MANILA, Philippines — The 2022 Binibining Pilipinas candidates presented their respective national costume creations before a jam-packed crowd at the New Frontier Theater last weekend.
The visually-stunning creations essayed inspirations from Philippine folklore, myth, religious figures, fiestas and festivals, as well as daily life.
The costumes varied in sizes and used materials that were natural, recycled and manufactured. Of the 40 creations, this author picked out nine that stood out from the rest of the pack. These were:
- Binibini 7 Graciella Sheine Lehmann's 'Tikbalang' stole the hearts of spectators, both for its enormity and creativity. Actor Paolo Ballesteros outdid himself by coming up with a design that captured the imagination in this half-horse, half-human creature from Philippine folklore.
Related: Paolo Ballesteros' Tikbalang design unveiled at Binibining Pilipinas 2022 National Costume show
- Binibini 26 Cyrille Payumo's costume, which was inspired and created by the Aeta Magantsi tribesmen of Porac, was the best presented and performed ensemble during the show. Perceived by many as a "manananggal" outfit due to its removable skirt detail, the perception has created a textured nuance to an otherwise simple creation by Rich Sabinian.
- Binibini 8 Herlene Nicole Budol's 'Higantes' ensemble was culled from a real festival in her hometown, Angono, the "Art Capital of the Philippines." One of the sizable creations presented, it took her time to move the figure around the stage, yet managed to present it with utmost ease, to the cheers of fans and supporters.
Related: Hipon Girl wows with Catriona Gray Higantes national costume for Binibining Pilipinas 2022
- Binibini 35 Diana Mackey is the muse of the rice harvest in a design by Malayka Yamas. As part of Luzon's food basket, Nueva Ecija has remained one of the country's enduring rice granaries.
- Binibini 23 Nicole Borromeo breathes life to this picaresque design by Axel Que. The festive fever of the "perya" is reflected in the colors and details of the entire costume.