'Perfection in simplicity': Filipiniana still shines at SONA 2025 despite no red carpet

MANILA, Philippines — The lack of a physical red carpet did not prevent attendees of the 2025 State of the Nation Address from showcasing the modern beauty of the Filipiniana.

Just days before SONA 2025 took place earlier today, the House of Representatives announced that there would be no red carpet laid out at entrances to the Batasang Pambansa.

Re-elected House Speaker Martin Romualdez requested to tone down this year's SONA because it would be "out of touch" while the country grapples with rehabilitation efforts following the continuous tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon battering the nation last week.

Politicians and their guests promptly showed up to the House of Representatives before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth SONA, expectedly donning Filipiniana or formal attire.

House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos

Philstar.com / Anjilica Andaya

Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, the son of the president and newly-elected Majority Leader in Congress (the youngest in its history), wore a bespoke customized Barong by SALVO Tailors.