La Rosa del Sur: Christina Vanhefflin’s love letter to Zamboanga

Christina Vanhefflin stepped onto the international stage wrapped in a vision that honored heritage as much as elegance. Her national costume, La Rosa del Sur, drew from the soul of Zamboanga City, translating its history and artistry into couture.

Soft blush tones and luminous whites flowed through a delicately embellished silhouette, echoing centuries of cultural exchange and local craftsmanship. The movement of fringe recalled celebratory dances, while the pañuelo-inspired form paid homage to tradition with a modern grace. Completing the look, a fan and floral accents evoked refinement, femininity, and the romance of a coastal city in bloom.

Designed by Jhoey Villarente, the costume stood as a quiet statement of pride—where fashion becomes memory, and beauty carries the story of home.