GALLERY: All the national costumes of the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 delegates
Indeed, the Philippines is home to rich culture and biodiversity. Take it from the recently concluded Miss Universe Philippines 2024 National Costume Competition, which was held on Sunday, Apr. 28, at Sultan Kudarat Gymnasium and Cultural Center.
Anchored on the theme "Philippine Flora and Fauna," the delegates across the country showcased their "spectacular Filipino ingenuity in design and creativity" while promoting environmental awareness in the pageant.
Among the 53 equally stunning contestants, Alexie Mae Brooks (Iloilo City), Tamara Ocier (Tacloban), and Janet Hammond (Southern California) emerged in the Top 3 Best in National Costume. Each winner will receive P100,000 in cash.
Alexie rocked the stage wearing a creation by Tata Blas-Pinuela inspired by "Ugto-ugto," the Ilonggo term for the orb-weaver spider.
According to Alexie's team, the "spider's symbolism is ingenuity," telling its viewers that "its gentle yet complex web reminds us how to be creative and persistent artisans, urging us to weave our dreams with meaning and precision."
Meanwhile, Janet, representing the Filipino community in Southern California, stunned in a masterpiece by fashion designer Ehrran Montoya. The piece was inspired by one of the most biodiverse scuba diving spots in the Philippines, Tubbataha Reef.
And finally, Tamara's national costume, which was crafted by local designer Charlotte Rodriguez, embodies the "iridescent and golden, ever-changing and evolving" goddess of the sun. Her statuesque figure is embraced by the Tacloban Monitor Lizard, known to the locals as "Halo," an "ancient symbol of fearlessness and transformation."
The Miss Universe Philippines coronation night is happening on May 22 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Michelle Dee will crown her successor, who will eventually go on to represent the Philippines at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico on Sept. 28Sept. 28.
Take a look at the other candidates' gorgeous national costumes below.
