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MALACAÑANG’S directive to “downplay” President Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (Sona) in a memo asking guests “not to wear long gowns” as “it will not be a fashion show” was met with approval by a nation that has largely been turned off by the display of pomp and bling at the annual speech of the Chief Executive.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday confirmed the Philippines will host the next edition of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.
After the news this week that the guest list for incoming President Rodrigo Duterte’s inaugural on June 30 had ballooned from 500 to 627, came the confirmation from Metro Manila’s fashion designers that they have, indeed, received orders for Filipiniana wear intended for the Malacañang event.
(READ: My god, I hate Duterte) While in Manila last November, I found myself conversing with a taxi driver...
AIZA Seguerra surprised the arts and culture community by attending last Wednesday the sectoral consultation set by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to formulate the “arts and culture agenda” (the phrase used in the NCCA invitation) for the next six years covering the term of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.
The invitation read that it was Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Philippines, and Madam Cielito Avanceña who requested the pleasure of our company at the Asean Summit 2017 Gala Dinner.
YOUR mantra for the week: “I pray, therefore, I prosper.”
More than stunned, I felt betrayed—not unlike a wife whose husband had just confessed to another love—when, at our first lunch after a long time, two old and dearest friends revealed they had voted for Duterte. I had hoped they were joking; they were dead serious.
(READ: A badass, pro-poor President) My aversion to President Rodrigo Duterte is probably equivalent to his hatred of drugs....
