MANILA, Philippines—Year in and year out, even before the President makes his State of the Nation Address, lawmakers and their significant others’ SONA finery also make it to the news.
It was the same this time for President Benigno Aquino III’s fourth SONA.
From Senator Chiz Escudero’s girlfriend Heart Evangelista to Timi Aquino, wife of Senator Bam Aquino, lawmakers’ partners took the spotlight as they hit the red carpet at the House of Representatives.
Evangelista seemingly glided through the North Wing Lobby beside Escudero.
She was clad in a simple yet elegant and form-fitting terno.
Timi, wife of neophyte Senator Aquino, was introduced to the media in her old rose terno by Noel Crisostomo.
Beaded, embroidered, embellished with lace—the terno was still the popular garb for women witnessing the President’s SONA.
Davao del Sur Representative Franklin Bautista’s wife, Flor, came in a green terno with mint green and silver beading.
The dress was made by a Davao-based designer, she said.
Shiela Fernandez, wife of Laguna Representative Danilo Fernandez, was clad in a frothy pink terno by Drezzee.
Grace Singson was in an emerald green Patis Tesoro creation.
Paranaque Representative Gustavo Tambunting’s wife Joy was in a beaded terno in forest green.
Not to be outdone by women in the House for the President’s SONA, Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate both wore statement barongs emblazoned with their opposition to the Visiting Forces Agreement and mining in Mindanao, respectively.
Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat Jr. meanwhile wore a barong embellished by weave and beads from his district.