Pasarela greats

Standouts in MUPh's runway challenge

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Last year's runway challenge winner, Steffi Rose Aberasturi really set the bar so high that this year's batch of Top 50 aspirants really needed to do a lot of catching up. From helipads, coastlines, highways, port areas, tourist destinations, building roof tops, quays, and hangars, the candidates shot their pasarela montage in the most creative of ways.

Makati City's bet Michelle Marquez Dee is your Bond girl in black. With an outfit change from a short chopper ride, the former Miss World finalist knows how to turn heads her way at the most opportune time.

Another equally stunning video is that of Taguig City's representative Ma. Katrina Llegado. Like a beautifully shot shoe ad, Kat leaps at the viewers with her sultry walk and stance. Garbed in a bustier with opera gloves and a billowing tulip skirt, the Reina Hispanoamericana national winner of 2019 sizzles with every move.

Pasay City's hopeful Celeste Cortesi gave the garter belt a 21st century twist. Once an inner garment worn by women to hold their hosiery, the former titlist of the national Miss Earth search brought the undergarment out to see the light of day. Her sashaying around the thoroughfares of Pasay's Macapagal Boulevard is a feat in itself.

Reigning Miss Baguio Universe Ghenesis Latugat proved that inclinations and rough surfaces could not hinder an accomplished runway model. Traversing the roof of an underpass in the City of Pines, she breezed through her 'lengthy' ramp with flying colors.

Isabel Luche of Mandaue City hasn't stopped delivering her A-game. The petite looker from Cebu's commercial hub surprised everyone with her choice of location. Like a femme fatale in an action flick, she dangled from a pulley before effortlessly walking among the crates in a port area stockyard.

As usual, a handful of the entries really shone and stood out while the rest faded into oblivion - barely leaving something for fans and supporters to remember them by.

It would be difficult for a heavyset woman to walk in stilettos on a sandy area. But Albay's rep Julia Saubier seemed weightless while doing her spins and turns on sand! And the majestic Mayon on the background just added more drama to the montage.

And lastly, Steffi's successor Lou Dominique Piczon did not disappoint. She was one of the entrants that understood the assignment. She walked her 'runway' like it was the easiest thing to do. And punctuated her powerful pasarela towards the edge of a ravine.

Catch the 2022 Miss Universe Philippines final show on April 30 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Stay tuned!