Minimalist Filipiniana creations were on red carpet parade early today, July 23, before Congress resumed its session preceding the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The modest look was in keeping with the government's call for "toned-down" business-attire, Barongs, and Filipiniana gowns, which has been the SONA motif since President Duterte assumed office in 2016.
Still, several personalities stood out in this year's red carpet arrivals. Here are our picks:
Heart Evangelista in a dainty Mark Bumgarner modern Filipiniana
Heart Evangelista in another all-white creation of Mark Bumgarner
Jinkee Pacquiao in an all-white Michael Leyva ensemble
Jinkee Pacquiao in a blush-colored tea-length Filipiniana by Michael Leyva
Helen Gamboa, wife of Senate President Tito Sotto, in Paul Cabral
Senate President Vicente Sotto III and actress Helen Gamboa, his wife, are also at the South Wing lobby of the House of Representatives #SONA2018 | via @nclagrimas pic.twitter.com/wWReE6hdnr
— GMA News (@gmanews) July 23, 2018
Tootsy Echauz-Angara, wife of Senator Sonny Angara, in Rajo Laurel
Darrela Kate Necessario, partner of Presidential Son Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, in Cary Santiago
Marga Montemayor-Nograles, wife of Davao City Congressman Karlo Nograles, in KAAYO Modern Mindanao
1st District of Leyte Representative Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt-Romualdez in a dove gray creation of Cary Santiago
Biñan congresswoman Marlyn “Len” Alonte in a blush terno by Michael Leyva
Quezon City Councilor Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio in an all-black barong-dress by Jot Losa
Audrey Tan-Zubiri, wife of Senator Miguel Zubiri, in ivory-colored Piña terno by Ito Curata
Yaneen Nunez-Alvarez, wife of Palawan's 1st District Representative Franz "Chicoy" Alvarez, in a bold red Patricia Santos creation