Fans can vote for their bets through the Miss Universe website.
She revealed that she tapped Filipino designer Arwin Meriales and Filipino artist Paulo Espinosa to create her fearless outfit.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 14) — Three candidates of the ongoing Miss Universe Pageant chose to shed light on hot political and current events during the national costume competition on Friday.
Miss Singapore Bernadette Belle Ong, Miss Myanmar Thuzar Wint Lwin, and Miss Uruguay Lola De los Santos wowed the crowd with their powerful statements during the preliminaries in Hollywood, Florida in the United States meant to showcase a nation’s culture.
Ong — born and raised in the Philippines — wore a fiery sequined red leotard and thigh-high boots. The highlight was when she turned around: her red and white cape bore the words “Stop Asian hate.”
The Stop AAPI Hate organization reported an alarming spike in racist and discriminatory attacks against Asian-American Pacific Islanders since the pandemic started.
Myanmar’s bet was unable to present her original costume due to shipment issues, but she still made an impact by wearing her country’s traditional clothing. At the end of the runway, she raised a sign that read, “Pray for Myanmar.”
It has been over 100 days since Myanmar’s military seized power in a coup. Since then, the military junta has brutally cracked down on any perceived opposition to its rule. Mass street protests have been suppressed with deadly force, with more than 780 people killed by security forces and almost 5,000 arrested, according to advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
De los Santos of Uruguay, meanwhile, used her gown to rally for equality for members of the LGBTQIA community.
She donned a rainbow-printed skirt with the words “No more hate, violence, rejection, discrimination. She topped off her colorful but powerful outfit with a rainbow-colored crown.
Miss Universe-Philippines Rabiya Mateo donned a Philippine-flag inspired outfit with a touch of Victoria’s Secret.
The Philippines brought home the national costume award in 2019 after Gazini Ganados shone in a Philippine-eagle inspired outfit created by designer Cary Santiago.
The 69th Miss Universe coronation will be held at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 16 (May 17 in Manila).
So many impactful pieces from this year's delegates!
Don't forget to vote for your favorite costume at https://t.co/isjijntrRM. Voting closes at 11:59 pm on 5/15. pic.twitter.com/2gCet6Rf9x
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) May 14, 2021
Powerful costume from Myanmar!
Don't forget to vote for your favorite costume at https://t.co/isjijntrRM. Voting closes at 11:59 pm on 5/15. pic.twitter.com/EWCq2fM9CD
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) May 14, 2021
