Catriona mulls military service
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray said that she may be open to becoming a military reservist once her reign as Miss Universe ends later this year.
“I’ll be open to it. I think there’s something you’ll definitely learn in giving back to your country,” Gray said during the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s visit at the General Headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City yesterday. When asked if she prefers joining the Army, Navy, or Air Force as a reservist, Gray said that is something she has to research further. “I don’t know (yet). I have to research further to see my strengths. I don’t know, we’ll have to see,” she added.
No less than AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. presented the Command Plaque to Gray, who won the prestigious Miss Universe pageant in December last year and is known for her commitment to serving underprivileged Filipinos, and now, communities worldwide.
The Command Plaque bears the Chief of Staff’s appreciation and recognition of Gray’s work and achievements and for representing the best of the Philippines to the world, in which Gray thanked the AFP for her honoring.
“I have always felt great pride in representing our country and although I may be called a representative of the Philippines, I am assured that every single member of the AFP is also a representative of our beautiful country,” Ms. Gray said.
“I am also greatly honored that this visit is made in conjunction with the AFP reaching out to partner in my advocacies and charitable causes. It is giving back to our country, especially our children, that has given me the greatest fulfillment in this journey,” she added.
She also gave praise to the men and women of the Armed Forces who through their dedication and hard work bring so much pride to our country.
“I was very honored to be invited at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces and it was such warm reception, it’s really amazing to be recognized by the Philippine Armed Forces who bring so much pride to our country and their whole work is to give us the same,” Gray said in an interview.
I’ll be open to it. I think there’s something you’ll definitely learn in giving back to your country.
The reigning Miss Universe, who was wearing a white blouse and light brown slacks during the event, was also presented by the AFP with a “capa del sur,” a traditional weaving product by the Yakan tribe from Mindanao.
“Ms. Gray, you have served this country long before you attained your crown. With your character, dedication, and passion, you have certainly inspired people to work harder in ending poverty and inequality,” Madrigal said in his speech.
“Your participation in humanitarian activities displayed how a woman can make a positive change. I am hoping that all of these will motivate the youth to believe that they have what it takes to be successful and the capacity to contribute to nation-building,” he added.
Aside from General Madrigal, other high-ranking military officials including AFP Vice Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr. and AFP spokesman Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo were in attendance.