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Catriona Gray's national costume to be displayed at NHCP on Rizal Day
Executive secretary Salvador Medialdea together with National Historical Commission of the Philippines executive director Ludovico Badoy and chair Rene Escalante on Friday presented to members of the media the national costume worn beauty queen Catriona Gray for the 2018 Miss Universe pageant.
The showcase was part of the launch of the Philippine Quincentennial Commemorations, which celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Victory in Mactan, the first circumnavigation of the world, and the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines.
NHCP Chair Rene Escalante expressed his reverence for Catriona's ambitious attempt to represent the colorful history of the country from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
"We really admire the decision of Catriona Gray team for choosing this costume as the national costume of our Miss Universe," he told the press.
Escalante was particularly impressed by the accuracy of the Pintados-inspired body suit. What Catriona wore very closely resembled the illustrations from the Boxer Codex from 1590.
Historian Michael Charleston “Xiao” Briones Chua was equally wowed by the dedication of Catriona's team to present the Philippines' cultural diversity, as well as their commitment to accuracy.
"This is not just a beauty pageant artifact, this is an artifact that will let us showcase that we had this kind of culture," Chua said.
The costume's designer, architect, Carlos Buendia Jr. said that Catriona was aware that her vision would be difficult to pull off. However, her heart was truly set on quite literally carrying the Philippines on her back.
"She didn't look at her scoliosis as a major consideration, it was really to showcase [the culture]," Buendia said.
The parol weighed around 50 kg and Catriona struggled to pull it on the carpeted stage. Despite difficulties, she accomplished her goal and won the crown.
Her national costume will be on display indefinitely at the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in Manila.
The public is advised that the best time to view it before the year ends is on the commission's Rizal Day celebration, where they will also hold a program.
The National Quincentennial Committee displaying the national costume in the Museum of Philippine Social History in Angeles City, the Museum of Philippine Political History in Malolos, Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, and Museo ni Jose Rizal in Fort Santiago. — AT, GMA News
