Catriona Gray's winning moments at Miss Universe 2018

by PEP Lifestyle

Dec 17, 2018

<p>A look-back at the winning moments that led to the crowning of Catriona Gray as Miss Universe 2018.</p>

PHOTO/S: Screen grab from Miss Universe on Facebook

Catriona Gray is our new Miss Universe!

The Bicolana beauty queen is the fourth Filipino to win the title, following Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, Margie Moran in 1973, and Gloria Diaz in 1969. Catriona was a strong contender from start to finish in the 67th edition of the Miss Universe pageant that was held in Bangkok, Thailand. Here's a look back at the winning moments of Catriona for the duration of the pageant. It began with her arrival at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok that already created a stir. Catriona wore a Thai-inspired jumpsuit, which elicited cheers from the Thai onlookers.

National Costume

Referred to as "LuzViMinda," Catriona's national costume featured details that paid homage to the Philippines' three major islands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Every detail—from the headdress and bead work to the paintings and the shoes—encapsulated the costume's major theme: "Magdiwang, Lumaban, Pagyamanin." Fashion designer Jearson Demavivas made the costume.

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READ: Catriona Gray's national costume at Miss Universe 2018 is called LuzViMinda

The "Lava Walk" and her trending slow-mo turn

Catriona trended worldwide during the Miss Universe 2018 preliminary round last December 13. She added punch to her much talked-about "Lava Walk" with a slow-mo turn on the Miss Universe stage. Local pageant fans could not get over it, turning the vision over their heads again and again.

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NOOD KA MUNA!

READ: Catriona Gray's slow-mo turn at Miss Universe 2018 leaves netizens in awe

Ibong Adarna-inspired gown

For the evening gown competition, Catriona transformed into Ibong Adarna, the country's mythical bird, in her Mak Tumang gown. The gown also drew inspiration from the Mikimoto crown of Miss Universe titleholders.

Top 20 Statement: "We owe it to our children to believe in them."

Miss Universe introduced a new segment on its 67th edition. Candidates who made it through the Top 20 were asked to give an opening statement about themselves and their pet causes. Catriona used the 15-second opportunity to talk about the poorest children among the poor. She said, "Working in some of the poorest areas in my country, I found that it was a lack of child support, not poverty, that killed their dreams. "A child once told, 'Cat, that’s just not my life and those dreams are not meant for me.'

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"But I stand here today because someone believed in me, and we owe it to our children to believe in them."

IMAGE Screen grab from Miss Universe live feed on iWanttv

Mayon-inspired red gown

As a tribute to her hometown Albay, Catriona wore a Mayon-inspired red gown designed by Mak Tumang. She also wore her now-iconic "Three Stars and a Sun" ear cuff from Tessera Jewelry, her lucky charm. She had it on when she won as Miss Universe Philippines and again when she bagged the Miss Universe 2018 title.

Top 3 Final Word: "Be grateful"

The Top 3 candidates had one more question to answer before the judges chose the next Miss Universe. The question was, "What is the most important lesson you've learned in your life, and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?"

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Catriona was first to give her answer. Looking back at her experience with the children of Tondo, Manila, the beauty queen reminded herself to "look in the beauty in the faces of the children, and be grateful." She added, "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 teach also people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster and children would have a smile on their faces."

Crowning moment

Everyone held their breath as Catriona stood face to face with Miss Universe South Africa Tamaryn Green. Both ladies appeared to briefly exchange encouraging words, and held each other's hands. After a beat, host Steve Harvey announced Philippines as the new Miss Universe. Tamaryn quickly gave Catriona a hug and congratulated her.

Miss Universe 2018 grand coronation was held earlier today, December 17, at the IMPACT Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. Congratulations, Catriona!

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