Fiesta-Inspired Gown Graces the Global Stage
Miss Universe Philippines 2025, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, made a spectacular appearance at the Miss Universe 2025 national costume competition in Thailand on Wednesday, November 19. She proudly showcased a vibrant and intricate national costume that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines.
A Masterpiece Named 'Festejada'
The stunning ensemble, christened Festejada, is the creation of renowned Kapampangan fashion designer Mak Tumang. In a detailed explanation, Tumang revealed that the costume draws its powerful inspiration from the country's most iconic and colorful festivals. These include the dazzling Giant Lantern Festival from Pampanga, the bountiful and artistic Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, and the flower-filled celebrations of the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio.
The craftsmanship behind Festejada is nothing short of extraordinary. The handcrafted piña Filipiniana top is adorned with beautiful embroidery featuring traditional motifs of the abanico (fan) and palay (rice grain). The true showstopper, however, is the magnificent skirt. It is painstakingly embellished with an incredible more than 65,000 individual petals, each one hand-cut and heat-pressed to perfection.
Bringing this vision to life was a monumental task. Tumang disclosed that the entire production of the national costume spanned three months and required the dedicated work of a team comprising 15 skilled artisans.
More Than Just a National Costume
Mak Tumang's creative involvement extended beyond the national costume. He also designed Manalo's preliminary evening gown for the competition. This gown, titled Pinctada, presents a different kind of Filipino beauty. Crafted in a deep midnight blue, the gown is inspired by the profound depth and quiet strength of the sea. It is elegantly detailed with gold accents and features pearl-like elements that pay homage to the precious South Sea pearls.
The final and most crucial moment is fast approaching. Ma. Ahtisa Manalo will compete with delegates from around the world for the coveted Miss Universe crown. The grand finale is scheduled for November 21 at the Impact Challenger Hall, where the current titleholder, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, will crown her successor.
