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Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Gray advocates education, volunteers in Smokey Mountain

By MARY LOUISE LIGUNAS
Published January 1, 1970 8:00 AM PHT
Updated February 22, 2020 11:37 AM PHT

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Catriona Gray is more than a pretty face. Know more about her advocacy, ‘Paraiso: Beginning’s Project.’ 


Newly crowned Miss World Philippines Catriona Gray indeed embodies Miss World’s ethos of ‘beauty with a purpose.’

 

Happy Sunday everyone! ?? Please be mindful today when reflecting on your week, that there are families just like your own living in conditions like this. LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO HELP END THE CYCLE OF POVERTY. ???? VISIT cat-elle.com/paraiso for information on how you can help and donate to help the children in Smokey, Mountain Tondo experience the reality of having an education. ???????????? #EmpowerChange #YoungFocus #ParaisoBrightBeginningsProject

A photo posted by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on


The twenty-two year old Fil-Australian beauty works with an education-concentrated NGO called Young Focus which gives ‘children and youth [in Smokey Mountain] the opportunity to develop intellectually as well as creatively and socially.’ 

 

It's a pleasure working with such beautiful souls today! Some of these local volunteers are parents of children within the program so it's wonderful to see the community supporting #YoungFocus's efforts. ???????? Wishing you all a productive and heartwarming Friday!!!! #ParaisoBrightBeginningsProject #EmpowerChange

A photo posted by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on


Catriona has taken it upon herself to raise funds for the preschool in the area. She does this through benefit concerts, auctioning off original artworks, creating social media movements, and approaching different bodies and companies. She calls this campaign as ‘Paraiso: Beginning’s Project.’ 

 

Thank you to everyone who came to the #ParaisoBenefitConcert last night to support #YoungFocus and the children of Smokey Mountain. ???? #ParaisoBrightBeginningsProject

A photo posted by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on

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In the Q&A portion of the coronation night of Miss World Philippines, she said that she will use the title to help enlighten and empower more people.
 
“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 would dedicate my voice and essence to carry that torch and to set charitable causes alight, such as my 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,” she said. 

 

Nothing can dampen the spirit of these little ones! ?? In Tondo this morning to begin the clean up of the building that will soon become the new Preschool and Childcare for the youth of Smokey Mountain. Please continue donating to make this dream of education become a reality for these kids (????????cat-elle.com/Paraiso to donate) ???? #EmpowerChange #YoungFocus #ParaisoBrightBeginningsProject

A photo posted by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on


In the answer to the question ‘When you get up in the morning and look in the mirror, what do you see?’, she shared about the importance she gives to continuous elf-development and the pursuit to be charitable.

 

"Progress is a choice, job creation is a choice. Whether we give our children a future of more or a future of less - this too, is a choice." - Martin O'Malley Children deserve the chance to be children. Let's help give them a brighter beginning. #ParaisoBrightBeginningsProject #ComingSoon #EmpowerChange

A photo posted by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on


“I see someone who is constantly trying to be better. I always endure to be better than the day before, to do things that challenge me, to do things outside the box. And something that is very fulfilling that I have found is that when I look in the mirror and I want to see someone who gives back to the community, and that’s someone who I achieve to be every single day,” she answered.

Catriona bagged several special awards including Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown.

The coronation was held last night, October 2 at the Manila Hotel, and was hosted by Richard Gutierrez, Gwendoline Ruais, and Queneerich Rehman.

They were joined by anchors Lauren Reid and Sarah Peters.

Catriona is set to fly to Washington on December for the Miss World 2016 pageant.
 
MORE ON MISS WORLD PHILIPPINES:
 
Cory Quirino on this Miss World Philippines 2016 batch: 'Sobrang matalino'

IN PHOTOS: The 24 candidates of Miss World 2016 Philippines
 
IN PHOTOS: Miss World 2016 Philippines candidates meet the press