MANILA, Philippines — The upcoming Flores de Mayo: Dalisay at Halimuyak was formally
presented during a press conference on April 22 at the Maynila Ballroom of The Manila Hotel, where organizers, government officials, and designers outlined a large-scale revival of the traditional celebration that brings together faith, heritage, and Filipino fashion.

Set on May 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM, the event will take place at The Manila Hotel and the Quirino
Grandstand, featuring a public procession and fashion show designed to reintroduce Flores de
Mayo as a devotional and cultural tradition for a new generation.

The initiative is led by The Manila Hotel in partnership with the City of Manila, the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP), and the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC). The event is made possible with the support of its Patron Sponsors:
PAGCOR, SM Retail Inc., Philtrust Bank, Montesa Medical Group, and Ms. Hannah Mari
Castillo, whose commitment to Filipino faith, culture, and heritage has helped bring this
celebration to life.

In his opening remarks, The Manila Hotel President Atty. Joey Lina emphasized the significance of reviving Flores de Mayo not only as a cultural presentation but as an expression of Marian devotion. He noted the hotel’s historical connection to the tradition, which dates back decades, and underscored the importance of sustaining it for future generations.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, who headlined the press conference, expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting the role of cultural events in preserving the identity of the city. He described Manila as a place defined not just by infrastructure, but by history, stories, and tradition, stressing that efforts like Flores de Mayo help reinforce these values.

The mayor also announced that the City Government of Manila will provide ₱50,000 in support to each participating designer, recognizing both the scale of preparation required and the importance of supporting Filipino creative talent. He noted that participation alone already reflects a significant dedication to craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the mayor, alongside his wife,
Mrs. Dynee, will lead the festivities as Hermano Mayor and Hermana Mayor.

A total of 35 designers will take part in the event, composed of 30 FDAP designers led by five senior designers—namely Renee Salud, Albert Andrada, Toni Galang, Glenn Lopez, and Lito Perez. The group represents a mix of established and emerging names in Philippine fashion to continue a long-standing tradition of mentorship within the industry.

During the press conference, FDAP President Cathy Mora Capistrano shared that the project
also marks the organization’s 45th anniversary, highlighting its role as one of the country’s
earliest associations of fashion designers. She explained that the participation of senior, current, and emerging designers expresses a shared intention to honor faith while showcasing Filipino artistry.

The press conference also featured a fashion show presentation showcasing select works from participating FDAP designers, offering guests an early preview of the event’s theme of “Dalisay at Halimuyak,” weaving together elements of devotion, purity, and grace through distinctly Filipino designs.

Overall Director Raymond Villanueva provided further details on the event structure. The
procession will begin at the facade of  The Manila Hotel and proceed toward the Quirino
Grandstand, where part of the judging and public presentation will take place. An evening
program, including a formal show and dinner, will follow at the hotel.

Villanueva also pointed to the historical significance of Flores de Mayo at The Manila Hotel, particularly during the time of National Artist for Fashion Ben Farrales, when it became a platform for designers to present their work to a wider audience. He noted that the revival seeks to reconnect with this legacy while adapting to current platforms to reach younger audiences.

During the media question and answer session, Mayor Domagoso underscored the event’s
potential to contribute to tourism, describing it as a natural attraction rooted in heritage and
cultural storytelling. He noted that events grounded in tradition can spark renewed interest in Manila’s landmarks and encourage both local and international visitors to engage with the city’s history.

The public is then encouraged to take part in the celebration, particularly in the free procession from the facade of the Manila Hotel to the Quirino Grandstand, which is one of the event’s central components.

Institutional support will be provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from the
Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force, as arch bearers, while the
Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will ensure security, safety, and coordination.

The event also carries a community component, with proceeds benefiting Young Focus and the Children’s First 1,000 Days Coalition, supporting programs focused on underserved communities in Manila and early childhood development.

With participation from designers, government, cultural institutions, and distinguished private sponsors, Flores de Mayo 2026 is positioned as a combined religious, cultural, and fashion event that highlights Filipino creativity while reviving a long-standing tradition rooted in devotion.

The press conference concluded with closing remarks from FDAP President Capistrano and a photo opportunity with partners, designers, and guests, marking the lead-up to the May 3
celebration.
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