The State of the Nation fashion

CEBU, Philippines - People watched Monday's "State of the Nation" address by the President for several reasons. Some were curious to hear the President's final report to his 'bosses'. Others were more interested in catching a glimpse of the wardrobe of the attendees.

And, indeed, the SONA is looked forward to by many as also an occasion for showcasing the latest creations of the country's top fashion designers. Certain quarters, particularly in the latest SONA, use fashion as vehicle for making political statements. Gowns often take the color of the wearers' advocacies or political stances. The embroideries on barongs depict similar expressions.

The color yellow, for example, often represents agreement to the philosophies of the Aquino administration; green for the environment. The picture of a train on a congressman's barong directs attention to the issues concerning Manila's railway transit system. Even being modest in outfit says something - in deference to the poverty that majority of the nation wallows in.

What's most noticeable, however, is how apt fashion tends to make the wearer glow, the women especially.  A superficial matter it may seem, but it provides some necessary levity to the seriousness of the SONA. This perhaps partly explains the popular appeal of the SONA fashion. (FREEMAN)