The merry month of May ushers in the Santacruzan festival across the country. This is the queen of all fiestas honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. Even people from other faiths find reason to celebrate during this annual event as it takes on a significance other than the cultural and religious. Townsfolk usually ogle at lovely sagalas (with their escorts) and the beautiful gowns they’re wearing.
Manila’s annual Flores de Mayo is no exception. In previous years, it was held at the Manila Hotel and the Rajah Sulayman Park. This time around, the venue was the sprawling Mall of Asia.The much-awaited parade featured the city’s fairest ladies wearing the creations of top couturiers. It was time to practice with my camera again, and take a few pics. All of the ladies wore designer interpretations of the terno, the native Filipino clothing popularized by Imelda Marcos.
Resigned Bb. Pilipinas World 2008 Janina San Miguel was an eyecatching sign in this elaborate brocade gown by Jontie Martinez.
The hair and accessories of the beauty queens were really impressive. Look at the details. Of course, Filipinas don’t go out like this everyday. But hey, this happens only once a year!
This year’s theme was “Bellissima Filipina” and had the Venetian touch. Hence, the ladies carried Venetian masks. Above gown by in-demand designer Danilo Franco even had a painting of the Sistine Chapel on the skirt.
Overall, the works of the Filipino designers were really impressive. They were able to show not only the elegance of the Filiino terno, but the terno with a global touch. Take for instance this colorful Mexican-inspired creation by Gin Villamayor.
Long-time couturier Renee Salud is shown with the costume he fashioned for Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry.
Waiting and preparation time! This was before the fashion show and parade around the MOA stores.
More of the winsome sagalas:
Flores de Mayo 2009 was organized by the Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre del Nino Jesus headed by Ben Farrales, in cooperation with SM MOA, the Department of Tourism and Unilever Philippines.
wow, this is probably the most “sushal” Santacruzan I’ve ever seen!
I love Santacruzan. This event showcase the beauty of our culture. ^_^
yah you’re right.. this one is sosyal talaga… but on the other side of town.. gays naman and stars… heehehe
Santacruzan is indeed the epitome of the Posh Filipino Culture.. too bad I wasn’t able to see this one.. I thought the Annual Flores de Mayo would still be held at Rajah Sulayman Park in Manila, as it has always been, but to my surprise, I found nothing there.. no tents, no banners, no runway, no glam gowns and fabolous women… nothing. but a deserted park dwelt by a handful of of vendors and street children…
Oh my…. but there’s always a year after another right? I’ll be waiting for it… definitely… how I wish the organizers would have clear announcements… 🙂
Oh well…