MANILA, Philippines ? The Best in National Costume paraded like peacocks at the Batasan in last Monday's State of the Nation Address (Sona).

Senators, congressional spouses and wives of Cabinet members modeled native attire in the most high-profile political event this year.

Nationalism was worn on butterfly-sleeve terno, modern Maria Clara and a smattering of kimono, ?baro't saya? and ?patadyong.? Colors swirled like the ?bahaghari,? ?sapin-sapin? and ?halo-halo.? It was a fashion fiesta that proves without a doubt, Filipiniana is alive and seriously beaded, draped and embroidered.

From the magenta terno festooned with bias strips by Inno Sotto worn by President Macapagal-Arroyo to the hand-painted katcha terno by Rep. Liza Masa, making a fashion statement was serious business for the country's senior and up and coming designers.

The winners were Sen. Loren Legarda, the best back in town in a terno with Bagobo bells dangling from her sleeves, Rep. Nikki Teodoro in draped and beaded finery, Audrey Zubiri in a modest Maria Clara, Sen. Pia Cayetano in black and white, Angela Arroyo in tiers of translucent mousseline and Sen. Jamby Madrigal in Patis Tesoro.

But there were no parameters of excellence and it was clear it was not a case of fashion one-upmanship but rather a tour de force of serving too much glitter, too much color and little style. It is our pabonggahan mindset that triumphed; as long as it stands out, we shall wear it with pride.

The Sona style showdown ended as a free-for-all, with fashion victims as well as style setters. One may wield political clout but may lack taste and temperance in wearing our national dress. This can cause stress and much duress.