THE grandest procession in honor of Virgin Mary – complete with the best floral arrangements and bevy of beauties and their escorts – returns this year as “Flores de Mayo: Dalisay at Halimuyak” starting and culminating at The Manila Hotel on May 3.
Under the auspices of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) and The Manila Hotel with full support of the city government of Manila, what makes the return of this revered religious cum cultural event very special is the mayor himself, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso as hermano mayor with his wife Dynee as hermana mayor, and the provision of P50,000 support for each of the 35 participating fashion designers.
As this traditional celebration brings together faith, heritage and Filipino fashion, this revival of Flores de Mayo in Manila also serves as a contest for the participants, with the three best winning monetary prizes.
“With P50,000 for each of the 35 participating designers, this does not just encourage you to come up with excellent designs but made you winners already,” Yorme Isko, as the mayor is fondly called, announced during the press conference held at the Maynila Ballroom of the Manila Hotel on April 22.
He revealed that on his first term, there was already a plan to revive the holding of Flores de Mayo but did not push through because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reminiscing how Flores de Mayo helped him financially when he was a young actor and a member of German Moreno’s youth entertainment show, “That’s Entertainment,” by being a escort to sagalas all over the country, this time he does not mind spending, he termed as “tosgas” for “gastos” just to bring the extravaganza Manila has been known for.
45 years of FDAP
The late National Artist for Fashion Ben Farrales started the Flores de Mayo at The Manila Hotel during his time, and said that the procession should always start there before any town, city or municipality around the country hold their own.
“This is significant because we start at Kilometer 0, where all distances emanate from all over the archipelago, and at The Manila Hotel, where it all began,” former senator and The Manila Hotel President Joey Lina said, emphasizing the event not only as a cultural presentation but as an expression of Marian devotion.
Lina also underscored the hotel’s historical connection to the tradition and the importance of sustaining it for future generations.
FDAP President Cathy Mora Capistrano shared that the project also marks the organization’s 45th anniversary, highlighting its role as one of the country’s earliest associations of fashion designers.
She explained that the participation of senior, current and emerging designers expresses a shared intention to honor faith while showcasing Filipino artistry.
Five senior FDAP designers – Renee Salud, Albert Andrada, Toni Galang, Glenn Lopez and Lito Perez – lead the roster of established and emerging names in Philippine fashion to continue a long-standing tradition of mentorship within the industry.
The press conference also featured a fashion show presentation showcasing select works from participating FDAP designers, offering guests an early preview of the event, weaving together elements of devotion, purity and grace through distinctly Filipino designs.
Overall director Raymond Villanueva provided further details on the event structure – the procession will begin at the facade of The Manila Hotel at exactly 3 p.m. and proceed toward the Quirino Grandstand, where part of the judging and public presentation will take place.
An evening program, including a formal show and dinner, will follow at the hotel, where the winners will be announced.
Villanueva also pointed to the historical significance of Flores de Mayo at The Manila Hotel, when it became a platform for designers to present their work to a wider audience.
He noted that the revival seeks to reconnect with this legacy while adapting to current platforms to reach younger audiences.
During the media question-and-answer session, Mayor Domagoso underscored the event’s potential to contribute to tourism, describing it as a natural attraction rooted in heritage and cultural storytelling.
He noted that events grounded in tradition can spark renewed interest in Manila’s landmarks and encourage both local and international visitors to engage with the city’s history.
“Makati and BGC may have the modernity, with tall and beautiful buildings, but in Manila, the structures here have soul,” he said.
People from all over are encouraged to take part in the celebration, particularly in the free procession that goes from the facade of the Manila Hotel to the Quirino Grandstand passing through Roxas Boulevard then back to the Grand Dame.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) provides support with Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force cadets as arch bearers, while the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will ensure security, safety and coordination.
For a charitable cause
“Flores de Mayo: Dalisay at Halimuyak” is positioned as a combined religious, cultural and fashion event that highlights Filipino creativity while reviving a long-standing tradition rooted in Marian devotion.
The event also carries a community component, with proceeds benefiting Young Focus and the Children’s First 1,000 Days Coalition, supporting programs focused on underserved communities in Manila and early childhood development.
