This is it.
By the time you read this article, our Philippine representative to the Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is due on the pageant stage for her pasarela – “gliding, swaying, pivoting, and erupting!” – in a bid to win the crown.
Catriona filed her application for Binibining Pilipinas 2018 nearly two years after she represented the country at the Miss World 2016 pageant. In both tilts, she has commanded a sea of supporters who regard the Bicolana as woman to beat.
Catriona Gray of the Philippines competes in the evening gown competition during the 2018 Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok on December 13, 2018. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
At 5’9 1/2,” every inch of the 24-year-old looks queenly. Her mesmerizing beauty and charming candidness could rewrite the stars in her favor.
Beyond that, Catriona shows beauty and brain can go together and oh so well. Her winning answer during the Binibining Pilipinas pageant is just an example of how well she can nail the Q&A portion.
Throw her questions about woman empowerment, political issues and, really, anything under the sun, and you will be amazed how much a woman of substance she is.
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CATRIONA slay the preliminary competition (Photo screengrab from YouTube/Miss Universe Organization)
Her message to the women of Marawi:
“…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.”
On bashers:
“Sometimes, no matter how hard you work on it, there are people who will judge you and put negativity in your life. But there’s also good criticisms so whenever I read things like that on social media, I take time to assess myself and reflect on how those things would help me to be better as beauty queen and as a person.”
On education and equal opportunity for women:
“I think women’s success should be determined by their skills, their choices, and their character. It shouldn’t be determined by boundaries set by other people from the stigma, from their ignorance, and from misunderstandings.”
On what she sees every time she looks at the mirror:
“…I’ve always endured to always be better than the day before, to do things that challenge me, to do things outside the box. And something that is very fulfilling that I have found is when I look in the mirror, I want to see someone who gives back to the community, and that’s someone who I achieve to be every single day.”
On being a beauty queen:
“I think it’s just a character. I mean, it’s still me but it’s like a facet of myself. I don’t walk down the street like I’m in a catwalk. I’m just a regular person behind my crown.”