THE Manila Hotel marked the grand revival of Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) on Sunday, May 3, drawing approximately 2,000 attendees and participants to a landmark celebration of Marian devotion, Filipino heritage, fashion and charitable giving.
First staged in 1979 under the leadership of the late renowned fashion designer Ben Farrales, with full support of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP), this year’s Flores de Mayo was titled “Dalisay at Halimuyak” held to a landmark celebration of Marian devotion, Filipino heritage, fashion and charitable giving.
The revival drew from the ideas of “purity and fragrance, reflecting the spiritual and cultural essence of the Filipino Catholic tradition, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary.
At its heart, Flores de Mayo remains a tribute to the Mother of the Lord Jesus Christ through the offering of flowers.
Held in partnership with the City Government of Manila, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) through Manila, My Manila, FDAP and the National Parks Development Committee, the event brought back one of Manila’s most cherished cultural traditions.
In Manila, however, the tradition has grown into a uniquely expansive celebration – one that honors Marian devotion while showcasing the richness of Filipino artistry.
The celebration carried special significance as it began at Kilometer 0 in Luneta, the point from which all distances to places across the Philippine archipelago are measured.
From the historic grounds of The Manila Hotel, the procession moved toward the Quirino Grandstand before returning to the hotel, symbolically opening this year’s Flores de Mayo observances ahead of similar celebrations in towns, cities and municipalities across the country.
Leading the celebration were Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso and his wife Diana Lynn “Dynee” Domagoso, who served as Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayor, respectively.
The Manila Hotel President and former Senator Jose “Joey” Lina and wife Loretta served as Hermano de Honor and Hermana de Honor, respectively.
Flores de Mayo was launched at The Manila Hotel in 1979 through the Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre de Niño Jesus, established with Farrales, the Dean of Filipino Fashion, as founding chair.
Over the years, the celebration became part of the hotel’s cultural calendar, reflecting devotion, heritage, and the enduring elegance of Filipino design.
Revived in 2019 before being paused by the pandemic, the tradition returned this year with renewed civic, cultural and institutional support.
The day’s festivities unfolded in two major parts.
The first was a solemn yet colorful procession from The Manila Hotel to the Quirino Grandstand, where the entries of 30 FDAP designers were judged.
The procession then returned to the hotel for the offering of flowers to Nuestra Señora de las Flores.
During the procession proper, the image of Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa de Intramuros was enshrined 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 at halimuyak” or purity and fragrance 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, Miss Planet International 2022; Reina Rosa Mystica (1st Runner-Up); Hoho Alidio, with sagala Dawn Salas, Miss 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; and 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 FDAP.
He was joined by Cristina “Inday” Vilar, director of Euroville Realty and Development Corp.; 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 of The Manila Hotel, and Lalaine Vivar, CEO and owner of One Touch Fabrics.
The celebration also received support from key government and institutional partners, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, whose cadets from the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army and Philippine Navy. served as arch bearers during the procession.
The Philippine National Police, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection and Philippine Red Cross also provided assistance to help ensure an orderly and secure celebration.
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.
