Critters, beasts come to life at Bb. Pilipinas 2026 national costume competition

Birds, butterflies and blossoms have inspired numerous costumes that graced many pageant stages so that they have become a staple in beauty contests. But for the 2026 Binibining Pilipinas competition, bugs and beasts also took center stage.

The 35 candidates of this year’s edition of the national pageant showcased creations inspired by endemic and endangered species found across the country at the “National Costume Competition” held at the New Frontier Theater at the Araneta City in Quezon City on Thursday afternoon, July 2.

Camille Bernadette Martin from Malolos, Bulacan, paraded in a costume inspired by ants, while Mylene Manschus from Tanza, Cavite, appeared as a bay bug (hipong urong) with two of her sea buddies propped on her back.

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Britney Angel Rubino from Caluya, Antique, was a beautiful coconut crab, while Trisha Marie Rosales from General Trias, Cavite, brought a flash of neon green, dressed up as a grasshopper.

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Maria Kathrina Pauline Cudia from Jaen, Nueva Ecija, and Sasha Lacuna from Tarlac wore costumes that drew inspiration from the “carabao” (water buffalo), while Ain Nigyla Abad from San Jose, Occidental Mindodo, brought the tamaraw under the spotlight.

Anna Klein Castero from Pampanga shed off her glamorous side to parade as a “betute” frog, an exotic delicacy from her province, while Iloilo’s Patricia Lynn Beerda’s costume had a frog’s head attached at the back.

The national costume competition has been one of the most anticipated events of the Bb. Pilipinas pageant every year, because of the colorful and creative interpretations of the country’s culture and heritage.

Ten delegates were shortlisted for the race to become the Best in National Costume:

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– Ilolo, Patricia Lynn Beerda– San Jose, Occcidental Mindoro, Ain Niqyla Abad– Pampanga, Anne Klein Castro– Cavite Province, Kaye Pastelero– Tanza, Cavite, Mylene Manschus– Caluya, Antique, Britney Angel Rubino– Tarlac Province, Sasha Lacuna– Bicol Region, Iris Oresca– Dasmariñas, Cavite, Samantha Marie Zabarte– Aklan, Pauline Thea Ann Ibuyan

The public may help boost their respective bets’ chances of clinching the award by liking and sharing the candidate’s photo from the Binibining Pilipinas Facebook page using the hashtag “#BBPNatCos2026.”

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Scores from the judges will be combined with the results from social media to determine who will receive the Best in National Costume award.

The 2026 National Costume Competition also served as a fundraising drive for relief efforts in areas affected by the Sarangani earthquake last month. Proceeds of the event will be turned over to the Philippine Red Cross.

An initial P1-million donation from Bb. Pilipinas 2026 presenter Nustar Online has already been turned over to the Philippine Red Cross-Quezon City Chapter.

Fans will get another chance to see their favorite Binibinis in person at the “Grand Parade of Beauties” on July 11, Saturday, at the Araneta City grounds in Quezon City.

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The 2026 Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on July 18. Reigning Miss International Catalina Duque from Colombia and The Miss Globe Chayathanus Saradatta from Thailand will attend the event. /ra