Bongbong Marcos to wear barongs designed by Pepito Albert at inauguration

MANILA, Philippines — President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will wear two barongs designed by fashion designer Pepito Albert in his inauguration on Thursday, June 30, his camp announced Wednesday.

Incoming press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Marcos Jr. will wear, during the morning activities, a modern barong “inspired by the rayadillo, which was the traditional military uniform in the Spanish era.”

For the evening activities, Marcos Jr. will wear a “fully-embroidered barong from Taal.”

“Multi-awarded designer Pepito Albert designed both the said barong as well as a fully-embroidered barong from Taal that Marcos will wear for the evening’s activities,” Cruz-Angeles said in a press release.

Incoming First Lady Liza Marcos will also wear a piece designed by Albert, a terno made of vintage piña fabric.

Cruz-Angeles said that the multi-awarded designer also designed barongs for Marcos Jr.’s three sons, his mother, former First Lady Imelda, and his sister Irene Marcos-Araneta.

Meanwhile, Incoming First Lady Liza Marcos will wear a terno made from a vintage piña fabric designed by Filipino designer Lesly Mobo, who is known as an international fashion genius.

For her part, Senator Imee, also a sister of Marcos Jr., chose a different designer for her outfit, the camp said.

Marcos Jr. and his wife will also wear Philippine-made shoes, Cruz-Angeles said.

“The President and the First Lady will showcase the country’s talents by using Philippine-made shoes,” she said.

All set for Marcos’ inauguration

Marcos Jr.’s camp said “all is set” for his inauguration in the National Museum in Manila City.

Franz Imperial, one of the preparations committee heads, said they hope all the activities will go smoothly and according to plans.

Marcos Jr.’s camp said the events would start with the traditional meeting of the outgoing president and his successor in Malacañang Palace before they proceed, in separate vehicles, to the inaugural venue.

Before leaving Malacañang, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte will be given departure honors.

Following the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by actress Toni Gonzaga, a prayer will be held, followed by a military-civilian parade which will last for about 30 minutes.

The Senate President will read the Joint Resolution from both Houses of Congress before the administration of the Oath of Office of the President-Elect at exactly noon, as the Constitution mandates.

Contrary to the previous announcement, Marcos will now use a teleprompter for his inaugural address, as advised, “to ensure sequencing and coherence,” the Marcos camp said.

Cris Villonco and the Young Voices of the Philippines choir will sing “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” for the inaugural song.

“Villonco was chosen because she can sing traditional kundiman songs even as Marcos wants his inauguration to be very traditional and solemn,” Cruz-Angeles said.

“The Young Voices of the Philippines, aside from being a multi-awarded group, will represent the future,” she added.

After the ceremony at the National Museum, Marcos will proceed to Malacañang for the mass oath-taking of his designated Cabinet secretaries and the inaugural dinner.

The People’s Concert, part of the thanksgiving activity, will also be held in the evening.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will serenade the people “to express the incoming President’s gratitude for the massive support he received from them,” the Marcos camp said.

Cecile Licad, a world-renowned and awarded classical pianist, will render a solo performance.

The Marcos camp said Marcos Jr. personally requested the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and Licad to perform in the concert.

READ: ‘Very solemn, simple’: All systems go for Bongbong Marcos’ inauguration

Vice President-elect Sara Duterte is expected to attend the inauguration of Marcos Jr., as the President-elect also attended hers in her hometown Davao City last June 19.

Duterte’s attendance in activities after the inauguration is yet to be confirmed, but her spokesman said she would attend the inaugural dinner at the Malacañan Palace.

READ: Sara Duterte to attend Bongbong Marcos inauguration — spox

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