Then and now: Miss Universe-Philippines national costumes

MANILA, Philippines -  One of the most anticipated segments in the Miss Universe pageant (aside from the bikini segment) is the national costume competition, where the global beauties show off ensembles that would best represent their country’s rich culture. And while representatives do their best to kill the catwalk, netizens go on a commentary spree, sharing their appreciation and disgust over the costumes.

The Philippines, of course is not exempted from the craze. Remember the butterfly sleeves, pineapple-inspired costume of Carla Gay Balingit from 2003?

To give tribute to the flashy, ostentatious and vibrant costumes from the Miss Universe competition, here is a slideshow of the national costumes worn by our representatives from 1999 to the present. Like it or not, everyone, especially the designers, did their best to show off a piece of our culture and history.