Former Miss World contender to represent PH in Miss Universe
A 24-year-old commercial model, who was born in Australia to a Scottish father and Filipino mother and studied in the United States, becomes the first woman to represent the Philippines in Miss World and Miss Universe beauty pageants. After placing in the top five of the Miss World competition in 2016, Catriona Gray won the Miss Universe-Philippines 2018 national pageant, along with the opportunity to represent the country in the global contest.
Gray, who was born on January 6, 1994 in Cairns and who studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston, won the top title of Binibining Pilipinas 2018 held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on March 18.
Gray wowed the judges with her message to the women of war-torn Marawi. Former Binibinang Pilipinas Rachel Peters, who finished in the top 10 of the Miss Universe 2017 pageant, turned over the crown to Gray.
Gray also won special awards such as the Best in Long Gown, Best in Swimwear, Pitoy Moreno Best in National Costume, Jag Denim Queen and Miss Ever Bilena.
Five other Filipino women were proclaimed as Binibining Pilipinas 2018 queens in the grand coronation.
Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, one of the youngest contestants and a fresh Accountancy graduate from Candelaria, Quezon, was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International. Mariel de Leon, a daughter of award-winning actor Christopher de Leon, passed her crown to Manalo.
Third time proved to be the charm for Jehza Mae Huelar, 23, from Davao City as she bagged the Binibining Pilipinas Supranational title. This was the third time Huelar joined the pageant. The amiable Chanel Olive Thomas, who finished in the Top 10 of the Miss Suparanation pageant crowned Huelar.
Registered nurse and law student Eva Psychee Patalinjug from Cebu was adjudged Binibining Pilipinas Grand International. Elizabeth Clenci, who emerged second runner up in Miss Grand International, passed her crown to Patalinjug.
Karen Gallman, a 25-year-old native of Bohol who worked as an analyst in London, was named Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental. Katarina Rodriguez, who came so close to bringing the country’s first Miss Intercontinental crown, passed her title to Gallman.
Professional volleyball player, Michele Gumabao, 25, from Quezon City was named Binibining Pilipinas Globe. Nelda Ibe, who brought pride to the country as Miss Globe first runner up, crowned Gumabao.
Actress Vickie Rushton emerged as first runner up, while competitive dancer Samantha Bernardo was named second runner up.
These lucky and lovely ladies, armed with beauty and wit, hope to live up to the Philippines’ reputation as a powerhouse in international pageants.
Pia Wurtzbach, the Philippines’ 3rd Miss Universe who won in 2015, hosted the ceremony with actor Richard Gutierrez.
April 2018
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