Palace: Catriona Gray’s Miss Universe win sets bar high in empowering more Filipino women

Malacañang on Monday hailed the victory of Catriona Gray, the Philippines’ fourth winner in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo congratulated Gray who bested 93 other candidates in the 2018 finals held in Bangkok, Thailand to take home the pearl-encrusted Mikimoto crown. 

“Ms. Gray truly made the entire Philippines proud when she sashayed on the global stage and showcased the genuine qualities defining a Filipina beauty: confidence, grace, intelligence and strength in the face of tough challenges,” Panelo said.

Panelo also said Gray’s success in the international pageant scene showed that Filipino women “have the ability to turn dreams into reality through passion, diligence, determination and hard work.”

“Ms. Gray’s triumph sets the bar high in empowering more Filipino women to believe in themselves and to fight for their own place in the universe. We salute and admire her victory,” the Palace official said.

According to Panelo, the 24-year-old Gray’s “crowning glory is placing the Philippines in the world map again for its beauty and elegance that matches the world renowned attraction of the many scenic and mesmerizing islands in our country.”

A heavy favorite heading into the coronation night, Gray followed in the footsteps of Filipina winners Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973) and Gloria Diaz (1969). — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News