Miss Universe Philippines delegates. Image: INQUIRER.net file photo / Armin P. Adina
TACLOBAN CITY — The candidate from Eastern Samar won the best in national costume competition for this year’s Miss Universe Philippines held at the Human Resource Development Center (HRDC) amphitheater here on Thursday night, May 4.
Airissh Ramos, who is from Arteche town, wowed the judges and the crowd with her handwoven garment designed by local designer John Hubert Capito.
Miss Universe Philippines candidate Airissh Ramos of Eastern Samar. Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph
Her costume was made of “tikug” and “buri” fibers embellished with pearls, wooden beads, and crystals made by students from a national high school in Oras, also in Eastern Samar.
In a brief interview with the local media, Ramos said the gown she wore was intended to honor farmers.
“I feel overwhelmed to win the best in national costume. This is an ode not only to the farmers but for the entire province of Eastern Samar,” she said.
Ramos won a cash prize of P50,000.
She also received a special award of “Tingog ng Kababaihan” for the Visayas which carries a cash prize of P100,000.
Runner-ups for the best in national costume were Miss Benguet JoeMay Leo and Kimberly Escartin from Southern Leyte.
The best in national competition was hosted by actor Marco Gumabao and Gazini Ganados, Miss Universe Philippines 2019.
During their five-day visit, the 38 candidates visited tourist destinations in Palompon and Sta. Fe towns, both in Leyte; and Basey, and Marabut, both in Samar.
Among the major sponsors for this year’s Miss Universe Philippines is the Tingog party-list of House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.
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