MANILA, Philippines — You can take away the red carpet from the State of the Nation Address (SONA) but you can't keep the fashionistas out.
This year's SONA definitely saw limited fanfare and attendees due to the ongoing novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Old habits die hard, however, and the traditional “fashion show” associated with the annual event that millions tune into across the country remains with much of the same glamour.
Here’s what attendees brought to President Rodrigo Duterte’s fifth SONA.
Congresswoman Loren Legarda
Antique's lone representative wore a Michael Leyva creation with a "patadyong" mask.
Congresswoman Estrellita "Ging" Suansing
Ikalimang State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte Bilang suporta sa ating mga Filipino...
Posted by Rep. Estrellita "Ging" Suansing on Monday, July 27, 2020
Nueva Ecija Rep. Estrellita "Ging" Suansing donned a dress with a whimsical zigzag pattern designed by Ivarluski Aseron, with a JC Buendia brooch as accessory.
"Bilang suporta sa ating mga Filipino Designers dahil ang kanilang hanapbuhay ay naapektuhan din ng COVID 19, tayo po ay ginawan ng pangkasuutang Filipiniana ni Ivarluski Aseron na gawa sa pinagtagpitagping (rinara) na tela," she said in a Facebook post.
"At ang ating brooch pin ay desinyo at gawa ni JC Buendia na may 8 bahagi na nagsasagisag ng 8 sikat ng araw na makikita sa ating watawat. Ang araw ay sagisag ng pag-asa para sa ating lahat sa panahon ng pandemya. Isang patunay na sa bawat araw na ating masisilayan ay pagkakataon upang bumangon."
Congresswoman Evelina Escudero
Sorsogon Rep. Evelina Escudero sported a two-piece ensemble designed by Vania Romoff.
Congresswoman Stella Quimbo
Like many of her colleagues, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo tops her baro from Vania Romoff and black number from Kaayo Modern Mindanao with her SONA Araw brooch designed by the Philippine Fashion Coalition.
Congresswoman Kristine Singson-Meehan
SONA2020 and 2nd Regular Session 18th Congress #sona2020philippines????????
Posted by Kristine Singson Meehan on Monday, July 27, 2020
Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan wore a black outfit with white piping from Kaayo Modern Mindanao.
Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto
Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto came in a pina top with butterfly sleeves, adorned by "Araw" brooch by Philippine Fashion Coalition and in support of Gawad Kalinga Bulacan artisans.
Senator Pia Cayetano
Cayetano wore a blue Michael Leyva modern Terno, made of indigenous fabric from the Mandaya tribe called "Dagmay."
Senator Risa Hontiveros
Congresswoman Sol Aragones
Laguna's 3rd district representative wore a red modern Terno top by Michael Leyva.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat
The DOT Secretary wore a blue Terno by Ivarluski Aseron.