Chantal Elise of Cebu City’s national costume was too heavy, it made her faint twice. Read more about the seven standout moments at Miss Universe Philippines 2022 that caught us offguard.
If you’re a pageant fan, you’d know that the national costume segment is one of the most exciting activities in a queen’s journey. We can pretty much liken it to the Met Gala, except every candidate has their culture embedded in each look, no matter how small the details. You know what they say, the bigger the better, and obviously, these queens got the memo. From Cebu City’s heavy national costume that made her faint twice to Mandaue’s sabong-inspired look, here are seven of the most jaw-dropping and unexpected outfits we saw at Miss Universe Philippines 2022.
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1. JULIA CALLEJA SAUBIER AS THE BICOLANA GODDESS OF THE MOON
Julia Calleja Saubier of Albay’s national costume reminds us of the Mockingjay in Hunger Games. It’s not too far from the reference given she took inspiration from Haliya, the masked goddess of the moonlight. Aside from using Pinilian Abel Iloco, designer Erjohn Dela Serna also hand-painted her salakot with the Mayon Volcano.
2. JONA SWEETT’S ATI-ATIHAN INSPIRED NATIONAL COSTUME
Designed by Adriano Samar in collaboration with Mel Gracia Quimpo and Shie Reynaldo, Jona Sweett of Aklan paid tribute to her city’s Ati-Atihan festival wherein participants paint their bodies black with charcoal. The gown, which was made out of piña fabric, was revealed to be hand-dyed with talisay leaves to achieve the intriguing midnight hue.
3. CHANTAL ELISE LEGASPI SCHMIDT’S FULLY-ENCRUSTED PEARL GOWN
Aside from the intricacy of Axel Que’s creation, Chantal Elise of Cebu City had to withstand its weight and the heat at the location. She shared in an Instagram post that her national costume was so heavy, it made her collapse twice under the heat of the sun. But it was all worth it. A warrior woman through and through.
4. DOROTHY GEMILLAN AS THE CANDELARIA
After being in the darkness for so long, Dorothy Gemillan of Iloilo City finally found her light. The jaw-dropping candelaria national costume was brought to life by Tata Bias-Pinuela. “This is Iloy Candelaria, Our lady of Candles Enshrined from the romanesque revivalist architecture,” she enlightens us in her Instagram post.
5. ISABEL LUCHE’S SABONG-INSPIRED NATCOS
Probably one of the most-memorable national costumes in Miss Universe Philippines, Isabel Dalag Luche of Mandaue steps out in a stunning look by Mark Barry Luche inspired by the Filipino sabong culture. Peep the pintado details on the leg, too!
6. LOU DOMINIQUE PICZON’S BANIG COUTURE LOOK
It’s no surprise that Lou Dominic Piczon’s national costume is 95% made out of banig. The inspiration behind Danny Booc’s design was taken from women in the Cebu Province who’ve been weaving for generations. Not to mention the hand-painted details of the city at the back.
7. JEANNE NICCI ORCENA’S NATCOS INSPIRED BY THE MUSIC FESTIVAL
The intricacy and vibrance of Jeanne Nicci Orcena’s national costume showcased Davao del Norte’s rich history. The Musikahan Festival of the city has been an important pillar in their culture as seen on the gigantic trumpet in her look, with the different fabrics symbolizing the seven tribes of Davao del Norte.
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