Here’s the Top 10 Bb. Pilipinas national costumes we absolutely love!
For years, the Binibining Pilipinas pageant has been known for its never-ending display of ternos during the national costume shows and competitions. The terno, a unified gown version of the colonial ‘Maria Clara’ ensemble with its prominent butterfly sleeves, was, for many years, the center and theme of the show.
Times are changing, however.
This year, the national costume competition showcased a diverse, unique, and refreshing mix of Modern Filipinas adorned in colorful masterpieces of different artists and designers all over the country. From the theme “showcasing the best of Filipino service, heritage and craftsmanship,” the national costumes in this year’s edition of the Binibining Pilipinas stem and draw inspiration from Philippine art, culture, legends, and mythology.
Of the 40 empowered Filipinas and their designers who showcased at the New Frontier Theater on July 16 Filipino ingenuity and identity, here are our top 10 hot picks:
Bb. 1 Stacey Daniella Gabriel Cainta, Rizal
Concept: The Magtataho
Creation by Erjohn Dela Serna
With the magtataho vendor concept, Binibini 1 honors all tireless gentlemen braving the morning road to deliver warmth to our sleepy bellies. An uncontemporary design for a national costume, indeed.
Bb. 2 Krizzia Lynn Moreno Camarines Sur
Concept: Amor a la Virgen de Penafrancia
Creation by Khandie Segovia
Miss CamSur pays homage to the Bicolanos’ devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia and their unwavering faith and love to the Virgin Mary.
Bb. 5 Karen Laurie Mendoza Iloilo City
Concept: Bayanihan head piece
Creation by Tata Blas Pinuela
Binibini 5’s bayanihan-inspired headpiece represents more than just the Filipino traits of camaraderie and helpfulness. The headpiece also speaks for people suffering from mental health issues and the heavy load they carry in their head. Truly, an unconventional way of using metaphors and symbolisms but a beautiful showcase of costume and advocacy, nonetheless.
Bb. 7 Graciella Sheine Lehman Oriental Mindoro
Concept: Tikbalang
Creation by Paolo Ballesteros
This is the very first time a national costume was based on a mythical creature. Who knows? Maybe next year, other girls may come out of stage with half of their body, and the other half-up on the air. That would be very much exciting to watch. But kudos to the team of Binibini 7 and to Paolo Ballesteros for coming up with a unique yet eye-pleasing costume that has stirred conversations on social media.
Bb. 8 Harlene Nicole Budol Angono, Rizal
Concept: Higantes Festival
Creation by Patrick Isorena
Binibini 8 showcased Angono’s local festivity, “Higantes Festival”. Interestingly, her giant giant papier-mâché puppet bears former Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s face!
Bb. 13 Patricia Navea Tan Masbate City
Concept: Rodeo Masbate Festival
Creation by: Kennedy Jhon Gasper
Miss Masbate’s costume represents the very rich countryside lifestyle and culture of the Masbateños. Hers is a cowgirl-inspired costume representing Filipinas’ strength and ability to take on roles and be seen in fields predominantly up for men. Talk about women empowerment and equality!
Bb. 17 Chelsea Fernandez Tacloban City
Concept: San Juanico Bridge
Creation by: Nick Guarino
What better way to promote your place than use the architecture of a local infrastructure and turn it into a costume? Miss Tacloban certainly did not come to play with a costume that carries on her shoulder the “Bridge of Love” – The San Juanico Bridge.
Bb. 30 Jashmin-Lyn Dimaculangan Albay
Concept: Philippine Eagle
Creation by: ER Stephen Alvarado
Miss Albay showcased the tourism logo of her hometown–the Philippine Eagle, along with the prominent colors of the LGBTQ+ in support of the Pride Month celebration and of the community.
Bb. 31 Ylana Marie Aduana Laguna
Concept: Maria Makiling Legend