Gabrielle Basiano's national costume for Miss Intercontinental is inspired by Ibong Adarna

Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental Gabrielle Basiano wore a look inspired by the classic Filipino epic, Ibong Adarna, for the international pageant’s national costume competition.

In a message posted on the Binibining Pilipinas Facebook page, the beauty queen shared the deeper meaning behind her costume.

Called “Lunas/Cure,” it highlights one of the famous scenes in the mythical story.

“This amazing costume showcases the story of the folklore that tells about love, sacrifice and fantasy. This costume centers around the story of catching a mythical bird that possesses magical power,” she wrote.

Photos show Gabrielle interacting with the colorful Adarna bird.

“It is very much hard to catch which represents my dedication and determination towards getting the back to back crown,” Gabrielle added.

Gabrielle’s gray gown is particularly inspired by the famous scene in which the Adarna turns someone into stone. To recall, the Adarna knows seven songs that could put people to sleep, turn them into stone, or heal a deadly sickness.

According to the post, Gabrielle interprets this as having “a huge challenge in the pageant that she is confident to surpass.”

The Miss Intercontinental National Costume competition was livestreamed on their YouTube channel at 2 a.m. on Thursday.

Gabrielle is currently in Egypt for the pageant. The coronation night will be held on October 14 in Sharm El Sheik. The Philippines’ Cinderella Faye Obeñita will be crowning her successor. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA News