Pinoy designer’s creation wins best national costume in Haiti

Proud Pinoy: Filipino designer’s creation wins best national costume at Miss Universe Haiti 2026

Story by David
When In Manila
22 September 2026

Pinoy talent shines bright once more on the international stage after Filipino fashion designer Kennedy Gasper’s breathtaking pearl-inspired creation won the coveted Best National Costume award at the 2026 Miss Universe Haiti pageant.

Named “The Pearl of the Antilles,” Gasper’s masterpiece was worn by 26-year-old pageant veteran Sklouchere Pierre during the Miss Universe Haiti competition held on August 23, 2026, where she ultimately finished as second runner-up.

​“’Pearl of the Antilles’ is my tribute to Haiti—the beauty that captivates, the resilience that endures, and the spirit that cannot be dimmed. Inspired by Haiti’s identity as the jewel of the Caribbean, this costume represents a nation whose greatest treasure has always been its people. I wear it proudly as Haiti’s beauty, strength, and story take center stage,” Sklouchere shared in a post.

Gasper’s creation seamlessly combines oceanic and celestial elements through intricate beadwork and luminous textures. The showstopping ensemble features a clear corset adorned with vertical rows of white pearls and sparkling jewels, while the bust area showcases a dramatic, coral-like sculpture centered around an oversized pearl.

The costume creates a striking contrast between its upper and lower halves. Its royal blue skirt, crafted from a metallic, light-reflecting fabric that mimics the ocean’s motion, adds a vibrant pop of color.

​To complete the ethereal look, the 25-year-old Isabela native styled the piece with a stunning, glow-in-the-dark moon headpiece paired with cascading white beads framing the face. The ensemble was finished off with a grand backpiece and matching arm accessories shaped like natural seashells.

This victory marks yet another major milestone in Gasper’s portfolio. Prior to his recent creation for Sklouchere, the fashion designer from San Mateo, Isabela, crafted the iconic lion-inspired costume for Miss Universe Cameroon 2020 Angèle Kossinda.

​Back in 2021, Gasper also made headlines worldwide when his creation for Miss Universe Nigeria Maristella Okpala took home the Best National Costume award at the 70th Miss Universe pageant—proving time and time again that Filipino design and craftsmanship are truly world-class.

​Back in 2021, Gasper also made headlines worldwide when his creation for Miss Universe Nigeria Maristella Okpala took home the Best National Costume award at the 70th Miss Universe pageant—proving time and time again that Filipino design and craftsmanship are truly world-class.

SB19 Is First Filipino Act to Perform on The First Take

SB19 Is First Filipino Act to Perform on The First Take

The P-pop sensation delivered an outstanding performance of their hit song 'Gento'.

by Andrei Santos
Lofficielph.com
01 July 2024

Known for their musical prowess and undeniably catchy songs, Filipino boy band SB19 makes their debut on the Japanese YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE. The channel invites singers and artists for a one-take-only performance with notable appearances by Harry Styles, BTS’ V, and Avril Lavigne.

SB19 makes an incredible feat as the first Southeast Asian group and the first Filipino to appear on the channel, delivering an exclusive special performance of the group’s song Gento, which has grown in popularity due to its addictive chorus and hypnotic dance moves, even debuting at #8 on the Billboard World Digital Sales Charts.

SB19 makes an incredible feat as the first Southeast Asian group and the first Filipino to appear on the channel, delivering an exclusive special performance of the group’s hit Gento.

Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin looked vibrant and confident during their performance, dressed in shades of green and blue. “It was a true first take, so we were very nervous and overwhelmed, but it was fun and an amazing experience,” the group shares. 

The group made history as the first Southeast Asian and Filipino act to be nominated for the Billboard Music Awards and to make an entry into the international Billboard Social 50 and Next Big Sound Charts. They were also recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as the Philippines' Youth Ambassadors.

Three Filipinas on Pulitzer Finalists List

Who Are the Filipinas on the 2024 Pulitzer Finalists List?

Story by Hanna Panoringan and Mia Rodriguez 
Spot.ph
08 May 2024

(SPOT.ph) Three Filipina creatives make it to the list of finalists for the prestigious 2024 Pulitzer Prize. Ren Galeno, a visual artist from Davao City, and Nicole Dungca, a US-based journalist, were nominated alongside journalist Claire Healy for their collaborative work Searching For Maura in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category. Meanwhile, Reyes is a finalist for Feature Photography, commended for her work documenting youth in Africa. 

The story, first published in The Washington Post, talks of injustice in the form of a real person. Maura was an 18-year-old Filipina who was taken to Saint Louis, Missouri, for the World's Fair in 1904 and whose life becomes the subject of the team's story. According to the Pulitzer Prize's website, the piece was nominated for its "masterful and sensitive use of the comic form."

Meet the Filipina creatives among the 2024 Pulitzer Prize finalists

Who is Ren Galeno?

Galeno, the Davaoeña visual artist behind the masterful art, graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a bachelor’s degree in painting. She currently works in comics and illustration.

Earlier this year, the comic artist shared with Manila Bulletin how she got in on the collaborative project. It turns out that an editor of The Washington Post had earlier read "I pray you're born with gills," a short comic she made for Ten Years to Save the World book. 

Who is Nicole Dungca?

Nicole Dungca, meanwhile, reports for the investigative unit of The Washington Post. She was also a co-host of the award-winning Broken Doors investigative podcast. Dungca has also written for esteemed publications such as the Boston Globe's Spotlight Team, Oregonian, the Times-Picayune, and the Providence Journal. Currently, she is the president of the Asian American Journalists Association.

Who is Hannah Reyes Morales?

Morales was commended for a "creative series of photographs documenting a 'youthquake' occuring in Africa, where, by 2050, the continent will account for one-quarter of the world's population and one-third of its young people." The photographer shared on Instagram that she was "still in a daze" over the recognition. "It was not the easiest assignment but those we photographed helped us understand, bit by bit, what it means to be young and reshaping Africa, and the world."

What is the Pulitzer Prize?

The Pulitzer Prizes are awarded annually by Columbia University, New York City. These awards recognize outstanding achievement in American journalism, literature, and music, including contributions to public service.

The winner of the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category was Medar de la Cruz, a contributor at The New Yorker. His piece focused on a Rikers Island jail library worker, using "bold black-and-white images" to depict the humanizing power of books for both prisoners and staff. The staff of Associated Press won the Pulitzer for Feature Photography for their work documenting migrants journeying from Colombia to U.S. borders. 

The other finalists include Angie Wang of The New Yorker and Clay Bennett of the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Rizal artist wins International Prize for the Arts in Venice

Self-taught Filipino artist to get International Prize Phoenix for the Arts

Inquirer.net
17 April 2024

A 27-year-old self-taught artist from Teresa, Rizal, has been chosen to receive the prestigious first-edition International Prize Phoenix for the Arts in Venice, Italy. He will be the first-ever Filipino to be presented with the award.

John Paul Francisco Sto. Domingo, known as Juan El Pintor, said in a  post on his Facebook page that Dr. Salvatore Russo, one of the curators of the reputable event, sent him an invitation to receive the prize along with other artist awardees during the awards ceremony at the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro in Venice on June 12.

“It’s such an incredible honor to be recognized for my passion and dedication to art. I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity! Thank you to everyone who has supported me along this creative journey,” Sto. Domingo wrote in his post.

Inspiration for the masterpiece

Sto. Domingo’s nominated artwork, “LuzViMinda,” showcases the diversity of the Philippine landscape and culture through striking geometric shapes, contrasting colors, and intricate patterns to stir emotions.

“At the center of the painting, we can see the iconic image of three women who bring our country on the pedestal. They’re the faces of this country who transform, inspire, and influence not only the Filipino people but also the world. Indeed, they are the epitome of the ‘Filipinos of the Future,’” Sto. Domingo expounded.

Sto. Domingo added that the works of Hernando R. Ocampo, a Filipino national artist, and Pablo Picasso, a renowned cubism artist, highly inspired his masterpiece.

Further, Sto. Domingo expressed that his family, himself, and the people who believe in him also inspire him to continue making outstanding artworks.

“My inspiration for doing [the] artwork is, of course, my family, myself, and all the people [who] believe in my talent because I believe that nothing can go wrong in expressing yourself and art can change the world,” Sto. Domingo said.

Colorful journey to success

Sto. Domingo told the Inquirer that he has been doing artworks since he was 13 and started receiving recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic when people began to buy his works.

He has been invited to local and international art exhibitions and has exhibited his paintings at the International Art Festival 2023 in Busan, South Korea, and the Philippine-Vietnamese Art Exhibit 2022 at Resorts World, Manila.

As a self-taught artist, Sto. Domingo mentioned that most of his knowledge and experiences came from other artists.

Sto. Domingo also shared that what he mainly needs now is financial help, as art materials are expensive.

“Art materials are quite expensive. Without my collectors, I will not be able to continuously create masterpieces,” Sto Domingo said.

Message for the Filipino art community

Sto. Domingo advised aspiring Filipino artists to continue pursuing art and practicing daily to hone their skills and talent. He also reiterated that they should believe in themselves, be humble, and always thank the Lord.

“It is such an honor to receive the award as the first Filipino recipient. I want to say to the Filipino artist community that this award is not just a representation of myself but the whole Filipino artist community. As the saying goes, ‘Success for One, Success for All.’ This award is for all of us Filipinos,” Sto. Domingo expressed.

—BRITNEY MARIE R. USABAL (INTERN)