All Hail The New Queen

She is the reigning Miss Universe, and the fourth titleholder for the Philippines. Proud to be able to represent her country the best way she can, Catriona Gray speaks of her atypical introduction to the world of pageantry and how she hopes to be remembered as a purposeful queen

- Mj Jose

To be crowned Miss Universe is to be crowned the most beautiful woman in the world. For some, it is a lifelong dream. For others, it is an opportunity that comes along by happenstance. For Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, it was a means of acquiring a platform that would bolster backing for her charitable causes. Not the typical pageant candidate—she had no affiliations with any beauty camp, and was often told she was neither Filipina enough nor fierce enough—Gray sought to break the mould the world insisted she fit best in. All eyes were on her when she stepped out in the resplendent “Adarna” gown done in collaboration with designer Mak Tumang, wowing audiences with her much lauded lava walk. But the striking figure she cuts is only part of who she is, for it is her heart that makes her truly deserving of the crown. Gray is a woman of purpose; she puts effort into building better futures for children in impoverished areas, helps raise awareness for HIV, and lends her voice in support of social justice and equality for all.

PHILIPPINE TATLER: WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD LIKE?

CATRIONA GRAY: I was born in Cairns in the state of Queensland, Australia and am an only child to a Filipino mother and a Scottish Australian immigrant father. Because of my dad’s work as a civil engineer, we moved around the country a lot when I was a kid. As a result, I was rather shy. My parents helped coax me out of my shell by enrolling me in a lot of extracurricular activities, which was how my love for performing and music developed. Aside from singing, dance, and drama lessons, I also got into martial arts when I was eight years old, and I earned my black belt by the age of 12. It was a wonderful childhood that cemented the close relationship that I have with my parents to this day.