Gabrielle Basiano: The Unconventional Queen

Raya Photo From Binibining Pilipinas | Edited by Maianne Palma National Costume Photo from Harry Marzan | Edited by Maianne Palma

Following her first runner-up finish at the 57th edition of Binibining Pilipinas, Gabrielle Basiano was finally crowned as the Miss Intercontinental 2022. Second time’s a charm for Binibini Gabrielle Basiano after clinching a major crown in this year’s competition. The 24-year-old professional model first joined the pageant in 2021 at 23 and later resigned from her post to join this year’s search.

Gabrielle Basiano: The Unconventional Queen

Netizens and pageant fans have lauded Gabrielle Basiano for stepping up the evening gown and national costume competitions since the last edition. And, this year, Gabby has once again showcased an unconventional performance.

Viva La Virgen

Filipino designers Ken Batino and Jevin Salaysay crafted Gabby’s national costume, based on the Virgin Mary and Padul-Ong Festival. It is a legendary performance that recounts the mysterious transport of the Virgin Mary’s image from Portugal to Borongan, Eastern Samar.

Gabby resembles the Virgin Mary as she graced the runway enclosed in a golden frame (veiled with a white curtain) with her legs serving as a classic pedestal. This unique creation plus her stunning performance radiated elegance and grace.

However, despite the overwhelming amount of positive feedback, Gabby’s costume still sparked some controversy. Critics on the internet questioned whether or not a costume depicting the Virgin Mary is appropriate as a national costume. The beauty queen defended her outfit as a homage to the Padul-Ong Festival. Later on, the organization wrote on their official Instagram page:

“Revered for her humility and motherly love, the Virgin Mary is the ultimate symbol of a WOMAN! An homage to Padul-Ong Festival, a mythical presentation that unfolds the story on how the image of the Virgin Mary was mysteriously transported from Portugal to Borongan, Eastern Samar, celebrated every September 8 of the year.”

Raya

Gabby flawlessly pulled off a breathtaking performance wearing a silver and gold ensembled high-slit gown during the evening gown segment. Dubbed as “Raya,” this masterpiece is inspired by Disney’s first Southeast Asian princess. Raya is also a Hiligaynon word that means lines or strokes, like the intricate golden lines featured in her gown.

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Gabby’s evening gown exudes a traditional-modern regal vibe paired with the traditional touch of her golden salakot. Furthermore, Ken Batino, one of the designers of “Raya” wrote:

“I picked a design that signifies evolution of our P-pop industry which is now quickly establishing itself on a global stage. The overall revelation of this masterpiece, represents the industry’s transition to modernization, and fearless innovation which also relate to my personality of taking risks, being eccentric & unconventional.”

Batino and Salaysay were also the creative minds behind Basiano’s winning Kalesa national costume and Perlas evening gown which bagged awards from last year’s competition.