QUEZON CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Quezon City Bureau) – For the first time in the history of Binibining Pilipinas, the National Costume Competition night is SOLD OUT!

The event happens at the New Frontier Theatre in Cubao tonight.

Some 40 candidates will don national costumes inspired by the cities and provinces they represent with added flair courtesy of the country’s top (and little known) designers.

An Adobo Chronicles investigation team however learned that a significant majority of ticket buyers do not belong to the usual demographics of those who watch the pageant live.

It appears that most show tickets were bought by senior citizens — all devout Catholics who worship the popular icon of Sto. Niño. They are all very excited to see the Sto. Niño live in the person of Miss Cebu Province who has chosen to don the attire of the Child Jesus for her national costume.

Expect to see a pandemonium when Miss Cebu Province comes on stage, as the Sto. Niño idols (root word of “idolatry”) rush to the stage with their white handkerchiefs to wipe the dress and perhaps even the face of the beauty contestant — as is the traditional practice of worshipping Filipino Catholics.

Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines said it was not consulted about Miss Cebu Province’s costume, but added she didn’t have to ask permission.