Kayla Jean Carter is sexy PH flag in Miss Charm 2024 prelims

The Miss Philippines-Charm 2024 Kayla Jean Carter in her national costume/RYAN ABLAZA USON INSTAGRAM PHOTOS

The Philippines’ Kayla Jean Carter appeared in a stylized Philippine terno inspired by the country’s flag at the preliminary competition of the 2024 Miss Charm pageant in Vietnam on Wednesday evening, Dec. 18.

Filipino designer Ryan Ablaza Uson created the sexy number that the California-based reality TV personality paraded in during the national costume segment of the program held at the Nguyen Du Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.

“Behold the spirit of the Philippines, woven into every detail of this national costume, embodying Miss Charm’s mission to promote culture, tourism, and education,” The Miss Philippines posted on social media with a clip of Carter’s performance in her blue, red and white terno with gold accents in the pattern of a “kalasag.”

Cascading long bead tassels swung from her sleeves as she sashayed on the runway, while the gown’s bottom portion was also made of the same blue and red beads that created a see-through effect.

For the gown portion of the competition, Carter showcased a beaded aubergine gown with a dangerously high slit on one side and illusion fabric on the other. The slinky, shimmery creation was custom-made for her by designer Mara Chua.

The delegates also competed in swimsuits during the ceremonies, with the ladies parading in regulation hot pink swimwear, paired with light silver coverups that they removed as they took their turn.

This is only the second edition of the Vietnam-based international competition, with the inaugural staging mounted in February 2023. It was supposed to hold its initial competition in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed it aside.

This year’s competition was also delayed. It was initially slated in California, in the United States, in August, but organizers called it off because many of the supposed delegates did not have sufficient time to have their visa processed.

Carter was not the Philippines’ initial delegate to the 2024 Miss Charm pageant. Krishnah Gravidez first received the appointment as the Filipino entrant to the international competition after she finished in the Top 3 of the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines pageant.

Gravidez withdrew from the international pageant in May, with the organizers yet to release any detail for a 2024 competition at that time. Carter was appointed as The Miss Philippines-Charm 2024 when the US staging of the contest was announced.

Carter is hoping to claim the Philippines’ first victory in the Miss Charm pageant and finish stronger than the first-runner-up placement posted by Annabelle McDonnell last year.

The 2024 Miss Charm pageant will hold its coronation show on Saturday night, Dec. 21. Thirty-seven delegates are competing for the crown currently held by Brazilian queen Luma Russo, who won last year.