Binibining Pilipinas National Costume Top 5 delegates (from left) Myrna Esguerra, Myrea Caccam, Monica Acuno, Joyce Anne Garduque and Zianah Famy. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina
To celebrate its 60th anniversary, the Binibining Pilipinas pageant showcased more traditional garbs at the national costume competition, where the ladies paraded in pared down attires depicting the country’s rich heritage, diverse culture, and masterful craftsmanship. The show was held at the jam-packed New Frontier Theater at the Araneta City in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 11.
In an era in Philippine pageantry that screams “go big, or go home” in costume competitions, the most-enduring national pageant in the country opted for more sublime pieces that did not require sky-high headdresses, weighty props, or mechanical parts. Only a few candidates deviated from the general vibe of the show, one with small wheels attached to a hoop sewn on her skirt’s hemline, and another one with a huge depiction of mountains and waterfalls propped on her shoulders.
And this adherence to the more traditional was reflected on the Top 5 Binibining Pilipinas delegates chosen by the judges. The group wore costumes in muted earth hues, using neutral color palettes, with distinct indigenous and organic flavors in the overall aesthetics.
Abra’s Myrna Esguerra paid homage to her mother, a basket weaver, through her show-stopping woven costume depicting “Dulimaman,” an epic heroine of the Tinguian people of her province. Richard Strandz crafted the piece, which had a huge bow made of indigenous fabric, the same one that adorned the hem of the bottom, the neckline and the sleeves. A fan-type headpiece finished the look.
Zianah Famy from Cavite wore a Karl Balao creation using bamboo strips to depict the “Kawayan Festival” celebrated in December. The costume made a sound every step she took because of the chime-like arrangement of the bamboo pieces on the skirt, while the bodice was made using a woven mat.
And like Esguerra, Monica Acuno from Kalayaan, Laguna, also honored her parents in her costume. A daughter of farmers, the delegate paraded in a distinctly traditional garb of Filipino women in the colonial times, while carrying a basketful of fresh produce. Famed costume designer Patrick Isorena created the piece, who finished off the look with a “salakot” and a strand of wooden beads around the candidate’s neck.
Joyce Ann Garduque from Quezon Province was a coconut goddess in her Roy Aquino costume. Coconut shell beads and accents adorned the bodice, while woven coconut husk fibers ware fashioned to a skirt. Even the thread that held the piece together was derived from coconuts. Black plumes on her fan and head piece added pizzaz to the look.
The most avant-garde costume among the Top 5 delegates was the one worn by Myrea Caccam from Oriental Mindoro. Michael Jayzon Dela Cruz’s creation was inspired by the Naujan Lake and celebrated the Dabalistihit Festival in the town of Naujan. The sustainable piece was made using recycled plastic bottles, made to appear like crystals mimicking water.
Plumes and petals still abound, with the flora and fauna themes of many of the other costumes, which would appear to be a staple in any national costume competition. But the show stuck to its traditional core even with the inspiration from the various plants and animals in the country.
The homage to heritage has been laid out at the start of the show with the celebration of the pageant’s past. The ladies appeared in glamorous gowns, dancing gracefully to the previous arrangement of the iconic Bb. Pilipinas theme song, performed by female singers. A montage of the pageant’s queens from its 60-year run was also displayed on the LED backdrop while the current crop of contestants paraded onstage.
And like the Press Presentation held last week, the National Costume Show was also well received by the viewers. “This is nice, they explain/narrate their natcos themselves while walking on the stage. It is much appreciated [smile emoji] Good job BPCI!” one YouTube viewer said.
Another viewer commented, “KUDOS TO BB PH! VERY NICE PRESENTTION. HINDI AKO NA STRESS BUT I ENJOYED THE WHOLE THING.” Still another said “they look very organized and prepared.”
Aika Events and Productions, the team behind the much-raved 2023 Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night, mounted both the Press Presentation and National Costume shows this year. They will also helm the 2024 finale competition at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City on July 7, where more than 100 Bb. Pilipinas titleholders will gather together on stage.
Returning as hosts are 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray, 2016 Miss Grand International first runner-up Nicole Cordoves, and 2014 Miss Universe semifinalist MJ Lastimosa, who will be joined by 2016 Miss International Kylie Verzosa. Phenomenal P-Pop group SB19 will also return, with OPM (original Pilipino music) icons Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano also set to perform.
Two winners will be crowned at the 2024 Grand Coronation Night, and both will each receive P1 million. One will represent the country in the 63rd Miss International pageant next year, and another will be sent to The Miss Globe competition later this year.
Aside from the P1-million prize for each of the two queens, the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. will also turn over a P1-million grant to World Vision Philippines, its chosen charity organization for this year.
The 2024 Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation night will be seen on TV5 and A2Z on free TV, the Kapamilya Channel and Metro Channel on cable, and will be streamed on iWant TFC and the Bb. Pilipinas YouTube channel.