THE Miss Universe Philippines 2024 preliminaries started with the National Costume competition held on April 28 at the Sultan Kudarat Gymnasium and Cultural Center.

Hosted by Miss Universe 2022 R'bonney Gabriel and actor Marco Gumabao, the competition saw 53 contestants showcasing their striking ensembles with the theme "Philippine flora and fauna."

Janet Hammond from Southern California, Alexie Mae Brooks from Iloilo City and Tamara Ocier from Tacloban City were the top three winners, each receiving a P100,000 cash prize.

Best costumes Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban Tamara Ocier embodies the goddess of the sun embraced by the Tacloban monitor lizard, known to locals as 'Halo.' INSTAGRAM PHOTO/CHARLOTTECR8S

Inspired by the Tubbataha Reef, Hammond's costume was designed by Ehrran Montoya and is said to be "a tribute to the Philippines' marine treasures."

"Adorned with an array of marine species, the costume boasts intricate textures reminiscent of coral formations, meticulously crafted with exquisite beadwork and fabric manipulations. Each detail is a testament to the rich underwater biodiversity of the Philippines, celebrating its diverse flora and fauna in all their splendor," Filipino designer Montoya explained in his Instagram account.

"As #JetHammond graces the stage, she embodies the spirit of the ocean, radiating the essence of its wonders; she not only pays homage to her homeland's natural marvels but also captures the hearts of all who behold the majesty of the Tubbataha Reef brought to life," the post added.

Meanwhile, Brooks wowed the audience as she ascended the stage, sporting a bodysuit with sparkling multicolored details arranged in a design that resembles an eight-legged critter called "Ugto-Ugto," an Ilonggo term for an orb-weaver spider.

The costume of Southern California's Janet Hammond was inspired by the Tubbataha Reef. INSTAGRAM PHOTO/EHRRANMONTOYA

On her Facebook fan page, Brooks' team shared: "The posterior part is simply elegant and highlights the wearer's voluptuousness. The bedazzled appendages affixed to the back represent balance and personal growth and a delicate-colored cephalothorax headpiece adorned with voluminous eyes finish the look. Attached to the ensemble are stylized webs intricately decked with pearl-like embellishments."

"Vital to the spider's symbolism is ingenuity. Its gentle yet complex web reminds us how to be creative and persistent artisans, urging us to weave our dreams with meaning and precision. May this masterpiece by Tata Blas Pinuela remind us that despite their diminutive sizes, spiders and other arachnids are great eco-warriors and are equally important in our fauna system. In a comparable manner, inclusion and justness are not just social standards but are principles that apply naturally to the wildlife welfare movement. They muse about the understanding that equality should be extended to everyone, where every being is valued, and every voice is heard," the team added.

Tacloban's Ocier wore a costume inspired by the sun goddess combined with a monitor lizard or "Halo," as referred to by the locals.

Miss Iloilo City Alexie Brooks' costume features the 'Ugto-Ugto' or orb-weaver spider for her entry at the National Costume Competition. SCREENSHOT FROM YOUTUBE/EMPIRE PHILIPPINES

"[Ocier] embodies the goddess of the sun, iridescent and golden, ever-changing and evolving. Her statuesque figure is embraced by The Tacloban Monitor Lizard, known to the locals as 'Halo.' An ancient symbol of fearlessness and transformation located in the isolated regions of Tacloban and Region 8," her designer Charlotte Rodriguez said in an Instagram post.

"The goddess ushers humanity back into their true place as sanctuary makers. In the face of difficulties like destruction and climate change, the monitor lizard "Halo" serves as a reminder of the significance of resilience and adaptation for both wildlife and human communities. Like the Taclobanons, the monitor lizard's ability to thrive in a variety of habitats despite environmental changes symbolizes resilience and adaptability," he added.

The candidates also donned creations by different Filipino fashion designers at the Inaul Fashion Show during Governor's Night, held last April 26 in Sultan Kudarat.

The 2024 Miss Universe Philippines coronation night will happen on May 22 in SM Mall of Asia Arena. Michelle Dee will crown her successor, who will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant to be held in Mexico.