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Elizabeth Clenci's national costume pays tribute to beauty of Mindanao
Fil-Romanian beauty queen Elizabeth Clenci has been slaying all week in Vietnam.
Clenci is determined to bring home the country's first Miss Grand International crown and she made sure to make a strong statement during the national costume competition Thursday night.
She walked on the stage as a "T'boli Princess" carrying a uniquely shaped guitar called a hegulung.
"Last night for the national costume competition I chose to represent an indigenous tribe from the south of Philippines," Clenci wrote on her Instagram, sharing a photo of her intricately made headdress.
"Not many people know much about Mindanao. Now, if they do, they see images of war and conflict. I wanted to pay tribute to the true beauty and representation of just one of the many beautiful cultures in Mindanao," she declared.
The ensemble is designed by Jearson Demavivas, who worked with Clenci back in 2011 for Binibining Pilipinas.
A post shared by Elizabeth Clenci (@mselizabethclenci) on
Demavivas drew inspiration from the T'boli tribe from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
Demavivas explained that the T'boli take pride in making the T'nalak, an traditional textile made with patterns from a weaver's dream.
"The design of this national costume represents the cultural structure of the T'boli tribe along with the colors and intricate beadworks, which speaks of their careful yet impressive art," he wrote in an Instagram post that showcased the details of his work.
The 5th Miss Grand International coronation night will be held on October 25, hosted by the Philippines' Nicole Cordoves, who placed first runner up in last year's competition. — AT, GMA News
