By Carissa Alcantara
Aside from the intense question and answer portion, the National Costume segment is another much-awaited part of the Miss Universe Competition.
The National Costume brings out the best variety and surprises from each candidate. From the different elements of each culture, it's the festival of personalities from the creative minds of the designer.
In honor of the upcoming Miss Universe, here are some of the Philippine national costumes showcased at the Miss Universe stage in recent years!
Zorayda Andam (2001)
Inspired by Maria Clara, Zorayda Andam won second place for Best National Costume in the 2001 Miss Universe pageant. Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza made Zorayda's National Costume.
Maricar Balagtas (2004)
Maricar's aesthetically pleasing National Costume was inspired by "Pintados," a Spanish term used for heavily tattooed natives who originally inhabited several Philippine islands. Alfredo Barraza also made this costume.
Venus Raj (2010)
Well-known designer Alfredo Barraza crafted another terno-look for Venus Raj during the 2010 Miss Universe. The Black and yellow costume features a Mantón de Manila.
Shamcey Supsup (2011)
Another creation of Alfredo Barraza is Shamcey Supsup's bedazzled Maria Clara Costume. The iconic ball gown dress featured glitter-infused gold butterflies on the bottom part.
Janine Tugonon (2012)
Another Maranao inspired made by Pitoy Moreno, Janine Tugonon's 2012 National Costume flaunts a sheer silver dress that was excellently beaded, the maroon sash shows off a tribal pattern, and the tiara and veil kept the entire look queenly.
Ariella Arida (2013)
Ariella strutted the runway with a Filipiniana aesthetic terno, a butterfly-sleeved top, a gold pleated skirt, and a feathered headpiece. Alfredo Barraza also designed this costume.
Pia Wurtzbach (2015)
The lavish terno made by Albert Andrada features capiz shells from top to bottom. Pia wore a headdress with a matching fan while walking down the runway.
Maxine Medina (2016)
Designed by Rhett Eala, Maxine Medina's Miss Universe 2016 National Costume features a Muslim Vinta (a colorful sailboat), coral reefs, and the rich pearls found in the South Sea of Mindanao.
Catriona Gray (2018)
Similar to Maricar Balagtas's costume, Catriona wore a pintados bodysuit with a fiberglass parol on wheels on her back. Designed by Jearson Demavivas, the back of the parol featured elaborate paintings depicting scenes from Philippine history.
Gazini Ganados (2019)
Inspired by the Philippine eagle, Cary Santiago's silver masterpiece worn by Gazini Ganados won the Best National Costume during the Miss Universe 2019. Santiago's work features reimagining the eagle's body, complete with nails and feathers of various sizes.