In ‘KALABAW’ COSTUME: Tarah Valencia pays tribute to Cordilleran farmers during Miss Supranational 2025

Baguio City, Philippines – Philippine bet Justine Tarah Marie Valencia, a proud daughter of the highlands, stepped into the Miss Supranational 2025 not just as a beauty queen but as a living tapestry of Cordilleran pride.

After showcasing what her hometown, Baguio City, has to offer in her introduction video, Valencia emerged at the pageant’s national costume showcase in Poland in a masterpiece which drew inspiration from the country’s national animal “kalabaw” (carabao).

Designer Emanuel Riñoza said the creation pays homage to the unwavering spirit of Cordilleran farmers and the symbolic strength of carabao.

Valencia’s connection to her culture, including the people and the landscape she represented, made the presentation a tribute to her heritage more than just a visual spectacle.

‘Behind the Seams’

As detailed by Riñoza via social media post, the costume’s base is a sculpted corset adorned with a ‘solihiya’ weaving pattern rooted in indigenous Filipino communities. Paired with it is a locally sourced Cordillera fabric.

To elevate the traditional silhouette into fashion-forward statement, flair is added through exaggerated hips, a cone-bra bust, and a structured collar.

A neckerchief made from ‘Inabel’ fabric adorned the upper torso, and at its center is a ‘Ling-ling-o’, an ancient fertility charm and protective amulet.

The costume’s most commanding element is the shoulder piece sculpted to resemble the head of a carabao. It is detailed with intricate linear embellishments to reflect the animal’s strength and its historical role as partner in Filipino agriculture.

The ensemble’s crown features carabao horns combined with beading motifs inspired by Kalinga and Igorot patterns. The headpiece is anchored by traditional ‘salakot’ glinting with rhinestones and dangling wood bead tassels.

“The upper part of the costume in paired with a tiered skirt made from locally sourced Cordillera fabric, drawing its rich patterns from the Mountain Province. This fabric is masterfully preserved-while embellished with read, gold, and black sequins and rhinestones, great care was taken to leave portions untouched, honouring the original design and maintaining the dignity and authenticity of the textile,” added the designer.

Complementing the look are brass gold accessories – bracelets and arm cuffs traditionally worn and passed down among Kalinga generations.

In her hands, Valencia carries a ‘kayabang’ basket from Benguet. Filled with artificial rice stalks, this final touch stands as tribute to the farmers and their role in feeding the nation.

“This masterpiece weaves together tradition, craftsmanship, and agricultural pride, showcasing the enduring heart of the Filipino spirit. This ensemble is a living tapestry—honoring the indigenous knowledge, labor, and resilience of Filipino communities. Through the fusion of traditional materials and modern silhouettes, stands as a beacon of national pride and a visual storyteller of the Philippines’ rich cultural terrain,” stated the beauty queen.