LOOK: Miss Universe Bet's National Costume Is as Filipino as It Can Get

(SPOT.ph) To represent the entirety of the country and its many cultures is not an easy feat. With over 170 ethnolinguistic groups spread across thousands of islands, the Philippines is a country of diversity. This is perhaps why people were pleasantly surprised and awed upon seeing Miss Universe bet Catriona Gray in her national costume: A unique ensemble that aims to represent the three main groups of islands in the Philippines.

Catriona Gray’s National Costume. ???? Look at those details! #MissUniverse #Philippines pic.twitter.com/3Zy4AtCavi

— ???????? ???????????????????????????????????? ? (@iamalchristine) December 10, 2018

????????????????????????#MissUniverse #Philippines #CatrionaGray pic.twitter.com/gKIBDTtgIJ

— Kween A ???? (@QueenPilipinas) December 10, 2018

Representing Luzon is a gigantic parol backpiece that Gray had to wear as she walked across the runway. She wore a nude bodysuit decorated with an intricate pattern that’s reminiscent of the Pintados’ in the Visayas, and to tie the look together, she wore handmade brass accessories and a T’boli headdress representing Mindanao.

WATCH: #MissPhilippines #CatrionaGray pays homage to the diverse culture of the #Philippines in a costume that features #Luzon, #Visayas and #Mindanao during the national costume competition of the #2018MissUniverse Pageant in #Bangkok, #Thailand.

???? Video via @PhilippineStar pic.twitter.com/GdmKUvyODr

— Everyday History (@edhistoryph) December 10, 2018

To further advance the Philippine’s culture and heritage, the back of her parol backpiece was also painted with some of the country’s most historic events, something that was only revealed the moment she turned her back to the audience.

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LUZON????????? "MAGDIWANG" Miss Universe Philippines National costume 2018???????? MAGDIWANG" (Celebrate): The island group of LUZON is represented by the world-renowned "PAROL/CHRISTMAS LANTERN" from the province of Pampanga with a BRASS BORDER designed and made in Apalit, Pampanga (inspired by designs from the Philippine Baroque Churches that were declared as UNESCO Heritage Sites) At the back of the PAROL is a PAINTING with INSCRIPTION of the lyrics from "LUPANG HINIRANG", the Philippines’ National Anthem written in Baybayin (Ancient Filipino Alphabet) that literally translates to: "Lupang hinirang, Duyan ka ng magiting, Sa manlulupig Di ka pasisiil. Sa dagat at bundok, Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw." The PAINTING also highlighted victories, festivals, events, heroes and national icons with a style inspired by the works of Philippine National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco, a native of the Art Capital of the Philippines, Angono, Rizal in Luzon. Version artist :Carlos buendia???????????? Parol: Eric Quiwa Painter artist: UST paintings Graduate Gold brass: Sir mak Tumang Stylist: @justine.aliman19

A post shared by jearsond (@jearsond) on Dec 10, 2018 at 6:02am PST

The piece was designed by Jearson Demavivas, in collaboration with Gray, Carlos Buenda, and Jojo Bragais. It was showcased on December 10 for one of the pre-pageant events leading to the coronation night in Thailand.