Glitter and glamor best summed up the cultural show where 20 Miss Universe candidates walked down the cobblestoned Calle Crisologo at Plaza Burgos in Vigan City on Sunday night, showcasing the best Filipiniana “terno” created by designers from the Ilocos region and Metro Manila.
Miss Philippines Maxine Medina was the hometown favorite, drawing the most applause from a crowd of 15,000 when she walked down the ramp in an exquisite white terno.
The designers took the lead in creating gowns for Medina and the beauty queens from Belgium, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Cayman Islands, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Guatemala, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Nicaragua, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Thailand, Uruguay, the United States, Venezuela and Vietnam.
The homegrown talents were Eroll Reminajes, Darwin Ramirez, Rafy Sy, Clong Gie, Jan Van Paquing and Nicole Ann Danika Damo. Those from Metro Manila were Albert Andrada, Barge Ramos, Cherry Samuya Veric, Edgar Madamba, Mike de la Rosa, Mimi Pimentel, Cathy-Mora Capistrano, Vince Sityar, Sony Boy Mindo, Russ Cuevas, Frederick Berches, Rian Fernandez, Joel Acebuche and Jearsond Demavivas.
The show was hosted by 2016 Miss United Continents Jeslyn Santos, who wore the terno made by Berches and Pablo Mendez; 2000 Binibining Pilipinas Universe Nina Ricci Alagao, whose gown was designed by Darling Ton and 2004 Miss Earth Priscilla Meirelles, who wore a gown made by Christ Lee Marcelino. —GABRIEL CARDINOZA
