MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines' Reina Hispanoamericana representative Dia Mate won the Mejor Traje Tipico or the Best National Costume award and now sets her sight on the overall crown.
Dia has been in Boliva the past several days for the pre-coronation night activities and the National Costume win adds to her Top 5 finish of the "Miss Turismo" or Miss Tourism contest.
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The beauty queen's costume, dubbed "Banaag" by designer Ehrran Montoya, is inspired by the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.
The dress has more than 150,000 crystals in the Philippine flag's colors to mirror stained glass windows, while embellished gold Mindanao Okkir patterns symbolize indigenous artistry, with the train featuring the intricate craftsmanship of rattan furniture.