Year after year, the Philippines has not really focused much on what traditional attires our beauty representatives will wear in their respective pageant assignments here and abroad. Sure, there is the extra effort given when hosting chores are done locally because the inconvenience of transporting a complex and bulky national costume from airport to airport is no longer a major concern.
For 2013, which among our bets wore the best cultural garb? Is she one of the seven ladies above?
Matet Gorgonio was the original wearer of what Angeli Dione Gomez was seen parading in Miss Tourism International 2013.
I’d say a reluctant yes to Angeli Dione Gomez wearing the innovative Cary Santiago creation during the Miss Tourism International 2013 Press Presentation. Reluctant because our Cebuana bet did not have the full grace and fierceness exuded by its original wearer (Matet Gorgonio) during Bb. Pilipinas 2013. But still, it stood out head and shoulders above what the others were made to parade in this year. Angelee delos Reyes’ warrior-inspired take during Miss Earth 2013 comes a close second, but that’s not saying much really because the concept was somewhat lost in translation in the over-all analysis of the inspiration behind it all.
Truth be told, however, my pick as the Best National Costume for a Filipina rep this year (photo below) was worn during Miss International Queen 2013 in Pattaya, Thailand when Kristina Cassandra Ybarra (who made Top 10) slipped into the most elaborate and most well-carried cultural festival attire. She was at her graceful best in the same. And the whole outfit would really put to shame the ones assigned to the major competitions.
So there. What say you, dear readers? 
