Celebrating Mindanao’s Tri-People through Fashion
Filipina beauty queen Annabelle McDonnell is turning heads at Miss Globe 2025 with a national costume that honors her roots and the diverse cultures of Mindanao. The Singkil-inspired ensemble is more than a stunning gown; it is a carefully crafted tribute to the Tri-People of Mindanao—the Maguindanaon, Maranao, and Tausug—woven into a single, dazzling silhouette. The design, created by Chino Christopherson, captures the fluid artistry of traditional dance while translating it into high-fashion drama fit for an international stage.
The Design: Gold, Intricacy, and Symbolism
McDonnell’s national costume is a regal golden creation featuring intricate metallic embroidery and layered textures that evoke the sweeping motions of the Singkil dance. The ensemble is complemented by ornate fans and a striking headpiece, elements that echo the ceremonial accents seen in traditional Maranao regalia. The result is a look that feels both historically rooted and modern, designed to photograph beautifully under arena lighting and flash alike.
Craftsmanship and Cultural Cues
Designed to mirror the elegance of the Singkil, the gown emphasizes movement. Each fold, bead, and jewel is chosen to reflect the storytelling nature of Mindanao’s dances—stories of heritage, resilience, and communal pride. The garment’s golden palette is symbolic of tradition and prestige, ensuring the wearer stands out while staying true to the cultural reference that inspired the creation.
Personal Meaning: Heritage, Family, and Representation
An articulate link to ancestry anchors McDonnell’s look. In an Instagram post shared by Aces and Queens, she explained, “My great great grandmother was a proud Maranao woman, and I wanted to honor my heritage through this costume.” The narrative behind the outfit resonates with many who watch pageants as a platform for cultural storytelling as well as competition. By choosing a Singkil-inspired silhouette, McDonnell brings a regional legend to a global audience and highlights the Philippines’ diverse roots.
A Journey to Miss Globe 2025: From Binibining Pilipinas to the International Stage
Before donning this national costume, McDonnell earned the Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2025 crown in June, representing Iligan City. Her pageant journey already includes a notable international chapter: in 2023, she represented the Philippines at Miss Charm and finished as first runner-up. These achievements build anticipation for Miss Globe 2025, where the finals are set for October 15 in Albania. The competition is hosted by several celebrated queens, including Maureen Montagne, who won Miss Globe in 2021, lending continuity and experience to the hosting lineup.
What to Expect at Miss Globe 2025
As the Miss Globe 2025 finals approach, spectators can look forward to a showcase of national costumes that fuse artistry with cultural heritage. McDonnell’s Singkil-inspired ensemble will be judged not only on aesthetics but also on its ability to tell a compelling story about Mindanao’s Tri-People and the Malayo-Muslim traditions that flavor the Philippine archipelago. The event format, the vibrant stage presence, and the breath of regional inspirations make this edition a vivid celebration of cultural diversity on an international platform.
About the Cultural Significance
National costumes in beauty pageants often serve as a form of soft diplomacy, offering a window into a country’s history, artistry, and social narratives. McDonnell’s look adds a Filipino perspective to a global conversation about heritage, modernity, and representation. By foregrounding Singkil-inspired design—an art form with deep roots in Mindanao—she contributes to broader awareness of the Philippines’ regional identities and the people who carry them forward.
