Today, July 22, 2024, marks President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address (SONA). While anticipation builds around the president's plans for national development and his progress on key issues from his first two years in office, there is also significant buzz about the fashion choices of this year’s attendees, especially with lawmakers enforcing stricter dress codes.
SONA 2024 Dress Code
Every year, attendees wear eye-catching attire fashioned by renowned Filipino designers to the SONA. Heart Evangelista, wife of Senate President Chiz Escudero, for one, donned a white modern terno by Michael Leyva. Guests present their unique takes, ranging from classic styles to modern interpretations, and some even use the occasion to express their advocacies through fashion.
However, this year, lawmakers have made it clear that outfits with derogatory or political messages are banned. House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco emphasized, “This is a formal event. We will be very strict in the expression of protest in a SONA outfit. They'll be requested to change [their outfit if they don't follow this rule] because it is the SONA. It is not a day of protest.”
The House Sec-Gen cited an example, stating that a traditional jeep illustration embroidered on a SONA outfit would be allowed as it celebrates the country's culture, whereas a SONA outfit featuring the slogan "No to jeepney modernization" would be prohibited.
What Attendees Wore to SONA 2024
Below, we list down the attendees we spotted and what they wore to this year's State of the Nation Address, including looks from the opening of the third regular session of the 19th Congress.
Heart Evangelista and Chiz Escudero in Michael Leyva for the Opening of the Congress
Heart Evangelista in Michael Leyva for the State of the Nation Address
Risa Hontiveros in Joel Acebuche
Marga Nograles in Puey Quinones
Stella Quimbo in JC Buendia and Martin Bautista for the Opening of the Congress
Stella Quimbo in Michael Leyva for the State of the Nation Address
Jocelyn Tulfo in Michael Leyva
Maricel Tulfo in Michael Leyva
Kathryna Yu Pimentel in Jhobes Estrella for the Opening of the Congress
Kathryna Yu Pimentel in Michael Leyva for the State of the Nation Address
Marianne Louise Aquino Gonzalez in Vania Romoff
Marlyn Alonte in Michael Leyva for the Opening of the Congress
Marlyn Alonte in Michael Leyva for the State of the Nation Address
Aivee Teo in Michael Leyva for the Opening of the Congress
Aivee Teo in Michael Leyva for the State of the Nation Address
Honey Lacuna in Jo Rubio
Jaja Chiongbian-Rama in Cary Santiago
Kathy Gorriceta in Ram Silva
Bianca Manalo in Jo Rubio
Toff De Venecia in Randolf
Dina Arroyo Tantoco in Michael Leyva
Loren Legarda in Puey Quinones
Tootsy Angara in Mark Bumgarner
Nicole Andersson in Mark Bumgarner
Margarita Gutierrez in Mark Bumgarner
Grace Poe in Paul Cabral
*Editor's note: This is a developing story. The list will be updated throughout the day as more guests share their looks from the event.
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