The recent Binibining Pilipinas 2021 online parade of national costume showcased majestic couture creations inspired by nationalistic symbolisms or mythical elements that are unique in each of the contestants’ respective hometowns. 

While all the costumes deserve a second look, we gathered here the top national costumes that we believe could be included in the Top 10 qualifiers during the National Costume Fashion Show, which will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook on June 27.

Here are the top 10 picks in no particular order:

Binibini 4 Arianne Deseree Viardo of San Fernando, Pampanga wowed in this national costume inspired by the Filipino Christmas lantern called parol. Designed by Santino Rivera, the dress represents the Christmas ornament that has long been associated with San Fernando, Pampanga. The city is known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” because of its lucrative parol-making industry.

Binibini 12 Cinderella Faye Obeñita of Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental wore a gown created by Odelon Simpao. Named as “Belleza del Oro” or the beauty of gold, the gown was inspired by the mythical oro or giant goldfish which is said to be resting under the city. Her crown is a form of homage to Birhen sa Kota, a statue of the virgin of the Holy Rosary, which is worshipped by many in Cagayan De Oro. The dress is a sight with its 10,000 sequins of different sizes, which represent the golden-colored coconut called kuyamis, once abundant along the coasts of northern Mindanao. Kuyamis is also the name of the annual festival that celebrates Misamis Oriental’s coconut industry.

Binibini 18 Karen Laurrie Mendoza of Iloilo City is sizzling in this creation from Tata Blas-Pinuela. The designer was inspired by the Central Panay deity Burulakaw (bulalakaw), which are said to be three-foot-tall fairies with powerful flames for hair and who fly with the speed of a shooting star. They are known for delivering messages from and to different diwatas.

Actor and makeup artist Paolo Ballesteros designed a gown that represented Angono’s Higantes Festival. Binibini 29 Honey Cartasano of Rizal gracefully donned the massively constructed masterpiece, which is an ode to the giant paper mache that is usually paraded during the annual festival.

Designer Louis Pangilinan captured the essence of Masbate’s Bulaklakan Festival in his creation for Binibini 21 Hannah Arnold. The voluminous skirt, beautiful embroidery, and intricate patterns evidently show Louis’ craftsmanship. The costume’s beflowered arch is inspired by the “singkaban”, which is a bamboo arch that is installed during festival parades.

Nick Guarino with Festivali Designs and Concepts created this complex and visually appealing design for Binibini 11 Maureen Montagne of Batangas. Inspired by the history and culture of Batangas, this colorful tribal festival piece is a feast for the eyes.

Binibini 25 Carina Cariño of La Union surely made a splash with this beautiful costume, a gravity-defying piece by Don Cristobal that represents the waves of La Union as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines. From the headpiece to the structured back flap details, this national costume is a visual treat for those who like highly structured pieces and amazing details.

Manny Halasan’s design for Binibini 8 Meiji Cruz of Valenzuela was inspired by the Lakapati, the goddess of agriculture and fertility in Philippine mythology.  Lakapati literally means “giver of food” and prosperity and is a symbol of harvest, thanksgiving, and protection. The gown’s floor-length wing is inspired by the dragonfly, which means new beginning. Made of French lace with brass metal works, pearls, rhinestones, and Swarovski crystals, this gown is a sight to behold.

Binibini 29 Alexandra Faith Garcia of Olongapo City served a fierce look with her national costume created by Jorick Lopez Limpag. Dubbed as “The Dove Warrior”, the dress aims to be a symbol of peace. The head and ax represent the tribal history of Olongapo City as the place where you find the head of the strongest chieftain named Apo. 

Binibini 32 Lesley Anne Ticaro’s gown is a crowd favorite and we can see why. The Tagum beauty wore a 32-kilo waling-waling and indigenous people-inspired national costume by Dabawenyo designer Mark Joseph Sayad. The gown could be worn in two ways. When the waling-waling features are folded, the gown’s skirt can be lifted to show the different IPs in the country

Vote for your favorite look

Another round of voting will determine who among the Top 10 qualifiers will snag the Best in National Costume award on the pageant’s grand coronation night. Head on to https://vote.bbpilipinas.com/ to cast your vote now!

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves will be the hosts for Binibining Pilipinas 2021 Grand Coronation Night, which will be held remotely on July 11, Sunday, at the Araneta Center.

Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite national costume is.

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