A rain of colors, craftsmanship, creativity at the Bb. Pilipinas national costume show

Find out who wins ‘Best in National Costume’ on July 31 at the Bb. Pilipinas grand coronation night. Image: Philippine Daily Inquirer/Armin P. Adina

MANILA, Philippines — The heavy downpour outside the New Frontier Theater at the Araneta City in Quezon City was no match for the splash of colors, craftsmanship and creativity inside the arena when the 40 delegates of the 2022 Binibining Pilipinas pageant paraded their garbs at the national costume competition held on July 16.

The costumes drew inspiration from the cultural heritage, tourist spots, festivals, and even produce from different parts of the country. There was even a representation of the mythical man-horse, the “tikbalang,” which towered over the rest of the pack.

Returning candidate Graciella Lehmann literally stood out among the candidates in her meters-high tikbalang costume designed by TV host and actor Paolo Ballesteros. The candidate from Oriental Mindoro, a finalist in last year’s pageant, masterfully executed an equine gait in conveying a mythical flair to the gargantuan piece, accentuated with glowing eyes, mane and tail.

Though the auxiliary competition has no bearing on the final outcome of the pageant, the event is one of the most highly-anticipated ones because it showcases the creativity of the Filipino designers, as well as the craftsmanship of local artisans.

Returning candidate Graciella Lehmann of Oriental Mindoro (center) literally stands out in her tikbalang costume. With her are Patricia Samantha Go of Quezon City (L) in her mariposa costume, and Yllana Marie Aduana of Laguna. Image Philippine Daily Inquirer/Armin P. Adina

The candidates and their respective teams pull out all the stops in creating costumes, with the garments evolving throughout the years from the meek traditional dresses to more elaborate pieces that even require wheels and physical tenacity.

TV host and comedian Herlene Nicole Budol dragged a “higante” from the “Higantes Festival” of her hometown of Angono, Rizal, that is more than 10 feet tall.

Former Miss Tourism International Cyrille Payumo showcased the culture and heritage of the indigenous Aeta Magantsi in her hometown Porac in Pampanga. Members of the community even helped create the costume, applying bamboo ornaments on the dress in their own intricate patterns. Some of them even traveled all the way to Quezon City to watch the competition and cheer for their candidate.

Various religious depictions, both Christian and Muslim, were presented by Kryzzia Lynn Moreno of Camarines Sur, Leslie Avila of Sultan Kudarat, Gracia Elizabetha Mendoza of Lipa City, Grabrielle Camille Basiano of Borongan, Eastern Samar, Mariella Esguerra of Marikina City, Anne Carres De Mesa of Batangas, Jannine Navarro of Tanjay, Negros Oriental, and Chelsea Fernandez of Tacloban City.

Precolonial heritage also took the spotlight courtesy of Fatima Kate Bisan of Sarangani, Joanna Ricci Alajar of Davao Oriental, Joanna Marie Rabe of Zambales, Ma. Isabela David of Mexico, Pampanga, Jeriza Uy of Davao City, and Karen Laurrie Mendoza of Iloilo City.

Elda Louise Aznar of Davao del Sur had a representation of the endemic waling-waling flower on her staff, while Patricia Samantha Go of Quezon City showcased a modern representation of the majestic mariposa (butterfly).

Stacey Daniela Garbiel of Cainta, Rizal, carried Swarovski crystal-embellished aluminum “taho” (soft bean curd) tubs for her fashionable take on the street food vendors.

The winner of the “Best in National Costume” award will be revealed at the grand coronation night scheduled on July 31 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City in Quezon City.

But before the big day, the Bb. Pilipinas pageant brings back its traditional grand parade of beauties, which was last held in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the postponement of the 2020 edition, and prevented the organizers from staging a parade in 2021.

This year, the Bb. Pilipinas grand parade of beauties will see the 40 delegates and reigning queens going around the Araneta City in Quezon City on July 23. JB

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