14 Designers We'd Trust To Make Miss Philippines' National Costume

So, the biggest irony to hit this year’s Miss Universe pageant just happened. The same Colombian designer, Alfredo Barraza, who made that dreadful floral terno for Miss Philippines, also made the sparkling (and winning) frock of this year’s queen, Colombia’s  Paulina Vega. Now, we’re not supporting the rumors of sabotage, but we are sore about the fact that a foreigner designed our Panagbenga-inspired National Costume. Does he even know what Panagbenga is?

Just to be clear, this is not to blame anyone for our unfortunate fall from the top. But we've checked our galleries from Philippine Fashion Weeks of seasons past and found a substantial amount of local designers who can prove that creating a floral terno fit for the pageant is a piece of cake without making it well, look like a cake. Scroll down to see a few talents who know and understand what flower power is. 

Jot Losa Spring/Summer 2012

Blooming in all the right places, this overall look could have worked for MJ.  

Pat Santos Spring/ Summer 2015

Intricate appliques are meant to look beautiful. Imagine this bouquet on a dress! Very Elie Saab, if we may add. 

Aris Pico Spring/ Summer 2013

Soft and flowy never fails. 

Chris Diaz Spring/ Summer 2011

Add a bangin' headdress to this frock and Miss Philippines would have been the much welcomed ray of sunshine. 

Enrico Carado Holiday 2011

This is a better play on the color palette Barraza was going for. 

Homage by Randy Ortiz Holiday 2011

MJ Lastimosa would have killed it in red and chiffon. 

Harley Ruedas Spring/Summer 2012

Turn this into a full ball gown and you'll get a Miss Universe-worthy frock. 

Michael Cinco Holiday 2013

If you've seen Marian Rivera's wedding gown, then you'd know that Michael Cinco knows his details and that he can steal any show. 

Jerome Salaya-Ang 2013

Enchanting is how we would describe this dress. And our candidate could have charmed the judges with its beauty, that's for sure. 

Maricar Kobayashi Holiday 2010

Textured and interesting yet sophisticated, now that would represent our country's character well. 

Richard Papa Spring/ Summer 2014

Black and tulle can send a strong statement while looking sweet. 

Albert Andrada Spring/ Summer 2013

A lengthier version of this baby blue midi would have been refreshing to see on the Miss Universe stage.

Alma Mae Roa Spring/Summer 2012

Full on applique on a floor length dress would have made the right impact Miss Philippines needed. 

Sassa Jimenez Holiday 2011

Sassa Jimenez' take on flowers - that is, working it into the silhouette - is how we'd interpret Baguio's lively Panagbenga festival. The statement-making structure and punchy embroidery could have won us an award.

To be honest, we could name five to ten more designers who could have easily made this list, because the reality is, we have more than enough talent if only we recognized them.

What do you guys think? 

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