Regal and dazzling: Seven standouts of the Queen Isabela 2026 Creative Attire competition
The Queen Isabela II Creative Attire competition showcased the province’s culture and heritage. The selected couture creations transformed stories, nature, and devotion into regal fashion.
FROM left: Moises de la Cruz’s design for Queen San Pablo: ‘Towers That Touch the Heavens.’, Michael Barassi’s creation worn by Queen Alicia Christine Jane Alvarado., Queen Angadanan Adassah Shen Zuela wearing Axel Que’s creation., Queen Quirino Khate Gleiza Marie Alfonso in creation by Jeric Sayno and Mark Anthony S. Pimentel’s costume inspired by the endemic Isabela oriole.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BJ MELCHOR
The Capital Arena in the City of Ilagan, Isabela, shimmered with imagination and craftsmanship as young designers unveiled their couture creations for the Queen Isabela II Creative Attire competition on 19 January.
Inspired by the 19th-century Spanish monarch after whom the “Queen Province of the North” was named, the contest formed a major component of the Queen Isabela 2026 beauty pageant — one of the most anticipated highlights of the exuberant Bambanti Festival of the province of Isabela. Among the 25 remarkable entries, seven stood out for their artistry, symbolism and sheer visual impact.
Kennedy Jhon Gasper for Ashera Mishael Gallegos, Queen Echague
Multi-awarded costume designer Kennedy Jhon Gasper is no stranger to the international stage, having won Best in National Costume at Miss Universe 2021 for his “Mmanwa” ensemble worn by Miss Nigeria Maristella Okpala. Inspired by a traditional masquerade of southeastern Nigeria, the creation cemented his reputation for cultural storytelling through design.
KENNEDY Jhon Gasper won the Best Designer award for his creation, ‘The Moneda de Plata de la Reina,’ for Queen Echague.
For Queen Isabela 2026, Gasper clinched the Best Designer Award and a top five placement in Creative Attire with “La Moneda de Plata de la Reina” (The Silver Coin of the Queen), worn by his muse Ashera Mishael Gallegos of Echague.
Describing the piece, Gasper said it draws from the traje de mestiza, a historic Filipina formal dress blending indigenous and Spanish influences — symbolic of the Filipina’s mestiza identity and timeless elegance. Featuring sheer fabrics, mantillas, and intricate beadwork, the ensemble evokes aristocratic refinement.
“Associated with Queen Isabela II, it represents the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage and artistry. The name references silver coins, which have played a significant role in Philippine currency history, from the Spanish era to modern commemorative coins,” he explained.
Mark Anthony S. Pimentel for Eleni Athina Domingo, Queen San Mateo
Mark Anthony S. Pimentel earned for his muse Eleni Athina Domingo of San Mateo the Best in Creative Attire Award with his “Queen Isabela: The Golden Oriole Sovereign.”
