Elegance overload

Top ten picks in the MUPh gown preliminaries

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Despite the absence of spectators, and a huge live audience that was the norm in pre-pandemic times, the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 evening gown preliminaries looked and felt like an international competition. This is due to the outstanding creations made by designers based here and abroad.

The attention to detail, the choice of fabrics, and the execution of each individual design brings to the fore the immense Filipino talent and creativity, so much so that the materials in making the fabulous creations were procured in a time of supply shortage.

While all the gowns were fabulous, the candidates' carriage in wearing them made all the difference. In random order, here are our top ten picks. And they are:

- Aklan's Christelle Abello stood out in an asymmetrical body-revealing creation by Cherry Veric 

- Albay's Janela Joy Cuaton screamed Elegance in a muted gold bodyhugger with shoulder/back fringes by Roy Erwin Tizon

- Cavite's Victoria Velasquez Vincent is ready for the red carpet in a sleeveless lacey creation with a thigh baring slit from Furne Amato

- Laguna's Leren Mae Bautista sizzles in a silver back-revealing ensemble by Louis Pangilinan

- Masbate's Kirsten Danielle Delavin looked like royalty in a turquoise single-sleeved creation with a flowing train by Louis Pangilinan

- Pasig's Princess Khrista Singh dazzled in a bead-traced waist & thigh baring creation by Armand Marco

- Cebu City's Beatrice Luigi Gomez pulled all the stops in a single-strapped beaded ruby leg-baring creation by Furne One Amato

- Cagayan de Oro's Vincy Labadan Vacalares looked resplendent in a single-sleeved thigh-baring creation by Jiejie Aisa

- Misamis Oriental's Chella Grace Falconer was a sight to behold in a carmine spangle-textured bustier with a leg-revealing skirt by Juniel Doing

and

- Davao Occidental's Krizzaleen Mae Valencia looked regal in a metallic hued bustier that fell to a gossamer skirt by Kenny Ladaga

The winner during the Sept 30 final show will wear the newly-crafted "Filipina" crown made for the 2021 edition. Stay tuned for exciting updates in the few remaining days to the coronation night.