Local designers showcased anew at SONA red carpet

MANILA, Philippines — Several senators showcased the works of Filipino designers during the resumption of the third regular session of the 19th Congress yesterday, hours before the SONA.

Senate President Francis Escudero donned a classic barong tagalog, while his wife, actress-model Heart Evangelista, wore a modern white Filipiniana by Leyva.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada sported a piña barong created by his trusted tailor, Rod Francisco, while Sen. Robinhood Padilla wore an Onesimus slim-fit, full-button barong made of piña silk.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s barong was inspired by the anahaw leaf made from traditional piña silk carefully embroidered across the body and the sleeves, along with key symbols from the Philippine flag.

The gown of Tulfo’s wife, ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, was a handcrafted champagne gold silk lamé, inspired by Philippine shells.

Sen. Nancy Binay wore a suit by designer Randy Ortiz, featuring patterns and bead designs on a rice skirt made of pearl beads and floral embroidery.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros donned a piña baro’t-saya designed by Joel Acebuche, complemented by shoes from Zapateria Marikina and a handwoven purse, while Sen. Grace Poe chose a white terno made of silk crepe with a two-color leaf-inspired design featuring gold and silver beads also by Cabral.

Sen. Imee Marcos wore a light green gown by Rem Divino, inspired by the Amorsolo painting “Planting Rice.” The sleeves of the gown were hand-painted with images of “gapas” and “ani.”

Sen. Pia Cayetano wore a white Filipiniana mid-calf dress with silk organdy pleated bodice and a corset-inspired top by Mia Urquico contrasted with a checkered organdy jacquard skirt and accented with black silk appliqué. — Cecille Suerte Felipe