Santacruzan

The Santacruzan in the Philippines is a religious activity but has turned into a virtual fashion show with all the girls dolled up and dressed in couture gowns if not the Maria Clara. They have a procession around town. The prettiest girl is crowned Reyna Elena and escorted by the handsomest young man.
This doll is made of corn husk. The hair is corn hair too. But the dress is embellished with cheap frills. I got this at a souvenir shop in front of Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte. There were many dolls like this on display but only this one looks fashionable. The rest were like fashion victims, so I did not buy them. Hahaha. I suspect they were factory rejects. Mean, huh.

This is another cloth doll showing the Philippine Maria Clara. Her name is Maruja.

This couple are Barbie imitations and really kitschy, but what the heck, they are still dolls anyway. And I got them very cheap. They are glued to each other, and the girls dress is like a cone, it can stand on its own.