Who needs a red carpet? SONA guests bring the glam amid calls for simplicity
The traditional (and literal) red carpet was absent during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 28.
This was after some lawmakers argued that "maintain[ing] a show of pageantry" while the nation grapples with the widespread damage from the recent tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon would be "out of touch."
A memo from House Secretary General Reginald Velasco stated that the area where the red carpet originally was will only be for entering and official greetings. There won't be special photo areas to show what VIPs are wearing anymore, but the media can still interview officials and important guests.
Guests were asked to wear formal attire, and traditional Filipino clothing, like barong or Filipiniana, was encouraged. “Members are respectfully urged to avoid ostentatious displays and exercise discretion in their wardrobe choices,” the memo said.
Still, the directive didn't stop some attendees from adding a touch of glamour to their outfits. Check them out below.
Tootsy Angara
Tootsy Angara, wife of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, graced the event in a modern interpretation of the Filipiniana. The soft off-white creation by Rajo Laurel showcased flowy shoulder details, which added a contemporary touch to the classic national attire.
Heart Evangelista
Socialite and global fashion icon Heart Evangelista chose a modern barong top paired with a floor-length, woven white Filipiniana skirt by Michael Leyva for the first regular session of the 20th Congress in the morning. For the SONA, she changed into a pristine white A-line Filipiniana gown featuring wave details.
Maricel Tulfo
Maricel Tulfo, the daughter of Sen. Raffy Tulfo, also wore a Filipiniana made by Leyva. Hers stood out with bold black-and-white color blocking, intricate embellishments, and a sheer black side train.
Rep. Kathy Gorriceta
Iloilo 2nd District Rep. Kathy Gorriceta's attire, a Ram Silva creation, paid homage to the Baje community, a collective of women from the mountains of Leon, Iloilo, who have been weaving banig for generations.
Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez
Department of Justice Undersecretary Atty. Margarita Gutierrez graced the SONA in a custom butter yellow Mark Bumgarner terno featuring cascading draping details.
Annette Gozon and Joy Romina Marcelo
For SONA 2025, GMA Network Senior Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdes and Sparkle GMA Artist Center First Vice President Joy Marcelo both embraced bold colors and dramatic silhouettes.
Gozon wore a deep maroon dress accentuated with voluminous puffed sleeves. Marcelo, on the other hand, opted for a hot pink Filipiniana gown with middle cinches.
Dr. Aivee and Z Teo
Dr. Aivee and Dr. Z'Shen Teo arrived at the Batasang Pambansa in striking outfits. Aivee's gown, a classic Filipiniana with delicate lace details, was custom-made by Paul Cabral. Meanwhile, Dr. Z's Barong Tagalog paid homage to his home country, Singapore, featuring intricate images of the Merlion.
Atty. Agay Cruz
Bulacan 5th District Rep. Agay Cruz wore a bright red structured terno by Jo Rubio, paying tribute to the Halamanan Festival of her hometown, Guiguinto, Bulacan.
Chandreena Moorjani
Chandreena Moojani, wife of Congressman Ralph Tulfo, graced the event in a custom-made white sculptural piece by Jo Rubio.
Rep. Oyo and Claire Uy
Claire Uy, wife of Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Oyo Uy, graced the event in a fringed white gown featuring a sweetheart neckline.
Em Villar
Em Villar, wife of Senator Mark Villar, wore an Ivarluski Aseron two-tiered gown crafted from handwoven piña caldo sourced from Aklan. She styled her look with gold accessories.
Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica
Congresswoman Linabelle Ruth Villarica of Bulacan wore a piece inspired by the Traje de Mestiza. For this gown, designer Jo Rubio used silk and indigenous piña fabric, accentuated with floral embroidery.