THE GRAND DAME REVIVES FLORES DE MAYO
Reported by Noli A. Berioso for OPMB Worldwide
A thrilling spectacle with origins stretching back forty years, the Flores De Mayo at The Manila Hotel is a grand Filipino tradition that combines fashion, artistry and culture.
This year, the hotel will partner with the Designers Circle Philippines led by their president Johnny Abad to revive this unique event. PAGSULYAP SA MGA REYNA: FLORES DE MAYO AT THE MANILA HOTEL, was held at the nostalgic, historic setting of the Maynila Ballroom last Wednesday May 2, Labor Day at 4:pm in the afternoon,
The first Flores De mayo at the Manila Hotel was founded in 1979 by Ben Farrales, hailed the Dean of Philippine Fashion, and organized under the Congregaccion del Santisimo Nombre del Sto, Nino Jesus. Through the years, countless beauty queens and celebritieshave participated in the traditional procession as sagalas, wearing elegant designs of such notable designers as Joe Salazar, Renee Salud, Cesar Gaupo and Malu Veloso.
Thirty (30) sagalas will take part in this year’s traditional procession, including ABS CBN newscasters Gretchen Ho and Tina Marasigan, Sheena Dalo. They will be wearing Filipiniana couture by the members of Designers Circle Philippines, who number respected names such as Johnny Abad, Renee Salud, Roland Lirio, Fanny Serrano, Malu Veloso, Jontie and Nickky Martinez, Dave Ocampo. The designs of the exquisite gowns all take inspiration from 19th century Traje de Mestizas.
The traditional procession started at Maynila Ballroom and followed the route originally set during the very first Flores De Mayo in 1979. They will trace a path across the façade of the hotel, before circling back and return to maynila Ballroom. Garlands of flowers was offered to the statue of Blessed Virgin. The sagalas will then proceed to a private dinner. Former senator Joey Lina is the special guest speaker. A panel of disitinguished judges, including Danny Dela Cuesta, Malu Veloso, Minie Atienza, Grace Francisco-Torres, Barge Ramos and The Manila Hotel Resident Manager Chris Orta handed out special awards to selected winners.
Magandang Paraluman – Sheena Dalo
Natatanging Ginoo – Aaron De Tomaso
Bestido Filipino – Santa Emmanuel
Bituin Ng Gabi – Designer Edwin Uy and sagala Samantha Lo
A collection of twenty gowns will be on view at The Manila Hotel Lobby for the month of May called The Filipino Contemporary Formal Collection of Obras, they embody the romance and exquisite workmanship of 19th century Filipiniana.