Miss Earth Philippines 2023 Yllana Aduana paid tribute to her hometown of Laguna by wearing a costume inspired by Maria Makiling.
The striking attire designed by Patrick Isorena was an homage to the mythological fairy or diwata identified with Mount Makiling in Laguna.
Yllana showcases the ensemble at the national costume segment during the preliminary competition of Miss Earth in Vietnam on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
The outfit made use of mostly repurposed materials in line with the pageant's advocacy for environmental awareness and conservation.
Patrick, who designed the national costume of eventual Miss Universe 2022 winner R'Bonney Gabriel from the U.S.A., shared photos of Yllana's outfit on Instagram.
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VYING TO WIN THE CROWN
Yllana is part of the 85 total contestants competing for the crown for Miss Earth 2023.
The 25-year-old beauty queen's campaign to win it for the Philippines is showing great promise so far.
Yllana was among those who made it to the Top 8 Best Bikini, giving her chances a big boost leading to the coronation night on December 22, 2023, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center.
What's more, Yllana ranks fifth in the ongoing Miss People's Choice contest.
If fortunate enough to win the title, Yllana will join the ranks of past Miss Earth winners from the Philippines, namely, Karla Paula Henry (2008), Jamie Herrell (2014), Angelia Ong (2015), and Karen Ibasco (2017).