by Marjorie Gorospe
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA— Aside from the President's speech, an anticipated sidelight in the yearly State of the Nation Address (SONA) is the parade of ternos and barongs worn by politicians and VIPs.
Leyte Representative and TV host Lucy Torres-Gomez gleamed in a pink floral gown designed by Randy Ortiz. The Ormoc City native, who is married to actor Richard Gomez, also wore a blue terno by Ortiz in last year's SONA.
Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros wore an orange-red terno made of local fibers, designed by Joel Acebuche creation.
“This is made from abel iloco and banana fiber and it represents my take on the modern Filipina,” she said.
From last year’s Paul Cabral terno, actress-turned-Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla donned a Rajo Laurel beaded barong this year.
Cabral also designed the simple, vintage black dress worn by Sen. Loren Legarda, complemented by shawl made of piña fiber.
Sen. Pia Cayetano also stunned the crowd with her modern Filipiniana-inspired dress with a touch of red and gray.
“I would like to represent modern Filipina who can also take the forefront unlike in the 'dark ages' where women were kept in silence,” said Cayetano, whose dress was designed by Mia Urquico.
For some, the SONA presents a great opportunity to promote one's cause, given the flashing cameras from almost every direction.
Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño literally wore his campaign for the Freedom of Information Bill on his barong tagalog, designed by his friend Edgar Sandiego.
Tessie Daza, wife of Deputy House Speaker Raul Daza, also caught media attention with her orange-yellow gown designed by Malou Leono. Pinned on her terno is a conspicuous yellow ribbon (also painted on her fingernails), expressing her support for President Aquino.
“This is my support for P-Noy (Aquino) because my admiration for him is bigger this year, said Daza.
