Dressed in a violet Mak Tumang creation inspired by the “Queen of Philippine Flowers,” the waling-waling, 25-year-old Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray gives an emotional speech during her farewell walk as she passed the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title during the Grand Coronation Night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao last Sunday, June 9.
The beauty queen begins her speech saying, “Philippines! My heart is overflowing with gratitude, because here, on this exact stage, I was given the chance to pursue this dream. This journey has been made even more meaningful, because every single step of the way I felt each and every one of you right there with me,” adding, “ I am so humbled and immensely grateful to each and every one of you who has given true meaning to feeling the love and support of the Filipino people. I knew I had a big role to step up to once the Miss Universe Philippines sash was placed across my heart. Along the way, I had to surmount three mountains, to conquer three Mayon Volcanos.”
She elaborates that the three mountains include “conquering herself,” “conquering others,” and “conquering for a purpose,” which she explains she accomplished with faith, “by surrounding [herself] with people who uplifted [her], supported [her], and mentored [her],” and “the Filipino people, the children of Tondo, and [her] country.”
Catriona ends her speech stating, “Inside each and every one of us is a king or queen with the ability to conquer the universe, whatever that may be for you. But we must first conquer ourselves, conquer what others perceive of us, and finally, conquer with a purpose.” In her words, “To conquer our dreams. Philippines, I will forever raise our flag.”
At the end of the night, Catriona passed on the crown to 23-year-old Gazini Ganados of Talisay City, Cebu.