Photos: Don Mcgyver L. Cochico
Local designers showcased their creativity in traditional and indigenous national costumes as the 40 candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2016 lit up the stage of the new Kia Theater during the Bb. Pilipinas Fashion Show held recently.
Original Filipiniana ternos, T-boli, Ati-atihan, Manobo and Ifugao-inspired costumes were the most applauded in the collection from Filipino designers, among whom included Frederick Peralta, Edwin Uy, Pablo Mendez, Rajo Laurel, Jonti Martinez, Mak Tumang, Obet Urajay and Joel Acebuche, proof that the Bb. Pilipinas Organization recognizes local talents.
Pia Wurtzbach shone at the Miss Universe National Costume Show in an Albert Andrada creation, a fully beaded and embroidered ecru terno with tiered hemline and traditional panuelo.
Six national costumes were adjudged the best of the crop by the Bb. Pilipinas committee which included Angelica Alita in Bessie Besana’s classic Traje de Mestiza, Dindi Joy Pajares in Cherry Veric’s Manobo-inspired original, Angela Fernando in a Frederick Peralta black terno, Jennyline Carla Malpaya in a Jonti Martinez peach terno, Paula Rich Bartolome in a Joel Acebuche’s handpainted white terno and Maria Lina Prongoso in a Polly Lagyap and Madeline Gazmen-collaboration embroidered cream terno.
Others who shone were Kimberle Mae Penchon in an Ifugao-inspired native costume by Louis Pangilinan, Alexandra Faith Garcia in a colorful Denise Crisostomo Sarimanok-inspired costume, Kristine Angeli Estoque in a John Cliff Pintados-inspired, Angelique Celine de Leon in a T-boli native, Jennifer Ruth Hammond in a Jonti Martinez’ peacock-designed terno, Nicole Marie Manalo in a Roland Lirio yellow terno, Maxine Medina in a Rhett Eala pink terno and Kylie Verzosa in a Rajo Laurel gold-Pintados costume.
Hosted by Bb. Pilipinas International 2015 Janicel Lubina, Bb Pilipinas Supranational 2015 Rogelie Catacutan, and Miss Intercontinental 1st runner-up Christi McGarry, the Fashion Show opened with the candidates parading in latest Jag jeans and casual wear collection. The girls also showed their grace and catwalk skills in evening gowns from well-known designers like Rhett Eala, Francis Libiran, Jun Escario and Edwin Tan.
Screaming fans made known who their favorites when they walked the runway. The public will get their last chance to see the candidates during the Parade of Beauties at the Araneta Center on Saturday afternoon before the grand coronation night on April 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.