GALLERY: Miss Universe Philippines 2025 delegates stun as mythical creatures in national costume competition
66 delegates from across the Philippines showcased their best selves as mythical creatures in the national costume competition of this year’s Miss Universe Philippines.
From stunning fairy-like creatures to the terrifying aswangs, the candidates showcased the culture of their respective municipalities and provinces by showing their local mythical creatures, specially made by their respective designers.
Among the standouts are Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez, who dressed up as a supernatural creature “Tiktik,” donning a black and red ensemble bedazzled with rhinestones, acrylic beads, teardrops, embroidery laces, 3D patterns, and spray paints. In her Instagram post, the costume, designed by Bryan Diego, was a tribute to the Philippine cinema, especially to her mom, actress Alma Moreno, who starred in the 1992 film, Aswang, while she was pregnant with Winwyn.
Also dressed as Tiktik is Quezon Province’s Ahtisa Manalo, who had a different interpretation of the creature. Her costume, designed by Ehrran Montoya, featured wing-like accents and bedazzled birds as the headdress.
Meanwhile, Yllana Aduana of Siniloan, Laguna channeled Maria Makiling, a fairy that is believed to be the guardian and protector of Mt. Makiling. Also designed by Montoya, the beauty queen looked ethereal wearing the ensemble that imitates nature, from waterfalls, earth-toned jewels, to lush leaves, reflecting the rich flora of the province.
Millen Cabigas of Siargao also took the spotlight being dressed as Tiyanak. The costume, made by RL Omadle, featured crimson beads spilled like tears, an exaggerated spike-like silhouette on the neck part, and horrifying figures of severed body parts and bloodied skulls.
The competition took place on Wednesday, April 30, at Okada Manila during the Charity Gala, which was for the benefit of organizations My Children's House of Hope Bahay Bata 127, Stairway Foundation Inc., and Caritas Manila.
Take a look at the delegates' national costumes below:
Prior to this, the delegates also walked the runway for the swimsuit and evening gown competition during the preliminaries.
Chelsea Manalo will crown her successor at the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 grand coronation night on May 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The winning candidate will go on to represent the country at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.
