIA+ advocate Kaladkaren, meanwhile, wore a unique dress inspired by the famous Christmas delicacy “puto bumbong.”
Empowering Filipino fashion
The influential attendees of the State of the Nation Address have created a platform for the public recognition of Filipino fashion through their culturally inclined dresses, which have transcended the boundaries of creativity and style during this significant national event.
The variety of attires showcases the immense talent of local Filipino designers, who deserve recognition and support from the Filipino people.
Designers like Ivar Aseron, Martin Bautista, weaver Sabangan Abel, the Lumban women weavers, and youth artist Albert Raqueno have demonstrated their world-class craftsmanship, which should be celebrated as a source of national pride.
By embracing traditional dresses during the SONA, the officials have woven a tapestry of hope, aspiration, and unity for the nation, highlighting the power of Filipino fashion to transcend political boundaries and unify the diverse threads of the Filipino identity. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
