The Manila Hotel Blooms with “Flores de Primavera Y Filipiniana” Exhibit

In celebration of National Heritage Month and Flores de Mayo, The Manila Hotel, in partnership with Designers Circle Philippines, unveils “Flores de Primavera Y Filipiniana,” a captivating fashion exhibit at the Grand Dame of the Philippines.

Inspired by the idyllic beauty of the Filipiniana, the exhibit highlights the vibrant intersection of culture and creativity. The collection presents an exquisite blend of Terno and Maria Clara designs, influenced by the radiant hues and festive spirit of Flores de Mayo, rightly regarded as the “Queen of Philippine Festivals.”

Selected members of Designers Circle Philippines have transformed the storied Grand Lobby and Art Gallery into what the organization describes as an “effervescent Eden of floral Filipiniana,” where heritage fashion takes center stage amid the grandeur of the historic hotel.

The participating designers are Edwin Uy, Rafael Gonzalez, Alfonso Emmanuel, Jasper Adorador, Precious Jewel, Rhael Garcia, Alistair Balane, Gus Villa, Adonis Ara Samson, Ganda Anore, Bepz Torres, Joy Aaliwin, Gian Abrigo, Maila Alog, Jayme Yap Bravo, Medel Batingal, Will Salvador, Brad Shilver Agarano, Pencil Diestra, and Jennica Castro, with special pieces from the late founding chairman Johnny Abad.

Edwin Uy, Chairman of Designers Circle Philippines

Alistair Balane

Johnny Abad, Founding Chairman of Designers Circle Philippines

Pencil Diestra and Bepz Torres

Brad Shilver Agarano

Jasper Adorador

Joy Aaliwin

Madel Batingal

Rafael Gonzales, President of Designers Circle Philippines

“Flores de Primavera y Filipiniana is more than a fashion exhibit. Showcases like this serve as a bridge between our country’s past and present. We are committed to ensuring that Filipino traditions are not only honored today but preserved for generations to come,” said Edwin Uy, chairman of Designers Circle Philippines.

“Through initiatives such as this, we are pleased to partner with Designers Circle Philippines as The Manila Hotel continues to champion Filipino culture and craftsmanship by providing a platform where tradition and contemporary creativity flourish together,” says Marvin Kim Tan, The Manila Hotel’s vice president for sales and marketing.

Flores de Primavera y Filipiniana is on display at the Grand Lobby and Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel until June 11, 2026. Admission is free.

For more information, call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, email info@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.

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The Manila Hotel Revives Flores de Mayo with Grand Celebration of Faith, Fashion, and Filipino Heritage

The Manila Hotel marked the grand revival of Flores de Mayo: Dalisay at Halimuyak on Sunday, May 3, drawing approximately 2,000 attendees and participants to a landmark celebration of Marian devotion, Filipino heritage, fashion, and charitable giving.

Held in partnership with the City Government of Manila, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila through Manila, My Manila, the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines, and the National Parks Development Committee, the event brought back one of Manila’s most cherished cultural traditions.

With the theme “Dalisay at Halimuyak,” 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 God through the offering of flowers. In Manila, however, the tradition has grown into a uniquely expansive celebration — one that honors Marian devotion while showcasing the richness of Filipino artistry.

Hermano Mayor Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno crowns the image of Reina de las Flores during the Flores de Mayo

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 Mrs. Diana Lynn “Dynee” Domagoso, who served as Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayor, respectively. Atty. Jose “Joey” D. Lina, President of The Manila Hotel, served as Hermano de Honor, together with Mrs. Loretta “Lory” A. Lina as Hermana de Honor.

Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso and Mrs. Diana Lynn "Dynee" Domagoso as Hermano and Hermana Mayor of this year's Flores de Mayo

The Manila Hotel President Atty. Joey Lina and Mrs. Loreta Lina as Hermano and Hermana de Honor

Flores de Mayo was first launched at The Manila Hotel in 1979 through the Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre de Niño Jesus, established with the late Ben 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 and halimuyak 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, Ms. Planet International 2022

Reina Rosa Mystica — 1st Runner-Up

• Hoho Alidio, with sagala Dawn Salas, Ms. 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

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 the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines. He was joined by Cristina “Inday” Vilar, Director of Euroville Realty and Development Corporation, and 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.

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Mayor Isko Moreno and wife Dynee to lead as Hermano and Hermana Mayor at Flores de Mayo in Manila

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has graciously accepted the invitation to serve as Hermano Mayor of Flores de Mayo, with his wife, Mrs. 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 2:00 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’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.”

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.” 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 (PNP) has committed at least 300 personnel for security, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) 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 Mrs. Domagoso 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.

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Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel Flourishes with Manuel Baldemor's ‘Flowers of May’

The Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel proudly presents Flowers of May, a vibrant and uplifting exhibition by acclaimed Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor. The exhibit pays homage to the beloved Flores de Mayo festival, a time-honored celebration of beauty, devotion, and renewal.

Following the contemplative tone of his recent Kuwaresma series, Baldemor now shifts to a more joyful expression of spirit and color. In Flowers of May, Baldemor breathes life into the season’s blooms through his distinctive visual style, capturing the richness of Philippine flora, serving as both subject and metaphor.

Flowers of May

Flowers of May at the Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel

“One can achieve tranquility by recognizing themselves as part of nature and finding their core or soul. Flowers are a perfect example as they represent peace and love. They have their own language of diplomacy that speaks straight to our hearts,” shared Baldemor.

The exhibit invites guests to experience joy and serenity, reflecting the essence of Flores de Mayo. Through this collection, Baldemor offers a visual journey that connects viewers to both cultural heritage and the quiet beauty of the natural world.

Flores de Mayo is on display at the Art Gallery until May 31, 2025. Admission is free. For interested buyers, email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

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