Highlighting the artistry of Filipino designers, Miss World Philippines 2021 candidates raised the bar for the national costume segment even more.
The beauty of living in an era where the Met Gala and RuPaul’s Drag Race not only exists, but also ingrained into our unique conversations is how our standards when it comes to red carpet events have evolved. Some people think joining pageants may seem superficial, but in reality, it’s an avenue to empower the modern Filipina. In the same breath, it also has grown to be a platform for the Filipino artistry to shine. Not to mention how its counterpart in the US is the Superbowl because of how huge the pageant fans are here in the Philippines. From the La Paz Batchoy couture gown that went viral to the Sorbetera look inspired by the mid-day cold treat, here are the most jaw-dropping national costume looks we’ve seen at Miss World Philippines’ Charity Gala.
NATASHA JUNG AS A TAKLUB
Representing Tacloban city, Miss World candidate number 12 Natasha Jung wore a taklub-inspired costume made by designer Daniel Guarino. Inspired by the bamboo contraption used to catch fish and crabs by the natives, talk about fresh catch of the day!
ANN PALMARES AS A LA PAZ BATCHOY
We love how Miss World candidate number 29 Ann Palmares went all out camp with her La Paz Batchoy look that represented the Ilonggos. Just zoom in on every detail of the look that was made by designer Tata Blas Pinuela. She even brought her own toyo!
LEA MACAPAGAL AS A SORBETERA
Representing the city of Dinalupihan, Miss World candidate number 1 Lea Macapagal was one of the scene-stealers during the gala with her sorbetera look. Doesn’t she look sweet in this ensemble created by Ken Batino and Jevin Salaysay? Missing the days when all we needed was Manong Sorbetero’s dirty ice cream after a long day.
LEWIS JANELLE AS A SANTO NIÑO
With an angelic face like hers, Miss World candidate number 4 Janelle Lewis represents the city of Angeles, Pampanga. The details on her butterfly sleeves and the angels on the terno made her look even more divine.
MARA RUIZ AS AN ANTOLIHAO
Taking flight, Miss World candidate number 42 Mara Ruiz takes inspiration from Bohol’s provincial bird, the Antolihao or black-naped oriole. The yellow feathered number represented the city’s ecological paradise and was designed by Noel Bompat Estopito.
JULIE TARRAYO AS AMAN SINAYA
Paying homage to the fisherfolk of Northern Samar, Julie Tarrayo’s national costume was rich in intricate details and culture. Designer Er Stephen Alvarado revealed that the inspiration was Aman Sinaya, the goddess of the sea in Philippine mythology.
ANDREA SULANGI AS A PHILIPPINE ROYAL
In true Filipino fashion, Andrea Sulangi wears an intricate ensemble by designer Edwin Uy, full of details about Philippine culture once you look closely. The drama of it all!
SHANNEN MANZANO AS A WARRIOR PRINCESS
And she’s ready for battle! What may seem like a stunning terno worn by Shannen Manzano became a full-blown gold armor once the cape was unraveled, complete with weapons. A fresh take on how national costumes should be.
TRISHA MARTINEZ AS THE PAILAH
Trisha Martinez wore a national costume inspired by the culture of Pailah (Palay, Isda, Lilok, Antigo and Halaman) Festival. The details were all on point in this gown made by Louis Pangilinan including the rice scepter, the stained-glass inspired cape, and the butterfly sleeves shaped as a Salakab used by fishermen.
ASHA GUTIERREZ AS THE BANGKA
We can only imagine how challenging it was to strut the runway in a bangka-inspired gown designed by Don Don Cristobal like candidate number 19 Asha Gutierrez. She really said, rock the boat!
Photo credits: The Qrown PH, AJ Laylo, Advan Ramirez, Pageant Mag PH
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