MANILA, Philippines — Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri seemed nonchalant about fashion for the State of the Nation Address (Sona), emphasizing that attendees of the event should instead focus on the country’s state than their garb and bling.
“I don’t believe in the fashionista look that must be worn during the Sona. We are at the Sona to learn about the state of the nation and what must be improved and not about what the people are wearing,” Zubiri told reporters in a Viber message on Thursday when he was asked about his style for this year’s Sona of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 22.
“Kalokohan na ‘yan (That’s nonsense),” the senator stressed.
Still, what would he wear on Sona Day?
An “old recycled Tesoros Barong,” he said.
READ: Sona fashion police: Ban on ‘political messages’ bucked
THIS WAS OKAY LAST YEAR | Members of the Makabayan bloc wear their advocacies in style for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (Sona) in 2023. This July 22, 2024, however, a de facto fashion police emerged for the Sona in the person of the House secretary general. —File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA | Philippine Daily Inquirer
Meanwhile, Sen. Robin Padilla’s office said the action star-turned-lawmaker “will be wearing a Barong Tagalog made in Camarines Norte.”
And while details have yet to be fully disclosed, the office of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero confirmed that the incumbent Senate chief and his wife – fashion icon Heart Evangelists – would be dressed by Michael Leyva.
READ: Makabayan bloc to flout Sona ban on ‘protest’ fashion
President Marcos is set to deliver his third Sona on Monday. He is expected to report on the country’s economic, political, and social conditions.
Apart from the speech, the annual event has become an opportunity for attendees – including senators, legislators, families, and friends of the president along with other guests – to showcase their outfits, some even using the chance as a platform to voice their stance on certain issues.