ATLANTA – Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray’s successive Miss Universe triumphs opened the door not only to the possibility of the Philippines becoming a powerhouse nation in the pageant, but also to a historic first. This year’s competition swimwear was designed and produced by a Filipino team from a Los Angeles-based fashion company co-owned by a Filipina.

Hydee Ursolino (from left), G Sonsie owners Vico Yam and Carmela Sira holding one of the featured swimwear designs for this year’s Miss U pageant. INQUIRER/Elton Lugay

“It’s not only exciting but this was a very humbling experience for us,” Carmela Sira, the Filipina chief operating officer of G. Sonsie, told INQUIRER.net in the sidelines of yesterday’s press conference.

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