Filipinos have a crazy obsession with beauty pageants. We literally drop whatever we’re doing for it, passionately rooting for our bets and hoping they slay.

One of the much-awaited segments in any beauty contest is the national costume portion. This segment lets Filipino designers show their craftsmanship and tell stories with fashion. With these girls flaunting them on the big stage, it becomes an avenue for fans to revisit their roots and appreciate our culture.

Through time, we have witnessed the improvement of these national costumes and this year, we were rendered speechless. Everything looked PHENOMENAL.

We listed down eight of the most breathtaking ensembles that really raised the bar from the national costume contest of Binibining Pilipinas 2022:

Binibini #1 Stacey Daniella Gabriel (Cainta, Rizal)

Inspiration: Magtataho
Designer: Erjohn dela Serna

Are you really a Filipino if you don’t love taho? This binibini took our favorite snack into another level. She gave tribute to our valiant taho warriors who brave the heat just to bring sweetness and warmth to our bellies in the morning.

She strutted a pina silk pechera barong, Ifugao weave skort and belt bag, and an arnibal-soaked Jusi train (yes, you read that right!). Stacey’s designer completed the look with a good morning towel, sago-embellished heels, and some panukli between her knuckles. She even had a coin in her ear. What a gorgeous concept!

Binibini #19 Gabrielle Camille Basiano (Borongan City, Eastern Samar)

Inspiration: The Virgin Mary
Designer: Ken Batino and Jevin Salaysay

Oo, kamukha niya si Mama Mary! Gabrielle showed us something we never saw coming and we love everything about it! She portrayed the Virgin Mary, whom she sees as the ultimate symbol of a woman in this majestic out-of-the-box set. So powerful.

It was a homage to the Padul-Ong Festival that’s celebrated every September 8. It’s a mythical presentation of how the image of Mary was mysteriously transported from Portugal to Borongan, Eastern Samar.

Binibini #5 Karen Laurrie Mendoza (Iloilo City)

Inspiration: Binukot and Bayanihan
Designer: Tata Blas Pinuela

AVANT-GARDE. This binibini carried not just her heritage but also her advocacy. The whole attire was inspired by the pre-colonial Visayan tradition, binukot where young women were secluded to place a higher value on them. Her designer also fused the concept of bayanihan to remind Filipinos the importance of helping each other out.

This costume was not just gorgeous but very meaningful. Karen’s a mental health advocate and wishes to send across the message of kapit-bisig to move forward in life.

Binibini #24 Patricia Samantha Go (Quezon City)

Inspiration: Mariposa
Designer: Ehrran Montoya

Straight out of a fairy tale. Patricia looked like she was about to fly and conquer the world. This beautiful creation was inspired by the majestic wonders of La Mesa Ecopark. The design depicted the metamorphosis of women.

Those colors were just ravishing. It’s something we’d love to see in a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This was too powerful!

Binibini #35 – Diana Mackey (Nueva Ecija)

Inspiration: Manggagapas
Designer: Malayka Yamas

GRANDIOSE. This Novo Ejicano beauty paid homage to her hometown – the Rice Granary of the Philippines. The costume commemorated the abundance of its rice crop production and represented the hard work of our farmers. Not only that this signified resilience and diligence but showed that our culture is enduring – no matter how many challenges of modernization were posed.

Just take a look at every detail in the dress – from the strands of palay to the carabao. She carried this masterpiece beautifully!

Binibini #2 Krizzia Lynn Moreno (Camarines Sur)

Inspiration: Amor a la Virgen de Penafrancia
Designer: Khandie Segovia

INTRICACY IS KEY. Krizzia chose to feature the Bicolanos unwavering faith and devotion to the INA. Her headpiece symbolizes the Ina as Stella Matutina or the Morning Star who is the light that guides its people. She also held a meticulously handcrafted rosary to show appreciation and regard to the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary.

She looked angelic and we can’t wrap our heads around the tiny details. It was on another level!

Binibini #27 – Jessica Rose McEwen (Floridablanca, Pampanga)

Inspiration: Sandok and Kaldero
Designer: Kayvan Passion Salazar

No Filipino home is complete without that silver aluminum ladle and cauldron. The creative designer behind this look revolutionized these handcrafted silverwares, which are called pinukpuk in Pampanga. Jessica’s designer also infused Floridablanca or maputing sampaga (white flower) all over her outfit. Her gown was intricately adorned with crystals, silver applique, and hand-embroidered beads on fabric and tulle.

She understood the assignment! She carried her heritage and shared her hometown’s story in this spectacular ensemble.

Binibini #7 Graciella Lehmann (Oriental Mindoro)

Inspiration: Tikbalang
Designer: Paolo Ballesteros

Ethereal and enchanted. This awe-inspiring costume was just out of this world. It featured the tikbalang, a creature in Philippine folklore that’s half-human and half-horse. Some say that it tricks and lures people but some say that it is the guardian of the forest.

The horse head and butterfly sleeves were made out of intertwined branches of the Balete tree. Ghostly-like fabrics were also draped to appear like a mane and tail. The whole outfit was encrusted with lace, pearls, and rhinestones to complete that mythical look. Perfection!

Well, we aren’t a pageant powerhouse for nothing. Filipino designers and beauty queens are elevating the pageant scene every year and we are here for it!

Catch Binibining Pilipinas 2022 Grand Coronation night on July 31.

What’s your favorite national costume from Binibining Pilipinas 2022? Share it in the comments.