Local designers had a field day creating national costumes for this year’s Binibining Pilipinas candidates, incorporating modern touches and unconventional materials in unexpected silhouettes.
But there were still the more sober ones who decided to take the more authentic route, and infused indigenous fabrics and embellishments.
The 2018 Binibining Pilipinas national costume competition, staged at the Kia Theatre March 3, showcased Filipino artistry, creativity and ingenuity as the contestants paraded in garments which designers claimed would evoke the culture of the different provinces and tribes of the country.
LED lights were incorporated in some of the terno, and one dress used an armor of capiz shells.
Several candidates also wielded weapons—spears, daggers, swords and even a pistol—as part of their “performance.”
And with the recent passing of “Asia’s Fashion Czar” Pitoy Moreno, who was a pillar of the national pageant, several designers declared that their designs paid homage to the late couturier.
But the ones that helped propel the ladies to the Top 10 of the competition were the more conventional and authentic pieces.
Front-runner
Front-runner Catriona Gray’s singkil princess garb by Jearson Demavivas received loud cheers, as well as professional volleyball player Michelle Gumabao’s black flamenco-inspired terno by Nat Manilag.
Mindanao was well-represented in the intricate costumes of Andrea Abesamis, Rosantonette Mendoza, Sarah Margarette Joson and Stephanie Abellanida, designed by Chico Estiva, Ryan Uson Ablaza, Jay-r Gamboa Flores and Archie Castillo, respectively.
Ana Patricia Asturias and Jehza Mae Huelar wore pieces by Dave Ocampo and Neil Patrick Jimlani, respectively—all subtle representation of southern Philippines.
Sandra Lemonon’s warrior-inspired tribal costume by Edwin Uy lent a “girl power” vibe to the Top 10 qualifiers, while Samantha Avestruz’s native ensemble by Nick Guarino added quirkiness to the lot.
Highlights of the national costume competition were featured in the primer dubbed “The Road to the Crown” on ABS-CBN.
The program showed snippets of the fashion show for Jag Jeans, which preceded the national costume competition.
Reigning queens Rachel Peters, Mariel de Leon and Katarina Rodriguez were proclaimed “Jag Denim Queens,” and will become the brand’s newest endorsers.
The three were joined by batchmates Chanel Olive Thomas, Elizabeth Clenci and Nelda Ibe in modeling the brand’s latest collections.
The Best in National Costume will be announced during the coronation ceremonies on March 18 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The public can vote for their favorite among the 10 finalists on the pageant’s official Facebook page.
