Press Release - Legarda's SONA 2024 ensemble to celebrate Philippine heritage

Senator Loren Legarda continues to proudly showcase Filipino heritage through her choice of attire. Renowned for wearing Filipino-made outfits even on regular days, Legarda will once again embrace the beauty of Filipino culture and tradition during President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s Third State of the Nation Address (SONA) by wearing an elegant Maria Clara-inspired ensemble designed by Puey Quiñones.

The Maria Clara-inspired outfit features vintage embroidered pure piña fabric from Legarda's personal collection, adding a touch of timeless elegance. The ensemble includes a panuelo and a multilayered skirt with sunburst electric pleats over embroidered, beaded, and Callado piña tapis.

Legarda's choice of piña celebrates Filipino craftsmanship and the artistry of Aklan weavers. On December 5, 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving into the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For years, Legarda has supported piña weaving, particularly the Akeanon and Ati Malindog School of Living Traditions (SLT) in Aklan. In collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), she spearheaded the creation of the School of Living Traditions (SLT) and provided programs such as Assistance for Filipino Artisans, the enhanced SLT program, weaving and natural dye centers, and pineapple farms with fiber extraction facilities across various localities.

In the morning of the SONA, during the opening ceremonies of the Third Regular Session of the 19th Congress at the Senate Session Hall, Legarda will wear a piña barong paired with a handwoven cotton fabric wrap-around pleated skirt, also designed by Quiñones. The skirt is a modified patadyong, a colorful woven rectangular or tubular cloth similar to a malong or sarong, which she has passionately revived in her home province of Antique.

Once at risk of being forgotten, the patadyong has seen a resurgence thanks to Legarda's efforts. It has become a symbol of pride and cultural identity for Antiqueños and is now being reintroduced to contemporary fashion. The patadyong plays a vital role in the