Eastern Samar wins national costume in Miss Universe Philippines 2023
Eastern Samar's Airissh Ramos is hailed the winner of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 national costume during the preliminary show tonight, May 4.
Miss Universe Philippines Organization made the announcement after this year's candidates sashayed into the stage of Leyte Normal University in Tacloban wearing their extravagant outfits representing the rich culture of their respective cities.
Eastern Samar's "An Bulawanon nga Katbari ha Sinirangan" or "The Golden Harvest Season in the East" won Best National Costume over 37 other fabulous ensembles the candidates showcased at the event.
Earning the highest score of 95.2 percent, Eastern Samar's avant-garde ensemble is a "love letter to the farmers, a serenade to the gods."
Designed by John Hubert Capito, the handwoven garment is made of tikog and buri fibers and features a "cleverly constructed bodice, voluminous butterfly sleeves, a panuelo which beautifully drapes around the shoulders, [and] a cascading ruffled skirt and train."
It is embellished with pearls, wooden beads, and crystal which were made by artists from Oras National High School in Sorsogon.
According to Ramos, the design is a representation of Eastern Samar's thriving agriculture and the "warmth and wonder" of its 23 municipalities.
Apart from Eastern Samar, other candidates that stood out during the night are Benguet in second place and Southern Leyte in third place. All winners received a sash and P15,000 cash prize.
The MUPH 2023 national costume competition comes a week before the grand coronation night to be held on May 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.