EXCLUSIVE: Catriona Gray now understands why she didn't win a major title before Miss Universe
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray now has a better and a deeper understanding of why she had to go through all the heartbreaks and setbacks that took place in her young life.
“Yeah, I believe everything happens for a reason in God's perfect timing.” says Catriona in her interview with GMANetwork.com.
The 25-year-old beauty queen adds that while these experiences were painful, she knows that they were necessary.
“I wouldn't have had the same outlook or the same life experience or the same character had I not gone through all of those things even since childhood. Everything led me up to this point,” she says.
“I'm definitely a believer that everything happens for a reason.”
Catriona didn't identify what those setbacks are, but one can safely assume that those include her loss at Miss World 2016.
At the 66th edition of the Miss World pageant, Catriona was heavily favored to win the crown. Pageant aficionados say that she had a big chance of taking home the crown especially after she gave a strong and convincing answer in the final Q&A round.
Alas, it wasn't Catriona's time just yet. The crown went to Stephanie Marie Del Valle, a beautiful model, and musician from Puerto Rico.
Holding the Philippine flag close to her chest and with tears running down her face, Catriona had to accept her fate as the fourth runnerup.
Two years later, the Universe made things right again.
Catriona, who came close to turning her back on beauty pageants, became the fourth Filipina to win the coveted Miss Universe crown in Bangkok, Thailand. (It's interesting to note that the 66th Miss World pageant happened on Dec. 18, 2016, while the 67th Miss Universe pageant happened on Dec. 17, 2018.)
Fans couldn't agree more with the way things turned out for Catriona.
One netizen left a comment on Catriona's Miss World 2016 post, "And now, you finally arrived to your destination. This is your destiny, Catriona. We thank you for not giving up to your dreams. Now, you're indeed giving every Filipino in the world, the universe rather, the best Christmas gift ever. Mabuhay ka, @catriona_gray!
That's why on top of being happy (and relieved that the competition is over), Catriona is excited to prove that she's the right woman for the job.
“I'm really ready to work. I'm ready to be flung into the midst of the media [interviews] and all of my duties. It's not exhausting at all. The only thing is jet lag, but I'm almost over it na. "
Admittedly, Catriona is just beginning to grasp the scale or extent of the Miss Universe job.
"I'm starting to experience it now and actually, I'm enjoying what I'm doing. The last two days have been the official activities of Miss Universe and I'm just really, really enjoying it.
"It's a little bit challenging knowing that I have such a wide audience now and that so many people are listening to what I have to say, but it's something I'm really enjoying talaga.”
Nevertheless, she's looking forward to taking on her responsibilities and making the most of her Miss Universe experience.
Catriona Gray's heart is filled with gratitude.
"This is what I've always dreamed about, this is what I've always aimed for, and now that I am able to live my dream I'm so, so happy and so, so grateful.”
The Universe, indeed, has brought this beautiful young woman to her destination.
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