Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray believes that the Top 5 girls should have been given more difficult questions during the Q&A portion of this year's Miss Universe Philippines pageant.
Here’s how each of the five candidates answered during the Q&A segment, where each had given only 30 seconds to respond.
Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi (Miss Pasay)
If you could stop time for a day, how would you spend it?
"If I could stop time, I will spend it with my family, especially my mother. It’s been two years since I’ve seen my family because they live in Italy and I came here in the Philippines just by myself. So if I have the chance to spend one day, I would definitely be with my mom and I would just tell her how much I love her and miss her. Thank you."
Miss Universe Philippines Tourism Michelle Dee (Miss Makati)
What is your greatest fear and how do you try to overcome it?
"Honestly, my greatest fear is making a fool out of myself sometimes, but I conquer that by always putting myself in that kind of situation. Actually, just joining a pageant was something that I was very scared about because of the pressure but I’m standing here in front of you, hoping to be your next Miss Universe. So that I can make my country proud once again, ang minamahal kong Pilipinas."
Miss Universe Philippines Charity Pauline Amelinckx (Miss Bohol)
What is that one life-changing decision that you’ve made and what was its impact on your life?
"The life-changing decision that I’ve made was to join Miss Universe Philippines again. Despite being bashed before for my body, and being doubted by people, I found strength in myself. And this story can be a testament for other people to draw strength from it, too. That second chance can be just as sweet. And you can still achieve your ultimate the second time around."
Miss Universe Philippines 1st Runner-up Annabelle Mae McDonnell (Miss Misamis Oriental)
What is your biggest insecurity and how do you address it?
"My socio-economic status has been one of the biggest insecurities that I’ve had. Seven years ago, I was just a meager marginalized orphan starving and trying to make her way through. But now, you see me, when you see me, think about how I’ve worked hard and studied even harder to be here. And to aspire to conquer the universe. Thank you so much."
Miss Universe Philippines 2nd Runner-up Ma. Katrina Llegado (Miss Taguig)
If you could teach Filipinos one thing, what would it be and why?
"It would be to start loving yourself. Me, as a person, I have a lot of flaws. I am not perfect, and I may not be the perfect Miss Universe. But I’m here, trying to conquer my fear, trying to be a better person and pageantry really helped me to be a transformed woman, to be truly uniquely beautiful. And I think that is what I’ll be having in Miss Universe. That is my greatest (time's up). Thank you."