The world was glued to their TV sets as they waited to see who would be the next Miss Universe 2018, and the audience was not surprised when they witnessed the beautiful Filipina delegate Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray take the crown home for her nation. The 24-year-old diva was a sight to look at wearing a thigh-high split red gown that showed off her perfect body with ease. Catriona’s walk was fierce and confident.
During the Top 5 and Top 3 question and answer round, Catriona spoke in favour of medicinal marijuana, freedom of the press, Me Too movement and also about the increased amount of immigration around the world. Her answers were confident and to the point which made her the judges’ favourite as well. Catriona is the quintessential Filipina beauty who did her country proud today, but her journey was not so smooth and fruitful as she has been trying her hand to win the crown since the past few years.
Catriona’s pageant life started in the year 1999 when she became the winner of Little Miss Philippines 1999. Cut to the year 2016 when she started her journey again with her delegacy in Miss World Philippines 2016. Catriona became the winner and won a multitude of awards like Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Fashion Runway and Best in Talent.
Catriona then went on to represent her country in Miss World 2016 and after much hardworking and dedication, she was able to secure a position to become one of the Top 5 finalists at the finale. Catriona won many special awards during her course in Miss World, like the Miss FIG Image Gateway, Miss Folded and Hung, Miss Hannah Beach Resort, Miss Figlia, Miss Manila Hotel and Miss Organique.
Next stop for Catriona was Binibining Pilipinas 2018 where she crowned winner by her predecessor Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters. There also, she won many corporate and contests awards like Best in National Costume Award, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Jag Denim Queen Award (Endorsement) and Miss Ever Bilena Cosmetics Award (Endorsement).
Catriona’s national win earned the right to represent her nation in Miss Universe 2018 and finally, she won the coveted title and was crowned by the outgoing Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters. Her win is an example of how conviction and determination towards one’s goal will always come to fruition in the end. Let’s hope that she sets an example to all other aspirants of beauty pageants, and above that, let’s hope that Catriona’s reign is successful and she able to fulfil her advocacies in the coming year.