While the State of the Nation Address (SONA) is meant to communicate the country’s policy priorities and urgent challenges, many Filipinos have come to associate it with fashion statements, red carpet entrances, and viral memes. Public discourse often drifts toward the glitz and the gaffes rather than the substance of the President’s speech.
This disconnect was highlighted during an independent press conference held on July 29, 2025, at the historic Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City, titled “Unveiling the Real ‘State of the Nation’: Critical Insights on Economics, Food Security, Disasters & Diplomacy.”
The panel featured four well-regarded experts:
- Former Senator Nikki Coseteng
- Prof. Dr. Rommel Banlaoi
- Mr. Sonny Africa
- Dr. Lucio Pitlo III
CinemaBravo raised a question, which asked the panel why SONA has increasingly become a spectacle in the eyes of the Filipino public.
In response, Dr. Lucio Pitlo III acknowledged the spectacle but emphasized the importance of restraint and sensitivity during times of crisis. He pointed out that the event took place just days after a series of typhoons and widespread flooding disrupted communities across the country.
“Siguro in consideration doon sa dinulot sa ating ekonomiya at sa ating mga kababayan—yung iba hanggang ngayon lubog pa rin sa tubig,” he said, noting that grand displays of luxury can appear disconnected from the lived experiences of ordinary Filipinos.
While some attendees opted for modest attire, others still made statements with their wardrobe. For Pitlo, it’s a matter of finding the middle ground: “Pwede naman na i-project mo yung sarili mo sa constituents mo—na maayos ka—without spending too much.” He added that looking presentable is part of public service, but it should not come at the expense of appearing tone-deaf in times of hardship.
Moderated by veteran media personality Rod Cornejo, the forum brought together political and policy analysts to deliver a frank, data-driven assessment of the country’s condition—focusing on economic inequality, food security, disaster readiness, and foreign affairs.
Former Senator Nikki Coseteng, an educator and longtime nationalist advocate, called for leadership that puts Filipino interests and sovereignty first.
Prof. Dr. Rommel Banlaoi, President of the Philippine Society for International Security Studies, tackled regional security threats and how shifting global alliances are reshaping the country’s diplomatic and defense priorities.
Mr. Sonny Africa, Executive Director of IBON Foundation and a London School of Economics graduate, offered a critical lens on national economic performance, policy gaps, and rising inequality.
Dr. Lucio Pitlo III, Research Fellow at the Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation, explored the Philippines’ diplomatic maneuvering amid growing geopolitical tensions and trade complexities.
Hosted at the 86-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café, owned by Wilson Lee Flores, the press conference was part of the café’s Pandesal Forum—a civic and cultural initiative known for its inclusive, non-partisan approach to public dialogue.
Panelists scrutinized the nation’s economic trajectory, the risks of slowed growth, and gaps in disaster response systems. They also examined the Philippines’ diplomatic strategy in light of intensifying global and regional shifts.
By moving beyond ceremonial speeches and political posturing, the event offered a platform for unfiltered perspectives grounded in expertise—providing much-needed clarity on the real challenges confronting the nation.
CinemaBravo 
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