Miss Universe Philippines 2025: 8 standout beauties at national costume showcase

May 2 ------ Mythical creatures and otherworldly beings were among the inspiration in most of the creations that graced the stage of the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 national costume showcase, mesmerizing the crowd before them. 

The 66 girls paraded in intricately-adorned costumes that showcase the country’s rich, colorful, and interesting folkloric heritage, entertaining the audience inside the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque City on Wednesday evening, April 30. 

Appearing in groups of six, some of the ladies had to get help from stage hands to climb the stairs just to get to the platform because of the structural pieces incorporated in their costumes. Some had huge wings and appendages, while others rolled in their own backdrops and props. 

Here are the ones who stood out, according to the categories of the costumes that were showcased in the event:  

Best ‘human’ representation 

Eloisa Jauod from Laguna lived up to the inspiration of her costume as “Maganda” of the “Malakas and Maganda” lore by just being beautiful on stage in her curly locks and intricate bodysuit. Not only did she serve looks, as she carried with her a huge bamboo-like structure that opened to reveal her inside snuggling with her makeshift “Malakas.” 

Best winged costume 

Amanda Russo from Pasay, representing the Filipino society of Pennsylvania, took inspiration from the “Minokawa” for her costume at the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 national costume showcase. A minokawa is a giant, dragon-like mythical bird associated with the Bagobos of Mindanao, which legend said ate the sun. Already an imposing creation on its own, Russo added her own flair to her presentation, and her towering height complemented the extended wingspan. 

Best costume of an aquatic being 

Shaina Ong Rabacal from Camarines Sur channeled “Magindara,” the guardian deity of the province’s fisherfolk. Rabacal’s colorful costume came with a mermaid-like figure propped on her shoulders. 

Best spirit/deity/goddess costume 

Valerie Pawid West from Ifugao, representing the Filipino society of New York, showcased her ballet skills as she presented her all-white ensemble on her toes. The creation was already a standout as it greatly contrasted against the splash of colors from the other costumes around it, but the medical researcher lent an ethereal quality to it with her graceful moves. 

Best costume depicting landscapes 

Yllana Marie Aduana from Siniloan, Laguna channeled Maria Makiling in her Ehrran Montoya creation, opening her presentation crouched on the floor to mimic a mountain. She then rose to present the popular Southern Tagalog landmark’s lush greens, blooms, and even waterfalls. 

Best costume of a ‘dark’ being 

Ahtisa Manalo from Quezon Province—This is an interesting group to see on a pageant stage, but her tiktik costume, another Ehrran Montoya creation, stood out from the “aswang,” “mambabarang,” “manananggal,” and “tiyanak” pieces because it was still able to channel the frightening freak in a fashionable and visually captivating manner. The seasoned aspirant appeared like a sinister Victoria’s Secret angel with her wings of black feather before rolling out a long scarlet tongue-like ribbon studded with crystals to resemble the mythical humanoid creature’s lengthy appendage. 

There were also costumes that derived inspiration from the same mythical beings such as the “Santelmo” or a flying flame of bad omen, and the “Mallari” and “Bakonawa” that both harken an affinity with the moon. Here are the standouts from the bunch: 

Best Santelmo costume 

Angeline Cordero Kailani from Iloilo Province, representing England, walked to the stage inside a ball of inferno that opened up to reveal a “flame-boyant” head-to-toe piece in bright orange and yellow, then pulled her skirt up high to show off an origami-like rendition of fire — Santelmo, in Filipino folklore is a spirit that brings bad luck or a warning sign. 

Best moon-inspired creation 

Sasha Lacuna from Tarlac’s fresh take on the moon-gobbling dragon called “Bakunawa” still captivated the audience with its glistening green and gold scales and an imposing head that convey menace. 

Many may argue that these creations do not represent a typical Filipino garb. But one should also take note that these are costumes, not national attires, and are therefore open to more creativity. The costumes, again, not national attires, aim to serve as representations of the different facets of the country’s rich culture and vibrant heritage, bringing to life the well-loved characters and other popular beings, as well as non-living treasures of the land, through the platform of fashion. 

A winner of the “Best in National Costume” award will be announced during the final competition show on May 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

Source: inquirer.net