Miss Universe PH Tacloban's Yolanda-Inspired National Costume Draws Mixed Reactions
Where some netizens praised it for being "meaningful," others found the costume "insensitive."
by Jam Nitura
Published on Apr 18, 2026
The national costume competition for this year’s Miss Universe Philippines is themed after water. The prompt has since given birth to a number of interesting interpretations, like Miss Negros Occidental Alex Colmenares’ sardine-can inspired garb. Another entry that stood out was Miss Tacloban Jacqueline Gulrajani’s dress inspired by supertyphoon Yolanda, which has been dividing netizens online.
Reactions to Miss Universe PH Tacloban’s National Costume
The gown, named “Waves of Courage, The Heart of Hope” is said to honor the “resilience” of the Filipino spirit.
It features a headdress that replicates the eye of a storm. Its bodice, meanwhile, is crafted with a shell-like armor that, according to designer Charlotte Rodriguez, “reflects both the sea’s beauty and its brutality.” On the skirt are images of drowning figures reaching out for help, “frozen in time, symbolizing the countless lives lost and the desperate cries that echoed beneath the rising waters,” he described in a Facebook post.
The costume won Miss Tacloban a spot among the six national costume honorees, alongside Negros Occidental, Pangasinan, Iloilo Province, Baguio, and Pampanga. However, outside the pageant, sentiment among the public has been a mix of praise and criticism.
Some have commended it for drawing out a “meaningful story” and a “powerful message.” They see it as a reminder to push for change and continued action on the topic of flood control.
One interpreted it as a representation of "the Philippines Suffering from floods caused by corruption. It shows the struggles of many Filipinos who lose their homes and safety during strong floods.”
That said, other netizens viewed Tacloban’s costume differently, criticizing it for “romanticizing” a disaster that took thousands of lives. “There are so many ways to pay homage to your hometown without romanticizing resilience and glamorizing a tragedy,” said an X user. "You can't make a disaster into a costume," commented another.
Doctor and content creator Jairus Cabajar also chimed in, expressing that he understood the intent behind the gown, but that the execution itself went “overboard." He wrote, "There’s a thin line between making a political statement and romanticizing a disaster? Should have been more tasteful and less gimmicky?"
What’s your take on Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban’s national costume?
Jam’s way of exploration is by reading and writing. She hopes to always be lost in words and, occasionally, a good podcast.