It's confirmed: Philippine bet Maxine Medina will be wearing Rhett Eala's creations at Miss Universe 2016!
Maxine officially announced her chosen designer on Tuesday, January 10, at Novotel Hotel, Quezon City, where her send-off party was held.
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other members of the press, Maxine said, "Well, it's crucial because it's really hard to choose a gown for the finals, and to even look better on stage."
The 26-year-old beauty queen went on to thank Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc.'s Chairperson Stella Araneta "for helping me with all of these, for helping me choose my designer for the finals."
However, Maxine was tight-lipped when asked what her evening gown and national costume would look like.
In a separate interview with Rhett, he also did not share much detail about Maxine's competition gowns.
He said, "Nothing I've posted [on Instagram] is about Maxine's gown so surprise na lang."
He did mention that her national costume will have South Sea pearls.
"I can only tell you that the head dress of Miss Philippines will be designed by Jewelmer.
"There's gonna be South Sea pearls on it."
With regard to her evening gown, Rhett described it as "sexy" and "elegant."
The Pinoy designer noted, "Maxine's concern is she wants to show off her figure, so I'm not going to do anything not flattering for her figure."
Rhett began collaborating with BPCI and Maxine since the latter bagged the Miss Universe Philippines title last April.
He said, "We've been working on it, of course, when Maxine won.
"Siguro, she gave me a couple of weeks, then we started sending in sketches back and forth, get approvals, the fittings."
Rhett designed Maxine's gorgeous lavender mermaid-cut evening gown during the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 pageant...
...including her pink Filipiniana gown for the national costume segment.
Rhett said he designed more gowns and dresses which Maxine may use during the pageant activities.
"I designed about ten looks for her, but she's gonna be wearing other designers too, not just me."