The Miss Universe-Philippines 2024 pageant held its much-awaited National Costume presentation last April 28 in Sultan Kudarat. This year was a celebration of the country’s rich flora and fauna, with the delegates sauntering down the stage in intricately-crafted ensembles. Ahead, in no particular order, we list down our favorites.
The Best National Costumes from Miss Universe-Philippines 2024
1. Ahtisa Manalo, Quezon Province
Comeback queen Ahtisa Manalo was a vision in turquoise as she embodied the tayabak, a rare vine endemic to Mt. Banahaw in Quezon Province. Made by Amir Sali, the look featured tiers of beak-shaped feathers that represented the jade-hued plant.
2. Alexie Brooks, Iloilo
Iloilo’s Alexie Brooks sashayed down the catwalk as a fierce spider in a costume crafted by Tata Blas-Pinuela. Inspired by the menacing creatures of the arachnea kingdom, Alexie’s ensemble featured multiple arms, an enlarged headpiece, and a bedazzled web.
3. Elaine Bernales, Albay
Elaine Bernales showcased our people’s craftsmanship with organic fibers with her upscaled terno dress. Complementing the frock were large woven flowers and a headpiece that mimicked the sun’s rays.
4. Grace Jineah Lumague, Pangasinan
A native of Pangasinan, Grace Jineah Lumague‘s costume was an homage to the Pistay Dayat, a festival that celebrates marine life and harvest from the sea. She looked every bit like an oceanic goddess in her Jorick Limpag look, which had layers upon layers of pearls.
5. Janet Hammond, Southern California
Janet Hammond brought the colorful hues of the Tubbataha Reef to the surface in an Ehrran Montoya creation. The designer, known for incorporating natural textures into their work, enrobed Janet in botanical appliques akin to coral reefs found in the ocean.
6. Juvel Ducay, Bantayan Island
Juvel Ducay made a splash on stage with her pastel-hued costume crafted by Cebuano designer Art Don. The look referenced Lidagat, the Visayan goddess of the sea. Pleated panels of tulle were sculpted to appear like fins on certain areas of Juvel’s figure.
7. Kayla Jean Carter, Northern California
Kayla Jean Carter was a festive sight in a gold Filipiniana dress fashioned after the Ibong Adarna. True to the mythical tale, the look featured rainbow-colored feathers dangling from every hem.
8. Stacey Gabriel, Cainta
Stacey Gabriel paid tribute to the legend of Jacinta, later known as the city’s namesake Ka Inta. Her architectural ensemble, crafted by none other than Axel Que, resembled the gold throne that the altruistic lady would often be spotted in.
9. Tamara Ocier, Tacloban
Looking every bit like a sun deity, Tamara Ocier was joined by a Tacloban monitor lizard as she walked on stage. Designed by Charlotte Rodriguez, the ensemble was a symbol of humanity’s shared responsibility to take care of Earth and all of the creatures that reside in it.
10. Victoria Velasquez Vincent, Bacoor
In yet another jaw-dropping Axel Que original was Bacoor’s Victoria Velasquez Vincent. Her feathery look was fashioned after the gamu gamo, spotlighting all of the superstitions Filipinos have attached to it.
