Binibini No. 1 Samantha Panlilio is representing the province of Cavite at the competition and her national costume is designed by Klevin Bartolaba and symbolizes Cavite’s national heroes, the thirteen martyrs who led the revolution against Spain in 1896.
The gown is made of local Filipino fabric and the wings attached to the costume are made of real feathers and tainted with gold to symbolize our kalayaan. The belt’s colours represent the victory of the Philippines. The diva also mentioned that the costume’s crown was inspired by her aunt’s Binibining Pilipinas Universe crown.
(Photography: Raymond Saldaña)