'Where's the 3rd gown?': Mak Tumang shows off 'Perla Oriente' for Catriona Gray

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.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADARNA: The Blazing Siren The 'Ibong Adarna' is a mythological pulchritudinous bird that could change in several fascinating guises. Its enchanting voice can enable complete healing to anyone who hears it. Some artists liken it to the mythological Phoenix where it recurrently regenerates itself by arising amidst a spectacle of flames and candescence. This makes it a fitting symbol of resilience, rising and rebirth. Catriona has a resilient, tenacious and unwavering spirit. Her voice is truly captivating literally and figuratively. She uses it to influence, advance her timely causes and both melt and heal hearts. Her will-power and burning passion drive her to make every Filipino proud in whatever she does. She is the blazing Adarna! Watch her rise in glory along with our hopes and dreams for our beloved country: the Philippines! Inspired from the Philippine Adarna Bird, Phoenix & Mikimoto Crown #MissUniverse2018 #Philippines #PreliminaryGown

A post shared by Mak Tumang (@maktumang) on Dec 13, 2018 at 7:14am PST

During the final competition, Catriona chose the Mayon gown to pay homage to her hometown, Albay, Bicol where the Mayon Volcano is situated.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAYON: Fiery and Lovely Perfection Today, Catriona is coming home. She is celebrating her roots – she is celebrating Albay! The prominent and iconic Mayon Volcano is the penultimate inspiration for this creation. It is dubbed as the ‘perfect cone’ because of its symmetric conical form. Folk tales have it that it was named after the mythological heroine ‘Daragang Magayon’ (Beautiful Lady). Despite its pulchritude is the fact that it is the most active volcano in the Philippines erupting numerous times in the past half a millennium. Catriona can be considered as the modern-day Daragang Magayon. She embodies the Filipina’s beauty, intelligence and burning passion. This lady is definitely on fire! Watch her erupt right before your very eyes and let the lava of grace, goodness and hope flow.

A post shared by Mak Tumang (@maktumang) on Dec 16, 2018 at 8:36pm PST

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.