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.
(more…)