SHORT BUT sweet.
This was how politicians — and celebrities — described the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno C. Aquino III yesterday at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
The 36-minute speech, applauded 32 times, cited problems he inherited from the past administration and at the same time offered solutions.
As the crowd listened for the country?s direction from its first bachelor leader, notable, too, was the sea of yellow in the wardrobe of attendees, politicians and celebrities alike.
For instance, presidential sisters — Ma. Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino-Abellada, and Victoria Eliza “Viel” Aquino-Dee — donned yellow gowns designed by Paul Cabral.
Missing in the crowd was the youngest of the Aquino sisters, actress and TV host Kristina Bernadette “Kris” Aquino-Yap, who is in the United States with sons Joshua and Baby James.
The event also saw neophyte lawmakers.
Ormoc Rep. Lucy Torres Gomez said she felt sincerity in the President?s speech. A first-time attendee, Ms. Gomez described the event as “exciting.”
“The President was true to his character. He spoke from the heart and he did not give promises he could not perform,” she told BusinessWorld.
The dancer and TV host, in an indigo blue Randy Ortiz gown came with husband Richard Gomez, himself an actor/host. Mr. Gomez?s disqualification to represent Ormoc paved the way for his wife?s entry into politics.
Actress and Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla (2nd district), wife of actor-turned-senator Ramon “Bong” B. Revilla, Jr., was in a pink Maria Clara gown, also from Paul Cabral. Ms. Revilla came with her husband and family.
In a pink gown with intricate beading by Pepsi Herrera, Jinky Pacquiao came with her husband, boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao.
Ms. Pacquiao said that though she?s in a new environment, the atmosphere was still “happy.”
“Manny said he hopes that all congressmen would attend all of his boxing matches,” Ms. Pacquiao said.
Stella Marquez Araneta, chairman of Binibining Pilipinas Charity, Inc., sat in the second gallery along with the representatives of the Columbian government.
She said she wanted to wear a terno, but did not fit her right. Instead, she showed up in an elegant navy blue piece.
“It?s like I have been with friends, at home in a big reunion. It?s very comfortable,” Ms. Araneta said.
Former action star Emilio Ramon P. Ejercito III, governor of Laguna province, said that the mood was “inspiring… because we?re talking about stopping corruption and poverty and hunger. I think everyone was happy, save for those indicted in the anomalies of the previous administration.”
Actress Assunta de Rossi stood tall and stunning in her pink Maria Clara gown created by designer Avel Bacudio. But she was not with her husband, Negros Occidental Rep. Jules A. Ledesma IV.
“I attend the SONA [every year] because of my husband. Though, we don?t have to come together all the time,” said Ms. de Rossi.
Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro “Teddy” A. Casi?o, Jr. was in a politically inspired Barong Tagalog, printed with “Stop the killings.”
“This is a first for me; combining activism and high fashion to deliver and important message to the administration,” he said.
Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda R. Marcos was not in her signature Maria Clara outfit. Instead, she came in a subdued terno.
Former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros Baraquel floated in her Grecian white drapery with bold flower prints. — N. M. Gonzales and S. J. P. Pauyo
