Binibining Pilipinas 2022 unveils the much-awaited tikbalang national costume

More than a week since Paolo Ballesteros unveiled his tikbalang-inspired Binibining Pilipinas 2022 national costume, we finally got to see it in its full glory, and it did not disappoint.

Paolo designed the costume for Binibining Pilipinas candidate Graciella Sheine Lehmann of Oriental Mindoro.

“This Tikbalang national costume is fashioned with intertwined branches of the Balete tree that forms the horse head and butterfly sleeves, and hugs the body down to its hooves to conceal the creature's looming presence,” said the description on the pageant’s Instagram.

Completing the costume are sheets of translucent, ghostly-white fabric draped to make up the Tikbalang’s mane and tail “that dance with the wind as it lurks in the shadows.”

“The body is adorned in lace, with white pearls and rhinestones flickering like diamonds that will captivate anyone who may glimpse at this elusive mythical creature,” it added.

The comments section is filled with fans saying that this strong contender is the deserving winner of the Best in National Costume award.

The Binibining Pilipinas National Costume competition will be held on July 16 at The New Frontier Theater at 3 p.m. – RC, GMA News