Here’s a closer look at Samantha Panlilio’s bejeweled cape gown at the Miss Grand International prelims

Samantha Panlilio dazzled the Miss Grand International stage  in a unique “cape gown” created by renowned Filipino designer Rian Fernandez.

The Philippine representative just shared a closer look at her “Layag Balangay” look on Instagram.

According to Fernandez, the sheer, hand embroidered piece was inspired by the seafaring vessel of the Philippines being the first wooden watercraft excavated in Southeast Asia.

Apart from the gown’s eye-catching crescent-shaped collar, the bodice is fully bejeweled with Caribbean Blue opal rhinestones, glass beads, oversized Austrian swarovski crystals.

Rian said the piece is “a perfect way to reawaken Filipino pride in a forgotten heritage of the ancient Filipino ingenuity.”

Samantha hopes to be the first Filipina to win the Miss Grand International crown.

She’s definitely a force to be reckoned with after slaying the swimsuit competition held at the Yacht Marina Chalong, as well as the national costume portion with a “Paruparo” ensemble inspired by a cultural festival held in her hometown in Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

The grand coronation night is on December 4 in Bangkok, Thailand. — LA, GMA News