In a dazzling display of national pride, Michelle Dee’s choice of a national costume for the Miss Universe Pageant left many scratching their heads. 

A tribute to her role as an armed forces reservist, the outfit featured an airplane perched precariously on her shoulders. Because, of course, nothing screams “Philippine culture” like a random aircraft.

One might wonder if the costume designer mistook the Miss Universe stage for a runway at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Did Philippine Airlines infuse funds for this costume as damage control for its passenger woes?

But wait, there’s more! The Department of Tourism managed to sneak in their “Love the Philippines” campaign amidst what can only be described as questionable artwork—more like graffiti gone wrong. 

Perhaps next time, our Miss U candidate could roll in on a jeepney, a true symbol of Filipino culture, and take home the crown for the most creative interpretation of a national costume. 

After all, who needs an airplane when you can have a traffic jam on stage?