8 DECEMBER 30, 2018 entertainment 9 celebrates PAGEANT-MAD win

Miss Philippines is crowned

Finalists in the swimsuit stage seen during the final of 67th Miss Universe competition

ustralian-born model Catriona Gray of the “Ms Gray truly made the entire Philippines proud when Philippines has been named winner of the she sashayed on the global stage and showcased the genu- Miss Universe 2018 competition in ine qualities defining a Filipina beauty: confidence, grace, A . intelligence and strength in the face of tough challenges,” She bested contestants from 93 other Duterte said in a statement from the presidential palace. countries to claim the prize. “In her success, Miss Philippines has shown to the The 24-year-old Gray wore a sparkling red dress she world that women in our country have the ability to turn said is inspired by a volcano in the Philippines as she was dreams into reality through passion, diligence, determina- handed the crown to the delight of a roaring crowd that tion and hard work.” generally favoured Southeast Asian contestants. An early round of questioning touched on the issue of US artist Ne-Yo, center, performs with Thai Miss South She said she wore red because “when I was 13 my mom drugs, where Duterte’s aggressive war on drugs has taken traditional dancers during the final on stage during the final said she had a dream that I would win Miss Universe in a thousands of lives, many in what critics charge were extra- red dress.” She said her mom cried when they saw each judicial executions. Asked what she thought about legalis- Miss other after she won the competition, the 67th Miss ing marijuana, Gray said: “I’m for it being used for medical Tamaryn Green Universe pageant. use, but not so for recreational use. Because I think if Valeria Morales participates in Gray edged out first runner-up Tamaryn Green people will argue, then what about alcohol and cigarettes? participates in the evening gown of South Africa and third-place Sthefany Everything is good but in moderation.” the evening gown stage Gutierrez of . She succeeds Demi- This year’s Miss Universe competition included stage Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa. In the the first-ever contestant, Miss Philippines, pageants are a popular attrac- Angela Ponce. tion, and Gray’s countrymen watching She said in a video presentation that it was not the televised contest cheered wildly important for her to win but was more impor- and jumped for joy when she was tant for her “to be here.” declared the winner. One of the few controversies of this Celebrations were especially buoy- year’s contest involved Miss United Miss Philippines ant in Oas town in the northeastern States seeming to Catriona Gray, province of Albay, from which Gray’s mock contestants from Cambodia and left, and Miss Filipina mother hails. According to over their South Africa Gray, her gown’s design, with its lava skills. Summers apologised. Tamaryn Green colour and appearance, was influenced The theme of the 67th Miss Universe holds hands as by Albay’s iconic Mayon Volcano. pageant was “Empowered Women” and they wait for the Gray’s father is Australian, and she was judged by seven women including winner to be an- nounced during Miss Philippines was born and grew up in . She former pageant winners, businesswomen, Catriona Gray, studied at the Berklee College of Music and a fashion designer. the final round of the 67th Miss second from left, in in the . Catriona is interviewed by Gray with singer Ne-Yo during the final Marta Stepien of reacts after Universe competition the host during round of the 67th Miss Universe compe- being selected as top 10 finalist the final tition in Bangkok. Miss Philippines Catriona Gray waves The office of Philippine President after being crowned Miss Universe was quick to congrat- during the final round ulate the winner. Gray is the fourth of the Miss Universe Filipina to be named Miss Universe. pageant in Bangkok,