PARAÑAQUE CITY — Donning a gold and blue costume depicting the female monarchs of ancient Peru, law student Giuliana Alexandra Valenzuela brought home the Best in National Costume award in a preliminary event for the 47th Miss Intercontinental pageant.

The 20-year-old Peruvian contender bested 82 other aspirants in a competition staged at the Crystal Corridor of Okada Manila in Parañaque, Saturday night.

Delegates from five continents showcased their respective countries’ cultures through their colorful and voluminous costumes, some featuring feathers, elaborate headpieces, and capes.

Binibining Pilipinas Karen Gallman impressed the crowd with her Moriones Festival-inspired costume, designed by Patrick Isorena. Wielding a sword and holding a mask, the 26-year-old operations analyst made warrior-like poses highlighting her costume’s gold cape and feather shoulder armor.

Reigning Queen Veronica Salas made it in time for the program from Mexico, and was on hand to award Valenzuela, together with 2010 winner Maydeilise Columna of Puerto Rico.

No Filipino woman has ever won in the pageant’s 46-year history. The closest the country has ever gotten to the crown was in 1993, 2015 and 2017 with the second-place finish of Sovietskaya Bacud, Christy Lynn McGarry and Katarina Rodriguez, respectively.

The 47th Miss Intercontinental coronation night will be staged at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Jan. 26. /atm