EVERY YEAR, when the last Monday of July strikes our calendars, the Philippine president is expected to deliver his speech for his State of the Nation Address (SONA) as part of his obligation as per Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution. 

During the president’s SONA, we came to learn information about the nation’s status and the leader’s further plans for the betterment of the country. 

While this event is interesting enough to catch the attention of many Filipinos, a portion of SONA’s event turns the heads of many Filipinos, intriguing one’s curiosity when it comes to the VIP’s wardrobe on the way to the event. 

The red carpet became one of the main coverage during the President’s annual SONA.

During this, many VIPs get to showcase their extravagant Barongs and Filipiñas, with a hint of creativity without stripping out the patriotic theme.  

The traditional red carpet is laid down in the lobbies of the North and South Wings of the Batasang Pambasa, and within the area, attendees can strike a pose for the camera as they gather in the plenary hall. 

Tone it down  

Following the devastating effects of the southwest monsoon and tropical storms: “Crising,” “Dante,” and “Emong,” many lawmakers urged not to make fashion the center of attention on this year’s SONA.  

Through this decision, the red carpet will not be laid down for ingress, as other accommodations that are intended to capture the attire of attendees are prohibited. 

In a memorandum signed by the House Secretary General, Reginald Velasco, the said adjustments reflect their solidarity with affected communities and their commitment to uphold the dignity of the national gathering.   

The memo also added that “members are respectfully urged to avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in their wardrobe choices.” 

Sticking to their promise, no sight of a red carpet was seen at the lobbies of the North and South Wings of the Batasang Pambansa; thus, no fashion coverage was conducted. 

Attendees wardrobe

Following the event of Marcos’ fourth SONA, VIPs ended up following the rule of “toning it down.” 

In the SONA livestream of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), VIP guests are seen wearing the Filipino traditional wardrobe of the Barong and Filipiñas. 

Courtesy: Facebook.com / @Presidential Communications Office 

Courtesy: Facebook.com / @Presidential Communications Office 

Senators who attended the SONA had also followed the said protocol, sticking to the simple yet elegant of Filipino traditional wear.