MANILA, Philippines?The month of May bursts into vivid life with the beauty of the country's many harvest festivals-and the "Flores de Mayo," a religious procession inspired by a Spanish tradition that honors the Virgin Mary.

For the 29th year, the Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre del Niño Jesus mounts its version of the procession under the leadership of its founder, Ben Farrales. The group's current chair, Jing Chua, announced its plans recently:

Venue is the Rajah Sulaiman Park in front of the Malate church tomorrow at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and an awarding ceremony hosted by Boots Anson-Roa and Leo Martinez at Intramuros' Punta Real Gardens at 8.

Designers

Thirty one designs in floral prints will be worn by 31 sagalas. Ten of Manila's leading designers take part in the event: Steve de Leon, Toni Galang, Donnie Delima, Antonio Jan Garcia, Reynaldo Chua, Francis Calaquian, Danilo Franco, Glen Lopez, Pepe Quitco and Edgar San Diego.

In addition, 20 designs created by 10 participants (Rholand Z. Roxas, Rosie A. Capistrano, Rhenee A. Caparos, Renato N. Edad, Arnelo D. Lagrosa, Obet A. Orajay, Buddy D. Reyes, Leslie M. Rivera, Christopher T. Quijano and Hessie R. Zoleta) from the Quezon Fashion Designers of the Philippines will add more color to the occasion. Guest designer, Aureo Alonzo, will interpret "Rosa Mystica."

This year's hermanos and hermanas are Mayor Alfredo Lim, DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Intramuros' Ana Maria Harper, Unilever's Fernando Fernandez and Consul Mellie Ablaza. Overall direction is by Ogee Atos.

For details, call 0915 220-0104, 899-1767 or 896-3208.