Dia Mate receives the ‘Mejor Traje Tipico’ award from Porongo, Bolivia Mayor Neptaly Mendoza (left photo) and in her costume by Ejrran Montoya/REINA HISPANOAMERICANA, DIA MATE FACEBOOK PHOTOS
Dia Mate scored an early victory at the Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 pageant in Bolivia, topping the “traje tipico” (national costume) contest, which featured an intricate gold salakot (native hat) and a heavily-beaded banig (traditionally handwoven mat) gown.
The Caviten̈a singer was proclaimed “Mejor Traje Tipico” (Best in National Costume) in the auxiliary competition held on Feb. 2 (Feb. 3 in Manila).
Mate had earlier made an impression by cracking the Top 5 in the “Miss Turismo” (Miss Tourism) contest, the first auxiliary competition held in the Latin-dominated international beauty pageant.
For the national costume competition, Mate showcased a creation by designer Ehrran Montoya dubbed “Banaag.”
“This Philippine National Costume beautifully merges the country’s heritage and tradition. Inspired by the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, the gown is adorned with over 150,000 crystals, mimicking the vibrant stained glass windows,” Mate shared on social media.
“Gold Mindanao Okkir patterns embellish the design, symbolizing indigenous artistry. A salacot headpiece, traditionally worn by farmers, adds an agricultural touch, while feather pen and lamp accessories celebrate the muses of Filipino poetry,” she added.
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Mate also impressed spectators during the swimsuit competition with her spectacular pasarela (pageant walk), doing a double spin turn after making an introductory twirl, a product of her training under 2024 Miss Grand International first runner-up CJ Opiaza.
She is aiming to post the Philippines’ second victory in the Bolivia-based pageant, after Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez bagged the country’s first win in 2017.
The 2025 Reina Hispanoamericana pageant will crown the new winner on Feb. 9 (Feb. 10 in Manila), to succeed Peruvian queen Maricielo Gamarra.