Flores De mayo is celebrated every month of May across the country. But this specific Flores De Mayo held in Rajah Soliman in Roxas Boulevard last May 4, 2008 is one of the much awaited event for it showcased some of the best designers of our country.

For this year, as they are celebrating their 29th year, Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre del Nino Jesus, highlights the featured gowns made from indigenous materials found in Quezon. This brought out the rich resources, culture and creativity of the designers. Some of the materials used are abanico (fans), buntal, abacca, sea shells, coconut shells, ganza, banana bark, tinalak, rapia, coco beads, tistis, sinamay, bao, rattan, copra sack, wood beads and ostrich feathers.

“This event was conceived by a group of people that are devotees of the Sto. Nino” says Mr.  Ben Farrales, a celebration that started from a group of friends gathered together for one reason, and devotion, has turned out to be one of the most awaited event of the year.

This 2008, there were 21 designers that participated in the event. The First 10 are the indigenous gowns made by the designers from Quezon, then 11-20 are their couture romantic gowns entry, the 21-30 are gowns made by Manila designers and the 31st entry is a non-competing entry.

Participants in this event were screened and chosen carefully. List of Designers are as follows:

For the Indigenous category:
1.    Hessie R. Zoleta
2.    Renato Edad
3.    Obet Orajay
4.    Arnelo lagrosa
5.    Buddy Reyes
6.    Christopher Quijano
7.    Rosie Capistrano
8.    Rhenee Caparros
9.    Leslie Rivera
10.    Pholand roxas

For the couture Romantic gowns:
11.    Hessie R. Zoleta
12.    Renato Edad
13.    Obet Orajay
14.    Arnelo Lagrosa
15.    Buddy Reyes
16.    Christopher Quijano
17.    Rosie Capistrano
18.    Rhenee Caparros
19.    Leslie Rivera
20.    Rholand Roxas
21.    Francis Calaquian
22.    Jing Chua
23.    Donnie Delima
24.    Steve De Leon
25.    Danilo Franco
26.    Antonio Jan Garcia
27.    Toni Galang
28.    Glenn Lopez
29.    Pepe Quitco
30.    Edgar San Diego

Non-competing participant:
31.    Aureo Alonzo

This event has showcased not only the ingenuity of the Filipinos but their creativity and devotion as well. To walk from Rajah Soliman to Intramuros is no joke, but the models and the designers have made their way to the busy streets of Roxas Boulevard and still able to wear a smile at the end of the procession.

Flores De mayo was a combination of art and culture that truly amazed everyone. Can’t wait for next year’s celebration.