THE BINIBINING Pilipinas pageant released its top five picks for its National Costume category after a fashion show at Quezon City’s New Frontier theater on June 11. The fashion show also served as the pageant’s preliminary round, where the candidates walked the runway in evening gowns. The pageant’s winner will be sent to the Miss International and Miss Globe international pageants.
Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc., which operates the pageant, was founded by the world’s first Miss International Stella Marquez Araneta, the spouse of Araneta Group chair Jorge Araneta. The top five candidates for the National Costume category — which gives them a boost in points for the Grand Coronation Night on July 7 at the Araneta Coliseum — are Myrea Caccam from Oriental Mindoro, Joyce Ann Garduque of Quezon Province, Monica Acuno from Laguna, Zianah Famy representing Cavite, and Myrna Esguerra, representing Abra.
The candidates provided their own voiceovers to describe their dresses, making it easier for viewers to understand their costumes. Ms. Caccam said that her dress, a silver number with flared-out fins on her shoulders, represented Lake Naujan in her hometown, and was designed by Michael Jayzon Dela Cruz.
“The skirt is a true work of art, crafted from recycled plastic bottles collected from the coastal area of Naujan. This innovative use of materials not only showcases the commitment to sustainability but also highlights the importance of protecting the environment.
