How SONA 2026 attendees embraced the 'simple but dignified' theme

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) had a "simple but dignified" theme and attendees at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday made sure they abided by the dress code.

Senator Risa Hontiveros told GMA News Online her outfit naturally matched the occasion’s tone.

“Gano’n din naman ‘yung kumbaga aesthetic ko na simple, elegante na bagay sa isang pormal at importanteng okasyon,” she said.

[My aesthetic, that is simple and elegant, matched the formal and important occasion.]

Hontiveros wore a modern white Filipiniana dress by designer Jo Rubio that featured ivory silk and sculpted butterfly sleeves with a ruffled neckline embellished using delicate beaded floral details.

Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima likewise said she chose a look that aligned with the event's overall theme.

She arrived in a champagne-gold Filipiniana gown adorned with an intricate floral lace overlay, structured butterfly sleeves, a matching long scarf drape, and a metallic clutch. And when asked about the color of her gown, De Lima said, “I just feel na it would comply with the guidance about making it simple and dignified.”

When asked about the style and structure of her outfit, she simply replied, "Simple lang po."

Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno meanwhile opted to rewear the same classic Barong Tagalog he wore during his oath-taking as mayor in June 2025, underscoring the value of reusing formal attire.

"Recycled ito. Kung maalala mo, ito rin 'yung sa oath taking ko last year. Pwede pa naman ano?" Moreno said when asked about the material of his barong.

[This is recycled. If you'll remember, this is what I wore during my oath taking last year. It still fits, right?]

Meanwhile, Tootsy Angara, wife of Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, arrived in a modern Filipiniana by renowned designer Rajo Laurel. The ensemble featured intricate gold sequin embroidery and relaxed butterfly sleeves, offering a contemporary interpretation of the traditional silhouette.

Angara shared that the outfit came together on short notice. "It was last minute lang kasi so I just had it done like six days ago," she said.

Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno, on the other hand, paid tribute to local craftsmanship by wearing a handcrafted barong made from piña silk, a fabric derived from pineapple fibers that is considered one of the Philippines' finest traditional textiles.

According to Diokno, the piece was created by Inggo Manabat, a well-known custom formalwear maker based at Kamuning Market in Quezon City.

Check out GMA News' live updates here, and watch GMA News' livestream of the SONA here. — LA, GMA News