There's no stopping model, actress, singer, and beauty queen Catriona Gray from helping the poor young people of Tondo, Manila.

This is as the former Miss Universe announced the holding of Catriona Gray's Legacy Ball at the City of Dreams Manila ballroom in Parañaque City to benefit Young Focus Philippines on Nov. 22.

During a press conference at City of Dreams, Catriona talked about her big vision for Young Focus.

"The big vision is to reach more kids. There will always be a need for education. It's not about what we want to have, but it's following through on how we're helping in the long term," Catriona said in continuing her support for the private group.

Catriona added: "The problem with education is not a quick fix. It's not handing out meals to feed the empty stomach. It's something that takes years to complete. To see the big picture form takes a long time and a lot of resources. So it's a long-term vision. I'm someone here for the long term, and I hope my dedication to this cause over the years can encourage other people to see the long-term benefits."

The Filipino-Australian beauty queen answered on the possible target funds for the event: "As much as possible." She also hopes the legacy ball will become an annual event to support Young Focus.

Jeffrey Vadillo, Vice President of Cornerstone Entertainment, expressed support for the cause of Carione for Young Focus.

"This event has been Catriona’s dream for years, and we’re happy to see it come together. We’re glad to see more brands wanting to join us in this effort. Let’s make a positive impact together!" said Jeff. 

Catriona Gray's Legacy Ball is organized by Cornerstone Entertainment, the beauty queen's talent management agency. 

Founded by Erickson Raymundo in 2005, Cornerstone Entertainment is a premier Filipino multimedia entertainment agency continuously pushing the envelope in talent management, music, concerts, events, film, and television to provide the best content for Filipinos and beyond.

At the upcoming fundraising event, guests and donors will enjoy music, fashion, and a sense of purpose. It will be hosted in partnership with City of Dreams Manila, Nobu, and DreamPlay. It will also be co-presented by Sailun Tires, Belo Medical Group, Uma Nota, Cetaphil, Urban Smiles, Jhaena Jewels, and Strokes Beauty. Tancinco, Mangco, and Associates Law Office will be major sponsors.  

Catriona will also auction off select fashion pieces she has worn over the years during the event to raise more funds. She has been planning the auction since 2020, but the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic has put this initiative on hold.  

First time

In May 2016, Catriona and her mother visited Young Focus for the first time. This experience inspired Catriona’s advocacy work as she entered the world of beauty pageantry. 

She was determined to use this platform to raise awareness about important issues, particularly the significance of education for the urban poor.

Since then, Catriona has raised funds and raised awareness for Young Focus by organizing concerts both in the Philippines and abroad. After winning Miss World Philippines in 2016 and placing in the Top 5 internationally, Catriona chose to compete in Miss Universe 2018.

During the Miss Universe competition, she became more vocal about supporting Young Focus and the children from the Smokey Mountain area. This brought positive publicity to Tondo and helped enhance public respect for the families living there.

On Dec. 17, 2018, Catriona won the Miss Universe title. The media attention surrounding her advocacy work for Young Focus increased significantly. This led to numerous interviews and television appearances for both staff and students.

Everyone was curious about Young Focus, what it did, and its thoughts on Catriona's victory. Catriona placed both Young Focus and the people of Tondo in a highly positive spotlight.

Young Focus transformed from a little-known non-governmental organization to the most talked-about organization in the Philippines! The year 2018 concluded with a spectacular finale.

Young Focus Philippines

Young Focus has been supporting children and their families in the Smokey Mountain area of Tondo, Manila, since 2008. They began their work with 225 beneficiaries that year. As of the current school year, 2023/2024, Young Focus serves 936 beneficiaries.

The group believes education is the most effective tool for overcoming poverty among children and young adults. The organization enrolls students, ranging from elementary school age to college, in government education programs. In addition to these programs, Young Focus provides extra tutoring, life skills training, personal coaching, and social support.

Children who have dropped out of school can join our catch-up education programs and then re-enroll in school. Young Focus also offers a preschool for children aged 3 and 4. Young Focus supports the parents throughout the child's education by providing teaching and coaching programs.

Young Focus aims to enhance young people's mental, physical, and social well-being in disadvantaged communities through education, healthcare, and personal support.

It allows poor children and young people to grow intellectually, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually through education and personal coaching.

Young Focus aims to help young people discover and develop their hidden talents and gifts, enabling them to break free from the cycle of poverty.

The organization provides a brighter future for children from low-income families in the Philippines. Young Focus works directly with children in their environments to maximize their impact.

Programs

The programs of Young Focus are customized for specific needs, enabling children to develop intellectually, creatively, spiritually, and socially.

It enrolls children from preschool to college in government education, providing extra tutorials, life skills training, personal coaching, and social support.

Children who have dropped out of school can join our ‘catch-up’ education programs and then enroll (again) in school.

Throughout the child’s education, Young Focus supports the parents, too, by providing teaching and coaching programs.