(Mak Tumang’s Facebook account shares this photo of Catriona trying on ‘Ibong Adarna’ gown.)
MEXICO, Pampanga – Pampanga’s star has also risen with the crowning of the Philippine’s Catriona Gray as Miss Universe in Thailand on Monday.
Gray’s perfectly crafted gowns were created by Kapampangan designer Mark Aldane “Mak” Velasco Tumang, son of Mayor Teddy Tumang.
The young Tumang’s creations include the “Mayon Volcano inspired fiery-red evening gown” which was worn by Gray when she was crowned Miss Universe.
“Today, Catriona is coming home. She is celebrating her roots – she is celebrating Albay! The prominent and iconic Mayon Volcano is the penultimate inspiration for this creation. It is dubbed the perfect cone,” Tumang posted in his Facebook account.
“Watch her erupt right before your very eyes and let the lava of grace, goodness and hope fl ow,” said Tumang. “We still can’t get over the Miss Universe 2018 fever. And so with PH bet now Miss Universe 2018.”
Tumang was seen on TV wearing Barong Tagalog embracing Gray shortly after she was crowned Miss Universe which he described as “priceless moment.”
The other evening gowns made by Tumang and worn by Gray included the “Ibong Adarna” inspired gown in the Miss Universe preliminaries which he called the “The Blazing Siren that symbolizes resilience, rising and rebirth” and the evening gown in the Binibining Pilipinas 2018.
Another Kapampangan, noted lantern-maker Eric B. Quiwa fashioned the “parul” backdrop of Gray’s gown in the national costume segment.
Quiwa posted a Facebook photo of Gray while she was trying the costume at his residence in the City of San Fernando, known as the “Christmas capital of the Philippines.”
For Tumang, his creation made a “fiery and lovely perfection” of Catriona whom he considers “the modern-day Daragang Magayon (Beautiful Lady) as she embodies beauty, intelligence and burning passion.”
Tumang is an alumnus of the College of St. Benilde and the Philippine School of Interior Design. At present he is studying Haute Couture Embroidery at Central Saint Martins.
