Every May, the streets of the Philippines become a platform for beauty and devotion as Filipinos celebrate Flores de Mayo. Introduced by the Spaniards in the 1800s, the festival is celebrated throughout the month as a way to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary through prayers, flower offerings, and, one of its highlights, the Santacruzan.

The Santacruzan is a procession featuring young Filipinas, called "reynas" or "sagalas," all dressed up to represent biblical characters, Marian figures, and other allegorical figures from religion and history, parading under floral-decorated arches.

That tradition is something close to The Manila Hotel. In 1979, the historic hotel first celebrated Flores de Mayo with the help of the late designer Ben Farrales, hailed as the Dean of Philippine Fashion. After a hiatus in 2000, it brought back the tradition in 2019, only to have it paused again by the pandemic.

This year marks the return of the timeless tradition as the Grand Dame partners with the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP). With the title and theme “Dalisay at Halimuyak,” the event aims to celebrate Filipino design talent and use it for the benefit of young Filipinos, all while honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On March 23, 2026, at the Maynila Foyer of The Manila Hotel, FDAP members gathered to share their plans for the upcoming presentation. Leading the event were The Manila Hotel president Atty. Joey Lina, FDAP president Cathy Mora Capistrano, FDAP chairman Ramil Estrope, and “Dalisay at Halimuyak” overall director Raymond Villanueva. The afternoon marked the revival of a celebrated tradition that honors Marian devotion while showcasing the richness of Filipino culture.

Taking place on May 3, 2026, “Dalisay at Halimuyak” is set to be The Manila Hotel’s grandest celebration of Flores de Mayo. The procession is planned to start at the hotel and continue to the Quirino Grandstand, passing through iconic Manila landmarks before culminating in an evening showcase at the hotel's Tent City.  It will feature around 30 members from FDAP, alongside senior designers of the organization and other invited designers and muses.

More than a celebration, this year’s event carries a deeper purpose. Proceeds will support Young Focus, helping uplift children and communities in Tondo and the Children’s First 1000 Days Coalition Holistic Development Program—making every step on the runway a step toward impact.

As Flores de Mayo returns to The Manila Hotel, “Dalisay at Halimuyak” stands as more than a celebration of tradition—it becomes a living expression of faith, artistry, and Filipino identity.