MANILA, Philippines — More than a political event, the State of the Nation Address is theater in the Philippines, where lawmakers display their fashion choices and attempt to make political statements while doing so.
Vice President Sara Duterte wore a Mindanao-inspired mustard long dress complete with head garb.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos wore a yellow gown designed by Leslie Mobo, made with pineapple fiber and adorned with tropical flowers.
Yellow means different things in Philippine history, but at this moment, the color apparently carried no political connotation.
Lawmakers wore outfits that have meaning for them, representing Filipino culture or their provinces or advocacies.
ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro wore a “statement attire” hand painted by Altermidya’s Michael Joselo, an art teacher in Manila. The outfit called for salary increases for teachers, nurses and government workers.
Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel wore a barong hand painted by student-artist Albert Raqueno. The outfit takes on the form of a Katipunero neckerchief and is inspired by national hero Andres Bonifacio’s anti-imperialist nationalism.
Gabriela Women’s party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas wore a Filipiniana also designed by activist and art teacher Joselo, representing opposition to the Maharlika Investment Fund signed into law by Marcos on July 18.
Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin wore an emerald gown designed by Paul Cabral, which she said symbolized her “clamor for a healthier Philippines.”
Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo wore a white modern silk terno designed by Michael Leyva.
Pwersa ng Bayanihang Atleta party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles wore a Filipino terno made of fabric from Mindanao.
OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino wore a bamboo-inspired gown designed by Air Sali.