By Paul Conte
Ana Thea Cenarosa “Antet” was my high school classmate, a friend, and currently Miss Philipines Earth 2019 Runner Up. She is currently based in Manila as a professional Runway Model and also works full time in Maynilad. Her modeling career started way back in high school when she became the grand winner of Robinsons Campus Fashionista 2009. We were only 3rd-year high school students at that time.
After her audition for MPE, Antet sent me a message right after asking if I could design her gowns, she represented Iloilo City and wanted to showcase Ilonggo talent and craftsmanship to the stage of Miss Philippines Earth 2019. Antet and I both brainstormed the color, cut, and design of the gowns she will be wearing. I also asked my fellow Ilonggo designers to do Antet’s prelim gowns and attires.
Jun-g Candelario designed her gown for the Blue Gown Competition, which garnered the Bronze Award. For the Cultural Attire, Totong Gellangarin designed a santan-inspired piece, which also garnered a Bronze Award. I, on the other hand, was asked to do the evening gown for the finals night.
I prepared 3 gowns for Antet. The first was an emerald green with a plunging neckline and serpentina gown with a high slit and two shoulder capes at the back. This gown speaks of the daintiness of Ilonggas while giving an elegant and classy look. Antet wanted the gowns to be simple. The second one was a midnight blue gown with hand-painted and beaded details and a train from the shoulders to the floor. This gown represents Antet’s advocacy for water conservation. The third gown was inspired by the National Flower, Sampaguita.
