MANILA, Philippines — After a sudden malfunction in her national costume that was supposed to light up during the National Costume competition on December 10, Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray posted on social media the original look of her Christmas lantern costume, with its lights now working.
On her Instagram account, Catriona posted a video dressed in the elegant national costume, which is now blinking because of the lights.
Gray said she was saddened that the lights on her costume did not work. “On the day itself and on the time that I walked out of stage, yung ilaw ko, or the lights, they weren’t working and I am really really sad about it,” Gray was quoted by Pep.ph as saying.
On her Instagram post, she also expounded on the inspiration behind her costume’s design, with Luzon representing “Magdiwang,” Visayas as “Lumaban” and Mindanao as “Pagyamanin.”
“The island group of LUZON is represented by the world-renowned ‘PAROL/CHRISTMAS LANTERN’ from the province of Pampanga with a BRASS BORDER designed and made in Apalit, Pampanga,” she wrote.
She also added that at the back of the lantern, there is a painting with the lyrics of the Philippines’ national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” written in Baybayin.
“The PAINTING also highlighted victories, festivals, events, heroes and national icons with a style inspired by the works of Philippine National Artist Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco, a native of the Art Capital of the Philippines, Angono, Rizal in Luzon,” she added.
Meanwhile, Catriona said that the island group of Visayas is “represented by a body suit with authentic ‘tattoo designs’ embellished with crystals derived from patterns used by the ‘PINTADOS’ who are indigenous peoples found in various islands in this part of the Philippines.”
“The tattoos represent an individual’s journey and a public testimony recounting acts of combat, bravery, and strength, that perfectly represents the courageous and resilient Filipino spirit amidst trials we face in this day and age,” she added.
On the last part of her post, she described that Mindanao is represented by an authentic headpiece and brass accessories from South Cotabato, and knee-high boots with designs inspired by different indigenous textile patterns.
“The woven textiles express a strong belief in ‘ancestral and natural spirits’ and ‘cultural roots’ of indigenous communities that remain well-preserved up to this day,” she added.
She ended her post by declaring that she did all these for her country: “Pilipinas, para sa iyo ang lahat ng ito.”