MANILA, Philippines — Supporters of the Philippines’ own Catriona Gray, including local and international celebrities, could not help but express their admiration for the newly-crowned Miss Universe 2018.
Catriona became the fourth Miss Universe from the Philippines after she bested 93 contestants from across the globe. The 24-year-old Filipina-Australian followed the footsteps of beauty queens Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973) and Pia Wurtzbach (2015).
Catriona beat first runner-up Tamaryn Green of South Africa and second runner-up Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela in the prestigious pageant held at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand Monday.
Malacañang earlier congratulated the beauty queen from Oas, Albay province for making the entire country proud.
Bb. Pilipinas Organization thanked Catriona for all her hard work.
“For raising the Philippine flag and embodying all out hopes and dreams, you are a true inspiration,” Bb. Pilipinas posted on Facebook.
In an Instagram post, Pia praised Catriona for “[conquering] the universe.”
“This girl is on fire! You started strong and captured our hearts with your grace, commitment and fearlessness! And that walk… how could anyone forget the walk?” Pia wrote, referring to Catriona's viral “lava walk” that featured a slow-motion twirl.
The 2015 Miss Universe added: “This is just the beginning. Congratulations, Miss Universe 2018 @catriona_gray! You have made us all proud! Raise your flag.”
Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen called Catriona’s victory a “well-deserved” one.
Congratulations #Philippines ??????????Another richly deserved victory!!????A stunning & well spoken #MissUniverse2018 Catriona Gray ???? Mahal Kita from Sush Mita ????????I love you guys!!!! pic.twitter.com/ve2m2PsVib
— sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) December 17, 2018
Rachel Peters, Mary Jean Lastimosa, Janine Tugonon—former Philippine bets to Miss Universe—also cheered for their fellow beauty queen.
PHILIPPINES!!!!!!! ???????????????????????????????? I knew it was worth the last minute flight damn proud of you Cat!!!!! #MissUniverse2018
— Mary Jean Lastimosa (@MJ_Lastimosa) December 17, 2018
Yeeessss!!! Congratulations Catriona!! QUEEN indeed. ?????????
— Janine Mari Tugonon (@janine_tugonon) December 17, 2018
Comedian and television host Vice Ganda thanked designer Mak Tumang for dressing up Catriona in a fiery red gown that was inspired by her hometown's landmark, the Mayon Volcano.
And to the designer of Catriona’s red gown Thank You and Congratulations!!!!!!
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) December 17, 2018
Check out what other celebrities have to say about Catriona's win:
Tim Yap
May the fourth be with you: And so she did. @catrionaelisa just brought home our fourth @MissUniverse crown ???? here she is with fellow queens, taken last May in Manila #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/Mf2zcWkz5Y
— Tim Yap (@officialTIMYAP) December 17, 2018
Anne Curtis
She did it!!! She brought the crown back! Congratulations Catriona!!!!!! ???????? #MissUniverse #Philippines
— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) December 17, 2018
Lea Salonga
What wonderful news to wake up to!!! Congratulations, Catriona Gray (Philippines), for winning the Miss Universe crown!!!
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) December 17, 2018
Designer Rajo Laurel
Saab Magalona
Congratulations, @catrionaelisa!! #DailyPancho #MissUniverse2018 #Philippines pic.twitter.com/aenivRsuYn
— Saab (@saabmagalona) December 17, 2018