Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has graciously accepted the invitation to serve as Hermano Mayor of Flores de Mayo, with his wife, Diana Lyn “Dynee” Domagoso, accepting the role of Hermana Mayor, lending their full support to the revival of a cherished celebration of faith, culture, and fashion.

Set on May 3, 2026, at 2 p.m. at The Manila Hotel and Quirino Grandstand, this year’s theme, “Dalisay at Halimuyak”, draws from the ideas of purity and fragrance. During a courtesy call by The Manila Hotel president Atty. Joey Lina, Mayor Isko expressed his support for the event and the value of initiatives that uplift the community, honor Manila City’s legacy, and create opportunities for artists and designers to contribute to a tradition deeply rooted in Filipino faith and identity. He noted, “Maaalala natin ang pamana sa atin (We will remember the legacy left to us).”

The event is mounted by The Manila Hotel, in partnership with the City Government of Manila and the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP), with support from “Manila, My Manila” of the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila (DTCAM).

A long-standing Catholic tradition in the Philippines dating back to the 1800s, Flores de Mayo remains one of the country’s enduring expressions of Marian devotion. At The Manila Hotel, the celebration assumed a distinctive place in Manila’s cultural calendar beginning in 1979 through the Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre de Niño Jesus, established that same year with Ben Farrales, the Dean of Filipino Fashion, as founding chair.

From the outset, the tradition linked Marian devotion with Manila’s cultural life. Revived in

2019 before being paused by the pandemic, it returns this year as a tribute to a city where faith, culture, and fashion continue to meet.

This year’s celebration also carries a meaningful social purpose, with proceeds and partnerships intended to benefit Young Focus and the Children’s First 1000 Days Coalition, supporting programs for children, families, education, and nutrition.

Further expressing his enthusiasm for the procession, Mayor Isko said, “Wala nang gasolinang kailangan dahil lakad ito. Ang ganda naman, we practice what we preach. Sabi ko, energy saving (There’s no need for gasoline because this is just walking. That’s nice—we practice what we preach. Like I said, it’s energy-saving).” His remark reflected his support for a celebration that offers hope and solidarity amid today’s global challenges.

Meanwhile, the event is also in close coordination with government partners for security and

traffic management for an orderly celebration. The Philippine National Police has committed at least 300 personnel for security, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will assist in traffic management. The participation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as arch bearers is also being arranged.

With Mayor Isko and Dynee serving as Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayor, Flores de Mayo at The Manila Hotel is poised to become one of Manila’s most visible cultural events of the season, honoring a beloved Filipino tradition while reaffirming the capital’s place as a center of devotion, heritage, and civic life.