Five years ago in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand, I experienced a moment that forever etched itself into the tapestry of my life – the profound honor of being crowned Miss Universe 2018, a moment that filled my heart with immense pride for my beloved country,” reminisces Catriona Gray.
As the Philippines’ cherished Miss Universe queen, Catriona recently took a stroll down memory lane, capturing the essence of her transformative journey through a heartfelt photoshoot with the talented BJ Pascual. The images, reminiscent of her iconic looks from the 2018 competition, serve as a visual ode to a pivotal chapter in her life.
In one captivating snapshot, the Filipino-Australian beauty graces the frame in a luminous, sheer gown adorned with orange feathers, paying homage to the enchanting Ibong Adarna-inspired creation by Mak Tumang that she wore during the preliminary competition.
Sharing her reflections on this milestone, Catriona expressed, “Five years ago, I poured my heart and soul onto the Miss Universe stage. Reflecting on my journey, I cherish the memories of overcoming numerous fears and challenges, for in my pursuit, I dared to defy expectations.”
The beauty queen delved into the intricacies of her pageant journey, highlighting her status as an “independent, non-camp trained candidate.” With unwavering determination, she embraced her vocal and stubborn nature, steadfast in her vision of what a true representative should embody on the universe stage.
Catriona’s words not only capture the challenges she faced but also resonate with the authenticity and resilience that define her remarkable journey as a Miss Universe queen.
Sharing a poignant chapter of her journey, Catriona Gray opened up about her Miss Universe experience, viewing it as a personal “comeback story” deeply rooted in the lessons learned from failure. Drawing inspiration from the myth of Ibong Adarna, a phoenix rising from the ashes, she found resonance in the narrative of resilience.
“Five years ago in the enchanting city of Bangkok, Thailand, I had the honor of bringing pride to my country as Miss Universe 2018,” Catriona reflected, expressing her gratitude to the unwavering support of her fans, the ones who fueled her determination never to give up.
In a heartfelt acknowledgment, she described her journey as a profound love letter to the Philippines, a testament to her dedication to representing her homeland. Catriona, acknowledging her supporters, noted, “My journey, in its simplest form, has and always will be, a love letter to my country of the Philippines.”
The next set of photos showcased Catriona in black and red ensembles, a nod to her iconic “Lava Gown” worn during the crowning ceremony. “Five years later…still burning brighter and stronger than ever. Who knew that paying homage to Mt. Mayon volcano as an ode to my mother’s hometown would resonate with so many?” she marveled.
Expressing her gratitude for the continued celebration of her win, Catriona shared, “Here’s to creating and bringing to life the visions we hold close to our hearts, hoping that one day they’ll capture the attention of the Universe.”
The joyous occasion garnered praise and congratulatory messages from fellow beauty queens such as Nicole Cordoves, Hannah Arnold, Michelle Dee, and Samantha Bernardo. At 29, Catriona stands as the fourth Miss Universe titleholder from the Philippines, following in the footsteps of Pia Wurtzbach, Margie Moran, and Gloria Diaz.
Having passed the crown to Zozibini Tunzi in 2019, Catriona has since dedicated herself to various roles as a brand ambassador, advocate, host, and singer, showcasing her diverse talents and contributions beyond the pageant stage.