MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – The Philippines’ contestant to last night’s Miss Universe Pageant held in Doral, Florida, failed to make it to the top 5 finalists, dashing the hopes of millions of Filipinos for a third crown. Miss Philippines made it through to the top 10.

Blame quickly turned to Lastimosa’s wardrobe, including her much-maligned ‘national costume’ designed by Colombian Alfredo Barraza. Many compared the gown to a giant wedding cake.

Reports from Florida also indicate that Lastimosa altered her white evening gown right after the preliminary competition to show her natural curves better. Many noticed a lower cleavage line and a better hugging waist line in the pageant finals (see photos).

Others were quick to accuse Barraza and the head of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities (BPC), Stella Marquez Araneta, a Colombian beauty queen who married a Filipino, of sabotage.

Responding to critics, Araneta said there are no Filipino designers good enough to design gowns worthy of an international pageant like Miss Universe. Filipino fashion designers and netizens took her to task for her comment.

But now, the “GownGate” seems to be over.

“I can’t take this any more, I have to let it go,” Araneta told reporters in Manila. “To be blamed for the failure of the Philippines to win the Miss Universe crown a third time is just not fair, just because I am Colombian and I chose a Colombian designer,” she added.

With those words, she formally stepped down from the top position she holds at the BPC.

Manny Pacquiao’s mom, Dionisia, is said to be wanting to replace Araneta. (Pacquiao was a judge in last night’s Miss Universe finals.)

Incidentally, the new Miss Universe is Paulina Vega. From Colombia.