From modern ternos to the most conceptual pieces, revisit the national costumes Philippines brought to the Miss Universe stage
Another much-awaited part of the Miss Universe pageant, the parade of national costumes is the ultimate demonstration of culture in the competition. The candidates bring to the stage elaborate garbs that best represent their respective country.
In the case of our Filipina beauty queens, the costumes they wore through the years reflected the evolving idea of patriotic style. From modern terno and vibrant Muslim-inspired pieces to the most conceptual ones, let's revisit the national costumes Miss Philippines donned at the Miss Universe pageant from 2010 to 2019.
Venus Raj in Alfredo Barraza (2010)
Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza crafted a terno-like costume for Venus complete with a Mantón de Manila.
Shamcey Supsup (2011)
Taking inspiration from Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan, Shamcey's costume looked like a modern iteration of Reyna Elena.
Janine Tugonon in Pitoy Moreno (2012)
Breaking away from the terno and Maria Clara looks that walked the Miss Universe stage was Filipino designer Pitoy Moreno with his Maranao-inspired costume for Janine.
Ariella Arida in Alfredo Barraza (2013)
Ariella channeled back the Filipiniana aesthetic with an embellished butterfly-sleeved top with gold pleated skirt and a feathered headpiece to complete the look.
MJ Lastimosa in Alfredo Barraza (2014)
MJ's terno costume brought the flower power on the Miss Universe stage with its three-toned floral appliques with a headdress to match.
Pia Wurtzbach in Albert Andrada (2015)
Pia looked immaculate in an Albert Andrada terno creation made with capiz shells.
Maxine Medina in Rhett Eala (2016)
Filipino designer Rhett Eala's inspirations behind Maxine's garb were the vibrant Muslim vinta, the corals, and Mindanao's South Sea pearls. On her head was a piece decked with pearls from Jewelmer.
Rachel Peters in Val Taguba (2017)
Dubai-based fashion designer Val Taguba hailed his inspiration from the legendary Sarimanok for Rachel's Amazon-like costume. Completing the look was gladiator footwear by Jojo Bragais.
Catriona Gray in Jearson Demavivas (2018)
Filipino designer Jearson Demavivas encapsulated the country's island groups in his Luzviminda piece for Catriona.
Gazini Ganados in Cary Santiago (2019)
Cary Santiago's silver Philippine eagle-inspired costume made such a statement in the 68th edition of the beauty pageant that it bagged the Best National Costume award.
Images from Miss Universe Organization