Angelique Manto honors Pampanga's Sampaguita Festival in Miss Universe Philippines national costume

Angelique Manto paid tribute to the sampaguita and her hometown of Lubao, Pampanga’s Sampaguita Festival through her Miss Universe Philippines national costume.

The content creator and former UAAP courtside reporter collaborated with Kapampangan designer Cholo Ayuyao for the gown, which includes a plant-like bodice with shoulder pieces reminiscent of traditional Filipino butterfly sleeves. It also has a skirt with flower beads. Accessories include gold and sampaguita-inspired pieces.

Angelique said of the costume’s inspiration: “The fragrance of the morning harvest as the dew touches the fields, mothers and young women picking the delicate buds and placing them on their raffia baskets while other folks string tiny Sampaguita blooms in abaca fiber threads to sell in front of churches[.]”

Aside from the beauty of the flower, Angelique also said that her look represents “the dwindling and almost forgotten Sampaguita farming industry and reintroducing it to the country[.]”

“[Wearing] this represents the tradition of the harvest, the fragrant courage of my Kapampangan people and the spirit to push on even in this most modern of times," she added.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2023 coronation night happens on May 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

 

 

 

 

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—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News