The iconic “Original La Paz Batchoy” costume worn by Iloilo City’s bet Ann Palmares clinched the “Best National Costume” award in the recently concluded Miss World Philippines 2021.
The La Paz Batchoy ensemble was designed by famous Ilonggo designer Paul Jerome “Tata” Pinuela who was also behind some of the national costumes of Ilonggo beauty queens.
Veering away from the usual festival costumes during pageants, Pinuela incorporated the beloved Ilonggo soup in the national costume of Palmares.
The costume featured a huge cauldron to represent the hot broth of the Batchoy together with an iconic headdress inspired by the ingredients of the La Paz Batchoy such as miki noodles, pork innards, sliced liver, and chicharon. The over-all look was completed with a huge replica of a La Paz Batchoy and the condiments like pepper and soy sauce.
In her social media post, Palmares said that her costume pays homage to the delicious delicacy which originated from La Paz district.
The simple broth’s taste depicts the Ilonggos as the friendliest people in the country, warm and welcoming, gentle and soft-spoken, who would go out of their way to make perfect strangers feel at home.
Meanwhile, the beef and pork loin, pork offal, crushed pork cracklings and chicken stocks are a fusion of Ilonggo taste buds influenced by Spaniards, while the condiments were from the pre-Hispanic traders.
The round noodles represent the Ilonggo’s close family ties which are firm and strong.
Before the coronation night, the national costume of Palmares made rounds online as netizens commended her one-of-a-kind national costume.
Her “Best in National Costume” award secured her spot in the Top 24 of the Miss World Philippines 2021.
Palmares also made it to the Top 15 of the competition but she failed to advance to the finals.
Cebuana beauty Tracy Maureen Perez won the crown. (ERS)
