Faith, Fashion, and Filipiniana: The Manila Hotel Revives a Beloved Flores de Mayo Tradition

Out of Town Blog

Faith, Fashion, and Filipiniana: The Manila Hotel Revives a Beloved Flores de Mayo Tradition

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Hotel hosted the grand revival of Flores de Mayo: Dalisay at Halimuyak on Sunday, May 3. The event attracted around 2,000 attendees and participants, celebrating Marian devotion, Filipino heritage, fashion, and charity in a landmark gathering.

Partnered with the City Government of Manila, the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila, Manila, My Manila, the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines, and the National Parks Development Committee, the event revived one of Manila’s most beloved cultural traditions.

Under the theme “Dalisay at Halimuyak,” the revival emphasized purity and fragrance, capturing the spiritual and cultural core of Filipino Catholic tradition and paying homage to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fundamentally, Flores de Mayo is a tribute to the Mother of God through the offering of flowers. In Manila, this tradition has developed into a broader celebration — honoring Marian devotion while highlighting the richness of Filipino artistry.

The celebration was especially meaningful as it started at Kilometer 0 in Luneta, the reference point for all distances across the Philippine archipelago. The procession, beginning at The Manila Hotel’s historic grounds, proceeded to the Quirino Grandstand and then back to the hotel. This event symbolically launched this year’s Flores de Mayo festivities, serving as a precursor to similar celebrations in towns, cities, and municipalities nationwide.

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso and Mrs. Diana Lynn “Dynee” Domagoso led the celebration, serving as Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayor, respectively. Atty. Jose “Joey” D. Lina, President of The Manila Hotel, took on the role of Hermano de Honor, accompanied by Mrs. Loretta “Lory” A. Lina as Hermana de Honor.

Flores de Mayo was first introduced at The Manila Hotel in 1979, organized by the Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre de Niño Jesus with the late Ben Farrales, known as the Dean of Filipino Fashion, as the founding chair. Over the years, it became a staple of the hotel’s cultural scene, embodying devotion, heritage, and the timeless elegance of Filipino design. After a pause during the pandemic, the event was revived in 2019, and this year it returned once more with increased civic, cultural, and institutional backing.

The day’s festivities consisted of two main parts. First, a solemn yet vibrant procession moved from The Manila Hotel to the Quirino Grandstand, where 30 FDAP designers’ entries were judged. Afterwards, the procession returned to the hotel to lay flowers at Nuestra Señora de las Flores. During the procession, the image of Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros was placed on the carroza.

The procession brought together hermanos and hermanas, celebrities, beauty queens, public figures, FDAP senior and featured designers, sagalas, konsortes, and representatives from leading pageant, fashion, and entertainment organizations.

The second part of the celebration was the Fashion Show for a Cause, with proceeds benefiting Young Focus and the Children’s First 1000 Days Coalition. Through this initiative, the event will support Young Focus’ education programs for children from underserved communities, particularly in Smokey Mountain, Tondo, Manila, as well as the Children’s First 1000 Days Coalition’s advocacy for children’s health and well-being during their most formative first 1,000 days.

More than a showcase of pageantry, the charitable component gave the celebration a deeper dimension — transforming devotion into meaningful service for the community.

A major highlight of the event was the fashion presentation featuring the artistry of 35 FDAP designers. Leading the showcase were five senior FDAP designers — Renee Salud, Albert Andrada, Toni Galang, Glenn Lopez, and Lito Perez — joined by 30 fellow members representing both established and emerging voices in Philippine fashion.

Under the creative direction of Raymond Villanueva, Flores de Mayo 2026: Dalisay at Halimuyak became more than a religious tribute to Mama Mary. It became a living gallery of Filipino design. Through intricate gowns, floral details, and carefully crafted ensembles, the designers interpreted the ideals of dalisay and halimuyak in visual form.

Following the judging of the 30 FDAP designers’ entries, the following titles were awarded: Reina de las Flores — Main Title

• Cathy Capistrano, with Sagala Maria Luisa Varela, Ms. Planet International 2022
• Reina Rosa Mystica — 1st Runner-Up
• Hoho Alidio, with Sagala Dawn Salas, Ms. Grand Philippines Quezon 2025
• Reina Las Islas Filipinas — 2nd Runner-Up
• Arhon Macaraig, with Sagala Charisse Anthea Abanico, Miss Pearl of the Orient Culture 2025
• Reina La Flor de Manila — 3rd Runner-Up
• Eys Vergara, with Sagala Jihaynne Hernandez, Miss Teen International 2021

The Board of Judges was chaired by Barge Ramos, Past President of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines. He was joined by Cristina “Inday” Vilar, Director of Euroville Realty and Development Corporation, and Luningning Latoreno, Bodyshot Philippines 1988, international fashion model, and Asian Mega Model finalist. Off-site judges at The Manila Hotel included Rachy Cuna, Social Director and Design Consultant, and Lalaine Vivar, CEO and Owner of One Touch Fabrics.

The celebration was further supported by key government and institutional partners. Cadets from the Armed Forces of the Philippines—specifically from the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, and Philippine Navy—carried the arch during the procession. Additionally, agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Red Cross contributed to maintaining order and security during the event.

With its successful return, Flores de Mayo: Dalisay at Halimuyak reaffirmed The Manila Hotel’s role as a steward of Manila’s cultural legacy. More than a devotional celebration, the event brought together Marian tradition, Filipino fashion, civic partnership, and charitable purpose in one memorable occasion — a fitting revival of a beloved heritage event at the Grand Dame of the Philippines.

LINK TO OFFICIAL PHOTOS:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.122110727048947504&type=3&rdid=hCYoNNtCqh LCkh3O&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1DP1wve3Bd%2F

List of Participants

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

List of Partners and Sponsors

LIST OF PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

MAIN PARTNERS

The Manila Hotel, in partnership with:

City of Manila, led by Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Department of Tourism, Culture & Arts of Manila (DTCAM), Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP), National Parks Development Committee (NPDC)

BENEFICIARIES

• Young Focus
• Children’s First 1000 Days Coalition

WITH SUPPORT FROM

• Armed Forces of the Philippines — Arch Bearers: Cadets from the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, and Philippine Navy
• Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
• Philippine National Police (PNP) Philippine Red Cross

OFFICIAL SPONSORS 

SECONDARY SPONSOR

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)

PATRON SPONSORS

• PAGCOR
• SM Retail Inc. Philtrust Bank
• Centro Escolar University
• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Ambassador Francis Chua
• City Government of Santa Rosa, Montesa Medical Aesthetic Center, Gardenia Bakeries (Philippines), Inc. Mrs. Universe Philippines
• Dumlao Dental Clinic, Caspar Steel Roofing Inc., Caspar Solar

DONOR SPONSORS

• Pag-IBIG Fund BDO
• Jolliville Holdings Corporation, Mabuhay Capital Corporation, Transmodal International, Inc., IXL Solutions Philippines, Surewell Equities, Inc.
• Philippine College of Surgeons
• Doc Rob Chiropractic Wellness Center

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERS

Manila Bulletin, GMA News, Manila Times

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION PARTNER

Sunset Flip

OFFICIAL TECH PARTNERS

CitySounds Pro Lights and Sounds Daphney Ligsay Events and Concepts

FLORAL SPONSORS

Flowers by Alvin Grace Flowers Riverpage Flowershop

REFRESHMENT SPONSORS

Rise Energy Pop

Vital1 Purified Drinking Water

FABRICS SPONSOR

ONE TOUCH FABRICS by Lalaine Vivar

List of Judges

BOARD OF JUDGES

Barge Ramos

Past President, Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (Chairman of the Board of Judges)

Cristina “Inday” Vilar

Director, Euroville Realty and Development Corporation

Luningning Latoreno Bodyshot Philippines 1988 International Fashion Model

Asian Mega Model Finalist 1994, held at the Pacific Islands Club, Guam. Featured in American Photo Magazine 1994

Off-site Judges (The Manila Hotel only, not at Quirino Grandstand) Rachy Cuna

Social Director and Design Consultant, The Manila Hotel

Lalaine Vivar

CEO and Owner, One Touch Fabrics

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Read:

• Flores de Mayo: More than just a Festival of Flowers
• 12 Insider Tips Every First-Time Visitor to Manila Should Know

Faith, Fashion, and Filipiniana: The Manila Hotel Revives a Beloved Flores de Mayo Tradition

Melo Villareal

Out of Town Blog

The post Faith, Fashion, and Filipiniana: The Manila Hotel Revives a Beloved Flores de Mayo Tradition appeared first on Out of Town Blog