Being born and raised in the Philippines, Miss Universe Singapore Bernadette Belle Ong chose a Filipino designer to create her national costume for the 2020 Miss Universe pageant. She worked with two Filipinos who are still students: Arwin Meriales and Paulo Pilapil Espinosa.
Bernadette seinding her powerful Stop Asian Hate message (Instagram)
SINGAPORE: Miss Universe Singapore Bernadette Belle Ong has used the international platform to advocated against the spread of Asia hate.
Bernadette posted a picture of herself on Instagram wearing a a long cape with the colurs of Singapore’s flag with the words: “Stop Asian Hate”.
“What is the platform for if I can’t use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence? Thank you #MissUniverse for giving me this opportunity!!!” the Singaporean model and actress stated in her post.
“My National Costume is inspired by Singapore’s National Flag it symbolises unity for all and social harmony in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and inter-religious country ♥️.