The traditional national costume competition of Miss Universe Philippines 2024, with the theme “Philippine Flora and Fauna,” showcased a spectacular display of Filipino artistry, creativity, and craftsmanship at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol Gym.
At the conclusion of the competition, held Sunday, was hosted by Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel and actor Marco Gumabao. The top three winners announced from 53 candidates were Iloilo’s Alexie Brooks, Southern California’s Jet Hammond, and Tacloban’s Tamara Ocier.
Brooks brought the house down with a body-hugging suit resembling the Ilonggo spider called Ugto-Ugto, created by Tata Pinuela. Hammond stood out parading in a costume inspired by the UNESCO-declared Heritage Site of Tubbataha Reef, designed by Ehrran Montoya, while Ocier also drew huge applause with her ‘Halo’ costume of Tacloban’s famous monitor lizard, designed by Charlotte Rodriguez.
The coronation night, set for May 22 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, promises excitement with performances by Lola Amour and Marina Summers. Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee will pass her crown to the next representative for the international pageant in Mexico. Actor Alden Richards will host the coronation alongside Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel.
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Myse Salonga mounts one-woman charity art exhibit
Myse Salonga could easily pass for a beauty queen, but she chose to become an artist. In 2010, to cope with stress from her work helping her husband manage a family-owned medical clinic and pharmacy, she turned to painting as a hobby.
“I discovered I have a talent for painting. I took up Marketing but I was interested in designing,” Salonga said. A friend liked and bought one of my artworks, and took it to the U.S. I could not believe that many got interested and commissioned me to do more,” added the 51-year-old, self-taught artist.
Salonga has sold more than 100 artworks ranging from modern abstracts, landscapes, seascapes, and surrealism. Her artworks got featured in the famous Times Square in New York in November 2023, and recently, were showcased at the iconic London Waterloo Station in the UK.
Salonga takes inspiration from National Artist for Visual Arts BenCab and celebrities Heart Evangelista and Solenn Heussaff. She hopes to have the chance to paint Dawn Zulueta and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
Salonga is mounting a one-woman exhibit called A Masterpiece of MYSEterpiece Art. Proceeds will go to the Fashion of Arts Autism Benefit (FAAB), an Art therapy program to meet the challenges of Autism through socialization, communication, and behavior management. The exhibit, which consists of 18-piece paintings, will run until June 30 at The Manor, Camp John Hay in Baguio City.