PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are expected to project a more understated elegance, with their fashion reflecting this year’s call for simplicity during the president’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, July 27.
Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo Tantoco said this year’s ensembles are expected to be more restrained than in previous SONAs.
Usually, the first lady chooses what she will wear on the day of the SONA, Tantoco told The Manila Times in an exclusive phone interview.
She said three designers — Francis Libiran, Michael Leyva and Paul Cabral — have submitted sketches for her consideration.
“I know that this year everyone’s toning it down,” Tantoco said. “I know the first lady is still wearing terno, but it’s not going to be too embroidered or too intricate. It will certainly be a little bit more simple.”
The president has already chosen the barong he will wear, but Tantoco could not confirm the designer’s name as of Sunday.
The toned-down approach is in keeping with the House of Representatives’ directive for this year’s SONA to adopt a simpler and more dignified atmosphere, including more understated attire for guests.
Tantoco also said the president has been diligently working on his speech and has been “practicing and rehearsing.”
Asked how the first lady has been supporting the president in the lead-up to the SONA, Tantoco said she has taken on several official engagements on his behalf so he could focus on his annual address.
“There was a lot of work to be done before this Monday as always, so they’ve asked her to represent him for the rice distribution and other commitments,” she said.
Despite the political noise surrounding this year’s SONA, Tantoco described the mood of the Marcoses as calm and focused.
“They’re very busy because it’s always about the work for them. And on Monday, their goal is just to make everyone feel secure and happy. It’s just really all about the work that they promised to do, and they’re getting that done,” she said.
