All roads led to the SM Mall of Asia Arena last Friday, May 2, as pageant fans—and the fashion curious—gathered for the grand spectacle that is Miss Universe Philippines.
I wouldn’t call myself a pageant fan, but there I was, seated in the VIP section, soaking in the cheers, the sequins, and the high-stakes glamour. Sixty-six of the country’s most stunning women took the stage, each supported by teams of stylists, mentors, and designers. And while the crown was the ultimate prize, the real show—for me—was the fashion.
From 66 hopefuls, the competition narrowed to 24 finalists. The first round featured swimsuits designed by Albert Andrada, the veteran couturier known for dressing Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and for his sculpted, regal aesthetic. This year, he chose a soft blush tone, accented with just enough crystal to catch the light without overpowering the form. The result: flattering, tasteful pieces that gave the segment a modern, polished edge.
Confident. Sculpted. Unapologetically bold. The Miss Universe Philippines candidates turned up the heat in perfectly constructed swimwear by Albert Andrade—where every cut, curve, and contour was made to empower. (Contributed Photo)
Then came the evening gown segment—the most anticipated part of the night, aside from the Q&A. As expected, it was a glittering parade of beads, crystals, and pageant-ready drama. Beautiful, yes—but mostly by the book. Few took risks. Most followed a familiar formula: shimmer, structure, and sparkle.
Still, a few gowns—and the women wearing them—managed to rise above the rest.
Ahtisa Manalo, this year’s winner from Quezon Province, was the crowd favorite from the beginning. Her performance across all segments was consistent and composed. But what truly won over the audience was a moment of vulnerability: she stumbled during the gown walk, then recovered with grace and a radiant smile. It was unshakable poise in motion—and more powerful than any embellishment.
Chelsea Fernandez of Sultan Kudarat delivered one of the night’s most polished performances. Every movement felt deliberate, every gesture perfectly timed. Her gown, by Leo Almodal, showcased why he remains a top name in red-carpet couture. Known for meticulous detail and drama, Leo chose crystal organza—not chiffon—for the cape. It floated longer in the air, giving Chelsea the perfect moment to catch it mid-turn. The effect was ethereal; the execution, flawless.
Another standout was Katrina Llegado of Taguig. Her gown, by Pablo Mendez, was a crinoline-based creation fully embellished with laser-cut mirrors. A rising star in the pageant and fashion circuit, Pablo is known for architectural lines and a sharp understanding of movement and presence. Rather than overwhelm the frame, he chose a serpentina silhouette that highlighted Katrina’s hourglass figure. Most notably, he designed for her—not just for spectacle. By selecting bold yet responsive materials, he allowed Katrina to shine in motion. It was a look that was both reflective and refined.
Not every styling decision hit the mark. Eloisa Januod of Laguna, strong in the preliminaries, stepped out in a gown that didn’t quite complement her form or stage presence. Combined with less-than-ideal makeup, the total look lacked cohesion. She had promise—but it didn’t come together on finals night.
Even Chelsea Manalo’s farewell gown felt like a misstep. A stark contrast to her winning look last year, this new design was far more ornate and heavy. The volume and overworked details weighed her down—missing the lightness and restraint that once made her shine.
One thing was clear: few contestants strayed from the expected. The gown segment followed a familiar script—glitz, shimmer, and high drama. It was dazzling, no doubt, but safe. I found myself wishing someone had taken a different route—through silhouette, color, or fabric—and offered something that truly surprised.
Pageant fashion is all about balance: spectacle and self-expression, control and charisma. This year’s Miss Universe Philippines may not have rewritten the rules, but it delivered stunning moments—especially when the women themselves took charge of the narrative.
Bisou bisou. 💋
Dong Omaga-Diaz is an internationally-acclaimed designer, mentor, and creative force whose thoughtful eye and quiet elegance have guided countless young creatives. Whether in the atelier or the audience, he brings clarity, care, and just the right amount of drama to everything he touches.
