All is set for the historic inauguration Thursday of incoming President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. at the National Museum in Manila.
Franz Imperial, one of the preparations committee heads, said they are hoping that all the activities will go smoothly and according to plans.
The events of the day will start with the traditional meeting of the outgoing president and his successor in Malacanang Palace before they proceed, in separate vehicles, to the inaugural venue.
Before leaving the palace, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte will be given departure honors.
The inauguration ceremony will start with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by an Ecumenical/ Interfaith prayer.
As previously reported, a military-civic parade will follow, which will be a 30-minute activity.
Then the Senate President will read the Joint Resolution from both Houses of Congress before the administration of the Oath of Office of the President-Elect at exactly 12 noon, as the Constitution mandates.
For Marcos’ inaugural address, slight changes have been made after he was advised to make use of a teleprompter for the outline of his speech, to ensure sequencing and coherence.
For the inaugural song, Cris Villonco and the Young Voices of the Philippines choir will sing the Pilipinas Kong Mahal.
Villonco was chosen because she can sing traditional kundiman songs even as Marcos wants his inauguration to be very traditional and solemn.
The Young Voices of the Philippines, aside from being a multi-awarded group, will represent the future.
After the ceremony at the National Museum, Marcos will proceed to Malacanang for the mass oath-taking of his designated Cabinet secretaries and the inaugural dinner.
Also in the evening, the People’s Concert, which is part of thanksgiving activity, will follow.
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the country’s leading orchestra and is widely regarded as one of the top musical ensembles in the Asia-Pacific region, will serenade the people to express the incoming President’s gratitude for the massive support he received from them.
Cecile Licad, a world-renowned and awarded classical pianist, will render a solo performance.
It was gathered that Marcos personally requested the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and Licad, who is one of the finest virtuosos and the country’s most celebrated pianist, to perform in the concert.
For the morning activities, BBM will wear a modern barong inspired by the rayadillo, which was the traditional military uniform in the Spanish era.
Multi-awarded designer Pepito Albert designed both the said barong as well as a fully-embroidered barong from Taal that Marcos will wear for the evening’s activities.
Aside from BBM’s barongs, Albert also designed barongs for his three sons, his mother former First Lady Imelda, and his sister Irene Marcos-Araneta.
On the other hand, the terno to be worn by Marcos’ wife Liza was designed by Filipino designer Lesley Mobo who is known as an international fashion genius. It was made from a vintage pina fabric.
Meanwhile, his elder sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, chose a different designer for her outfit.
Also, the President and the First Lady will showcase the country’s talents by using Philippine-made shoes.
In a related development, authorities have already announced the road closures and traffic re-routing for the significant event.
Protocols have also been announced, which include a negative RT-PCR results taken 48 hours prior to the event.
Guests are also required to be fully vaccinated or boosted and to comply with minimum public health standards.
Drinking water that guests will bring should be contained in a clear, plastic container.
The bags they would use to hold personal essentials should also be transparent.
