In a bold and unexpected twist, beauty queen and actress Wynwyn Marquez stepped out in a controversial “Aswang”-inspired national costume that has left the internet both stunned and divided. While some hailed it as a masterpiece of modern Filipino mythology, others questioned its appropriateness and cultural messaging.

A Shocking Entrance: Not Your Typical Terno

During a recent cultural fashion showcase, Marquez proudly donned an avant-garde costume representing the Aswang — a shape-shifting creature from Philippine folklore often associated with fear, darkness, and superstition.

The ensemble featured elaborate wings, clawed hands, and an eerie, shadow-like color palette, which starkly contrasted the usual Filipiniana gowns that dominate such events.

“We always show the beautiful side of our culture. Why not embrace its mystique, too?” Marquez stated in a pre-recorded interview explaining her concept.

The Internet Reacts: Bold Statement or Cultural Misstep?

The response online was immediate — and fiercely polarized.

Some netizens praised the bold move as a refreshing celebration of Filipino mythology, saying Marquez dared to reclaim a misunderstood figure and turn it into an empowering narrative.

“Wynwyn just redefined what it means to be Filipina. Strong. Fearless. Even feared,” a supporter tweeted.

But not everyone was thrilled. Critics accused her of glorifying a creature linked to fear, death, and superstition, claiming it sent the wrong message on a national stage.

“A national costume should represent our pride, not our nightmares,” one comment read.

Beauty With a Statement

Known for her intelligence and confidence, Wynwyn has yet to formally respond to the backlash, but sources say she stands by the costume’s message — that embracing all parts of Filipino identity, even the darker ones, makes the culture richer and more complex.

Art or Overstep? The Debate Rages On

Whether it was a provocative artistic statement or a miscalculated risk, Wynwyn Marquez has once again placed herself at the center of a cultural conversation — one that questions how far we can stretch the definition of “national pride.”

And in true pageant fashion, one thing’s for sure: she made us look — and talk.

Winwyn Marquez revealed that her Miss Universe Philippines 2025 national costume drew inspiration from the 1992 film “Aswang,” which was headlined by her actress mom Alma Moreno.

Marquez stunned the audience at the national costume showcase with her ensemble that included a red body-hugging overall suit embellished with gold sequins and red beads, which seemingly mimicked spilt blood.

The costume’s highlight, which was placed at the back of Marquez, is the figure of a horrifying creature with wrinkled face features, horns and a long tongue hanging from its mouth.

“This costume, in collaboration with Obra Grandiosa by Bryan Diego, is inspired by the 1992  Regal film ‘Aswang’ where my mother, Alma Moreno, played the lead role while pregnant with me,” Marquez said on her Instagram page on Wednesday, April 30, giving fans a closer look at her national costume entry through a skit that featured Moreno.

Marquez noted that the presentation of her costume began with a classic Filipiniana and later transformed into the dark creature.

“It was designed to reflect the aswang as a terrifying shape-shifter.. graceful and elegant at first glance, but deceptive and fearsome underneath,” she continued.“Made with rhinestones, acrylic beads, teardrops, embroidery laces, 3D patterns, and spray paints in earth tones, it’s a chilling tribute brought to life and an homage to the rich legacy of Filipino cinema,” she added

Prior to this, Marquez aced the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 preliminary competition as she reaped nine special awards from the pageant’s sponsors.

Aside from Marquez, 65 other delegates are competing to be the next Miss Universe Philippines titleholder, who will be crowned at the finals night on Friday, May 2.