From memes to a Halloween party costume.
This was the evolution of the gown of Miss Universe 2014 semifinalist Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa, who spotted her popular national costume at GMA Network‘s 2023 Sparkle Spell Halloween Party.
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The former beauty queen reacted when she saw Sparkle artist Gaea Mischa wearing a replica of her colorful national costume at the Miss Universe 2014.
“For tonight’s Sparkle Spell ball, I’m channeling my inner @mj_lastimosa in her most iconic National Costume gown in the history of Miss Universe,” Gaea said in an Instagram post on Sunday, October 22.
Gaea also thanked MJ in another post.
“Thank you so much Miss @mj_lastimosa — it was such an honor to be you for one night. You truly inspire me to be Miss Universe someday,” she wrote.
“And to all the people who loved the iconic NatCos [national costume], thank you. Hindi po tayo nanalong Best in Costume. Kalma lang, guys. Babawi tayo sa Sparkle Spell 2024. Char,” the actress joked, referencing Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s famous quip.
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MJ was tagged by a user in the X (formerly Twitter) platform to make her aware of Gaea’s Halloween costume.
“Naurrrrrrrrrrr,” the former beauty queen exclaimed with a laughing-with-tears emoji.
“Naur” is an internet phrase meaning “No,” with its roots in how Australians say it with their accent.
“Nananahimik na daw si Barraza sa Colombia, mga mariiiii,” MJ quipped in another post, referencing Colombian fashion designer Alfredo Barraza who designed her 2014 national costume.
In her Miss Universe stint, MJ wore a three-toned gown with terno sleeves and a matching floral headdress.
The attire was inspired by the “Panagbenga,” the famous Flower Festival in Baguio City.
Her national costume became controversial after garnering mixed reactions from Pinoy pageant fans in 2014.
Some had thought it looked like an elaborate cake, while others commented it appeared to be the “worst” national costume of a Filipina in the global pageant.
Binibining Pilipinas pageant founder Stella Araneta defended MJ’s costume by saying that it was not about authenticity but artistic expression.
Memes on the gown have since been created, with MJ even sharing some on her social media accounts good-naturedly.
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