Roberta Tamondong paid tribute to the “original Pinay beauty queen” in the Miss Grand International Pageant national costume competition.
Before she walked the runway on Friday, the Philippine bet shared trivia about her costume through the Binibining Pilipinas social media accounts.
According to Roberta, the first Filipina beauty queen is Purificacion Villanueva y Garcia, who was 22 years old when she was hailed as the first “Queen of the Orient” in the first Manila Carnival in 1908.
“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,” she said.
Roberta said that the costume is a set of diverse elements reflecting the journey of Purificacion, who created a “prototype for the modern Filipina.”
Roman Sebastian designed the national costume, an intricate piece of gold, white, and green embellishments. To complete the look, Roberta also held a thin scepter.
Good luck in the competition, Roberta!
—MGP, GMA News
