LOOK: Angelica Lopez dazzles in 'Pearl of the Orient' national costume for Miss International 2024
The Philippines' Angelica Lopez showcased a stunning celebration of Filipino heritage for the national costume competition of Miss International 2024 as she paid tribute to the country's "rich history and unparalleled natural beauty" through her "Pearl of the Orient Seas" ensemble.
The Palawan-based stunner paraded fashion designer Patrick Isorena's costume made from thousands of meticulously placed pearls and crystals.
"Traditionally donned during significant events, this unique ensemble not only showcases our cultural legacy but also pays homage to the age-old art of pearl diving that the Philippines is renowned for. Each piece is hand-crafted with love, ensuring that the spirit of our ancestors shines through," Lopez wrote in an Instagram post.
"Every pearl tells a story, and this national costume, passed down through generations, represents a timeless connection to our heritage," she added.
In an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe, Isorena said that his team and Angelica, who had a "very hands-on" approach, collaborated on the idea for the costume.
"Since day one of the design making or sketching andito siya (Angelica) sa shop," he told L!fe.
Isorena added that they wanted to showcase pearls because of the country's Pearl of the Orient Moniker. They also did it as a nod to the beauty queens Palawan roots.
"History has it [that] Palawan has the largest pearl found in the Philippines," Isorena continued, highlighting the Pearl of Lao Tzu. This pearl was once considered the world's largest known pearl, found by a Filipino diver in the Palawan Sea.
Meanwhile, Lopez expressed her desire to use her platform to uplift and educate the less fortunate children in the competition, that she wanted to be the "bridge" for underprivileged children, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve potential.
"I grew up without having a silver spoon in my mouth, and I know what it feels like. I want to be the bridge for these children to be able to live a good life [and] to be able to live a life with security and safety," she said during her send-off event last October 24.
The Bb. Pilipinas-International 2023 added, "That's what I want to create in Miss International—to build partnerships in organization internationally, and I am so excited to share my advocacy with a lot of people to join me on my mission."
Lopez also implied that she is "ready" to take home the coveted seventh crown for the country.
"I'm ready, and I know I would be here if I am not ready to represent the Philippines on the international stage. That's [what] I wanna show to all the Filipino people that our effort and hard work will be going there," she said. "When I become Ms. International, I want them to know that I am a woman of so much purpose, so much love, kindness, and compassion in my heart, and more than ready to change the world," she added.
The Miss International 2024's coronation night is scheduled for Nov. 12 at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Japan, where Andrea Rubio of Venezuela will crown her successor.
Lopez is aiming to win the seventh crown for the Philippines, following the wins of Gemma Cruz-Araneta (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Santiago (2013), and Kylie Verzosa (2016).