Cover Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Top 3 winners of Best National Costume (Photo: Miss Universe Philippines / Facebook)
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Top 3 winners of Best National Costume (Photo: Miss Universe Philippines / Facebook)
1 / 1
In case you missed it, here are the top three winners of Best National Costume at Miss Universe Philippines 2024
They say one thing that unites Filipinos from different walks of life is pageantry—and they couldn’t be more correct. On May 22, many Filipinos stayed up past their usual bedtimes to watch Miss Universe Philippines 2024, eagerly anticipating the announcement of this year’s Philippine representative for arguably the most famous pageant in the world.
Among the 53 candidates, Chelsea Manalo emerged as the standout, ultimately taking home the crown. As Miss Universe Philippines 2024, she now serves as a symbol of inspiration and an embodiment of Filipino ideals and heritage.
Alongside her, three other beauty queens demonstrated remarkable dedication to representing the country, most notably during the National Costume category, where they showcased their pride and creativity.
More from Tatler: Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel talks about inclusivity, diversity and sustainable fashion
Jet Hammond, Southern California
As an archipelago, one of the country’s greatest treasures is its surrounding seas and the natural wonders that inhabit them. Among these wonders is the Tubbataha Reefs, a pristine coral paradise and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical site inspired designer Ehrran Montoya’s national costume for Jet Hammond.
“This is a call to preserve the majesty of the Coral Triangle’s crown jewel and the hundreds and thousands of marine ecosystems in the country not only for our enjoyment but for the benefit of nature, livelihood, and cultural conservation,” Hammond and Montoya posted on Instagram.
Did you know? Considered one of the oldest ecosystems in the world, Tubbataha Reefs support 360 species of corals, representing almost 90 per cent of all coral species in the Philippines.
Related: Tubbataha Reefs: Dive Into The Surreal Waters Of This UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tamara Ocier, Tacloban
Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban 2024 Tamara Ocier highlights the Tacloban monitor lizard in her gown for the National Costume category. In a post, she describes the Charlotte Rodriguez creation as “iridescent and golden, ever-changing and evolving.”
For locals, the lizard is an ancient symbol of fearlessness and transformation in the isolated regions of Tacloban and Region 8. “The goddess ushers humanity back into their true place as sanctuary makers,” Ocier shares. “In the face of difficulties like destruction and climate change, the monitor lizard serves as a reminder of the significance of resilience and adaptation for both wildlife and human communities.”
Did you know? Monitor lizards are deeply intelligent and possess sensitive eyesight. They can see objects from far away, using this advantage to identify prey and keep their distance from predators. Their visual field spans 240 degrees.
Read more: Weaving Patterns in the Philippines: Heritage, Design, and Their Meanings
Alexie Brooks, Iloilo City
In a stunning array of flowers and colours, Miss Universe Philippines Iloilo 2024 Alexie Brooks stood out in her spider-inspired ensemble designed by Tata Pinuela.
The attire’s elements are arranged in a design that resembles an eight-legged critter called ugto-ugto, an Ilonggo term for an orb-weaver spider. This spider symbolises ingenuity, reminding us to be creative and persistent artisans.
“Like spiders,” Brooks says, “let us continue to weave our aspirations.”
Did you know? According to Dr Aimee Lynn Dupo, Filipinos have a distinct appreciation for spiders despite harbouring fears and misconceptions that all spiders are venomous. Unique aspects of Filipino culture also point towards unexplored research areas involving trading, betting, and capturing spiders.
NOW READ
9 best Kim Soo-hyun shows to watch: ‘Queen of Tears’, ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’, and more
Born to Do Drag: A day in the life of Marina Summers
Kendall Jenner, Suga, and more: 7 NBA courtside outfits by celebrities throughout the years
Topics
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
