Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray won the hearts of Filipinos as she represented the Philippines on the global stage with her famous lava walk, intelligence, and grace.
While she continues to do goodwill and use her powerful voice to be a role model after her reign ended, we'll show you how this beauty queen got to where she is now.
She was born on January 6, 1994 to Filipina mother Normita Ragas Magnayon who hails from Albay, and Australian-Scottish father Ian Gray.
Growing up as an only child made Catriona extremely close to her parents and inclined to extra-curricular activities. From ballet, singing, martial arts, to becoming Little Miss Philippines-Sydney 1999--Catriona Gray was a promising child.
Just like everyone, Catriona also had her fair share of awkwardness.
She mentioned in a previous media interview, "I was so awkward and uncoordinated at that time and to top it off I had a problematic teenage skin, a crazy colourful sense of fashion and braces!”
Still, Catriona didn't let this stop her from blooming into the fine woman she is now. Take a look at her journey from ugly duckling to Miss Universe.
'My name is Catriona Elisa Gray.'
'I was born on January 6, 1994...'
'...to a Filipino Mother...'
'and Australian, Scottish Born Father.'
'An only child, I combatted my lack of sibling company with extra [curriculars]...'
'[This] made me fall in love with the arts: drama, art, music, singing and dancing from a young age'
This little girl in a few years will proudly represent the Philippines in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.
Our Miss Universe, Catriona Gray!
Catriona Gray was a beauty queen since birth
Catriona Gray also trained in Korean martial arts from ages 8 to 12 and got two black belts
earning her the title of "Kung Fu Kitty" from her instructors.
At age 12, Catriona Gray was already at a towering height of 5'8", making her taller than most of her peers.
We can see how Catriona Gray has always been built for the crown.