Entertainment
From world to universe: Catriona Gray to represent PH in Ms. Universe
Gray is the first ever Filipina to be crowned both the Miss World-Philippines and Miss Unierse-Philippines titles (Photo: Catriona Gray/Twitter)
Formerly concurring the Miss World-Philippines 2016 stage, and landing the 5th spot in Miss World 2016, this time Catriona Gray is set to showcase her beauty and brain for the whole universe to see.
March 18, the fated day; 40 ladies and one crown. But it was also one of the most colorful days for Gray, who was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2018.
Gray is the first ever Filipina to be crowned both the Miss World-Philippines and Miss Universe-Philippines titles.
Just as the pageant not only required the physical beauty of a candidate, Gray was able to win the judges’ and audiences’ hearts with her answer to the anticipated question and answer portion.
Gray got the question from United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim who asked her what her message to the women of Marawi is.
“My answer and my message to the women is to be strong.
As women, we’re the head of household and we have amazing influence, not only in our own families, as mothers, sisters and friends, but also in our community. If we can get the women to stay strong and be what image of strength for the children and the people around them, then once the rebuilding is complete and underway, the morale of the community will stay strong and high,” she said.
With the beauty and brains package vested on her, apart from the sought-after title, Gray also won five special awards including Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, Pitoy Moreno Best in National Costume Award, Miss Ever Bilena, and Jag Denim Queen.
Though winning a pageant is not new for the Miss Universe-Philippines 2018, Gray admitted that the crown on her head does not feel real yet.
“I have just a whirlwind of emotions.
Standing up on stage and as everyone was being announced, I don’t know, it hasn’t sunk in. Even seeing everyone in front of you, parang it’s such a weird thing to describe. A lot of girls say this but it hasn’t sunk in yet.
I think maybe tomorrow when we wake up and oh there’s a crown,” she told ABS-CBN News.
“I am just incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be able to represent our country again. I can definitely say that I am bringing new things to the table this time. I’ve learned so much in the last two years. I hope to make the Philippines proud,” she added.
