Catriona Gray of the Philippines was named winner of the Miss Universe 2018 competition in the Thai capital Bangkok, besting contestants from 93 other countries to claim the prize.
The 24-year-old Gray edged out first runner-up Tamaryn Green of South Africa and third-place Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela.
Gray succeeds the 2017 winner, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa.
The theme of the 67th Miss Universe pageant was “Empowered Women” and was judged by seven women including former pageant winners, businesswomen, and a fashion designer.
The grand event was held in Impact, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand.
Catriona prepared 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.
During the swimsuit round, Catriona’s ‘slo-mo twirl’ set social media abuzz.
It is the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe crown, and comes just three years after Pia Alonso Wurtzbach won the Miss Universe 2015 title.
Previous titlists were Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran.
2018 marked the 67th year of the Ms Universe pageant, which comedian and TV host Steve Harvey hosted again together with Ashley Graham.
Thailand hosted the beauty competition for the third time after 1992 and 2005.
Contestants from 94 countries participated in the contest this year.
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and record producer NE-YO serenaded the top 3 contenders.
TV personality and style guru Carson Kressley along with supermodel and pageant expert Lu Sierra teamed up once again to provide analysis and commentary throughout the live telecast.
Miss Universe’s website says, “2018 selection committee is the first-ever all-women panel made up of entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts, some of whom are former Miss Universe titleholders.”
Miss Spain Angela Ponce had grabbed headlines for being the first openly transgender contestant in the pageant’s 66-year-history.
Malacanang statement on the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant
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. 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.
Ms. Gray’s triumph sets the bar high in empowering more Filipino women to believe in themselves and to fight for their own place in the universe. We salute and admire her victory.
Catriona’s crowning glory is placing the Philippines in the world map again for its beauty and elegance that matches the world renowned attraction of the many scenic and mesmerising islands in our country.
(With AP)