For the second time in three years, the Philippines is again the home of Miss Universe—and we have Catriona Gray to thank for that! Her impeccable performance in Bangkok, Thailand this year earned for her the adoration of Filipinos as well as other nationalities, including former beauty queens and seasoned models like Tyra Banks, across the globe, from that “slow-mo” twirl and her charm and wit, to the elegance and compassion.
In case you’re living in the moon, she’s the fourth beauty queen from the Philippines to be crowned as Miss Universe after Gloria Diaz, Margarita Moran and Pia Wurtzbach, who won in 1969, 1973 and 2015, respectively. And what a well-deserved victory it was!
In case you missed it—and you probably have—here are some facts about our Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, from her performance on the world stage and the coveted crown to her advocacies and more.
Multi-million crown
The Mikimoto crown that Catriona wore during the coronation night, and will wear during special events throughout her year-long reign, was designed by Japanese artisan Tomohiro Yamaji. It was made of both yellow and white gold embellished with 500 pieces of diamonds weighing almost 30 carats. The crown is also encrusted with 120 South Sea and Akoya pearls. It was initially created out of the sponsorship of the Mikimoto Pearl company in 2002, as the official jewel sponsor of the Miss Universe Organization.
Catriona’s winning answer
During the final portion of the competition, Catriona was asked, “What is the most important lesson you have learned and how will you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?”
She answered: “I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila and the life there is poor and very sad. And I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty of it and look in the beauty of the faces of the children and to be grateful. And I will bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. And I think if I can teach people to be grateful, we can have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children will have a smile on their faces.”
Empowering the youth
During the Q&A portion, Catriona mentioned her charity work in the slums of Tondo, Manila. Having been involved with the non-profit organization Young Focus, which has programs that give the youth opportunities to “develop intellectually as well as creatively and socially,” Catriona strongly advocates for the education of children, especially in underprivileged areas.
Mayon-inspired gown
Since Catriona flew to Thailand to represent the Philippines, she had a vision of promoting the country even through the details of her chosen clothes. During the coronation night, Catriona wore a gown inspired by Mt. Mayon’s red-hot lava located in her mother’s hometown, Albay. It was created by young Filipino fashion designer Mak Tumang.
Kissing AIDS goodbye
Through LoveYourself Philippines, an organization dedicated to the HIV education, screening, testing and treatment, Catriona advocates for HIV/AIDS awareness. The 24-year-old beauty queen was even part of the #KissAIDSGoodbye billboard campaign in the Philippines.
Blood, sweat and tears
That “slow-mo” twirl will be on replay for years to come, but most people don’t know that she initially struggled to do it because of her condition, Scoliosis. On “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up Nicole Cordoves revealed that Catriona reached the point of “crying in pain.” Safe to say, she still, as millennials are wont to say, “slayed” it.
