Take it to Batasang Pambansa's red carpet: What SONA guests wore
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Aside from President Rodrigo Duterte's first "report card" to the Filipinos, the attire worn by those attending his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday also attracted the public’s attention.
In past SONAs, the red carpet at the Batasang Pambansa building was a virtual fashion runway that showcased expensive and intricately designed gowns and dresses, but this time guests heeded the call of the President to dress down in simple business attire.
Authorities in charge of preparations for Duterte’s first SONA expressed his sentiment that it should not be a fashion show — but those who attended the annual presidential report-to-the-nation speech still noticeably put a lot of effort to spruce up their outfits.
CNN Philippines takes a look at how members of Congress, their spouses and guests responded to Duterte’s call with their fashion statement.
Read: Why the ‘terno’ and the SONA are a perfect match
Most male lawmakers still opted to wear the traditional Barong Tagalog.
Neophyte senators and Presidential Legal Counsel Sal Panelo also wore barong.
Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque embellished his barong with black embroidery.
A“word cloud” decorated Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate’s to express his message of hope to the President.
Actor-turned-politician Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas was also in a barong, while his wife Yasmin wore a blue knee-length Filipiniana dress.
Former President Fidel V. Ramos stood out with his embroidered gray long-sleeve shirt.
Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos was in a smart combination:a traditional barong paired with a knee-length skirt.
Former television reporter and Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones was stunning in a royal blue dress.
Sen. Loren Legarda, who often featured traditional ethnic cloth and materials to decorate her dress this time wore a purple satin top and black pants.
Sen. Grace Poe could no longer wear her usual white floor-length gown, so she opted for a simple straight cut dress -- still in white.
Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano was selfie-ready in her simple blouse-skirt combination.
Some of the lady guests wore smart blouses and skirts.
Moro guests wore equally eye-catching outfits, some inspired by the beautiful vintas back home.
