Fashion highs at the 2011 SONA

Political pundits and protesters aren’t the only ones who look forward to the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA). The more sartorially conscious of Filipinos will point out that the SONA is also a chance for the more fashion-forward of our pulitikos to flaunt the latest finds in their closets.

The dress code at the Batasang Pambansa for the SONA is quite tricky—there are only so many fashionable ways to wear the barong, baro’t saya and Maria Clara while still keeping to the formality of the event.

Yellow, while still the color of the current administration, was notably less prominent in this year’s choice of garments. The political glitterati opted for a gamut of shades—from mauves, off-whites, blacks and nudes to cobalt blues, pinks and reds.

Red carpet veterans

Senator Loren Legarda came in a simple black tube dress with a lace alampay, accentuated by a statement necklace made of agate and white gold. All of the pieces, she noted, were Filipino made.

Another senator also wowed the kibitzers at the North Wing entrance of the Batasang Pambansa. The statuesque Pia Cayetano came in a gray and red jersey dress, designer Mia Urquico’s take on the panuelo. The ornate design of her gown posed a stark contrast to her sleek down-do and barely there make-up.

Former Akbayan representative Risa Hontiveros, who was decked in a white tube dress during last year’s SONA was a vision in red. Deviating from the SONA red carpet norm, Hontiveros was in a glittering blouse and pants reinterpretation of the terno.

Men can make fashion statements, too

The male set is often overlooked in Filipino red carpet events; after all, most are hesitant to make flashy choices in interpreting the barong.

Representatives Walden Bello and Teddy Casino obviously aren’t like most lawmakers. The two legislators chose to make their statement be known via their barongs. Bello came in an off-white number with the Philippines and the contested Spratlys island embroidered on the front. “It’s a strong statement that the Spratlys belong to the Philippines," he told GMA News Online.

A week ago, Bello and three other members of the House of Representatives visited the Spratlys in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), which was met with a strong reaction from the Chinese government.

During his SONA, President Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III asserted the country’s claim over the Kalayaan Islands.

Casiño, on the other hand, wore a barong with the words “Right to Know, Right Now" emblazoned in front to support the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill. Last year, Casiño made a statement against extra-judicial killings. This time, he explained that it’s the FOI that needs to be given attention by lawmakers.

After Aquino's speech, Casiño noted that the FOI was not mentioned by the President during the SONA.

Senator Chiz Escudero didn’t make a statement by means of elaborate designs, but he did make a strong fashion presence with his well-tailored barong and slim-fitting black slacks.

Tootsie Angara, Aurora Representative Sonny Angara's wife, attended the SONA in a lace and satin number by Randy Ortiz. Joe Galvez

Pretty young things

The younger set was notably more daring in their sartorial choices for the SONA—plunging necklines and exposed backs were common fare on Monday.

Inah Bautista-del Rosario, daughter of Senator Bong Revilla and Cavite 2nd Distrcit Representative Lani Mercado, dazzled onlookers in a knee-length cobalt blue Filipiniana by Rajo Laurel.

Tootsie Angara, wife of Aurora Representative Sonny Angara, was regal in a black lace and white satin terno by Randy Ortiz. It was hard to believe that Tootsie had just given birth three months ago. “I wanted something to hide my tummy," she added, laughing.

Another vision in black and white was Stella Quimbo, wife of Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo, who wore a white terno accented by laser-cut floral appliqués. The gown by Jun Escario was inspired by an Audrey Hepburn gown.

A family affair

Some lawmakers also brought along their families. Vice President Jejomar Binay’s daughter Nancy and wife Elenita came in bright orange and yellow gowns by Aureo Alonzo, respectively.

The family of San Jose del Monte Representative Arturo Robes came in matching outfits—his wife in a salmon and fuchsia terno while Robes and his six-year-old son Jose Gabriel wore burgundy barongs. - YA/HS, GMA News