Miss Universe secretly spends holidays in PH
Now it can be told: Newly crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray did not immediately fly to New York City last Dec. 20 as earlier reported but secretly spent the holidays in the Philippines with her parents and loved ones for 15 days.
Photos of Gray surfaced last Wednesday night that showed her checking in at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Parañaque City for flight PR126 to New York City via Vancouver. She checked in at the airport alone.
The Filipino-Australian beauty queen wore a jacket made by Jorel Espina Bomberong and styled by
Ton Lao and Justine Aliman during her flight to the US.
Gray later posted on Instagram: "Refreshed from a quiet holiday season with my loved ones, I've packed up my home in Manila and now I'm ready to move to my new home in New York City!! I still can't believe it! @missuniverse. I have to say I'm most nervous about experiencing the chill of NYC in winter but would love to know, what are your recommendations to see, do, and eat?!"
Sources said that after Gray made a courtesy call on President Duterte last Dec. 20, she went back to the hotel. There she was fetched by a vehicle for an unknown destination in Metro Manila.
"She even partied with some of her friends during the holidays. She did not wear any make-up when she made the rounds of the city," the same source said.
It was earlier reported that Gray would make an overnight visit to the Philippines to attend charity events on Dec. 19. She arrived on board the private plane of former Gov. Chavit Singson of Ilocos Sur. The next day, Dec. 20, Gray was expected to fly to New York to fulfill her duties as Miss Universe.
But fans of Gray wondered why she did not post any arrival photos from New York when she left the country. They did not hear anything from her since then.
‘She was here all the while’
During her two-week holiday stay in the country, Gray apparently requested for privacy in her parties or appearances and during the holidays.
On Jan. 2, popular shoe designer Jojo Bragais, who is a close friend of the beauty queen, said Gray is spending the holidays with her parents and loved ones.
"Catriona is spending the holidays with her family and loved ones. She deserves a rest after her long preparation to win the title of Miss Universe. She deserves it," said Bragais, in the comment section of Facebook of popular swimwear designer Domz Ramos.
When Gray came home last Dec. 19, ABS-CBN entertainment reporter Mario Dumawal had asked her if she would be spending Christmas and New Year in the Philippines. The beauty queen told Dumawal: "Sana. (I hope)."
Gray, 24, is set to begin her press tour in New York City on January 7. She will return to Manila for her victory parade and first press conference as Miss Universe sometime in February.