Wednesday 24 / April / 2024
Muscat: Filipinos around the world are celebrating the coronation of Catriona Gray as Miss Universe.
Gray won the prestigious pageant in Bangkok, redeeming herself from her runner-up finish in the 2016 Miss World as she prevailed over South Africa's Tamaryn Green and Venezuela's Sthefany Gutierrez.
She takes over the crown from her predecessor Demi-Leigh Nel Peters from South Africa.
Gray won plaudits for her performance in the final question-and-answer portion for the top three finalists. Host Steve Harvey had asked them to name an important life lesson they had learned in their lives and ways in which they would apply should they become Miss Universe.
Gray cited the optimism and gratitude of Filipinos, especially children, in even in the worst situations as a lesson she would like to impart to others. "I worked a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila; and the life there is very... it's poor, and it's very sad. And I always taught myself to look for the beauty in it -- to look for the beauty of the faces of the children; and to be grateful,” Gray said.
“And I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with the silver lining. And to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. And this I think if I could teach also people to be grateful we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their faces,” she added.
A spokesman from the Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the Philippines President, was among the first hail Gray's achievement.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement, “The Palace wishes to congratulate newly crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.”
Panelo said Gray, who bested 93 other candidates, made the Philippines proud when she showcased “the qualities defining a Filipina beauty: confidence, grace, intelligence and strength in the face of tough challenges.”
“In her success, Miss Philippines has shown to the world that women in our country have the ability to turn dreams into reality through passion, diligence, determination and hard work,” Panelo said.
Panelo said that Gray’s victory “sets the bar high in empowering more Filipino women to believe in themselves and to fight for their own place in the universe.”
“We salute and admire her victory,” Panelo said.
Lawmakers in the Philippines House of Representatives joined Panelo in congratulating Gray.
Albay representative Joey Salceda said, "The entire Albay is happy and proud of her achievement as proud she is of her roots. I worked with Catriona in her previous quests and she was excited about her role as tourism champion for Albay,"
Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers said Gray's victory is an inspiration to all Filipinos amid the challenging times.
"Her sacrifices and triumph inspire Filipinos to continue fighting on amidst the challenges and difficulties. Her victory is our victory. This is such an amazing Christmas gift to the country,” Barbers said.
“Gray embodies the Filipino spirit of resiliency and determination and is indeed an inspiration to the youth and the millions of Filipinos,” he added.
(Adapted from Philippines News Agency)
