Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray in a fitting for her waling-waling-inspired gown for Binibining Pilipinas 2019. Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@maktumang
Catriona Gray’s pageant gowns have always turned heads for faithful homage to Philippine culture, and what she wore during her farewell speech in Binibining Pilipinas 2019 last night, June 9, was no exception.
According to designer Mak Tumang, Gray’s gown was inspired by the waling-waling which is dubbed as the “Queen of Philippine flowers,” as per his official Instagram account today, June 10.
“Many regard the [waling-waling] as the rarest, most beautiful and the most expensive among all the flora our country has,” Tumang said. “Even the native Bagobos revered it as a ‘diwata’ (fairy) because of its unparalleled and captivating beauty.”
“This representation fits perfectly to what our Miss Universe Catriona Gray is,” he revealed.
“She is absolutely a queen of beauty and substance. This flower, like Catriona, continues to be on treetops and aspires for greater heights,” the designer said.
“The Queen of the Filipinos’ hearts bids farewell to her reign here,” Tumang said. “Yet she will incessantly reach and touch the bright sun, making her justly symbolic of the Filipino’s unceasing hope and tenacity.”
The fashion designer has created Gray’s pageant gowns since she competed for Miss World in 2016. JB
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