Ibaloy Designer Maila Alog Featured in Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 in Cebu

A Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 Cebu Feature Story

The historic Cebu Coliseum stood witness to a meaningful convergence of culture, couture, and international pageantry during Miss Asia Pacific International 2025, where global delegates celebrated Philippine heritage through fashion.

As part of the Production and Special Announcement segment held during pageant week in Cebu City, Miss Asia Pacific International Thailand Bowonrat Maneerat and Miss Asia Pacific International Nigeria Tracy Victoria Johnson appeared in heritage-driven creations by Filipino Indigenous designer Maila Alog, alongside works by fellow members of the Designers Circle Philippines.

A Pageant Rooted in Cultural Immersion

The Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 activities culminated on October 8, 2025, with the Coronation Night held at the Cebu Coliseum. Leading up to the grand finale, delegates took part in cultural immersions and preliminary events across Cebu Province—experiences designed to showcase the richness of Philippine traditions beyond the stage.

Within this context, fashion became a storytelling medium—one that honored local craftsmanship while embracing global representation.

Filipino Design on a Global Stage

The Cebu production brought together Designers Circle Philippines members in a collective presentation of Filipino creativity. Each designer contributed pieces that reflected sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural pride. Among them, Maila Alog’s work stood out for its deep Indigenous grounding and ethical collaboration with weaving communities.

Her designs worn by the two international delegates were intentionally rooted in Northern Luzon textile traditions:

• Bowonrat Maneerat (Thailand) wore Ibaloy inabel tops, highlighting Cordilleran weaving known for its strength, symbolism, and ancestral continuity.

• Tracy Victoria Johnson (Nigeria) wore Abra–Ilocos pinilian tops, distinguished by intricate geometric patterns that speak of discipline, identity, and Ilocano artistry.

These were not costumes, but cultural statements—each thread carrying the labor, memory, and identity of Indigenous communities.

Pageant Achievements with Cultural Meaning

Both queens advanced into the Top 30 of Miss Asia Pacific International 2025, marking a significant achievement among a highly competitive international field.

Bowonrat Maneerat’s journey went even further. She progressed into the Top 10 Finalists and ultimately emerged as 2nd Runner Up of the competition—an achievement made even more meaningful as she carried Ibaloy inabel on one of Asia–Pacific’s most historic pageant stages.

Her win symbolized not only personal excellence, but also the visibility of Indigenous Filipino textiles in a global arena.

Cebu as Cultural Host

Hosting the pageant in Cebu City—particularly at the iconic Cebu Coliseum—reinforced the Philippines’ role as a cultural crossroads in the Asia–Pacific region. Known as a hub of creativity and heritage in the Visayas, Cebu provided a fitting backdrop for a pageant that emphasized cultural respect, exchange, and collaboration.

Fashion with Purpose

Maila Alog’s participation alongside Designers Circle Philippines members reflected a broader shift in international pageantry—toward fashion that is intentional, ethical, and culturally rooted. Her use of Ibaloy inabel and Abra–Ilocos pinilian reaffirmed that Indigenous textiles are not decorative accents, but living traditions deserving of global recognition.

A Moment That Endures

Looking back, the appearance of Bowonrat Maneerat and Tracy Victoria Johnson in Maila Alog during Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 was more than a styling highlight. It was a moment where cultures met with dignity—where Thailand, Nigeria, and the Philippines were woven together through heritage and purpose.

In every step they took on the Cebu Coliseum stage, the message was clear:Indigenous Filipino design belongs on the world stage—and it shines brightest when worn with pride, respect, and meaning. 🌏✨