ON MONDAY, December 17, the world somehow stopped for the Filipino people. A lot of us, if not all, joined the entire nation in celebrating the success of Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray in the Miss Universe 2018 pageant.
As the fourth Filipina to win the crown, it is no longer a surprise that many of us were all ecstatic and so happy to see her being crowned. You can also see (and feel!) in several social media posts how much admiration we have for her.
Here are some of the many reasons why Catriona is deeply adored and loved:
1. She is persistent and consistent. In 2016, the 24-year-old Bicolana was the country's representative to the Miss World. However, she failed to bring home the crown. She was on the top 5, though. Two years after, here she is - the newly crowned Miss Universe 2018. It only shows how determined she is to win a crown and make every Filipino proud.
2. She has a kind heart. Although Catriona was born in Queensland, she came back to the Philippines after she finished her high school. She then pursued a modeling career here. While continuously reaping success in the world of modeling and pageantry, she never forgets to give back to the community.
3. She is part of Love Yourself PH, a group of HIV/AIDS advocates. Moreover, she is a volunteer at the Young Focus, a non-government organization. She works there as a teacher's assistant.
4. She can surely sing. Apart from being gorgeous and intellectual, Catriona is likewise a gifted singer. Her videos singing Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain" and "Holy Night" have made many people fall in love with her further. Well, just in case you do not know yet, this Filipino-Australian beauty has a Masters degree in Music Theory from the Berklee College of Music.
5. She can paint, too. It appears that when God showered the world with blessings and gifts, Catriona has received a lot. Aside from having an awesome singing voice, the newest Miss Universe is a painter as well.
With this gift, she used it to help others. She took part in an exhibit for a cause. The proceeds went to the charity Paraiso: Bright Beginnings Project that helps a Smokey Mountain-based preschool in Tondo, Manila.
6. She is a great host. When we talk of what Catriona is capable of doing, the list is definitely too long. When you cannot see her in beauty contests, she must be busy hosting some events.
Filipinos and other those from other countries must have fallen in love with her deeper after knowing her more. Some may have wished to have at least a portion of what she has and what she can do. And maybe, just maybe, few have hoped to have a boyfriend like hers. Clint Bondad is such a sweet partner who has been supporting her with her dreams to win a crown. Catriona and Clint have been together for six years now.
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