Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray known as "Catriona Gray" she is a Filipino-Australian model, singer, and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe 2018. She was born in January 6, 1994.
In year 2016, 2nd day of October she was crowned as Miss World Philippines 2016 she won 4 special awards, the awards are: Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Fashion Runway, Best in Talent. She also won endorsement awards. When she reached the top 12 question and answer round she was asked "When you get up in the morning and look in the mirror, what do you see?"
She courageously answered "I see someone who is constantly trying to be better. I've always endured to always be better than the day before, to do things that challenge me, to do things outside the box. And something that is very fulfilling that I have found is when I look in the mirror, I want to see someone who gives back to the community, and that's someone who I achieve to be every single day."
Her answer is very meaningful, when you analyze it very well you'll be inspired on what she said. After that round she eventually reach final question and answer round all of the five finalist. The questions asked to here were the same "Why should you be Miss World Philippines 2016?"
Catriona answered, "To be a Miss World is to be passed a torch that burns with passion and purpose. If I am to become Miss World Philippines, I will dedicate my voice and essence to carry that torch and to set charitable causes alight, such as my personal advocacy, the Paraiso Bright Beginnings Project. And I would focus on passing on this torch to empower others because I believe together there is no darkness in this world that our light cannot overcome."
Hearing her answer in this question would make every Filipino proud she was very dedicated to all the people in our country. The last phrases that she answered was stunning it proves that she's willing to help, be a role model that we should imitate. She's probably the light in our darkness life.
After that competition she also joined Binibining Pilipinas 2018 where she wore the national costume competition a Muslim princess attire from Mindanao and bagged the national costume award.
In the same year she also joined the competition Miss Universe 2018. The pageant was held in IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand at the 17th of December. The national costume she wear was filled with beaded tribal suit featuring the indigenous tribes of the ancient pagan Filipinos, alongside an oversized Parol painted Christmas lantern pulled by a roller device.
In preliminary stage Catriona Gray did her slow motion walk or they called it "Lava Walk" in rampage wearing her pink swimwear which was praised by supermodels Tyra Banks and Ashley Graham, fashion commentators and Internet viewers.
She was qualified at final question and answer with the two other contestants. They were asked by the same question "What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life and how will you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?"
"I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila and the life there is very... it's poor and it's very sad. And I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty in it; to look in the beauty in the faces of the children, and to be grateful. And I would 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 this I think if I could also teach people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children will have a smile on their faces."
She won the competition as MISS UNIVERSE 2018. Catriona Gray was the 4th Filipina Miss Universe after Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Morgan (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015). Catriona Gray is the first Filipina to represent the country in both the Miss World and Miss Universe competitions.
I chose her to be the famous person in my article because I really love how she dedicate herself to represent our country. When it comes to question and answer portion her answer was very inspiring. Especially her answer in the final round of Miss Universe that made her won it was very real, she even elaborate her experiences there. She said in an interview that her answer was not about romanticizing poverty but she was highlighting the spirit and determination of people living in that situation. She always nailed her answer that's why it stayed in everyone's mind.
Written by: Kayla S. Blancaflor