SONA 2023: Politicians, celebrities stun in their fashionable attire at the Batasang Pambansa

Fashion is a powerful way to express one's identity and promote a particular culture. Some politicians during the event opted for traditional silhouettes and fabrics as a nod to the Philippines' rich cultural heritage.

Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Sara Duterte, for instance, honored Mindanao and its rich cultural tradition by wearing a Bangala, a traditional Maguindanaon dress, with trousers and a flowing "inaul" or malong. She also wore gold accessories to symbolize the wealth and abundance of Mindanao’s natural resources.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda wore a 20-year-old pinya liniwan hand-embroidered top designed by Filipina fashion designer and heritage conservationist Patis Tesoro. The piece was hand embroidered by the women of Lumban, Laguna, and she paired it with partnered it with a pair of Marikina-made shoes and a colorful bag. 

Senator Imee Marcos, meanwhile, showcased her "Anak ng Kalinga" blood by wearing a traditional Igorot costume. She also wore sun and moon tattoos to symbolize her dedication and service in helping others. The gecko ink on her arm portrayed her immortal stand and the importance of each individual in society. 

LGBTQ+ and women's rights advocate Senator Risa Hontiveros raised the flag of local artists from head to toe by channeling the country's weaving tradition. Her outfit was designed by Joel Acebuche, and it was complemented with a hand-embroidered pina calado, a handwoven tikog purse, and shoes from Zapateria.

All-white terno

White is often associated with formality and purity, making it a popular choice for most attendees who wanted to make a statement.

At this year's SONA, many guests and politicians chose to wear all-white ternos, including Senator Nancy Binay who wore a modern gown with organza sheer details by Michael Leyva.

Another of Leyva's muses, fashion icon and socialite Heart Evangelista, rocked a white cutout gown with embellished pearls and crystals flaunting her classic and timeless beauty.

Mayor Lani Cayetano, on the other hand, donned an ecru Filipiniana dress made of piña fabric with flower cut-out details.

Printed outfits

There's no better way to make a statement than in prints.

Tootsy Angara, wife of Senator Sonny Angara, stood out in her "Balintawak" modern tapis dress by Lesley Mobo. It is a light blue gown with pastel-colored florals made of crisp and crimped crêpe fabric, and a modern "tapis" made of yellow soft tulle. "Something happy and sunny," Angara wrote.

Another Mobo-designed piece stood out at the SONA. It was worn by Emmeline Yan Aglipay Villar, wife of Senator Mark Villar. Named the "Mantón de Manila," the dress featured fringes and embroidered sleeves with "a subtle drape on the side panel...to create a playful 'tapis' effect."

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri's wife, Audrey Tan Zubiri, meanwhile, wore a Rajo Laurel off-the-shoulder "embroidered garden" layered dress. 

Standout barong tagalog

The gentlemen at the SONA also looked dapper in their barong tagalogs.

Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos wore a barong that was inspired by his grandfather, former president Ferdinand Marcos. It was designed by Puey Quiñones.

Senator Robin Padilla opted for a more modest barong made of silk cocoon fabric by Onesimus. The actor-turned-politician paired his barong with khaki trousers and had an undershirt that featured a print of Andres Bonifacio.