All the way for Catriona Gray
There’s nothing more important for Catriona Elisa Gray than to help empower young minds particularly the impoverished.
The Filipino-Australian has been working hard to fulfill her advocacy, joining the Paraiso Bright Beginnings Project, which aims to provide accessible education for kids particularly the poor children of Tondo.
“I just want to help give them better opportunity because everybody deserves it,” Catriona said in an interview. “I do believe people should have that choice, to make something of themselves.”
The 22-year-old model hopes to gain more support for her advocacy and she is well on her way, being the Philippines’ bet to this year’s Miss World pageant.
Dubbed the “mother of all pageants” being the very first beauty pageant ever established, Miss World has raised more than £250 million for various children’s charities since its launch in 1951.
“Obviously, at the heart of the pageant is charity. I am hoping to win so I could bring more attention to my advocacy,” Catriona related.
As of this writing, Catriona is already in the US together with 120 other beauties from all over the world all hoping to be crowned Miss World on finals night at the Gaylord Convention Center in Maryland on Dec. 18.
Catriona, fondly called Cat by friends and family, shared she prepared well and hard for the tilt.
“Actually, I had just less two months to prepare but it’s no excuse so I was up on my toes all this time,” she said. “The game plan is simple: just to be very, very prepared. Miss World covers a lot of aspects so I just readied myself for all of them. I really don’t want to settle for second best so I can’t be too lax.”
In the last six years, the Philippines has been placing well in the pageant, even going on to claim the crown in 2013 with actress-model Megan Young besting counterparts. Naturally, Catriona aims to follow suit.
“It would be a wonderful Christmas present if I win,” she said. “I’ve been working hard to make it a reality but, of course, there’s no formula to it. As a candidate, I could only do best to play on my strengths and hope that’s what the judges are looking for in their winner.
“If anything, I will try to cover all the bases because you never know what they want exactly. Is it appearance? Substance? I think I have to be a little bit of everything as a modern, classy, empowered Filipina.” Catriona is thankful Megan is very supportive of her, noting, “She takes time to help me, gives me advice even though I know she’s also very busy so I appreciate that. I look up to Megan, she is so genuine and so kind.” She also takes solace that her boyfriend of four years, actor-model Clint Bondad, is among her support team. “He is my rock,” she quipped. Though she hopes to go all the way, Catriona already has a plan b setup if things don’t work out. “It’s Filipino resilience. No matter what we always bounce back with a smile. So, on my end, I think I will pursue singing. It’s one my greatest passions.” In keeping with the “Filipino First Policy” of Miss World Philippines, Catriona’s gown for the pageant is designed and made by renowned designer Francis Libiran. (With report from Jojo P. Panaligan)