Charles Teves
Netizens were divided on beauty queen Gabrielle Camille Basiano’s outfit for the Binibining Pilipinas’ National Costume presentation.
In the segment, contestants showcased edgy costumes relevant to Philippine culture. Graciella Lehmann of Oriental Mindoro chose to wear a dress inspired by the mythical creature “tikbalang” while TV personality Herlene Budol paid tribute to the Higantes Festival of her hometown, Angono, Rizal.
However, Basiano’s Virgin Mary costume was the most polarizing of all the participants. Some said it looked perfect on her, while others cried blasphemy.
Mama Mary is in the house. Take note nakaheels pa yan. Gabrielle Basiano is so galing! #BBPNatCos2022#BBPFaShow2022 #BbPilipinas2022
— Yam š (@yougotthatYAM) July 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/fxxxxxxxrd/status/1548248937340866562?s=20&t=Q8R0a_mcGAKT7wMeGzLPQQ
Supporters defended Basiano from critics with holier-than-thou attitudes. “This is bash worthy – says the hypocrite religious kuno who go to church on Sundays and cloaked themselves with kindness pero paglabas asal hayop. Come on people!” wrote one supporter.
A priest also defended Basiano’s costume choice, saying it was “respectfully done.”
“It is supposed to showcaseāover and above everythingāthe virtues of the Virgin Maryā¦ I have yet to hear calls for it to be returned to its original useāwhich is catechetical, namely, to instruct and edify in the Christian Faith. Sadly, in many places, more attention has been placed on couture than on the truly spiritual significance of this custom,” the priest added.
Ken Batino and Jevin Salaysay designed the Virgin Mary gown.
āRevered for her humility and motherly love, the Virgin Mary is the ultimate symbol of a WOMAN! An homage to Padul-Ong Festival, a mythical presentation that unfolds the story of how the image of the Virgin Mary was mysteriously transported from Portugal to Borongan, Eastern Samar, celebrated every September 8 of the year.ā Binibining Pilipinas wrote on Instagram.
2 DAYS before the much-anticipated Binibining Pilipinas National Costume. Unveiling the Binibinisā National Costumes before the big day in random.
Bb. 28 Gabrielle Camille Basiano – Borongan City
Photography: Raymond Saldana & Owen Reyes#BBNatCos2022 #BbPilipinas2022 pic.twitter.com/X3rPIpSsWl
— Bb. Pilipinas (@RealBbPilipinas) July 14, 2022
After the segment was over, Basiano admitted that she was nervous on stage, knowing that her costume had already proven to be divisive.
The 2022 Binibining Pilipinas Coronation Night will be held on July 31 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and will be hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and former Miss Grand International Philippines 2016 Nicole Cordoves.
