The national costume of the Cebu province representative in the Binibining Pilipinas 2023 competition sparked backlash from the religious community after the candidate donned vestments similar to the Santo Niño de Cebu.
The attire drew ire after appearing on the Binibining Pilipinas Facebook page, with commenters calling the outfit “blasphemous”. However, the post could no longer be found by Wednesday at noon.
Joy Dacoron, Cebu’s representative in the pageant, also shared the costume photos on her social media accounts. Created by Chino Ledesma Chirstopherson, the ensemble featured a red cape, crown, scepter, and globe.
The designer reportedly took inspiration from Santo Niño de Cebu, the oldest Christian artifact in the Philippines, which Ferdinand Magellan gifted Rajah Humabon, then the King of Cebu, in 1521.
On Instagram, Dacoron explained that the costume symbolizes the unwavering faith of Filipinos and pays tribute to Cebu’s patron saint.
“When I lost my father to an accident last year, I questioned God: ‘Why Lord?’,” she wrote. “The Santo Niño paved the way for me to shed off my doubts and made me realize that everything happens for a reason. In gratitude, I am sharing this faith to the national stage.”
“Thus, with pride and deep respect for our heritage, I wear this costume that signifies faith and gratefulness. Viva Pit Senyor!,” she added.
Dacoron claimed to have received the Archdiocese of Cebu’s permission for the photoshoot. However, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Ruben Labajo said that her team merely sought permission to use the churches as background settings, unaware of the national costume’s resemblance to the Holy Child’s vestments.
Fe Mantuhac-Barino, chairperson of the commission on laity for the Archdiocese of Cebu, urged respect for religion and culture, emphasizing that creativity should be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Following the photo’s online virality, the Augustinian Friars of the Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño De Cebu reminded individuals to approach the Sto. Niño with reverence to prevent misunderstandings. They stressed the profound religious and cultural significance the Sto. Niño holds for Cebuano Catholics.
On Thursday, all 40 Binibining Pilipinas candidates will showcase their elaborate outfits during the national costume and fashion show at the New Frontier Theater.
The 59th edition of the competition, which will be hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, will culminate in a grand coronation on May 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
