Every May, different parts of the Philippines celebrate “Flores de Mayo” (Flowers of May). It is a time when various religious and cultural traditions are practiced, primarily dedicated to the Virgin Mary. For the entire month, flowers and prayers are offered to the Blessed Mother, with a grand procession featuring young ladies (sagalas) and gentlemen (konsortes) wearing Filipinianas as the highlight of the festival.

This year, The Manila Hotel leads the celebration in Manila City as it brings back its version of the Flores de Mayo festivities. In 1979, the historic hotel first celebrated Flores de Mayo with the help of the late Dean of Philippine Fashion, Ben Farrales. After a hiatus in 2000, the hotel revived the tradition in 2019, only for it to be paused again due to the pandemic.

For the tradition’s 2026 revival, The Manila Hotel joined forces with Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) and the City of Manila to host the grand celebration. Themed “Dalisay at Halimuyak,” the hotel’s Flores de Mayo celebration weaves together elements of devotion, purity, and grace through distinctly Filipino designs.

On May 3, 2026, at the hotel’s Tent City, “Dalisay at Halimuyak” was in full bloom. Sagalas and their konsortes paraded from the hotel to the Quirino Grandstand wearing pieces crafted by FDAP members. The designers presented their creative visions through modern Filipinianas painted in soft pastels and adorned with floral motifs through embroidery, beading, fabric manipulation, and other intricate details. Some even elevated the theme through fragrance, with designs that could be smelled from across the room before they were even seen.

Senior designers Renee Salud, Albert Andrada, Toni Galang, Lito Perez, and Glenn Lopez designed the garments for the event’s special guests, including Atty. Joey Lina and his wife, Lory Lina, who served as Hermano and Hermana de Honor, as well as Manila City’s First Couple, Mayor Francisco Domagoso and his wife, Diana Lynn Domagoso, who served as Hermano and Hermana Mayor.

The Manila Hotel’s Flores de Mayo celebration was not just a showcase of Filipino design talent but also a reflection of the nation’s enduring religious traditions. Before the procession began, Museo San Agustin Intramuros Manila director Rev. Fr. Ricky Villar, OSA, blessed the event. After the procession, the sagalas and their konsortes returned to Tent City to offer flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“Dalisay at Halimuyak” also recognized the remarkable works of FDAP members. To select the best designs, The Manila Hotel tapped the following judges for this year’s roster: Euroville Realty and Development Corporation director Cristina “Inday” Vilar, international model Luningning Latoreno, The Manila Hotel social director and design consultant Rachy Cuna, One Touch Fabrics CEO and owner Lalaine Vivar, and FDAP former president Barge Ramos as chairman of the Board of Judges.

Out of the 35 FDAP members, four emerged as standouts. Eys Vergara’s work was hailed as Reina La Flor de Manila, while Arhon Macaraig’s design earned the title Reina Las Islas Filipinas. The title Reina Rosa Mystica was awarded to the masterpiece of designer Hoho Alidio. Rounding out the list was FDAP president Cathy Capistrano, who took home the Reina de las Flores award for her white-and-powder-blue floral Filipiniana.

As “Dalisay at Halimuyak” came to a close, the celebration proved that Flores de Mayo remains more than just a cherished religious tradition—it continues to serve as a vibrant tribute to Filipino faith, culture, and craftsmanship. Through the artistry of the FDAP designers and the enduring legacy of The Manila Hotel, the event beautifully honored the timeless elegance of the Filipiniana while bringing generations together in a shared celebration of devotion and national pride.

See the designs in motion: