It was a revival wrapped in devotion, tradition and draped in couture at the Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) procession in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary last Sunday, from The Manila Hotel to Quirino Grandstand.

With Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso as Hermano Mayor and his wife Dynee Domagoso as Hermana Mayor, the event, mounted by The Manila Hotel, in partnership with the City of Manila and the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) carried “Dalisay (purity) at Halimuyak (and fragrance)” as its theme.

First launched at The Manila Hotel in 1979 by the late fashion icon Ben Farrales who was nominated as National Artist, the Flores de Mayo has returned as an expression of Marian devotion, right at Kilometer 0 in Luneta.

This is significant because the revival began at Kilometer 0, from which all distances to points across the archipelago are measured, and at the historic Manila Hotel, which is honored to have hosted the start of this year’s celebration of faith before any town, city, or municipality across the country holds its own.

At its heart, Flores de Mayo remains what it has always been: a tribute to the Mother of God through offerings of flowers. In Manila, the tradition has grown into something uniquely expansive — a celebration that not only honors Mama Mary but also showcases the richness of Filipino artistry.

Designers Renee Salud, Albert Andrada, Toni Galang, Glenn Lopez and Lito Perez lead the roster of established and emerging names in Philippine fashion given a platform to interpret devotion through fashion design, while blending tradition with innovation.

FDAP President Cathy Mora Capistrano said that the project also marks the organization’s 45th anniversary, continuing its role as one of the country’s earliest associations of fashion designers ang reflecting the enduring strength of the Filipino creative industry.

Under the direction of Raymond Villanueva, Flores de Mayo: Dalisay at Halimuyak has become not only a religious tribute to Mama Mary, the Principal Patroness of the Philippines, but also a living gallery of Filipino design.

The intricate gowns, floral motifs, and carefully crafted ensembles speak not only of aesthetic excellence but also of cultural storytelling. Each piece has become an expression of dalisay and halimuyak, translating spiritual ideals into visual form.

Beyond its cultural and religious dimensions, the event also contributes to the city’s vibrancy. As Mayor Isko said, heritage-based celebrations such as this can help draw attention to Manila’s historic landmarks and reinforce its identity as a center of culture and tradition.

In an era when urban development often transforms and leans toward modernity, the Flores de Mayo serves as a reminder that Manila’s enduring charm lies in its history and soul.

More importantly, last Sunday’s Flores de Mayo was not only about pageantry but also about purpose. Proceeds from the Fashion Show for a Cause at The Manila Hotel’s Tent City later that evening will support organizations like Young Focus and the Children’s First 1,000 Days Coalition, helping advance programs in nutrition and early childhood development.

This integration of charity reflects a deeper dimension of devotion—one that goes beyond symbolism and translates into meaningful action, linking devotion with service to the community.

Flores de Mayo demonstrates how tradition can remain relevant in a modern setting. By bringing together faith, civic participation, and fashion for a cause, it rises above mere spectacle and pageantry.

It’s a shared act of devotion and humanity, expressed not only in grand processions and elegant designs, but in the simple offering of flowers, where each bloom carries dalisay and halimuyak, and where a centuries-old tradition continues to flourish in the heart of Manila for generations to come. ([email protected])