EXCLUSIVE: Miss Universe PH Catriona Gray wants to make Pinoys proud

Catriona Gray is feeling positive about her Miss Universe bid this year.

The 24-year-old Pinay beauty queen said she was so focused on all her needs for Miss Universe in the past six months since she is joining the prestigious pageant as an independent candidate

“I prepared early. I prepared like six months in advance like, walking and performance,” Catriona told GMAnetwork.com in an interview for Olay's newest “Fearless First Step” campaign held days before she went to Bangkok, Thailand.

LOOK: Miss Universe PHL 2018 Catriona Gray showcases T'boli embroidery in Thailand

With no beauty pageant camp to help her, just a few friends willing to lend a hand, the former Miss World Philippines is in-charge of everything--from her gowns to her ear cuffs, even her hairstyles during the pageant activities.

“In the very, very, beginning medyo fearful ako. Kasi, an independent candidate has never one Miss Universe Philippines in the last 10 years, o there was an element like, 'Can it be done?'” said Catriona, who was crowned as Miss World Philippines in 2016.

She continued, “But the people I chose to surround myself are so positive and sobrang supportive.

“Being able to pick on team that focuses only on you… Usually naman po sa camp, it can be up to 15 girls at one time, so 'yung focus is divided.

“Being able to have that concentrated focus on my journey and being able to input sa creative--sa evening gown ko, sa earcuffs ko, sa lahat ng aspects ko sa pageant--it's very fulfilling and I feel very supported.

“Even hanggang ngayon, sobrang supported ako.

“Nakakatuwa kasi I really feel that I'm surrounded by really good people.”

Although Catriona is joining as an independent candidate, she does not see it as a disadvantage in her Miss Universe stint.

She explained to GMAnetwork.com, “Coming from another pageant, I didn't want people to think that they knew what to expect from me.

“I wanted to come back evolved, if that makes sense.

“I really went back to the drawing board--I had to identify what my strengths and my weaknesses were and work on them.

“I am more creative this time, much more hands-on.

“It's really fulfilling for me as an individual. That's really my own choice.”

When asked what Filipino fans should expect from her in the Miss Universe coronation night on December 17, Catriona replied with confidence, “I've gone above and beyond of what was required from me.

“I hope that every single aspect of it will make them proud to be Filipino.”