If there's one thing you should know about Albay beauty queen Catriona Magnayon Gray is her iron-clad determination to pursue her goal.
After failing to get the crown in the Miss World pageant in 2016, where she finished in the Top 5, Catriona returned to action in the prestigious Miss Universe held in Thailand two years later, and made history as the fourth Pinay to capture the elusive crown.
She followed in the footsteps of legends like Gloria Diaz (1969), Margarita Moran (1973), and Pia Wurtzbach (2015).
But did you know that before the world knew her as the Miss Universe 2018, Catriona showcased her talent in the flagship kiddie talent competition "Little Miss Philippines" of 'Eat Bulaga?'
Check out more fun facts about this Fil-Australian beauty in this gallery.
The 2018 Miss Universe was born on January 6, 1994. She stands 5' 10".
At the age of five, Catriona won her first beauty pageant when she was hailed Little Miss Philippines in Sydney, Australia.
Catriona shot her first commercial when she was just 16 years old.
Catriona is considered a "crossover beauty queen" as she previously finished as one of the Top 5 finalists at the Miss World 2016 pageant.
In previous interviews, she revealed that she did not train under a particular beauty camp for the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 pageant.
She was previously trained under beauty queen maker Jonas Gaffud's Aces and Queens.
Catriona was born on January 6, 1994 in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
Her dad Ian Gray is Australian, while her mom Normita Magnayon is Filipina.
She has roots in Albay because of her mother who is from Oas.
She is also friends with Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann.
Catriona holds a Masters Certificate in Music Theory from the Berklee College of Music.
She sings too! Here is a throwback to her first gig in Saguijo.
After moving to Manila from Australia, Catriona worked as a ramp, print, and commercial model.
Even before that, she was already showing potential as a model judging from these test shots taken back when she was 13 years old.
She is also good in drawing and she shares some of her sketches on her Instagram account.
Catriona bagged the title Binibining Pilipinas Universe at the Grand Coronation night last March 18, 2018. She also dominated the special awards, winning: Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, and Best in National Costume, Binibining Miss Ever Bilena, and Jag Denim Queen.
Catriona Gray is one of the most-followed Pinay celebrities. Source: Catriona Gray social media accounts
During his birthday celebration in May 2020, Sam Milby declared that he's in a relationship with the beauty queen. Catriona used to date actor-model Clint Bondad.