Yet another Filipina beauty queen has clinched the Best National Costume Award, this time at the obscure international pageant known as “Miss Scuba International.” 

Just days after Michelle Dee donned a Philippine Airlines promotional outfit at the Miss Universe Pageant, Sheika Manglicmot rocked a Samurai-inspired ensemble, eerily reminiscent of Leni Robredo’s questionable fashion choices during her Japanese escapade.

Filipinos are scratching their heads, wondering if our national identity is now synonymous with airline advertisements and political faux pas. 

The Best National Costume Award has become a beacon for creativity that misses the mark, leaving many to question whether Filipino designers are channeling their inner extraterrestrial beings rather than celebrating the rich tapestry of our culture.

As these awards pile up, one can’t help but wonder if future Filipino representatives will be showcasing costumes inspired by intergalactic adventures or perhaps sponsored by fast-food chains. The Best National Costume may just become a platform for the Philippines to showcase its diversity in everything but its national identity.