MANILA, Philippines – Once in a rare while, Malacañang can be a place for “fashionista”-watching.

This was the case when the Rigodon de Honor was held on Independence Day.

A tradition started by American General William Taft in early 1900, it was continued by various Philippine presidents for state dinners in honor of visiting heads of state, and for important events.

For the 111th Philippine Independence Day celebration, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo handpicked 20 couples to perform this state dance at Malacañang before a mix of the diplomatic corps, business and political leaders.

The women were in terno that flattered the Filipina figure, and the men in barong made of the indigenous piña with beautiful callado embroidery. Classic elegance was the order of the evening.

One very interesting terno was worn by Vivian Tan. Her sleek black gown by noted international designer Dries Van Noten had bell-shaped sleeves in piña added to it by Ivar Aseron—truly a modern combination which should show the versatility of the Philippine national dress.

Ito Curata stuck to a very elegant and beautifully draped teal-colored terno a la Ramon Valera. His cut and fit were perfect, and Ito took his inspiration from the master himself—Valera—when Ramoning (as he was fondly called by family and close friends) was the A-list choice for ternos, bridal and formal gowns in the ’60s.

Yellow and shades of blue, ranging from turquoise to royal blue, were the obvious colors of the season. Designers who made these beautiful ternos were Pitoy Moreno, Ito Curata, Inno Sotto, Rajo Laurel, Paul Cabral, Patis Tesoro, Dennis Lustico, Jun Escario, Oscar Peralta, Michi Calica, Rem Divino, Ariel Agasang, Edward Teng, Drezee and Ivar Aseron.

The couples were paired according to height, neither by political or social affiliations, nor age. They were thus so pretty to look at.

The participants and their designers:

1. Rep. Nikki Teodoro (Rajo Laurel) with Leyte Gov. Jericho Petilla

2. Liana Romulo (Dennis Lustico) with Secretary Vince Perez (Bergamo)

3. Lizzie Zobel (Inno Sotto) with Kenneth Yang

4. Carol Quimson (Pitoy Moreno) with Gen. Narciso Abaya (Prince Albert)

5. Joanne Z. Andrada (Rem Divino) with Ilocos Gov. Mike Keon (SM)

6. Dina A. Tantoco (Inno Sotto) with Rep. Dong Gonzales

7. Becky Garcia (Oscar Peralta) with Gen. Alex Yano (Hampshire Place)

8. Frannie A. Jacinto (Ito Curata) with Quirino Gov. Dax Cua

9. Kakai M. Arroyo (Paul Cabral) with Rep. Anton Lagdameo

10. Annette G. Abrogar with Raul Manzano (Sarto)

11. Julie Defensor (Patis Tesoro) with Ali Atienza

12. Chiqui R. Puno (Michi Calica) with Babes Romualdez (Robert Bonifacio)

13. Mimi Aquino (Drezee) with Secretary Gabby Claudio

14. Belinda Adora (Belinda Adora) with Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias (Silk Cocoon)

15. Vivian Tan (Dries van Noten and Ivar Aseron) with Secretary Vince Perez (Bergamo)

16. Dinagat Gov. Jade Ecleo (Paul Cabral) with Atom Henares (Pitoy Moreno)

17. Precious Lara Quigaman (Ariel Agasang) with Sen. Bong Revilla (Paul Cabral)

18. Sunshine Cruz (Eric Pineda) with Australian Ambassador Rod Smith

19. Miriam Quiambao (Jun Escario) with Secretary Ralph Recto

20. Rep. Trisha B. David (Edward Teng) with Buddy Cunanan