Catriona Gray wins Miss Universe-Philippines crown
From “world” to the “universe.”
That’s the path opened to a 24-yearold Filipino-Australian model,who after finishing in the Top 5 of the 2016 Miss World beauty contest,
has been crowned Miss Philippines Universe.
The Philippine beauty is Catriona Gray, of Albay, Bicol, who was crowned Miss Universe-Philippines at the 55th Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City Saturday evening and winding up at 1 a.m. of Sunday.
Ms. Gray, a crowd favorite to win the coveted crown of the Bb. Pilipinas contest, edged out 39 other girls for the title.
Gray represented the Philippines in the 2016 Miss World beauty contest held in Maryland, USA where she finished in Top 5.
It is rare for a Filipino beauty queen to compete in the Miss Universe pageant after she represented the country in its rival pageant Miss World.
Loud cheers from fans of Gray echoed at the Big Dome every time the Bicolana beauty queen, who is also a blogger, appeared on stage.
Bicol beauty queens It is the second year in a row that a Bicolana will represent the country in a Miss Universe beauty pagaent. Last year, it was Miss Universe semi-finalist Rachel Peters from Camarines Sur.
Other Bicolana Binibinis are Ma. Venus Raj, Albay, 4th runner-up, 2010 Miss Universe pageant; and Miriam Quiambao, also of Albay, 1st runner-up, 1999 Miss Universe contest.
Unconfirmed reports said that the 2018 Miss Universe beauty contest might be held in the Philippines again. Message to young women
of Marawi During the question-and-answer portion, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim asked Gray: "After the devastating war, Marawi is now on its way to recovery. What is your message to the young women of Marawi?"
Gray answered: "My answer and message to the women [of Marawi] is to be strong. As women, we are the head of the household. And, we have amazing influence not only on our own families – as mothers, sisters, and friends – but also on our community. If we could get the women to stay strong and be that image of strength for the children and the people around them, once the rebuilding is complete, the morale of the community will stay strong and high."
5 special awards The 5'9 stunner also bagged five major special awards during the televised beauty contest. She won the Pitoy Moreno Best in National Costume (designed by Jason Demavivas), Best in Swimwear, Best in Long Gown, Jag Denim Queen, and Miss Ever Bilena.
Gray's hobbies touch on fine arts, martial arts and outdoor sports –sketching, painting, traveling, writing, photography, music, and cooking. She's also a Black belt in Choi Kwang Do, loves outdoor recreation and outdoor sports. She has a boyfriend.
An only child, Gray went to college at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where she earned a master certificate in music theory.
More winners Other winners of major titles in the pageant were: Maria Ahtisa Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas International 2018; Jehza Mae Huelar, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2018; Eva Psychee Patalinjug, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2018; Karen Gallman, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018; and Michele Gumabao, Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2018.
First runner-up honors went to Vickie Rushton and Samantha Bernardo, second runner-up.
Winners of special awards were: Marie Sherry Ann Tormes, Friendship and Talent; Muriel Adrienne Orais, Miss Philippine Airlines; Gumabao, Miss Creme Silk; Patalinjug, Face of Bb. Pilipinas (Photogenic); and Bernardo, Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice Awards.
Candidates who finished in the Top 15 were Orais, Maria Andrea Abesamis, Juliana Kapeundl, Anjame Magbitang, Edjelyn Joy Gamboa, Wynona Buot and Sandra Lemonon.
For the first cut, other girls who landed in the Top 25 were Tormes, Ana Patricia Astrurias, Sigfrid Grace Flores, Agatha Romero, Kayesha Chua, Kristie Rose Cequena, Ena Velasco, Mary Joy De Castro, Patrizia Garcia and Trixia Marana.
MB Readers’ Choice
As Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice, Bernardo, 25, received a vacation and pampering package from the Manila Hotel worth 1100,000, one-year free subscription of Manila Bulletin newspaper, and 110,000 cash. The prizes were awarded by Manila Bulletin Public Relations Manager Badette Cunanan and Manila Bulletin External Affairs Head Mr. Barbie Atienza.
Bernardo hails from Puerto Princesa in Palawan. She was a competitive rhythmic gymnast in her elementary and high school days, representing her school in national competitions.
She is a culture and arts advocate and former president of a cultural group which showcases Philippine traditions through folk dances -the Palawan State University Sining Palawan Dance Troupe.
In 2013, Bernardo competed in the Miss World Philippines 2013 contest and finished in the semifinals. She also won Best in Talent in the same pageant.
Disappointed?
Fans, mostly from the De La Salle University (DLSU) on Taft Avenue in Manila, took to social media to express their disappointment over the title won by Gumabao, who made a successful transition from volleyball star to beauty queen.
Supporters of Gumabao said that she could have won a title higher than the Bb. Pilipinas Globe because of her impressive performance during the finals, especially in the Q&A portion.
Gumabao was the star player of the DLSU Lady Spikers from 2012-2013.