National Costumes

 Philippine textiles take centerstage in MUPh presentation

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The National Costume presentation of the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 competition finally pushed through, after glitches abruptly terminated the broadcast on TikTok. Pageant fans and supporters waited for the airing to resume until the MUPh organization issued a public apology.

It read, "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. We know you've been waiting for the National Costume presentation. Due to technical difficulties, we are unable to continue broadcast and will be airing it tomorrow."

This year's theme revolved  around weaving (Habi) and a third of each candidate's ensemble utilizes Philippine textile and/or woven material. This is a big push to the textile industry in general, and to the thriving cottage industries producing the beautiful weaves.

Of the 32 fabulous costumes, we picked 11 that stood out not only for its design but more so in the execution, detailing, and vision of the creators.

Albay - Erjohn Dela Serna's creation reminded movie buffs of Catniss Everdeen. The bow and arrow props gave a 'Hunger Games' feel to the entire getup.

Bohol - Mike's Andrei's tastefully designed terno with its pearl detailing and petal headdress complement the monochromatic azure gradient at the hemline.

Cebu City - Axel Que's design made Chantal Schmidt look like a fashionable shaman. The oversized sleeves with its trailings looked like a pair of Portuguese man-of-war.

Davao del Norte - Mark Joseph Squad ingeniously made a microcosm of the Mindanao tapestry into a wearable ensemble.

Iloilo City - Tata Blas-Pincela's "Iloy Candelaria" made Dorothy Gemillan like a religious icon come to life.

Las Piñas - Isabelle Kristine Braza is a carnival queen in Pablo Mendez's Filipiniana ensemble featuring a paeneta with ostrich plumes.

Makati - Francis Libiran's opulent modern Maria Clara dress with its oversized layered panuelo is a winner!

Mandaue City - Isabel Luche is queen of the game fowls in this heavily embellished creation by Mark Barry Luche that celebrates the pintakasi tradition.

Negros Oriental - Daniel 'Tingting' Delfin's emerald green terno with matching parasol and kapa-de-leon' collar paid homage to the island's thriving endemic weed, the 'buglas.'

Pasay - Celeste Cortesi is a beautiful gypsy in this John Cancio Pagunaling ensemble that lends of a Moroccan vibe with its head gear.

Taguig - Pablo Mendez's beautifully decked mestizas dress gave Katrina Llegado a Reina del Carnival vibe.

Catch the swimwear and evening gown preliminaries tonight on Kumu. In a few more days, a new Miss Universe Philippines will be crowned. Stay tuned!