Time for PH to win second Reina Hispanoamericana crown, says Dia Mate

Dia Mate. Image: EJ C. Geronimo via Instagram/@diaxmate

Dia Mate declared that it’s time for the Philippines to have its second Reina Hispanoamericana crown, as she’s set to represent the country in the global tilt in Bolivia on February 9 (morning of February 10 in Manila).

To excite fans about the upcoming global tilt, Mate flaunted her slim physique in a red and gold carnival costume designed by Stephen Alvarado, complete with a feather headpiece, matching gold and red jewelry, and orange heels, as seen on her Instagram on Sunday, February 9.

“Red and gold, the true embodiment of the power of the Filipinas. Ibalik ang korona sa Pilipinas!!! It’s time,” she captioned her post.

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Mate, while donning the glamorous costume, captivated her followers with sultry poses in a separate post.

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According to Alvarado, the costume is inspired by the Philippines’ annual Sinulog, Dinagyang, and Ati-Atihan festivals, which all take place in January. “As the new year opens, Filipinos prepare themselves for January’s grand town fiestas with a natural festive spirit that shines through from the first until the last day of the month such as Sinulog, Dinagyang, Ati-Atihan and many more move to the thousand beat of the drums as one in a feast of ritual dance and movements.”

“The striking fiery hues of red and gold symbolize the story of the Filipinos’ pagan past and their acceptance of Christianity which came as a gift from the Spaniards,” he continued on Instagram. “Indeed it is evident that the Philippines and Spain had a strong connection in terms of Hispanic influence.”

Mate is making a good impression in the Latina-dominated pageant so far after winning Best in National Costume and charming the panel with dried mangoes and kalesa toys during the closed-door interview.

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Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez remains the only Filipina to be crowned Reina Hispanoamericana in 2017, which earned her the moniker “Latina Slayer” by pageant fans.

The reigning titleholder is Peru’s Maricielo Gamarra, who clinched a back-to-back win for her country in 2023.