PAGEANT | Top 10 Evening Gowns of Philippines in Miss Universe 2010-2022

As Miss Universe season returns, it's the perfect time to delve into our favorite aspect of the competition – and no, it's not the question and answer segment or the swimsuit portion; it's the evening gowns. It's no secret that this blog is an enthusiastic supporter of Miss Universe, primarily because of the stunning fashion displayed on the runway. The evening gowns truly have the power to elevate or hinder the chances of Philippine delegates. Of course, one could argue that the preliminary rounds and the Q&A session are the real deal-breakers, but as an audience who can only view what's broadcast on television, we can't help but marvel at the exquisite designs.

In this list, we are ranking the top 10 evening gowns worn by Philippine representatives from 2010 (Venus Raj) to 2022 (Celeste Cortesi). While there were certainly remarkable gowns before 2010, such as Miriam Quiambao's iconic dress, the revival of the Philippines' Miss Universe success began in 2010. As a result, we'll focus on the 2010-2022 era.

10. Rabiya Mateo, 2020

What can we say about Rabiya's gown? It prompted Filipino pageant fans to ponder the strategic approach of the Philippine team – the idea of "knowing when to peak." They waited until the final day to unveil the orange gown, which many believed was superior to the yellow one she had previously worn. It was also evident that Rabiya was not at her absolute best when she graced the stage in this yellow gown, concluding her journey in the Top 21 round.

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Miss Philippines National Costume in Miss Universe 2020 (69th Edition)

9. Venu Raj, 2010

While not exactly a show-stopping gown, Venus' dress played a crucial role in ending the Philippines' Miss Universe placement drought. In Venus' own words, "I love my gown because it is so flowy." She graced the Las Vegas stage with elegance, strutting her best in a gown adorned with a sizable ribbon on the chest. Interestingly, despite some questioning its taste, the gown caught the judges' attention and secured Venus a place in the final top 5, ultimately landing her as the fourth runner-up. It was a missed opportunity, as they say, that a more convincing response in the Q&A segment might have propelled her to an even major-major higher placement.

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Venus Raj in a "major-major" way

8. Maxine Medina, 2016

Who could possibly forget the iconic gown from 2016? That year, the Philippines hosted the 65th Miss Universe, and I must say, the green tassel gown was nothing short of groundbreaking. It caused quite a sensation among pageant enthusiasts because, truth be told, the Philippines hadn't seen many contemporary, chic gowns like this one before. The green gown exuded an air of elegance, style, and uniqueness. With every graceful sway, it effortlessly captured the judges' attention. This extraordinary gown played a pivotal role in helping Maxine secure her spot in the final top 6.

7. Janine Tugonon, 2012

Yet another Barraza creation gracing our list, and to be completely honest, this gown owed much of its charm to Janine herself. The ethereal quality of the light blue gown seemed uniquely tailored to Janine, and it's difficult to imagine anyone else pulling it off as she did. During the final competition, she appeared to be floating on air, showcasing a pasarela that set her apart from any other Filipina candidate before her. Despite the gown's simplicity, it served as a perfect canvas for Janine to shine and demonstrate her remarkable walking skills. In essence, the gown acted as more of an accessory, but it's ranked higher on this list because it exuded a magical aura that night. It seems the judges recognized this magic too, as Janine achieved the impressive feat of becoming the 1st runner-up, standing alongside eventual winner Olivia Culpo of the USA.

6. Celeste Cortesi, 2022

To the disappointment of countless pageant enthusiasts worldwide, not limited to Filipinos, Celeste, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful delegates ever fielded by the Philippines, failed to secure a spot in the semi-finals. It left everyone questioning what went wrong, as her omission seemed perplexing. The prevailing belief was that her closed-door interview might have played a detrimental role. However, amidst the disappointment, one cannot help but appreciate the artistry of this light blue gown. The intricate crystals, meticulous details, and well-placed linings all came together harmoniously to create an illusion of added height and regal elegance, serving as a testament to the fine craftsmanship of the gown.

5. Rachel Peters, 2017

This gown exuded an aura of opulence and adorned Rachel in a way that was nothing short of perfect. What truly captivated me about this gown was how it struck a perfect balance between sensuality and elegance, accentuating just the right amount of skin. The feathery-like embellishments at the gown's ends added a layer of depth to this masterpiece. When Rachel stood alongside the other top 10 contestants on stage, she undeniably stood out. The gown possessed an undeniable chic quality as she gracefully walked the stage, making it, in my opinion, one of the most stunning gowns ever worn by a Miss Philippines.

4. Shamcey Supsup, 2011

Among all the Barraza gowns showcased during this pageant era, Shamcey's stands out as a true masterpiece in terms of design and material. The gown's skin-tone effect was nothing short of fabulous, enhancing Shamcey's ability to execute her legendary "tsunami walk" with remarkable grace. The fabric elegantly embraced her figure, accentuating all the right curves and contours, making Shamcey look utterly stunning that night. It was, in fact, a close call – she seemed to have it all wrapped up, if not for the final question. Nevertheless, there's no denying that this gown temporarily silenced Barraza's critics. Shamcey ultimately secured an impressive 3rd runner-up placement.

3. Beatrice Gomez, 2021

You can instantly recognize a Francis Libiran couture creation when it graces the stage, and this gown embodied all that Libiran is renowned for in the fashion world. The flowing lines of this masterpiece, sculpting the body like a goddess, are the unmistakable signature of this exceptional designer. While many had doubts about Bea's chances of winning Miss Universe, I believe that it was this gown that sealed her well-deserved spot in the top 5. The gown radiated brilliance and dazzled both the judges and the audience with its mesmerizing crystals. Its allure is simply irresistible; it's as if you can savor its enchantment as if it were a delectable dish. That's the level of  impact this gown exudes.

2. Pia Wurtzbach, 2015

Pia consistently mentions in her interviews that blue is her lucky color, but here's an interesting tidbit - the iconic blue gown she wore wasn't initially planned for her by Madam Stella, the national director. However, destiny intervened, and Pia ended up donning this exquisite creation by Andrada to perfection. What stood out to me about this gown was the delightful surprise it held in the back. As soon as she turned on that stage, it ensured that the audience had a collective "whoa" moment. However, the gown appeared quite snug, and my heart genuinely skipped a beat when she stumbled on the stage. Thankfully, she recovered gracefully. This year also marked the unforgettable Steve Harvey blunder, where he mistakenly crowned Colombia instead of Pia, etching a memorable moment in the annals of pageant history.

1. Catriona Gray, 2018

And now, our top selection for the best gown is none other than Catriona Gray's "lava gown," inspired by the majestic Mayon volcano in her hometown of Bicol. This gown was a true collaborative masterpiece, with Mak Tumang working closely alongside Catriona to bring her creative ideas to life as part of her comprehensive Miss Universe preparations, which extended to her gowns. For the lava gown, Catriona ensured that the fiery red hue would captivate the audience and mirror the molten lava flowing down a volcano while elegantly revealing just the right amount of skin. What made it even more remarkable that year was its stark contrast to the metallic gowns worn by the other top 5 candidates, all in skin-toned shades. Catriona was the sole standout in her vibrant red attire, and if you revisit the top 5 clip, you'll see that her commanding presence and that captivating red gown made her the undeniable winner.

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