The Philippines’ very own Catriona Gray was named Miss Universe 2018!

 

 

The competition was held in Bangkok and featured contestants from 93 countries!

 

 

Catriona’s father is Australian and her mother is from Oas town in the northeastern province of Albay.  She was born and raised in Cairns, Australia and was a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston.  During the competition, Catriona says that there’s a specific reason she wore red, “When I was 13, my mom said she had a dream that I would win Miss Universe in a red dress.”

 

 

24-year old Catriona is the fourth Filipina to be crowned Miss Universe and according to Rodrigo Duterte, the president of the Philippine office, he says in a statement, “Ms. Gray truly made the entire Philippines proud when she sashayed on the global stage and showcased the genuine qualities defining a Filipina beauty: confidence, grace, intelligence and strength in the face of tough challenges.  In her success, Miss Philippines has show to the world that women in our country have the ability to turn dreams into reality through passion, diligence, determination and hard work.”

 

When asked, “If you were going to write a song about your experience here at Miss Universe, what would you call it?” Catriona responded with, “As Miss Philippines I’ve always felt the love and support of the Filipino people and I think I brought half of my country here tonight.  I would name the song ‘Raise Your Flag’ because I stand here not as one but as 104 million Filipinos.” And she also has a signature move!  It’s her signature twirl!

 

 

The judging table included an-all female panel, fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, Colombian-American CEO Liliana Gil Valletta, former Miss Universe winners Bui Simon, Michelle McLean, Richelle Singson-Michael and Iman Oubou.  The event was hosted by Steve Harvey and model Ashley Graham with a special performance from singer Ne-Yo.

 

 

And check out the surprise the contestants had for Ne-Yo below.

 

 

Here’s who made it into the Top 5 for Miss Universe.

5. Miss Puerto Rico

4. Miss Vietnam

3. Miss Philippines

2. Miss South Africa

1. Miss Venezuela

 

 

 

Filed under: Catriona Gray, Miss Universe