Entertainment
Former Miss Universe PH winners gather for Catriona’s homecoming event
FILE: “Don’t choose one, choose Philippines.” (Photo: @mj_lastimosa/Instagram)
In honor of 24-year-old Catriona Gray’s huge win at the Miss Universe 2018 competition that concluded last December 16, Filipinos gathered at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday, February 24 for a special event entitled “Raise Your Flag.”
One of the highlights of the show was a feature of the previous Filipino bets that represented the country in the prestigious pageant, including Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up Venus Raj, Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up Ariella Arida, Miss Universe 2014 top 10 finalist Mary Jean Lastimosa, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2016 top 6 finalist Maxine Medina, and Miss Universe 2017 top 10 finalist Rachel Peters, all dazzling the runway in red creations in honor of Catriona’s signature lava-inspired Mak Tumang creation that she wore during the coronation night. Fan-favorite actress/comedian Maymay Entrata joined the queens on-stage as well wearing her own Mak Tumang gown and attempting to replicate Miss Universe 2018’s “lava walk.
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Among the special performances at the “Raise Your Flag” tribute were Jed Madela, the TNT Boys, and Morrissette Amon, with television host Boy Abunda as Master of Ceremonies. The show closed with a song by KZ Tandigan and Kritiko, revealing a new song entitled after the tribute itself.
However, the highlight of Catriona’s experience was a surprise appearance from her parents Normita and Ian, whom she “thought were still in Canada.” While talking to her mother and father on-stage, the beauty queen gets emotional telling them, “The reason I am who I am today is because of these two people,” adding, “Ever since I was a child, no matter what I wanted to do, pursue, or my dreams are, my parents always said, ‘We will support you. We will always be behind you every step of the way.
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After her numerous homecoming parades and shows, Catriona is expected to visit her chosen charities and pay courtesy calls to the Senate, the Office of the Vice President, and the Department of Tourism during her stay in the Philippines.
