Young Roots
SONA Vogue
By Johanne Margarette R. Macob
POLITICS and fashion can and do mix.
As expected, there have been many and varied reactions to President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, July 28. Some were satisfied, while many wanted to hear more particularly regarding Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, as I did. But I will not dwell on the SONA’s main content. Let me focus on the ‘sidelight’ that entertained me most, as most- if not all- of the times- the fashion sense of the lawmakers.
I don’t exactly know why but with each SONA, I always looked forward doing some stargazing at our fashionista politicos in their designer gowns and barongs – elegant and certainly expensive. However, I was a bit disappointed with the vogue in last week’s SONA. There were talks about Nancy Binay’s outfits, Loren Legarda’s Davao Oriental-Mandaya garb, and Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat’s Lumads’s native outfit, among others. I have also read articles about political colors have been highlighted at the SONA 2014: yellow for supporters, peach for the impeachment crowd, and white for the ‘undecided.’ Still, I wanted to see more. Specifically, I had expected more contextual fashion statements from the men like last year.
So, more than sharing what most have noticed on this year’s red carpet, I would like to recall the men’s fashion statements in SONA 2013 that caught my attention best. On top of that list was Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño. His Barong Tagalog had his advocacy for the FOI spelled out. His barong had the words “Right to Know. Right Now!” embroidered in front. Second man on my list was Rep. Neri Colmenares, who wore a barong created by Renan Ortiz of the Concerned Artists of Philippines. It had a “Lady Justice” with the blindfold lowered. As media reported it, the image symbolized Colmenares’s way of calling on the government to stop being blind and end the extra-judicial killings, impunity, and corruption. Lastly, I had Rep. Walden Bello on my three-man list. Bello’s off-white barong showed off the timely issues, the contested Spratlys Island embroidered on the front.
The point of that ‘list’ was to illustrate how most men, who can be clueless when it comes to fashion when compared to women, can actually deliver fashion statements, timely political and social issues with impact. I did hope to see more representatives showing off their political ideologies through fashion. Perhaps, next year, since Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago’s proposed Senate resolution prescribing an official uniform for lawmakers to wear during official national events like SONA is still pending at the committee level.
Without a doubt, the Philippine government has politicians who are in vogue. The SONA, a political event, was always like a fashion show. Vogue is still a big deal for the politicians- which I hope does not only make them look good but more importantly, will inspire them to do something good.
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