The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community of fashion designers expressed regret that their fashion creations will not be showcased with the decision of President Duterte to impose a simple dress code during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) today.

This was conveyed by the fashion gurus from the LGBT to the first transgender woman, Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, who has been given different sets of “terno” by her designer friends.

“During the previous SONAs, most people see that this is an occasion where people tend to flaunt their gowns, their dresses. We want to step away from this norm,” said Atty. Paola Alvarez, who is part of the Palace group organizing the President’s SONA.

“We want to bring back the real essence of the State of the Nation,” she added. “We want to center on what the President’s message is to our people especially (since) it’s his First State of the Nation Address.”

“Mayroong malaking panghihinayang because I understand that many of my brothers and sisters in the LGBT community are actually talented designers who want to showcase their talent and of course highlight our national costume which is the Filipiniana,” she said.

Roman appealed to her LGBT friends to understand President Duterte’s simplicity.

“Mga minamahal kong mga kapatid, marami pa tayong pagkakataon. Hayaan po ninyo kung kailan namin puwedeng suotin ang Filipiniana we will wear it with pride of course and we will showcase our national costume whenever it is possible,” she said.

She disclosed that her friends gave her pink and aquamarine terno. “Simple lang naman ang cut, classic, nothing extravagant or ostentatious,” she said.

“But again I have to understand also that times are changing and maybe the President and the Speaker would like to send a clear message that we mean work in Congress and we have to prioritize that,” she stressed.

Roman said she will don a business suit she bought when she visited the United States (US) last month.

“I am going to wear business suit on Monday which I bought in the United States when I travelled with my brother last month. How I wish I could wear something Filipino, but you know I am tall so the sizes I availed are American sizes,” she said.

The Palace also said the SONA menu will be a feast of native dishes that includes native chips in the form of salted duck egg with dressing; mongo soup, paired with smoked fish with alugbati on grissini bread; fresh lumpiang ubod in pouch; and chicken and spicy tuna empanaditas.

Other dishes approved are sotong goreng or deep fried calamaris tossed in chili and bell pepper; crispy triangles of flaked chicken adobo and mushrooms; fried lumpia ubod; pandesal with kesong puti and and beef steak served on the spot; penne with taba ng talangka sauce; balut pâté in profiteroles; and chicken skin crackling.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Charissa Luci

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