Sona attendees dressed to the nines

THE State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Benigno Aquino III on Monday was again colorful and fashionable, as politicians, celebrities and guests sashayed their gorgeous dresses for the event.

Most of the ladies who attended the annual event, which was held at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City Monday afternoon, donned the modern versions of the Filipiniana dress.

Leading the pack of eye-catching gowns are those of Patricia Singson, Jihan Jaafar, Len Marcoleta and actress Shiela Ysmael-Fernandez.

Patricia, the wife of Ilocos Sur Representative Ryan Singson (1st District), wore a black-colored modern terno designed by known bridal couturier Veejay Floresca. She finished it with nude pumps from Zara and gold jewelries.

Jaafar, on the other hand, wore a jumpsuit like creation, which she picked for its contemporary design and age appropriate cut, while Marcoleta had a nude-colored number.

Actress Shiela Ysmael-Fernandez wore a red asymmetrical terno designed by Ching Santos.

Senator Pia Cayetano and Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Gertie Batocable, who donned a black laced gown, both wore creations by Mia Urquico.

Cayetano's champagne beaded modern Filipiniana dress embellished with feathers on layered tulle was inspired from the 20s.

Senator Loren Legarda proudly sashayed the red carpet with her antique all-Filipino recycled piña gown accentuated in the bodice by a handmade belt.

Although it was the third Sona of the President, there were still loyalists who sport the color yellow.

Leading the number of personalities are Riza Hontiverez-Baraquel in a Maria Clara gown, Cora Guanlao of the Butil Party-list wore Matt Basilio’s design, Persida Acosta in Ding Marquez, Marjorie Jalosjos in Juliet Pamintuan, and Tessie Daza, wife of Deputy Speaker Raul Daza, in Malou Leono.

Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte wore a black laced-gown by Tippi Ocampo, Representative Em Aglipay donned a Ivar Azeron terno highlighted by her gold Bottega Venetta clutch, and congressional spouse Jonie Tugna wore a black gown accentuated by light pink patterns by Bulacan designer Jo Rubio.

Those who wore the traditional ternos and Filipinianas are Evie Escudero, mother of Senator Chiz Escudero in navy blue Frederick Peralta, Melanie Alvarez in nude TC Alvarez Sibal-Twochic creation, Virginia Magusara-Almonte in red wine-colored Dexter Warren gown, Ruth Padilla in light pink Larry Espinosa dress, Suzette del Rosario in off-white Rose Conlu gown, and Mary Jane Ortega in a kimono inspired Danilo Franco design.

Leyte Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez wore a light pink Randy Ortiz terno while Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano and actress Dianna Menezes donned designs by Paul Cabral and Dave Ocampo, respectively.

Torres was escorted by husband actor Richard Gomez.

Cebu City Representative Cutie del Mar revealed she personally picked the off-white Didi Araneta gown she bought for only P4,000.

Del Mar said she went with the color white as it is her favorite color and she can still use the gown in other occasion as it has a timeless color and cut.

Other big names who graced the red carpet are Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos, Cavite Representative Lani Mercado with husband Senator Bong Revilla and oldest daughter Ina Revilla, Senator Lito Lapid, among others.

Just like every year, the prying eyes of the public were not solely focused on the President and his government’s accomplishments, but to those who also graced and shined in the red carpet. (Sunnex)