Albay beauty Catriona Gray wins Miss World Philippines 2016
Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray was named Miss World Philippines 2016 at the coronation night held at the Manila Hotel on Sunday.
Miss World Philippines 2016 is Catriona Gray pic.twitter.com/DdUZ5gaGwD
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
The 22-year-old Filipino-Australian beauty is a model, host and blogger who hails from Albay. She beat 23 other candidates from all over the Philippines and was one of the competition favorites from the start.
Model Catriona Gray, candidate no. 13, draws loud cheers
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
Gray has already won 4 special awards pic.twitter.com/79syHm9g4D
At the event, she was also named Miss Manila Hotel, Miss Hannah, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown and Best in Fashion Runway.
Onstage, Miss World Philippines 2016: Candidate No. 13 Catriona Gray pic.twitter.com/oVaEBzXS1i
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
Catriona Gray wins Miss Manila Hotel special award pic.twitter.com/tEy5Segjlb
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
No. 13 Catriona Gray wins Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown pic.twitter.com/si040AB7Zc
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
Catriona Gray is also Miss Hannah pic.twitter.com/esDXQn7eVG
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
During the Miss World Philippines gala charity night last week, she was named Miss Organique, Miss Figilia, Miss Folded & Hung and Miss Talent.
When asked why she should be Miss World Philippines, Gray said, "To be a Miss World is to be passed a torch that burns with passion and purpose. If I am to become Miss World Philippines, I will dedicate my voice and essence to carry that torch and to set charitable causes alight, such as my personal advocacy, the Paraiso Bright Beginnings Project. And I would focus on passing on this torch to empower others because I believe together there is no darkness in this world that our light cannot overcome."
The first runner-up is Arienne Calingo. Rounding out the top 5 are Ivanna Pacis (2nd runner-up), Marah Muñoz (3rd runner-up) and Sandra Lemonon (4th runner-up).
Miss World PHL 2016 Results: 4th Princess, Sandra Lemonon pic.twitter.com/Is17K24fZv
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
Miss World PHL 2016 Results: 3rd Princess, Marah Muñoz pic.twitter.com/P7r83aiOO2
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
Miss World PHL 2016 Results: 2nd Princess, Ivanna Pacis pic.twitter.com/f9pi7gXfLW
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
Miss World PHL 2016 Results: 1st Princess, Arienne Calingo pic.twitter.com/OHaPIRJHeE
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
Breaking Gray's grip on the awards, Lemonon was also named Miss Photogenic.
Gray will represent the country at the Miss World competition, which will be held at a convention center near Washington D.C. in December.
The Miss World Philippines 2016 winners with Cory Quirino pic.twitter.com/GTbu3MZ6rS
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
Miss World Philippines 2016, Catriona Gray pic.twitter.com/xPLpcpmSRN
— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) October 2, 2016
Last year's winner, Hillarie Danielle Parungao, made it to the top 10 of the international pageant. — with reports by Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News