This coming May 1 at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia, the grand 37th Flores de Mayo 2016 will be staged in all its pomp and religious glory. This is the annual gathering of world-class Filipino designers who pool together their talents in an exciting Mayflower event which honors Mary the Virgin, Mother of Christ.
It is interesting to note how the member-designers of Congregacion Del Santisimo Nombre Del Niño Jesus have structured the flow of this year’s activity which will revolve around the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. The first part will focus on the actual presentation of the thirty (30) sagalas (maidens garbed in Renaissance/Victorian-inspired gowns) in procession and escorted by handsome men in Barong Tagalog. This will be followed by the floral offering and awarding of La Flor de Manila and other important citations.
If that’s not enough, there will be a third part where the designs will be inspired by images of the Peñafrancia and other saints.
You can expect to see an abundance of colors all throughout as black will not be used in the formal attires to be worn in the same.
The featured designers for “Luwalhati” are (in alphabetical order): Johnny Abad, Benjie Alvarez, Roy Aquino, Adam Balasa, Paolo Blanco, Richie Bondoc, Russ Cuevas, Donn Delantar, Pencil Diestra, Chico Estiva, Danilo Franco, Rian Fernandez, Rafael Louis Gonzalez, Rey Lazaro, Jontie Martinez, Sony Boy Mindo, Ole Morabe, Federico Navarro, James O’Briant, Obet Orajay, Piter Otordos, Louis Pangilinan, Ye Ye Pantaleon, Christopher Quejano, Pepe Quitco, Leslie Rivera, Rholand Roxas, Renee Salud, Vince Sityar and Michael Sta. Maria. Director will be Ogee Atos.
Mark this on your calendar! This will definitely be a religious feast filled with color and pageantry. 🙂
All images taken by Joy Arguil for normannorman.com.