Flores De Mayo Celebrated Fabulously in Ermita-Malate

The  tradition of Santacruzan is one of the highlights of the month of May. And as many of us have their own version of the parade which has become a part of our culture. We can see many of them in town and cities, but it has been taken to another level in the Malate-Ermita district of Manila.

Known to be the top business and tourism part of the city of Manila, and where you can also see famous landmarks such as the Manila Hotel, Rizal Park, Remedios Circle, and Baywalk, we can say it is a business and leisure center. And for the second year, led by EMBOA (Ermita Malate Business Owners Association), they hosted Paseo de Malate - Flores De Ermita. 

Their version of the Santacruzan might be quite different as all the ladies doesn't bear any titles which makes them all equal. Each of the ladies represent a Filipino fashion designer from the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines. The ladies' gowns are very impressive with a lot of details and comes in different colors and features.

The sagala started at the halls of the historic Manila Hotel which has undergone a lot of changes that assures its title as Manila's Premier Hotel. And what great way to transport the ladies and their escorts would be the iconic Kalesas. They are some of the usual kalesas still roaming the streets of Manila, now decorated with flowers and fabric to give them a queenly vibe.

They then set off from the hotel and around the Ermita and Malate districts until they make a stop over at Remedios Circle. Now fully renovated as a function park of the city, it is also a great place to take pictures of the whole entourage as well as the sponsors and organizers. The parade continues on en route to Robinsons Place Manila where the main event will be held.

As all the ladies arrive with their consorts at the Mall, they are greeted with a marching band which will also escort them as they go around the mall. And the destination will be the event center where the program will be held. There the best dress and lady are recognized and awarded with the officials of EMBOA, FDAP, along with special guests Ms Earh 2015 Angelia Ong, and Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada.

With all of these ladies, gowns, locations, designers, and tradition made fabulous by their Flores De Mayo, it is definitely one of best I have seen so far. Though it may be conventional from the norm, they still kept the traditions and the solemnity of the Santacruzan.