ANTEQUERA town’s entry garnered the prestigious Boholana 2023 award. The costume competition was sported by Miss Antequera 2023 Julianne Pearl Jubane Ayco, one of the 20 hopefuls for Miss Bohol this year.
It is designed by Christian Relator, according to the facebook post of congresswoman Vanessa C. Aumentado.
The lady solon personally attended the event held at Bohol Cultural Center on July 8, 2023 as a prelude to the search for Miss Bohol 2023 grand coronation night to be held at Bohol Wisdom School on July 15, 2023.
Inabanga’s outfit created by Charlow Arbastro and showcased by Miss Inabanga 2023 Apple Mae Anora settled for first runner-up.
The regalia entry of Trinidad designed by Jay Beberap, a.k.a. Jane Montecarlo and staged by Miss Trinidad Rose Jane R. Israel got the second runner-up.
Miss Batuan 2023 Mel Rose “Melot” Oliverio was adjudged as the Best in Photography. Her outfit is designed by Ailee Joed Aranzado and shot by Mac Gaso Photography, according to the faebook post of Oliverio, who thanked her several officials, supporters and those who threw succor to her journey to Miss Boholana 2023.
Oliverio’s constume “is made of a native banig that exudes elegance and ethereal beauty. A large fan-inspired design is attached at the side to complement the gown. It highlights the Makapiko River together with the Batuan church, a woman holding a Santo Niño of their Guinacot Festival and the main livelihood of Batuan which is the farming. The costume portrays the rich flora – the rainforest, flowers, and agricultural fields of Batuan. Nestled in the Chocolate Hills region, the cascading tail flows to depict the Makapiko River.”
Boholana 2023 has replaced the “traditional talent competition is a Bol-anon inspired costume design competition that will be staged to add highlights of the Miss Bohol 2023. This is the Boholana 2023 – a competition between the candidates wherein the respective LGU’s will showcase a female costume that depicts the municipality they are representing.”
Congresswman hastened to say, “As we celebrate Sandugo Festival, we also celebrate Boholana on its second year. BOHOLANA is a yearly event, showcasing Boholano talents & skills, their beautiful creations & craftmanship Wearing their lovely creations are the pretty & elegant candidates for Miss Bohol 2023.”
She added she’s “So proud of our Boholano designers & Miss Bohol candidates Salamat ninyo tanan! I was so amazed with ur costumes & how you executed it, goosebumps while you were walking the ramp.”
She expressed thanks to the Provincial Government of Bohol led by her hubby, Gov Aris Aumentado, Vice Gov Dionisio Victor Balite, Board Members, Dept. Heads, Sandugo Festival Execom, Ceneter for Culture and Arts Development Head Eme Pinos, PiMO & PYDO Head John Maraguinot, my Miss Sandugo Co-Chair Ana Loinda Saluan, Judges, Organizers, Sponsors, LGUs headed by the supportive Mayors, parents of the candidates & all who supported the event, again.”
She’s also grateful to Mikee Andrei for her gown, Nayr Shufa Plazos Sines for her hair and Epz Jamila Relampagos for her make-up.
Here’s what the grand prize outfit came from. According to its designer, “Depicted in the costume is the priced possession of Tamblot, The legendary Lingganayng Ugis. Being the center of basket weaving in the province of Bohol and internationally acclaimed for their craftsmanship, the association of basket weavers of Antequera Bohol crafted the costume painstakingly through the marriage of haute couture and the art of basket weaving. It is their biggest basket woven to date, a dream turned reality thus the team name was formed, THE DREAM WEAVERS. It is in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s title Santissima Rosario, the patroness of the town of Antequera. It is a product of love and talent, a manifestation of Boholano artistry.”
How Inabanga costume was inspired from?
According to mayor Jono Jumamoy fb post: The outfit is “Designed and brought to life by the visionary mind of Charlow Arbasto, this mesmerizing costume pays homage to the captivating legend of Inabanga. Steeped in folklore and centuries-old tales, it unravels a story of enchantment and harmony between humanity and mystical beings.”
“As whispered through generations, Inabanga was once a place where ethereal creatures and townsfolk shared a rare camaraderie. Nestled along the glistening river, covered with pure gold and perfumed with rich cacao, these timeless beings lived in a mystical cave called Macaban City.
During festive occasions, the people would borrow golden utensils from their immortal friends. Earning its name from the Bisayan word “inabangan,” meaning “borrowed or rented,” Inabanga was forever intertwined with this tale of shared kinship.”
“The intricate costume is a splendid display of craftsmanship, composed mainly of rafia, abaca, and nito – showcasing Inabanga’s finest in loomweaving. Each thread carefully woven symbolizes not only the town’s abundant resources but also the remarkable ingenuity of its people. With a touch of brilliance of jute sacks, the design also incorporates mystical symbols of the creatures from the legend.”
“The iconic costume boasts symbolic elements that embrace the spirit of triumph and reverence. The headdress, crafted with finesse, showcasing a resplendent crocodile eye, is encased in delicate nipa straw and seeds. The victorious wings, unfurled in all glory, hint at the unity and strength derived from the mythical bond between Inabanga’s inhabitants. The meticulously handcrafted body piece, woven with abaca fibers, is a canvas for fireflies, whose luminescence whispers tales of both social and environmental responsibility, a call to protect and cherish the natural world surrounding Inabanga.”
“This legendary piece, a tribute to an age-old bond, not only captures the allure of the mythical realm but also serves as a reminder that harmony and respect can transcend worlds. Worn with pride, it carries the timeless spirit of Inabanga, forever weaving a tale of wonder for all who behold it.” (rvo)
