SONA 2022 fashion: Politicians, celebrities show off their aesthetic outfits at Batasang Pambansa
The annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a pivotal moment not only in Philippine politics but also in fashion — and this year is no exception.
Although everyone is all ears on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s plans for the country's economic and social conditions, there is no doubt that many people are gazing their eyes upon the stunning outfits worn by the attendees.
While the event is set to start at the Batasang Pambansa at 4 p.m. today, July 25, the day has started early with several politicians flocking to the venue for the opening session of the 19th Congress. And most, if not all, are doing it in style.
Without further ado, we round up the striking looks spotted on politicians and celebrities so far.
Modern Filipiniana
Heart Evangelista
Whether she's attending fashion shows in Paris or lounging at Balesin Beach Club, Heart Evangelista's outfits has always been a masterclass in becoming a fashion icon. The actress stays on point even during the Senate's opening session and Marcos Jr.'s first SONA, where she is seen wearing an elegant modern Filipiniana by Mark Bumgarner.
What makes the dress distinctive is how Bumgarner played with materials, matching the dress' draped top with a beaded lace bottom. Adding more class to Evangliesta's outfit is her cream Hermes Kelly bag, pearl necklace, as well as gold bracelets and rings.
Emmaline Aglipay-Villar
Former justice undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar attended the opening session of the 19th congress with a modern intricate baro't saya that matches the barong of her husband Senator Mark Villar.
The dress, designed by Lulu Tangan years ago, puts a contemporary twist on the traditional dress with its embossed horizontal line pattern overlapped by beaded embroidery. Completing the look is an elegant side bow on the waist.
Ladylyn Riva-Tieng
Ladylyn Riva-Tieng attended the SONA with her husband Manila 5th District Congressman Irwin Tieng. The mom-to-be opted for a lilac-colored midi Filipiniana dress and matching face mask, and chose to finish her look with blue pumps.
Tootsy Angara
Advertising executive and wife of Senator Sonny Angara, Tootsy Angara attended the opening of the 19th Congress of the Senate of the Philippines wearing a Maria Clara-inspired off-shoulder lace gown by Michael Leyva.
On her Instagram, she said that she is "looking forward" to her husband's priority bills which are: e-health system and services act, healthcare facility augmentation act, teaching supplies act, underprivileged students discount, right to adequate food act.
Angelica Alita-Revilla
Angelica Alita-Revilla, wife of First District of Cavite Representative Jolo Revilla, was impossible to miss in this fringed off-white gown by Rob Ortega.
Ethnic-inspired
Vice President Sara Duterte
Vice President Sara Duterte is paying tribute to Davao City's Bagobo Tagabawa tribe, with the tribal dress she borrowed from the tribe's leader for Marcos Jr.'s SONA.
Duterte-Carpio's spokespman, Atty. Reynold Munsayac, said Friday that since the ensemble would take over a month to create, the Vice President has then decided to "borrow a Bagobo Tagabawa traditional dress from Bae Sheirelle Anino, the deputy mayor of the Tagabawa tribe of Davao City." The tribe is one of the major tribes of the city and is known for its heavily embroidered and beaded abaca clothing.
Senator Imee Marcos
Senator and President Marcos Jr.'s elder sister Imee sashayed the halls of Batasang Pambansa, wearing a royal blue custom terno top by Davao-based designer Edgar Buyan. The ensemble is decorated with a pattern showing the traditional way of grinding wheat. According to the senator's Instagram post, it aims to showcase "the Marcoses' heart for Agriculture."
Marga Nograles
Owner of Kaayo Modern Mindanao and wife of former cabinet secretary Karlo Nograles, Marga Nograles wore a custom Kaayo terno handwoven by the Maguindanao Tribe of South Cotabato and hand beaded by the TBOLI Tribe of Lake Sebu. She paired her look with a Beatriz minaudiere.
Sylvia Sanchez
Actress Sylvia Sanchez attended the SONA wearing a patterned dress by Frankie de Leon Couture. She accessorized her look with a brown minaudiere and simple jewelry.
Traditional Filipiniana
Senator Risa Hontiveros
Senator Risa Hontiveros is likewise raising the flag of local artists from head to toe. The LGBTQ+ and woman's rights advocate graced the opening session of the 19th Congress in her baro't saya, which she said was made from "Aklan Piña fabric and hand-embroidered in Lumban, Laguna."
She complimented the ensemble, designed by Joel Acebuche, with a handmade Tikog clutch from Samar and beige pumps made in Marikina.
Senator Nancy Binay
Senator Nancy Binay attended the Senate's opening session in her traditional Filipiniana by Randy Ortiz. According to the senator's Instagram post earlier today, the dress is made out of all-piña fabric from Aklan. It was glamorized with callado embroidery on the sleeves and sampaguita cutouts on the front and back.
Congresswoman Len Alonte
Biñan City Congresswoman Len Alonte chose to wear a classic Filipiniana by Michael Leyva to the SONA. According to Leyva, the dress features white lace and is draped with tulle gown.
Congresswoman Geraldine Roman
First District Representative of Bataan Geraldine Roman arrived at the House of Representative in this gorgeous green Filipiniana gown. The congresswoman's darling number featured a peplum top and a mermaid cut bottom.
