Ahtisa is Festejada, The Queen of Philippine Festivals

Maria Ahtisa Manalo paid tribute to the Philippines' fiesta heritage during the National Costume Competition of the 74th Miss Universe pageant held yesterday, November 19, at Thailand's Impact Challenger Hall.

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The Quezon Province native appeared in a creation by designer Mak Tumang, who famously designed the dresses of Ahtisa's Binibining Pilipinas batchmate and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray when she was crowned in Thailand.

In a social media post, Tumang shared details behind the costume which he dubbed "Festejada" or "The Queen of Philippine Festivals."

Tumang took reference from the Giant Lantern Festival of Pampanga, the Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, and the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio. He particularly directed attention to the costume’s upper portion, which is crafted from handmade piña with abanico and palay embroidery motifs, as well as the skirt fashioned from dyed fabric adorned with 65,000 hand-cut, die-cut, and heat-pressed petals.

Also striking were the Camisa with its bell-shaped sleeves, saya, or skirt and the Pañuelo draped across Ahtisa's shoulders honoring the timeless silhouette of the Traje de Mestiza garment. The silhouette, Tumang wrote, is reminiscent of the Maria Clara identity popularized by Jose Rizal in "Noli Me Tangere," which became the symbol of the ideal Filipina: virtuous, modest, and dignified.

"Maria Clara's name would forever be linked to the Traje de Mestiza, later evolving into today’s Terno, the national dress of the Philippines," Tumang said.

Capping off the look was a Peineta adorned with tambourine and filigree-inspired gold accessories to mirror the country's traditional jewelry and goldsmithing heritage.