Mutya ng Pilipinas President Cory Quirino (center) presents the 2024 candidates. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina
Many pageant fans raved at the pink maillots donned by the 2024 Mutya ng Pilipinas delegates during the press presentation. Paired with matching varsity jackets, it lent a modern vibe while still conveying modesty.
Domz Ramos, the swimsuit designer, told INQUIRER.net that the organization gave him full liberty in designing the swimwear. But Cory Quirino, the pageant’s president, only had one reminder — do not make the pieces “daring” or “too revealing.”
The 31 candidates showcased Ramos’ pink latex maillots with “MUTYA” emblazoned in white print on the chest, appearing in bomber jackets that they gracefully took off while going down the runway at the ballroom of Fairmont Makati on Saturday, Aug. 24.
“I’m lucky because when I presented the Gen-Z vibes and K-Pop idea, they were excited. It gives new vibes in pageantry. When I presented the designs, it was approved right away,” Ramos shared.
When he snagged the assignment, Ramos said he immediately assembled a team to design the set for the swimsuit photo session with the candidates. “I also tapped ‘Direk’ Jed Velasco as photoshoot director. He is also my public relations consultant,” he said.
Ramos also designed the swimsuits for the Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant’s 50th anniversary edition in 2018. His return this year also ushers his grand comeback to national pageants. He has also signed on as the official swimwear provider of the 2024 Hiyas ng Pilipinas pageant.
He has nothing but praises for Quirino, who assumed the presidency of the Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant during the 50th edition of the national competition held in 2019, three years after letting go of the national directorship of the Miss World Philippines Organization.
“In Mutya, you know who’s the boss. Super hands on si Tita Cory, grabe (amazing),” Ramos shared, adding that he was humbled and honored when she asked him to go up the stage to be recognized.
The Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant is returning for its 56th anniversary this year, after skipping 2023. The last competition was held in December 2022, the 51st edition that was staged after a two-year pandemic pause.
Quirino told INQUIRER.net that the 2024 Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant will select the country’s representatives in this year’s staging of the Miss Intercontinental and Miss Tourism International pageants, and the World Top Model competition. And as in the previous editions, the Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities title is still at stake.
The winners will be known at the culmination of the 2024 Mutya ng Pilipinas coronation night which will be held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Sept. 6.