In the Philippines, the color yellow holds a special place in history. Closely associated with former President Corazon Aquino, it became a symbol of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, when Filipinos gathered to call for democracy. Decades later, the former president’s signature attire remains recognizable, with her wardrobe providing inspiration for a new generation of Filipinas.
Among them is Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Bea Millan-Windorski, who departed for Puerto Rico in a yellow creation by Anthony Ramirez.
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“Actually, the concept came from Bea,” Ramirez shares with MEGA. “She was the one who said, ‘I want to wear yellow,’ in honor of the late President Cory Aquino. So that was her idea, including the hat.”
Millan-Windorski had even researched a photograph of Aquino wearing a similar hat, which Ramirez admits he wasn’t familiar with. “Oh, that’s the one! You’re well-researched, in fairness!” he recalls telling her. To complete the historical reference, they also incorporated a yellow ribbon.
Her choice of material was just as deliberate. Having represented La Union during Miss Universe Philippines 2026, Millan-Windorski wanted to incorporate Inabel Bangar, a woven textile associated with the province, into her airport attire. It was also an opportunity to express her commitment to promoting Philippine fabrics, a cause she shares with Ramirez, who has spent seven years developing his own interpretation of Inabel.
“At first, I wanted to create my own version of Inabel and develop a style that was uniquely mine,” he explains. His approach uses yarn in place of the usual cotton thread, producing a softer cloth that he continues to explore through his designs.
For her departure, Ramirez commissioned a customized yellow weave for the fitted bodice and matching hat. Fringed edges accentuate both pieces, while the chiffon skirt provides a softer finish. Stylist Perry Tabora suggested the lighter material for the bottom half, with the beauty queen’s long journey in mind.
“We wanted Bea to feel comfortable going to the airport because, at the end of the day, it’s still an airport look,” Ramirez explains. “We wanted it to look fresh and be easy to move in.”
Developing the bespoke textile required considerable time and expense. According to Ramirez, the Inabel alone cost approximately ₱50,000, excluding the construction of the outfit. “I hope people understand how much work and expense go into creating a custom piece like this,” he says. “It’s not just the dress that’s customized, but the fabric itself. Bea and I share the same passion for promoting local textiles. That’s where we connect.”
Bea Millan-Windorski Honors Her La Union Advocacy Through Personal Details
Beyond her interest in traditional weaving, Millan-Windorski also wanted to acknowledge her environmental work through a small turtle embellishmentEmbellishmentDecorative detailing added to a garment or accessory, such as beading, sequins, crystals, embroidery, appliqué, feathers, or pearls. Embellishment adds texture, sparkle, and craftsmanship, and is especially prized in bridalGo to Embellishment Glossary made of customized mother-of-pearl. The motif represents Project CURMA, a sea turtle conservation initiative in La Union that she has supported since her teenage years.
Her involvement with the organization was featured in her Beyond the Crown advocacy video, where she discussed efforts to protect sea turtle nesting sites and involve coastal communities in conservation. The mother-of-pearl turtle sits delicately against the yellow ribbon, while a solihiya-inspired handbag by Vin Orias complements her ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary.
With the Miss Universe 2026 competition ahead of her in Puerto Rico, Millan-Windorski now has the opportunity to introduce herself to an international audience through her personality, convictions, and the causes she hopes to champion. And if her preparation for this departure appearance is any indication, we can look forward to seeing just how much thought she puts into the journey ahead.
Photos: Photographed by SEVEN BARRETTO, with photography team DARIEL MIRAFOR and STUDIO7 MANILA. Makeup by JAJA PANGILINAN. Hair by JONAS LUCAS, assisted by JAM DULAY. Styled by PERRY TABORA, assisted by KRIS DE LEON. Digital Head GEM ORPILLA. Creatives Head HARVEY GONZALES. Social Media by EARL EVASCO. Project Management by ALTHEA LUGA. Road Management by LUI CARDINAL and ELLE HOLLMAN. Handled by SEIN GONATICE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bea Millan-Windorski wore a yellow creation by Anthony Ramirez, with a fitted bodice and matching hat in a customized yellow Inabel weave, fringed edges, a chiffon skirt, and a yellow ribbon. A solihiya-inspired handbag by Vin Orias completed the Cory Aquino-inspired departure look.
Bea Millan-Windorski wore yellow in honor of former President Corazon Aquino, whose color became a symbol of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. The concept was her idea, including the hat, which she researched from a photograph of Aquino, and a yellow ribbon completes the reference.
Inabel Bangar is a woven textile associated with La Union, the province Bea Millan-Windorski represented. Designer Anthony Ramirez spent seven years developing his own interpretation, using yarn instead of the usual cotton thread for a softer cloth. The custom weave alone cost approximately ₱50,000.
The small mother-of-pearl turtle represents Project CURMA, a sea turtle conservation initiative in La Union that Bea Millan-Windorski has supported since her teenage years. Her involvement was featured in her Beyond the Crown advocacy video on protecting nesting sites and involving coastal communities.
Anthony Ramirez designed the look and stylist Perry Tabora suggested the lighter chiffon skirt with Bea Millan-Windorski’s long journey to Puerto Rico in mind. Ramirez says the goal was for her to feel comfortable at the airport while keeping the outfit fresh and easy to move in.
