Catriona Gray’s national costume is on its way back to the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Catriona Gray’s national costume will be following her home soon.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) worked with the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok to bring the ensemble back right in time for the Philippine Quincentennial Commemorations on Friday, December 21.

The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) posted sketches of the costume on Instagram, saying “We are one with the Filipino nation in celebrating the victory of Ms. Catriona Gray.”

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AND we are one with the Filipino nation in celebrating the victory of Ms. Catriona Gray. Our Philippine Embassy in Bangkok and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines are finalizing the handover of the entire set of Ms. Gray’s costume in time for the launching of the Philippine Quincentennial Commemorations this December 21. The Philippine history-inspired costume of the newly crowned Miss Universe is a collaboration of: 1. JEARSON DEMAVIVAS: 16th-century Pintado warrior Body Suit, T’boli Accessories, Parol Pattern Design 2. ERIC QUIWA: Parol/Christmas Lantern Maker 3. RHYANN ANDRADE: LED Lighting Designer and Installer 4. KIM FABABAIR, MARINA CERIOLA, RENEE AVILA: Carlos “Botong” Francisco Mural inspired Painting Artists 5. TOMAS RAMIREZ : Philippine Baroque Church Design Inspired Border Design (made and designed from Apalit, Pampanga- coordinated by MAK TUMANG) 6. JOJO BRAGAIS: Knee-High Boots with Mindanaoan Textile Patterns Design assisted by ARDEL PRESENTACION 7. JUSTINE ALIMAN: Overall Styling 8. JOLO LUARCA: Videographer 9. PROF. XIAO CHUA & CARLOS BUENDIA, JR.: Historical/Cultural Consultant 10. CARLOS BUENDIA, JR: Creative Consultant & Concept 11. CATRIONA GRAY: Concept & Vision

A post shared by NQC Philippines (@nqc2021) on Dec 16, 2018 at 9:05pm PST

The NQC is the group spearheading preparations for the Philippine Quincentennial Commemoration, which celebrates the 500 year anniversaries of the Circumnavigation of the World, the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines, and the Victory at Mactan.

The committee had earlier written to Catriona, expressing their interest in displaying her costume in exhibits in several museums under the NHCP.

Posting a copy of the letter on Instagram, the NCQ said that Catriona and her team “replied enthusiastically” to their request, and that the public will be able to view the piece soon in museums in Angeles City, Intramural, Kawit, and Malolos, though a schedule has yet to be announced.

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Ms. Catriona Gray and her team replied enthusiastically to the request of displaying her costume at the National Quincentennial Committee Office and to select history museums of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The public may view the item SOON from Tuesdays to Sundays, 8am to 4pm, in those museums in Angeles City, Intramuros, Kawit, and Malolos. Schedule to be released. Best wishes, Ms. Gray!

A post shared by NQC Philippines (@nqc2021) on Dec 12, 2018 at 3:53pm PST

The intricate costume seems to belong perfectly in a historical exhibit – not only because the queen who wore it won the competition, but also because the ensemble itself is filled with historical and cultural references.

The visually stunning piece was designed by Jearson Demavivas, and created by a team of artists, designers, and yes, even a historical expert.

The ensemble pays tribute to the 3 major island groups of the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The bodysuit was inspired by the Pintados, and represent Visayas. The headdress and the beaded knee-high boots by Jojo Bragais were inspired by the different tribes of Mindanao. The parol she wore as a backdrop represents Luzon.

Aside from the elements representing the 3 island groups, other features of the ensemble paid tribute to Philippine culture.

For instance, the back of the parol features a mural inspired by the style of national artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco, depicting events in Philippine history. Encircling the mural are the words to the Philippine national anthem, written in Baybayin.

At the same time, the brass border of the parol was inspired by Philippine Baroque churches, and was made in Apalit, Pampanga. – Rappler.com