For Catriona Gray's farewell walk during the coronation night of Binibining Pilipinas 2019, the beauty queen wore a gown that took inspiration from the waling-waling flower.
Designer Mak Tumang uploaded photos of the piece, writing, "The Waling-waling is a paragon of unmitigated beauty. Many regard it as the rarest, most beautiful and the most expensive among all the flora our country has. This rightfully gives justice to its being dubbed as the 'Queen of Philippine Flowers.' Moreover, even the native Bagobos revered it as a 'diwata' (fairy) because of its unparalleled and captivating beauty."
The Kapampangan designer also likened Catriona to a waling-waling flower.
He explained, "This representation fits perfectly to what our Miss Universe Catriona Gray is. She is absolutely a queen of beauty and substance. This flower, like Catriona, continues to be on treetops and aspires for greater heights.
"The Queen of the Filipinos' hearts bids farewell to her reign here. Yet, she will incessantly reach and touch the bright sun, making her justly symbolic of the Filipino's unceasing hope and tenacity."
Catriona also wore another creation by Mak during the early part of the pageant, which was a sunny yellow halter dress.
Catriona's glam team for the evening included stylist Justine Aliman, makeup artist Jelly Eugenio, and hairstylist Brent Sales.
