Caloocan's Allyson Mei Ee wins Miss Universe Philippines 2025 national costume
Allyson Mei Ee of Caloocan was recognized for her winning "Walo" costume at the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 National Costume Showcase.
The organization announced the results on Saturday, May 3, also naming the other top contenders who wore the best mythical-inspired outfits: Valerie Claire West representing Ifugao (2nd), Angeline Cordero Kailani from Iloilo (3rd), Chelsea Fernandez of Sultan Kudarat (4th), and Gwendoline Meliz Soriano of Baguio (5th).
Ee's costume by Patrick Isorena was inspired by the Filipino myth, Walo—a giant with eight heads and a thousand eyes.
"Born of ancient whispers and ancestral warnings, Walo is the guardian of truth and consequences. Each head echoes the voices of our elders; each eye sees through deceit, darkness, and denial. In a world that forgets its roots, Walo remembers. Not to bring fear—but to awaken memory, to protect what is sacred, and to remind us: walang lihim na hindi nabubunyag," she explained.
In another post, Ee expressed her gratitude to Isorena for bringing her vision to life, explaining her specific requests: "I requested stilts because I'm a ballerina, and moving parts because I'm an engineer."
"You nailed both and created this beast beyond what I could’ve ever imagined. You are the epitome of world-class Filipino craftsmanship," she wrote, also thanking her glam team Lei Ponce and Jaaron Go.
Second placer West of Ifugao transformed into an Enkanto wearing a creation by Renel Suarez.
"From the sacred breath of the Ifugao emerges a guardian not of flesh, but of legend an Enkanto forged in the spirit of the highlands. Her crown bears the stories of time, her robes shimmer with the echoes of mountain prayers, and her silence humbles the wild. She is not crowned, she is consecrated not merely a queen, but the pulse of the land, the voice of river hymns, the memory of rice gods. She does not walk she moves as the earth itself remembers," the explanation read.
Third place went to Iloilo Province's Angeline Cordero Kailani, who wore a piece by Ruffy Itaas.
Kailani's costume crafted from recycled water bottles was inspired by the Santelmo, "a mythical ball of fire of a lost soul died from a tragic death."
"This legendary Santelmo becomes more than a tale—it becomes a voice. This national costume burns not to consume, but to illuminate the passion and strength of a more empowered woman."
Fourth placer Fernandez of Sultan Kudarat wore a creation by Jearson C. Demavivas. The beige and gold beaded gown was inspired by Princess Lawanen.
"Crowned with the Provincial Capitol Palace and Sultan Kudarat himself, this costume is a living legend-proudly honoring the rich cultural identity of Sultan Kudarat," she wrote.
Baguio's Soriano, who won fifth place, was inspired by the Lampong, "a two-foot tall forest spirit that has the ability to transform into a white deer with a singular luminous eye."
Meanwhile, PhilSTAR L!fe also spoke with several style experts—stylist Gee Jocson, Drag Race Philippines Season 1's Corazon Filipinas, and designers Jamela Reginaldo, Mikee Andrei, and Jomar Peralta—to get their take on the standout national costumes.
Apart from that, the MUPh organization also released the winners of the special awards. Miss Universe Philippines 2025 1st Runner-Up Teresita Ssen Winwyn Marquez of Muntinlupa, was a significant winner, leaving the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 finals night with nine awards.
Quezon Province's Ahtisa Manalo was named the new MUPh queen at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. She is set to represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant that will be held on Nov. 21 in Thailand.
She was followed by Marquez of Muntinlupa (1st runner-up) and Aduana of Siniloan, Laguna (2nd runner-up).
Sultan Kudarat's Chelsea Fernandez was announced as Miss Philippines Cosmo 2025, while Taguig’s Katrina Llegado was crowned Miss Philippines Supranational 2025. Gabriella Carballo of Cebu was named Miss Philippines Eco International 2025.
