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A post shared by Paolo Ballesteros (@pochoy_29) on Aug 6, 2018 at 7:32pm PDT

MANILA – Paolo Ballesteros got to showcase his creativity during the national costume competition of the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 pageant.

The actor designed a gown inspired by suman, a kind of rice cake made from glutinous rice, for candidate Honey Grace Cartasano of Rizal.

Here’s a look:

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A post shared by Paolo Ballesteros (@pochoy_29) on May 29, 2019 at 5:07pm PDT

Ballesteros has been actively supporting Cartasano’s Bb. Pilipinas 2019 journey as seen in his Instagram account, which boasts of 2.3 million followers.

The actor, who is known for his makeup transformations, said he got the idea of a suman-inspired gown after learning that Antipolo is popular for its rice cakes.

“Mahilig talaga ako sa mga pageants,” he said in an interview with the entertainment website Pep.

“Tumutulong ako ‘pag may candidate na kailangan – like sa styling, makeup, pati sa lakad; and si Honey Grace taga-Antipolo lang din, so ayun,” he added.

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A post shared by Paolo Ballesteros (@pochoy_29) on Apr 3, 2019 at 4:24pm PDT

Cartasano, for her part, took to social media to thank Ballesteros for designing a costume for her.

“Thank you so much to the genius man behind my suman-inspired national costume,” she said, tagging Ballesteros’ Instagram account. “And also for being so considerate because you made sure that we’ll share ideas and peg for the [national costume].”

She went on: “You made sure that I want the design. I’m happy and it is for me! Naalala ko sketch pa lang binigay mo pero sobrang namangha na kami… I’m grateful to you!”