LOOK: Philippine's Yllana Aduana dazzles in Maria Makiling-inspired national costume for Miss Earth 2023
Miss Earth Philippines Yllana Marie Aduana paid tribute to the Philippine mythological goddess Maria Makiling with her captivating national costume at the Miss Earth 2023 preliminary competition in Vietnam.
Drawing inspiration from Mount Makiling's guardian spirit, Maria Makiling, renowned Filipino designer Patrick Isorena, who also crafted Miss Universe R'bonney Gabriel's national costume, created a stunning recycled masterpiece for Miss Philippines Earth.
The 25-year-old beauty queen captivated the audience with her outfit, composed mainly of repurposed materials like food containers transformed into delicate leaf forms.
She entered the stage wearing a structured skirt that resembled the famed mountain in Luzon and later revealed a flowy white train.
This is not the first time that Yllana has worn a recycled outfit in an international pageant. Previously, she delighted the preliminary evening gown competition at the Saigon Opera House wearing a Ken Batino gown made of recycled zippers.
Meanwhile, the licensed medical laboratory scientist was also among the Top 8 Best Bikini from the 4 continental groups alongside Do Thi Lan Anh of Vietnam for Asia and Oceania.
The Siniloan, Laguna-born beauty dazzled in a red-orange glittery two-piece swimsuit styled by Ken Batino and Jevin Salaysay.
According to the Miss Earth organizers, the top 8 contestants with the highest scores from each continental group had the chance to double their voting points from Dec. 16, 11 p.m. to Dec. 17, 11 p.m.
The top 8 winners of round 1 will move on to the next round for the Best Bikini which will start on Dec. 17, 12 p.m.
To vote for Yllana, visit the Miss Earth voting site, go to the 'Miss Earth 2023 - Asia & Oceana' tab, look for the Philippines, and click 'Vote.'
Voting packages start from $3 (P166) for 15 points to $499 (P27,721) for 2,800 points.
The candidate who wins the Miss People's Choice Award will automatically placed into the Top 20 finalist.
The Miss Earth 2023 coronation night is slated for Dec. 22 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, where Yllana will vie for the fifth Miss Earth crown, after Karla Paula Henry (2008), Jamie Herrell (2014), Angelia Ong (2015), and Karen Ibasco (2017).