Pasabog! PH’s Angelica Lopez in ‘mangkukulam’ costume for Miss Grand pageant

Angelica Lopez just brought Philippine folklore to the Miss Grand International 2026 pageant.

The Filipina delegate recently showcased a national costume inspired by the “mangkukulam” — a character that practices sorcery, often with malevolent intent and through the use of dolls similar to voodoo in Western culture. 

Lopez dressed up as a doll pricked with needles as she carried a large “mangkukulam” sculpture. Her masterpiece was designed by Patrick Isorena, with creative direction and styling by Vhee Co.

For Lopez, the costume is “a tribute to the stories that shaped our imagination, the traditions passed down through generations, and the powerful spirit woven into our Filipino heritage.”

Many pageant fans, and even her fellow beauty queens, heaped praise on her “mangkukulam” look, calling it a “pasabog” or a show-stopping performance. 

Among those who left supportive comments on her social media post were Miss Cosmo 2025 runner-up Chelsea Fernandez, Miss World Asia 2025 Krishnah Gravidez, and Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 first runner-up Anita Rose Gomez, as well as Filipina drag queen Marina Summers.

Lopez aims to score a third consecutive win for the Philippines in Miss Grand International, after Emma Tiglao and CJ Opiaza. 

The coronation night will be held on Saturday, October 10, in Bangkok, Thailand.