Cyrille Payumo apologizes for wearing Catriona Gray's gown
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Cyrille Payumo explained that wearing Catriona Gray's gown was meant to 'honor' Mark Tumang's visionary artistry.
The country's current reigning Miss Charm Philippines, Cyrille Payumo, has taken to her social media to apologize for a move that pageant fans have considered a faux pas.
During her final walk for the Miss Universe Pampanga pageant, Cyrille had on a gown made by designer Mark Tumang. Making it even more memorable for Cyrille was the fact that this was the final gown that Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray wore when she stepped down and crowned her successor, Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa.
Unfortunately, the special moment drew mixed reactions from pageant fans. While some thought that it was a sweet tribute to Catriona's 2018 win, others thought that it was taking away from Catriona's historic win. The discourse became loud enough for Cyrille to address it on her social media.
In one of the more recent posts on her Instagram account, Cyrille uploaded multiple photos of her wearing the gown, along with a statement apologizing for her decision in the caption to the post. According to Cyrille, Mark Tumang himself sponsored her final walk and gave her the option to wear Catriona's celebrated gown. According to her, it made her feel a mixture of “excitement, nerves, and a profound sense of honor.”
She then acknowledged the discussion surrounding her decision to wear the gown and explained that she did not intend to cause pain, hurt, or offense. Rather, it was to “honor not only the victory of bringing the Miss Philippines Charm title home to Pampanga but also to celebrate the visionary artistry of Mak Tumang.” She apologized for “unintentionally” diminishing Catriona's achievements and that she is reflecting and taking this as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Related gallery: Get to know the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 title holders
Cyrille Payumo was named Miss Charm Philippines in May last year during the Miss Universe Philippines coronation night held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, which also crowned current reigning Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo.
Other winners during the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant were first runner-up Stacey Gabriel, second runner-up and Miss Cosmo Philippines Ahtisa Manalo, third runner-up and Miss Supranational Philippines Tarah Valencia, fourth runner-up Christi McGarry, and Miss Eco International Philippines Alexie Mae Brooks.
Related gallery: The Miss Universe PH 2024 queens are your next style inspiration
