HALLOWEEN came early at the Miss Grand International 2026 as delegates showcasing mythological creatures during the national costume competition, with the Philippine bet Angelica Lopez wearing a sinister-loking “mangkukulam” (witch) outfit.
Lopez gave the grand treatment to an otherwise scorned figure in Philippine folklore when she paraded in a massive 19-kilogram creation by designer Patrick Isorena during the pageant event held at the MGI Hall at Bravo BKK in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 7.
The show has been one of the most highly-anticipated events of the annual international competition, with the ladies pulling out all the stops to deliver breathtaking costumes that are inspired by their countries’ culture and heritage.
Lopez carried a huge figure of a mangkukulam on her back, with large hands attached to strings. The beauty queen was depicted as the figure’s rag doll, complete with needles sticking out around her.
The rag doll’s face pops out to reveal Lopez, who powered through her routine while carrying the heavy creation. She punctuated her performance by pulling her “heart” covered in sparkling red stones, with cascading beads made to appear like dripping blood.
“This is more than a costume. It is a tribute to the stories that shaped our imagination, the traditions passed down through generations, and the powerful spirit woven into our Filipino heritage. Ancient lore. Mystical power. Filipino soul,” she posted when she shared photos of her costume on social media.
Isorena is one of the most sought-after designers of national costumes for pageantry. His clientele includes Miss Grand International titleholders Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, and Emma Tiglao, the reigning queen.
Last night, the delegates went onstage again at MGI Hall for the crucial Preliminary Competition, where they competed in swimsuit and evening gown.
Opiaza, Tiglao, and their predecessors Luciana Fuster and Isabela Menin, who all hosted the National Costume Competition, will also return for the Preliminary Competition.
The 2026 Miss Grand International “Grand Final” will be on Saturday evening, Oct. 10, also at MGI Hall. Lopez is hoping to score a “three-peat” for the Philippines. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
