MEXICO town Mayor Teddy Tumang on Monday, December 17, could not help but feel proud as he saw Catriona Gray wore a dress inspired by her hometown during the evening gown competition of Miss Universe 2018.
His pride was not just because Gray represented the country in one of the most prestigious big four beauty pageants in the world, but because the gown’s designer is none other than his own son -- Kapampangan designer Mak Tumang.
The now famed lava gown, which was aptly named by netizens to suit Gray’s now famous lava walk, was inspired by Mount Mayon, the famous volcano located in Gray’s hometown in Albay, Bicol.
“I feel so proud. This moment is a source of pride for the Philippines and for Pampanga,” the elder Tumang said as he watched the live feed of the contest in one of the offices at the Municipal Hall here with cheering employees.
The mayor said that he could only feel immense pride about the accomplishments of his son adding that his achievements are a source of pride for him and his family.
In earlier reports, the younger Tumang said he proposed the idea for the dress early this year, right after Gray was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2018.
“It’s amazing, she’s very hardworking and very passionate,” said Mak Tumang, who also executed Gray’s nationalistic vision through her dresses in Binibining Pilipinas and the preliminary competition of Miss Universe.
Tumang also designed the show-stopping Ibong Adarna-inspired gown worn by Gray during the contest preliminaries.