AFTER the Philippines’s bet Catriona Gray brought back the Miss Universe crown on Monday after a mere three years, Malacañang said she had made the entire country proud as her crowning glory had again “placed the Philippines on the world map for its beauty and elegance that matches the world-renowned attraction of the scenic and mesmerizing islands of the country.”
Gray was the fourth Filipina to win the prestigious Miss Universe crown after Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973) and Gloria Diaz (1969).
Beating 93 candidates from different countries, the 24-year-old Filipina-Australian was crowned by Miss Universe 2017 Demi Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa at the end of a glitzy coronation night at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday.
“My heart is filled with so much gratitude. There were moments of doubt, where I felt overwhelmed, where I felt the pressure, because so much is expected of a Filipino representative. But I would always look to the supporters, to my family and my team, and there I would source my inspiration and strength,” Gray said during her first press conference as Miss Universe.
Gray said she plans to use her bigger platform in continuing advocating for education for poor children and for people to be more aware of HIV-Aids and end the stigma that comes with the condition.
She said she is also looking forward to traveling across the world for her work as Miss Universe and being based in New York City, where she could watch her favorite Broadway plays and experience spring and autumn.
Dubbed the one to beat coming into the competition, the 24-year-old model-musician wowed the selection committee, the thousands at the stadium and the millions more watching in their homes with her remarkable showing at the swimsuit and evening gown portions. She wore a show-stopping red gown by Filipino designer Mak Tumang.
She then aced the final question and answer portion to seal the deal.
When asked what is the most important lesson she learned in her life and how she would apply it to her time as Miss Universe, Gray related her experience working with a nongovernment organization pushing for the education of children in impoverished areas.
“I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila, and the life there is very poor and very sad, and I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look in the beauty of the faces of the children, and to be grateful. I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining, and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide as a spokesperson. If I could teach people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their faces,” Gray said.
“Just like in her performance in Binibining Pilipinas, Gray walked the talk at the Miss Universe stage, impressing in her physical preparation, mental fortitude and sincerity in advancing the causes she believes in,” was how Gray was described by the official press statement of the Bb. Pilipinas organizers.
“The Palace wishes to congratulate newly crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. Ms. Gray truly made the entire Philippines proud when she sashayed on the global stage and showcased the genuine qualities defining a Filipina beauty: confidence, grace, intelligence and strength in the face of tough challenges,” Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement. “In her success, Miss Philippines has shown to the world that women in our country have the ability to turn dreams into reality through passion, diligence, determination and hard work.”
Prior to winning the Miss Universe 2018 title, she also represented the Philippines in the Miss World pageant in 2016. Although she was among the front-runners ahead of the competition, she failed to bag the coveted title and settled in the top 5.
This time around, Gray came more prepared. She worked hard and well for the pageant for nine months. Her parents wept openly while watching her win the crown in Bangkok.
Two days before the coronation night, Gray’s video showing her do the “Lava Walk” went viral, with the Internet universe amazed by her grace, precise moves and the creativity of the walk, which was inspired by the Mayon Volcano, the world-renowned perfectly cone-shaped volcano of Bicol, Gray’s home region.
It is the Philippines’s fourth Miss Universe crown, and comes just three years after Pia Alonso Wurtzbach won the Miss Universe 2015 title.
In a statement, Sen. Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva said: “Once again, a Filipina beauty has captured the hearts of the whole universe…. May your reign be a compelling platform for positive change and women empowerment, and also an opportunity to promote our country’s tourism and everything our beloved country has to offer.”
Image credits: AP/Gemunu Amarasinghe