Today, July 24, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. marks his second delivery of the State of the Nation Address (SONA). Members of the Congress and guests assembled at the Batasang Pambansa Complex to hear the annual address, as most adhered to its regular motif of formal Filipiniana.
Featuring creations from Filipino designers, the complex’s halls were brimmed with classic takes on the national wear, while others leaned into brighter palettes, with florals as one of the mainstays of the event. See below for the best looks we’ve eyed during this year’s address.
Preview's Best Dressed List at SONA 2023
1. Heart Evangelista
After donning an Ivarluski Aseron jumpsuit for the opening ceremonies of the Philippine Senate, Heart Evangelista slipped on an alternate take on the Filipiniana for the main address. Alongside her Mini Hermès Kelly, Heart changed into an impeccable column gown by Michael Leyva with geometric patterns, embellished with pearls and crystals in intricate details. According to her stylist Iza Sim, the dress took three months to make!
2. Audrey Tan-Zubiri
Audrey Tan-Zubiri, the wife of Senate President Miguel Zubiri, opted for a second floral look following her earlier terno. She recruited the help of her friend Rajo Laurel, who dressed her in an off-shouldered floral creation, swathed by sheer fabric with flora patterned throughout the form. To house her essentials, Audrey held onto a shell-inspired clutch from the local brand Beatriz.
3. Sen. Risa Hontiveros
A favorite for the senator during previous SONAs, Sen. Risa Hontiveros ’ ensemble for this year was once again courtesy of Joel Acebuche. The designer went on a classic baro’t saya look, with a top crafted from banig-like piña fabric layered over a traditional baro, hand-embroidered by women weavers of Lumban. Topping it off was a tikog purse crafted in Samar, which made for the perfect finishing touch to the rest of her look.
4. Marga Nograles
The Philippine Tourism Promotions Board’s COO and Preview’s Best Dressed 2022 awardee Marga Nograles pulled all the sartorial stops for this year’s look once more, as she tapped Puey Quiñones for her modern Filipiniana. Emblazoned with hues of red, purple, and green, bathed in tropical flowers that take over its silhouette, Marga added an extra dose of shine with jewelry from Erica Concepcion Reyes.
5. Milen Gonzalez
Frills and tassels were the motifs of the afternoon for Milen Gonzalez, the wife of Marino Party-list representative Sandro Gonzalez. Celebrity stylist Cath Sobrevega outfitted her in a cream-toned Vania Romoff terno, glamorously accessorized with Tessera jewelry and a Neil Felipp clutch.
6. Jaja Chiongbian-Rama
Honoring her Cebuana roots, Jaja Chiongbian-Rama wore Cary Santiago’s version of the modern Filipiniana, which featured a lattice-like corset, accentuating the play of textures in its bodice. For a splash on the low-key palette, the wife of Cebu City Second District Congressman Eduardo Roa Rama Jr. brought along a shell-crafted minaudière in the SONA halls, handmade by Lebios Crafts.
7. Cong. Lena Lonte
Biñan congresswoman Lena Lonte was a sight in white lace thanks to Michael Leyva. The clever rendition of the terno was one for details, as French lace and white tassels draped over its form, artfully spilling onto the form in a short train.
8. Tootsy Angara
Sen. Sonny Angara’s wife Tootsy Angara is a regular in many best dressed lists for SONA, and it’s not with an ounce of surprise. For her 2023 take, a subdued gray and subtle yellow florals adorn her Lesley Mobo number. Putting a fresh spin to the things was a bundle of yellow tule, which peeked at the side of the youthful dress.
9. KaladKaren
Whether or not it’s truly inspired by a certain Christmastime dessert (at least, according to her!), Preview June 2023 cover girl KaladKaren knows how to work a sweet purple outfit. Her terno of the afternoon was made under the hands of Martin Bautista, who added a subtle leg slit to the festive ensemble.
10. Dr. Kathy Gorriceta
Glittering pieces aren’t absent from the SONA halls, and Dr. Kathy Gorriceta’s look is one prime example. The wife of Iloilo Second District Congressman Mike Gorriceta went for a golden look for her Filipiniana designed by Ram Silva, detailed by delicately placed butterfly charms.
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