LOOK: The Most #Extra Costumes From Miss Universe Philippines 2023

(SPOT.ph) Filipino creativity and craftmanship took centerstage for the much-awaited Miss Universe Philippines National Costume competition on May 4 in Tacloban City.

The National Costume Competition had 38 candidates decked out in the theme of “ani” or harvest in honor of the Philippine’s rich agriculture. Airissh Ramos of Eastern Visayas came out the winner, adding another title for her Miss Universe run after having also won the photo shoot challenge. She got the highest average score of 95.2% thanks to a stunning creation by John Hubert Capito.

With about a week left before coronation night on May 13, you can bet the Miss Universe Philippines contestants dressed to impress in their own respective national costumes. Next to the Q&A, the national costume segment is arguably one of the most anticipated moments of Miss Universe as a whole.

Let's take a look at the most extravagant ones below.

Also read: Why are Filipinos Obsessed with Miss Universe?

Miss Universe 2023: National costume, but make it extra

No one else flaunted fruits quite like Kimberly Escartin of Southern Leyte did with her larger-than-life ensemble. Each fruit is blends into one coherent look, even if the entire thing is exploding with colors.

Doctor Octopus, but make it glam. Jannarie Zarzoso of Agusan del Norte is proud of her region’s fast-growing cacao industry. The gown’s bodice is actually sublimed with real cacao, so there’s that. On her shoulders are lined with candles.

You guessed it: Krishnah Gravidez of Baguio is paying homage to her hometown with baskets full of strawberries while covered in traditional Igorot clothing. It's a great play of the pink and green color combination that is too sweet to look away from.

Leafy greens, beaded accessories, and horns to boot. Joemay-an Leo of Benguet is carrying the produce section at her back—and honestly, it works (enough to land her in second place). She also pays tribute to skilled weavers in her region who create intricate textiles such as what she’s showcasing.

Now this is something we don’t see every day: Avery Sucgang of Aklan has a carabao head as a well, headpiece. We can only guess how much that weighed.

Clare Sanchez Inso of Lapu-Lapu proves that bolder doesn’t always mean better. With a more muted color theme compared to other contestants, her look takes inspiration for Lakapati, the hermaphrodite goddess of fertility and agriculture.

Clad in gold, Kimberlyn Acob of Isabela is paying tribute to the "feeders of humanity," with two farmers on top of her head giving life to the rest of her straw-woven ensemble.

We had the carabao, now it’s time for the tamaraw to shine. Kali Navea-Huff of Pasig rocked the stage with her multi-layered costume with a matching cane. She’s the only one in shades black, a bold but ultimately effective choice at standing out from other more colorful peers.

Vanessa Matzeit of Negros Oriental celebrates farmers in her bright yellow get-up. Zoom in to spot the kamesa-tsino, bandana, and tapis that have become every farmer’s essentials.

Hyra Betito of Surigao Del Norte brings the tree of life…to life with her costume. In her province, coconuts continue to be a significant source of livelihood for many families.

Last but certainly not the least is Airissh Ramos of Eastern Samar, who won the Best in National Costume for the night. She described her ensemble as a “love letter to the farmers, a serenade to the gods.”

You can watch the entire three-hour competition below:

Also read: 10 Best Philippine Costumes Ever Worn on the Miss Universe Stage