Blessie Villablanca of Antique dazzled at the Binibining Pilipinas 2025 coronation night, winning the Best in National Costume award for her striking tribute to the endangered Rafflesia speciosa. The June 15 event, held at Quezon City’s Smart Araneta Coliseum, saw Villablanca’s fiery red gown—crafted by Ahmed Art Studio—stand out as a celebration of Antique’s ecological heritage.
While Villablanca did not secure the competition’s overall title, her national costume victory spotlighted the Rafflesia, a flower endemic to Antique’s Sibalom Natural Park. Titled “Diosa Speciosa: A Tribute to Antique’s Fiery Bloom,” the ensemble featured intricate textures and organic motifs mirroring the bloom’s sprawling petals, designed by Al Manases Villar Alcoran and styled by Malick Hilado.
Symbolism and Conservation
The Rafflesia, famed as the world’s largest flower, thrives only in pristine ecosystems. Two species—Rafflesia speciosa and R. lobata—are exclusive to the Negros-Panay Biogeographic Region, with Antique’s forests hosting critical populations. Habitat loss and unsustainable land practices, however, threaten these botanical marvels, now classified as endangered.
Villablanca’s costume amplified awareness during Environment Month, linking beauty pageantry to ecological advocacy.
Crafting a Masterpiece
The gown’s creation, guided by coach Joemar J. Sustento, involved meticulous attention to detail—from initial sketches to final fittings. The team aimed to balance cultural storytelling with visual impact, ensuring the Rafflesia’s narrative of fragility and resilience took center stage.
Though the crown eluded her, Villablanca’s national costume triumph reinforced how such platforms can transcend glamour to champion urgent causes. Her ode to Antique’s fleeting floral wonder left a lasting imprint, proving that even without the top prize, purpose-driven artistry resonates deeply.
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Ilonggo Traveler 
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