Standout Miss Universe Philippines 2025 national costumes according to style experts

Millien Cabigas, Siargao

Millen Cabigas of Siargao 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.  

According to Lenard Medrano, also known as Corazon Filipinas from Drag Race Philippines Season 1, Siargao's costume is "creepy yet iconic, as it embodies twisted folklore fantasy."

"I would absolutely wear this on the Drag Race runway. It's demonic... but make it fashion," Corazon said.

This also rings true for fashion stylist Gee Jocson, who praised the costume for its "outstanding" use of materials. 

"The materials look like it's really blood from afar but looking closely at its PVC and crystals, wow!" she told L!fe. 

Angeline Cordero Kailani, Iloilo Province

Representing her province with raw power and poetic fire, Angeline Cordero Kailani captivated audiences with a costume inspired by the legendary Santelmo—a mythical ball of fire said to be the restless spirit of a soul lost to a tragic fate, made by Ruffy Itaas.

"She's a fireball goddess—literally. This costume blazes with confidence and otherworldly glam. Serving heat, serving myth, serving flame! Fierce never looked this fiery," Corazon underscored. 

Chelsea Fernandez, Sultan Kudarat

A breathtaking tribute to Princess Lawanen—the mythical heroine of Mindanao—brought to life by the Sultan Kudarat's Chelsea Fernandez. 

Her costume was made by Jearson Demavivas and it features a regal beige drape adorned with gold-crystallized embellishments. It also has a mechanical back gear that dramatically reveals a princess framed by bamboo poles and Okir patterns, evoking the iconic Singkil dance. 

For Corazon, the costume is a "masterpiece" as it is a "true blend of antiquity and modernity" that "honors the rich layers of Philippine history."

"Chelsea wore it with such poise and pride—it's regal, rooted, and runway-worthy. BEST IN NATIONAL COSTUME, no question." 

Pinay designer Jamela Reginaldo also loved the costume's "powerful and moving interpretation of their rich culture and heritage."

"From the intricate craftsmanship to the commanding presence, [this is a ] stunning tribute to tradition, elevated with a touch of modern elegance," she said. 

Yllana Marie Aduana, Siniloan, Laguna

Renowned fashion designer Ehrran Montoya paid dazzling tribute to Maria Makiling, the iconic guardian spirit of Mount Makiling, through Yllana Marie Aduana, Siniloan, Laguna's delegate.

Mikee Andrei, a Paranaque-based fashion designer, told L!fe that this costume is a "masterpiece and one of the best during the show" as the "details were crafted cohesively and were put together as if it was a live moving enchanted forest." 

"It reminded me of Te Fiti in the movie Moana. Despite the costume being huge and festive, Yllana carried it gracefully and showcased it like a true goddess. It was mythical and breathtaking," she said.

Shamara Krupa, Dumaguete City

Shamara Krupa, representing Dumaguete City, delivered a powerful tribute to one of the Philippines' most mysterious legends—the cursed lights and spectral queen of Biringan City. Her portrayal of Queen Carolina captivated audiences and judges alike at Miss Universe Philippines 2025, transforming the stage into a portal of myth and memory. 

"With its earthly color combination and local materials used, this costume actually is Miss Universe stage ready and can represent the Philippines," Andrei said, adding that the costume details were so "intricate and impeccable." 

"The styling was on point and showed Miss Dumaguete's grace and beauty even if it was a big costume to carry," Andrei continued. 

Sasha Lacuna, Tarlac

Sasha Lacuna, representing Tarlac, emerged as a beauty queen and a mythical force. Drawing from the rich tapestry of pre-colonial Visayan mythology, her costume honored the Bakunawa, the legendary serpent dragon that once sought to devour the moon.

Andrei feels "nostalgic" about the costume as it reminds her of Bea Gomez's national costume during the Miss Universe 2021 competition.

For her, Lacuna carried it "carelessly and gracefully." 

"It's very risky to choose mythical creatures such as the bakunawa without making it look playful and tacky. Both the designer and the candidate were a winner during this segment," she said. 

Valerie Claire West, Ifugao

Another entry at Miss Universe Philippines 2025 stood apart—not by sheer extravagance, but by the haunting, quiet power it exuded. Titled "Enkanto," this ethereal creation, made by Renel Suarez, pays tribute to the ancestral spirits and sacred landscapes of the Ifugao, transforming folklore into fashion with breathtaking reverence.

"[Valerie Claire West] looked absolutely stunning in white—such a striking and refreshing take on the traditional!" Reginaldo said. 

She added, "The ballet-inspired entrance was so unexpected and creative. There was something enchantingly eerie about her presence, like a mysterious goddess stepping out of a dream—in the best way possible. Every element of this costume was beautifully done, from the concept to the intricate details." 

This was also lauded by Jocson, who got "goosebumps" as West looked "amazing" while wearing the costume, combined with "good storytelling." 

"It's just the right amount of glam, fashion, and couture," she said. 

Jarina Sandhu, Isabela

In a tribute to the goddess of agriculture and fertility, Jarina Sandhu's national costume presentation welcomed a story woven from myth, love, and legacy. 

Her entry featured Ikapati, the giver of life and harvest. She reimagined one of the country's ancient deities—not only as a figure of abundance but also as a mythical matriarch whose love created a new guardian of the land: the Bambanti.

Reginaldo chose this as one of her top picks for this year's national costume because of its "refreshing" vibes and "clean execution." 

"This was honestly the second costume that caught my eye — beautifully crafted and so refreshing! The clean execution and brilliant bamboo concept made it truly stand out. I loved all the intricate details; it felt like a walking tribute to Isabela's rich culture and natural beauty." 

Jasmine Paguio, Manila

Jasmine Paguio from Manila also drew inspiration from one of the country's oldest and most mysterious legends: Santelmo, the spirit of fire. 

Made by Patrick Isorena, her costume features St. Elmo's fire, which was believed to have "long served as an omen of heavenly intervention to sailors." 

With these, Reginaldo said that Paguio looked "incredible" wearing her bold red costume. 

"The fiery effect added so much power and drama. The craftsmanship was on another level; every part of the costume was so detailed and well-executed. You can really see the effort and artistry that went into creating it," she said to L!fe. 

Similarly, Jocson lauded the choice of color and materials.

"It felt like I was transported somewhere else! Good choices in color and materials. and the fire fan made it seem that the mythical creature was also with us on stage," she said. 

Allyson Mei Ee, Caloocan 

Miss Universe Philippines Caloocan unveiled a national costume that turned heads and stirred the soul made as well by Isorena. Inspired by the mythical figure Walo—a creature with eight heads and a thousand eyes—this costume did more than impress; it invoked ancestral wisdom and the power of cultural memory.

"The interpretation of the Walo Walong Ulo costume was brilliantly executed! I also noticed how well she carried the weight of the costume, especially the impressive structure. The craftsmanship of the headpiece and the way she managed the heavy details was amazing—she truly made it look effortless!" Reginaldo said. 

Eloisa Jauod, Laguna

Another standout look in MUPH 2025 national costume draws deeply from myth and memory: Si Maganda— a breathtaking interpretation of Filipino beauty rooted in the country’s most enduring creation myth, showcased by Laguna's Eloisa Jauod. 

For designer Jomar Peralta, Jauod's costume is "a simple but meaningful representation of a beautiful and empowered Filipina."