For many of us Filipinos (even in the diaspora), pageants were a long-awaited event in front of the TV. The pride in Miss Philippines or any Filipino on the stage is prevalent. Have you seen the videos and pictures when Pia Wurtzbach won Miss Universe 2015, then Catriona Gray in 2018? Even if pageants aren't an interest to you, as a Filipino, you were bound to hear about it from family and friends.
Cue to this year's Miss Universe Philippines, where the theme is "Mystic." And yes, they were mystical! The theme brought mythology to center stage, inspired by mythological creatures, goddesses, and folklore around the Philippines. Here are our favorites:
Lampong | Gwendoline Meliz Soriano, Miss Baguio City
Designer: Jorick Limpag and Rommel Espiritu
Photographer: John Carlo Sateniaman
Lampong is a forest spirit and protector of the wild. They sometimes appear as a one-eyed white deer and will lure hunters away from their targets.
Designer: Mark Joseph Sayad | Photographer: Proshot Concept Studio
Kataw is often described as a half-woman, half-fish hybrid. They are known to control the waters and sinking boats.
Designer: Jude Chael | Photographer: Proshot Concept Studio
Tabi tabi, po! Jude Chael created the concept of a Dwende Queen who reminds us to respect invites of good fortune.
Designer: ER Stephen Alvardo | Photographer: Proshot Concept Studio
Tigmamanukang is believed to be a sign from the creator god Bathala, symbolizing change. In the story of Malakas and Maganda, the first man and woman, Tigmamanukang was responsible for opening the bamboo from which they emerged.
Designer: Estellu by RL Omadle | Photographer: Proshot Concept Studio
Tiyanak are said to be the spirits of stillborns whose lives were stolen. Because of this, they are vengeful creatures, luring passerbys with their crying in the night. Travelers can wear a shirt inside-out to thwart their malicious efforts to harm them.
Designer: Obra Grandiosa by Bryan Diego | Photographer: Proshot Concept Studio
Aswang is possibly the most famous creature in Philippine mythology. They prey on pregnant women, waiting until nightfall to strike. Aswang will use their thread-like tongue to forge a way from the roof of the house to find their prey, piercing into the woman's womb to eat the embryo.
Bungisngis are large, but dumb one-eyed giants. Their name comes from their features - a large wide mouthy smile.
Designer: Simeon Cayetano | Photographer: Proshot Concept Studio
Bakunawa is a celestial eater, creating eclipses when it attempts to swallow the moon whole. Banging pots and pans and making lots of noise will scare off the Bakunawa, who will spit out the moon, ending the eclipse.
Designer: Patrick Isorena | Photographer: Proshot Concept Studio
Mayari is the goddess of the moon and revolutions and war. After her father, Bathala, died, she fought her brother, Apolaki, to rule the world. After she lost an eye, her Apolaki offered to share the power. When Mayari rules in the night, it is dimmer due to her one eye.
Designer: Rooman Sebastian | Photographer: Proshot Concept Studio
Mangkukulam is a person who practices kulam (witchcraft). They are believed to be malicious in their crafts, inflicting illness, misfortune, and even death on their victims.
Designer: Santino Rivera | Photographer: Proshot Concept Studio
Indung Laut is the Mother Ocean. She protects the waters and guards the sea spirits.
