MANILA, Philippines — For her grand homecoming parade in Metro Manila on Thursday, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray donned a jumpsuit terno by Mak Tumang, who also designed her evening gowns for Miss Universe and Binibining Pilipinas.
In an Instagram post, Tumang revealed that the parade outfit is titled, “Sampaguita: A Promise Fulfilled,” and has been inspired by the Philippine national flower, also known as the “Philippine jasmine.”
“Legend has it that its etymology was derived from the Filipino words ‘sumpa kita,’ which mean 'I promise you.' This ornamental flower is an inherent part of our landscape since time immemorial,” Tumang explained in his post.
“Interestingly, this flower has a lot to do with the concept of ‘Coming Home.’ You know you are home when its distinct sweet and aromatic fragrance tickles your olfactory sense. Moreover, the flowers are usually slung and made into leis which are used to welcome dignitaries or are being peddled in front of churches so as to become offerings,” the designer added.
Thus, he said, he has emblazoned Gray’s gown with embroidery inspired by both sampaguita and anahaw.
“Ergo, it is but fitting that we welcome our Queen with Sampaguitas adorned with Anahaw – our national leaf. Catriona will wear this Philippine Terno which is a ‘Callado’ (similar to Piña Barong) embroidered gown with stylized Panuelo and Mariposa sleeves.”
“Welcome home Catriona!” Tumang concluded his post. “Thank you for the fulfilled promise of making the Filipino people proud! Mabuhay!”
In Tumang’s post, the pantsuit terno can be seen with a matching sweetheart dress. The outfits’ colors, low décolleté and lightweight materials ensure comfort for the singer and beauty queen as she greeted supporters along the parade route that passed by the cities of Pasay, Manila and Makati. She was onboard a majestic float inspired by her diamond-and-pearl-encrusted Mikimoto crown.
On Saturday, the country’s fourth Miss Universe titleholder will be paraded inside Araneta Center, and on Sunday, she will be feted by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Maymay Entrata, Bamboo, KZ Tandigan, Morissette Amon, Jed Madela, TNT Boys, ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra and Vice Ganda in a show dubbed “Raise Your Flag for Catriona Gray” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.