Markki Stroem in his tikbalang-inspired national costume for Mister Universe 2024. Stroem/Instagram 

Markki Stroem wowed his fans and even fellow celebrities with his national costume for Mister Universe 2024. 

The singer and theater actor wore an outfit inspired by the tikbalang, a half-human, half-horse creature in Philippine folklore.

Designed by Patrick Isorena, it came with foot-high hooves and leaf accents at the back, with the latter symbolizing Stroem's advocacy for the environment.

"My version of the tikbalang has joined forces with mother nature to take down illegal loggers and land grabbers. Joining forces to protect our magnificent ecosystems and save our environment," he said in an Instagram post.

Stroem added that his costume is a nod to the tikbalang ensemble designed by actor-host Paolo Ballesteros for Graciella Lehmann in Binibining Pilipinas 2022.

"I wanted to make a masculine version," he said of Ballesteros' masterpiece. 

Stroem drew praise from his social media followers for his national costume, with his fellow celebrities also leaving comments in his posts.

"Wow," said drag queen Manila Luzon.

"So extra," added host Tim Yap. 

Stroem is representing the Philippines in the Mister Universe 2024 pageant in Los Angeles, California.

Markki Stroem gears up for Mister Universe: ‘This has been a magical ride’

Why Markki Stroem is competing in Mister Universe