Motivational Speaker Rendon Labador was not motivated by the costume presented by Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee.
Michelle’s aviation-themed costume went viral on social media due to its unique concept, which aimed to promote the Philippines.
“The concept itself came from Michelle Dee, she wanted to highlight Philippine tourism. With her national costume, one of our goals was to invite people to come and fly to the Philippines. The solihiya pattern was suggested by Michelle Dee… Aside from the Cordilleran woven fabric, ang dami kong first time sa national costume to be honest. It’s my first time doing fiberglassing technique, first time to work with solihiya pattern, at first time ko incorporating hydronic mechanism and LED lights sa isang costume,” Michelle’s costume designer, Michael Barassi said.
However, Rendon, who claimed to already changed his internet persona, criticized the said costume and even called out its designer.
“Bagsak!!! Sa unang pagkakataon nawala ang creativity ng mga Pilipino. Mahal na mahal ko ang Pilipinas pero huwag naman ninyong sirain, kahit sa costume party baka hindi manalo ‘yan,” said Rendon.
“Kung sinoman ang nag-design ng costume ni Michelle Dee, panahon na para magising ka sa katotohanan. Ang t*nga mo mag-design. Siguro ikaw ‘yung binola ng magulang simula pagkabata,” he also said.
As of writing, the designer of the costume, the Nueva Viscayan designer has yet to give any response to Rendon’s criticism.