What Maxine Medina wore at Miss Universe preliminaries

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina was not in a voluminous gown and did not have a kilometric train as many of her contenders had in last night’s Miss Universe 2016 Preliminary Competition, but she piqued interest in her unexpected choice of a sleek emerald green Rhett Eala creation rendered in what seemed to be silk, with a bejeweled bodice and fringes that magnified her movement and highlighted her curves.

Miss Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina in a Rhett Eala creation. Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV

During the national costume showcase, Maxine shook the Mall of Asia Arena once more when she stepped out in an unusual choice of a body-hugging, vinta-inspired, long-sleeve dress with a plunging V-neckline and sash inspired by the vintas or colorful boats of Mindanao. She wore a similarly golden head piece strewn with South Sea pearls by local jewelry store, Jewelmer. The coral-inspired headdress was rumored to be worth around a million pesos.

While displaying her ramp modeling skills, she was also swirling silk handkerchiefs into the air, as if grooving in a traditional Mindanao dance. It was a proud moment for Filipinos as she flawlessly executed with signature Filipina poise not only her gown, but also her national costume and swimwear.

Medina modeling her national costume Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV

At the swimwear competition, Maxine’s wide grin and white, two-piece bikini with hand-painted details of coconut leaves channeled Filipinos’ world-renowned hospitality, friendliness, and creativity, a departure from pure sensuality typical of a swimsuit presentation.

Many tripped on stage, but not Maxine, since she let go of heavy equipment and went for simpler silhouettes and lighter garments that made her look effortlessly confidently beautiful.

Medina in a swimwear printed with coconut leaves Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV