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.