MANILA, Philippines — Gown designer Mak Tumang surprised fans late Wednesday when he revealed photos of the third gown of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
In a Facebook post, Mak shared the third gown he designed for Catriona, supposedly among the choices for her Miss Universe evening gowns.
The one-shoulder gown in teal blue and gold was dubbed “Perla Oriente” or “Pearl of the Orient Seas.”
Like Catriona’s two other evening gowns, “Ibong Adarna” and “Mayon,” this third gown also reflects the Philippines.
Mak said the piece “is an extolment of the Philippines.”
“Pearl of the Orient Seas is the byname given to our beautiful country, the Philippines. Even our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal referred the country with this sobriquet in his poem: Mi último adios,” the designer said.
“Aside from the fact that our country is one of the largest producers of pearls, the Philippines is truly a gem! It is beautiful, enchanting and captivating. Indeed a high value and rare pearl!” Mak added.
The designer also posted a short clip of Catriona wearing the Perla Oriente gown while walking with Ne-Yo’s song “Miss Independent” playing on the background.
It can be recalled that Catriona walked in her fiery red Mayon gown during the final competition while being serenaded by three-time Grammy award-winner Ne-Yo.
Catriona also made online buzz when she made her iconic lava walk and slow-motion twirl during the preliminary competition where she wore the Philippine Adarna-bird inspired gown.
During the final competition, Catriona chose the Mayon gown to pay homage to her hometown, Albay, Bicol where the Mayon Volcano is situated.
Mak cited that the volcano was named after a mythological character “Daragang Magayon” or beautiful lady.
Catriona also revealed that her mother dreamt that she won Miss Universe in a red dress when the beauty queen was just 13 years old.
Catriona was crowned last week as the fourth Filipina Miss Universe, following beauty queens Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran and Pia Wurtzbach in the pageant held at Thailand’s capital.