‘Forever Miss Philippines:’ Catriona Gray honored to represent country

BANGKOK, Thailand—  Hours after she was crowned this year’s Miss Universe, Filipina-Australian Catriona Gray took to social media to thank all those who helped her in her pageant journey.

In her message after the pageant, Gray said she was honored to have represented the country and vowed to forever pay homage to it.

“Philippines, what an amazing honor it has been to carry your name across my chest and to embody you in all aspects. I may now carry the sash of Miss Universe, but I'll forever be your Miss Philippines,” she vowed.

The 24-year-old beauty queen once again shared that her mother dreamt of her winning the Miss Universe pageant in a red dress.

At that time I thought nothing of it, and today my mother's dream came true

Gray thanked the Lord and her team for helping her. She earlier thanked them, too, during the post-pageant press-conference.

“Where do I even begin Lord God, I lift everything up to you - to glorify and honour you,” Gray wrote.

“I wouldn't have been able to do any of this with all your time, effort and love,” she added, addressing her team composed of trainers, designers, stylist and sponsors.

Gray's Miss Universe journey began in January 2018 when she announced her candidacy for Binibining Pilipinas. 

In 2016, Gray also represented the country in international pageant, Miss World. She finished at the top 5 of the pageant.

After winning Miss Universe, Gray will be residing in New York City throughout her reign. She will then meet her Miss Universe family and focus on promoting her chosen advocacy.

Gray bested out 93 other Miss Universe bets in a final competition held in Impact Arena, Bangkok, Thailand on Monday.

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