By Marisol Bo-oc | 12:29 PM July 25, 2021
The national costume of Bohol’s bet to the Miss World Philippines 2021 has gone viral on social media, for its detailed, lifelike depiction of the provincial bird, which inspired the outfit.
Mara Ruiz’s national costume is inspired by the provincial bird, the Antolihao or the black-naped oriole.
It is a fierce and elegant bird endemic to the Philippines found in Bohol.
In his Facebook post, Noel Bompat Estopito, who designed the costume, said it is adorned with instricately-sewn beads, elaborate feather details, and an embroidered headpiece as its crowning glory.
“This vivid costume is an homage to the diverse and teeming wildlife found all over the ecological paradise of Bohol. Like the exquisite Antolihao, this outfit is ready to take flight and soar,” said Estopito.
Ruiz, a lawyer, is among 45 candidates in this year’s Miss World Philippines pageant, which will crown its winners on August 8.
The pageant will see 45 candidates compete for 8 crowns: Miss World Philippines, Miss Supranational Philippines, Miss Eco Philippines, Miss Eco Teen Philippines, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, Miss Multinational Philippines, Miss Philippines Tourism, and Miss Environment International Philippines.
