From the humble magtataho and the beautiful mariposa to mythical creatures like the tikbalang and sarimanok, here are the inspirations behind some of the Binibining Pilipinas 2022 candidates’ national costumes
Following its spectacular Grand Santacruzan and Philippine history orientation, Binibining Pilipinas 2022 continues to champion the Philippines’ rich culture and heritage as it launches its latest exhibit featuring this year’s roster of Filipina beauties wearing their national costumes.
Showcasing the national garbs of the 40 Binibining Pilipinas candidates in seven-foot-tall installations is its National Costume exhibit. The display presents the images shot by Raymond Saldaña and Owen Reyes at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City, with the ladies styled by Patrick Henry Mergano and Macky Combe. Just like in the glam shot photo exhibit, Araneta City will soon power each national costume photo with augmented reality (AR) technology to bring the portraits to life. Exhibit viewers simply need to download the UniteAR app on their smartphones, open the AR camera on the app, and scan the QR code in any of the panels to see the Binibinis in motion as they rock their national costumes.
As always, the Filipino beauty contestants, with the help of local fashion creatives, have their unique and creative ways of demonstrating the country’s culture through their costumes. From the humble magtataho and the beautiful mariposa to mythical creatures like the tikbalang and sarimanok, here are the inspirations behind some of the Binibining Pilipinas 2022 candidates’ national costumes:
Binibini 1: Stacey Daniella Gabriel (Cainta, Rizal)
Stacey’s national costume by Erjohn Dela Serna puts the spotlight on the humble taho vendors. The look is complete with a Good Morning towel headpiece, weaves from Ifugao and Mt. Province, and a bedazzled pair of aluminum buckets.
Binibini 2: Krizzia Lynn Moreno (Camarines Sur)
Designed by Khandie Segovia, Krizzia donned a look that pays homage to the Patroness of Bicol, the Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
Binibini 3: Diana Pinto (Taguig City)
A celebration of local textile and beading, Diana’s costume is designed by noted Filipino fashion designer Rene Salud.
Binibini 5: Karen Laurrie Mendoza (Iloilo City)
Renowned fashion designer Tata Blas Pinuela’s piece for Karen is imbued with the spirit of the Panay Bukidnon’s binukot (a young girl kept from the public’s eyes) and panubok embroidery heritage. It features a train made of recycled plastic bottles, mimicking local rice fields.
Binibini 7: Graciella Lehman (Oriental Mindoro)
Paolo Ballesteros' design for Graciella gives a magical twist on the mythical creature tikbalang.
Binibini 13: Patricia Ann Tan (Mabate City)
Noted costumer Kennedy Jhon Gasper designs a rodeo-inspired look for Patricia.
Binibini 16 Jeriza Uy (Davao City)
The legendary bird of the Maranao people, the sarimanok, is the inspiration behind designer Mark Joseph Sayad’s creation for Jeriza.
Binibini 24: Patricia Go (Quezon City)
Fashion designer Ehrran Montoya created a fully beaded and structured Philippine Mariposa costume for Patricia, which was inspired by the La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City.
Binibini 27: Jessica Rose McEwen (Floridablanca, Pampanga)
Kayvan Passion Salazar’s piece for Jessica is an ode to Pinukpuk (Pinukpukan) Festival. It is a white ensemble intricately adorned with crystals, silver applique, hand-embroidered beads on fabric and tulle, with a huge sandok as a scepter completing the look.
The Binibining Pilipinas National Costume exhibit will be on display at Farmers Plaza until July 15, and will be at Gateway Mall from July 16 until the grand coronation night on July 31.
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