Miss Philippines Emma Tiglao may be the last Filipina beauty queen from the 2019 batch to compete in an international pageant but she has been saving the best for last.
Tiglao teased Pinoy pageant fans on Sunday, December 15, with photos of her wearing her national costume for the Miss Intercontinental 2019 pageant.
In her photo and video posted on social media, the Kapampangan beauty was wearing a white Filipiniana Terno created based on the diversity of Filipino heritage and dubbed as “Buklod” or “Bond in Union”.
The costume was a fusion of the heritage and art from both the Christian and Muslim traditions, the two most dominant groups of people in the Philippines.
The bodice, skirt and butterfly sleeves were intricately patterned after the Solihiya design, a type of weaving normally found among native Filipino furniture. They were also embellished with a metallic design created based on traditional craft-making of accessories and the Caroza that is dedicated to Christian religious images.
The Sarimanok headdress was basically inspired by the art of Maranao people in Southern Philippines. This sacred bird is considered to be a symbol of royalty, prestige, and fortune.
The sleeves and hemline were also accentuated with capiz shells bearing the colors of the Philippine flag. Capiz shells are the main materials used in creating traditional Kapampangan Christmas lanterns.
The costume was designed by Rich Sabinian of Pampanga with the help of PDL Basketweavers of Angeles District Jail Male Dormitory, ICTHS (Information and Communication Technology High School of Sindalan, San Fernando), and Rolrens Lanterns (Capis Parol Maker of Pampanga). The colorful Sarimanok headdress was made by Kevin Cayanan.
Filipina beauty queens have been showcasing the best of the Philippines in their national costume in international pageants.
In 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand, Catriona Gray wowed the crowd and reignited Filipino pride among Pinoy pageant watchers when she showcased the art and heritage of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in her national costume called ‘Luzviminda.’
Just recently in Atlanta, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados successfully bagged the Best National Costume Award inspired by the Philippine Eagle, the first award for the Philippines after 25 years.
Michelle Dee, who reached the Miss World pageant’s Top 12, strutted the international stage wearing the Francis Libiran creation, “The Philippine Sun Princess”, inspired by the sun in the Philippine national flag and tattoos of the ancient Filipino warriors.
WATCH Emma Tiglao’s video showcasing her national costume and SEND cheers in the comments below as she aims to duplicate Karen Gallman’s feat of securing the Miss Intercontinental 2018 crown.
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