Roberta is currently in Indonesia to compete in Miss Grand International 2022
MANILA, Philippines – Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2022 Roberta Tamondong paid homage to the original Filipina beauty queen in her look for the upcoming national costume competition of Miss Grand International.
Roberta shared the look on Instagram, with photos showing the resplendent ensemble made of pearls, heavy beading, and lace embroidery.
In the caption, she introduced Purificacion Villanueva y Garcia, also known as Pura Villanueva Kalaw. As Roberta shared, Pura was named “Queen of the Orient” at the first Manila Carnival in 1908 when she was 22 years old – effectively making her the country’s first beauty queen.
The Manila Carnival was a festival held in Manila during the American colonization. It featured parades and circus and theater performances.
The highlight of the Carnival was the crowning of the Carnival Queen, who was elected by ballot.
“This work of art was made to introduce contemporary audiences to the original Pinay beauty queen, who created a new prototype for the modern Filipina. It was a set of diverse elements that was part of her journey to be the first miss Manila Queen of Carnival,” she said.
“I am hoping that I will follow in Pura’s footsteps and become the first Filipina to win the Miss Grand International competition and receive the golden crown.”
Roberta is currently in Indonesia, where she is participating in pre-pageant activities.
She will be wearing her carnival queen look at the national costume competition, which will stream live on the Miss Grand International YouTube channel on October 20, 8 pm. – Rappler.com
