The Miss Universe Philippines Organization has teased that Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will have a "special participation" in this year's Miss Universe Philippines finals.
But the 28-year-old singer-actress wasn't able to attend the event.
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In an Instagram post, Catriona explained her absence.
According to her, she was already committed to filming out of town, but she's thankful to have been invited to speak and to be a part of the celebration of the Filipina in pursuit of a dream - referring to her clip played during the event.
"Although I was only allocated 1 minute for my speech, this video is the entirety of what I would've loved to have said, so instead I'm sharing it here with all of you," she said.
Catriona talked about women's power in her short speech.
"Our world constantly tries to define beauty: a title, a beauty queen, a voice. But aren't we, women, so much more than a single title? Deep down, we know we have a gift to give to the world. Will we allow others to define something that is only ours to give," the Australian-Filipino beauty queen said.
"When we armed ourselves with the learnings of our hardships and the stories of those who walked before us, a courage, a boldness begins to build, and we step into our power," she said. "When women rise, our voices together, the words women power become more than just a phrase. They become a movement."
Another generation of women take to this very stage tonight with a dream to elevate and represent our country. And even when your hands are shaking, and your voice starts to break, trust me, I know, I've been there too. Beautiful. Capable. Empowered. Empathetic. A woman and powerful."
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Despite not making it, Catriona made sure to be updated on all the happenings during the finals.
In fact, she flooded her Twitter account with her two cents.
"Great speakers in this batch (clapping hands sign emoji) excited to see how they handle spontaneous Q&A #MissUniversePhilippines2022," she wrote.
Then tweeted: "Congrats to the top 5! I wouldve loved to see Cebu Province and Iloilo in the final Q&A round though. #MissUniversePhilippines2022"
Later she said: "I wish the girls were given more difficult questions. Feeling ko kayang kaya nila. Anywho, who is your MUP2022? excitinggg! #MissUniversePhilippines2022"
Catriona also expressed how she loved the performances of EZ Mil and JM Bales.
"Bongaaa!! Naging concert pala ang #MissUniversePhilippines2022 (heart eyes emoji) sayaaa para sa live crowd."
After the announcement of winner, Catriona greeted Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi.
"Congratulations Celeste! Welcome to the sisterhood!! (Philippine flag emojis)"
Other beauty queens who graced the event were MUPH 2020 Rabiya Mateo and MUPH 2021 Bea Gomez.
Also spotted were MUPH director and Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-Up Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up Venus Raj, and Miss Universe 2019 Top 20 finalist Gazini Ganados.
Last year's MUPH Top 5 finalists Steffi Rose Aberasturi, Kim Victoria Vincent, and Maureen Christa Wroblewitz made their final walk during the show.