I’ve been MIA during the start of the Miss Universe proper in Bangkok because I’m attending some personal issues but now that I’ve found some time to actually post some updates here, let me start with yesterday’s National Costume show.
Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray’s national costume was one of the most anticipated costumes of any Philippine delegate to ever compete in the pageant as well as any delegates in this year’s edition. The costume apresented to the public last night in Pattaya garnered polarizing reception from the different spectrum of social media.
Her elaborate costume with a touch of the #BuongPilipinas or the whole Philippines is something that has never been seen from a Philippine delegate in the past editions or any international beauty pageants that usually settles for a single-themed outfits.
This intricately designed ensemble is called “LuzViMinda” in a collaboration of different designers with Catriona’s inputs too! Jojo Bragais designed and provided the thigh-high boots and the beautiful headress representating Mindanao, Eric Quiwa for the Parol representing Luzon and Jearson Demavivas who spearheaded the creation of this costume and was also responsible for Catriona’s winning national costume during the Binibining Pilipinas earlier this year worked on the Pintados body representing the Visayas region.
The costume may have not garnered universal acclaim but for a delegate to represent the country with such pride in our culture and heritage is achievement enough and is already a winner in my book!
In the midst of sociopolitical divisiveness in the Philippines, Catriona Gray and her team made me realized that outside of this spectrum, there’s a lot to be proud of our country, our people and our history.
Maraming Salamat!
PADDYLAST INC. 