Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Joselito Malig

SONA fashion shifts focus from red carpet to messages of simplicity, advocacy

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

<div>[[PHOTO ALBUM]] </div>While the traditional red carpet remained absent for the second straight year at the State of the Nation Address (SONA), lawmakers and guests still used their attire to make statements, not just about style, but also about advocacy, simplicity, and support for local craftsmanship.Gone was the fashion-show atmosphere that once marked the annual gathering at the Batasang Pambansa. Instead, many attendees opted for meaningful ensembles that reflected their causes and personal convictions. Among the standout looks was the statement piece worn by Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co, themed “Pag-alabin ang Pag-asa,” in celebration of the party-list’s 25th anniversary.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/7/27/sona-marcos-jr-hopes-eala-s-influence-inspires-more-filipinos-to-take-up-sports-1720">SONA: Marcos Jr. hopes Eala&#x27;s influence inspires more Filipinos to take up sports </a> </div>According to Co, the outfit symbolizes the youth’s determination to fight corruption and other pressing national issues.“Dito pinag-aalab ng mga kabataan ang pag-asa para labanan ang imperyalismo,” she said.Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago also wore a statement ensemble while accompanied by market vendor Sophia Villanueva, highlighting the struggles of ordinary Filipinos amid rising prices. “Yung mga market vendors sila talaga yung unang nakakaranas ng pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin… Kaya ang mga babae nananawagan from all walks of life na tanggalin ang VAT at dagdagan ang sahod,” Elago said.Several lawmakers also emphasized sustainability by reusing clothing they had previously worn. Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez, and Laguna 2nd District Rep. Ramil Hernandez all donned recycled barongs. For Tiangco, practicality mattered more than appearances.“Sa akin, red carpet hindi mahalaga. Ang mahalaga araw-araw magtitipid tayo,” he said.Others embraced understated elegance through simple white ensembles, including Bukidnon 3rd district representative and Sen. Migz Zubiri’s wife, Audrey Zubiri, Ruth Hernandez, wife of Rep. Ramil Hernandez; and Sen. Risa Hontiveros. Hontiveros said modesty has long been a value that public officials should uphold.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/7/27/marcos-wants-systems-loss-charges-removed-from-electricity-bill-rooftop-solar-made-easier-1727">Marcos wants systems loss charges removed from electricity bill; rooftop solar made easier </a> </div>“Dati na ’yan hiningi sa amin sa gobyerno to live a modest life. Sobrang napapanahon, matagal na actually,” she said.Meanwhile, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos wore a blush pink Filipiniana with lace details designed by Filipino fashion designer Michael Leyva, who described the piece as a “timeless creation.” House Majority Leader Rep. Sandro Marcos also opted for a simple Barong Tagalog, stressing that the annual event should remain focused on governance rather than fashion.“This is not some sort of gala. The President is giving a report as to the headwinds that the country is facing. It shouldn’t turn into a fashion event,” he said. Although the red carpet was once again missing from this year’s SONA, attendees demonstrated that clothing can go beyond aesthetics.<div> </div>

While the traditional red carpet remained absent for the second straight year at the State of the Nation Address (SONA), lawmakers and guests still used their attire to make statements, not just about style, but also about advocacy, simplicity, and support for local craftsmanship.

While the traditional red carpet remained absent for the second straight year at the State of the Nation Address (SONA), lawmakers and guests still used their attire to make statements, not just about style, but also about advocacy, simplicity, and support for local craftsmanship.