Albay’s pride eyes victory at Miss World 2016

Catriona Magnayon Gray during her send-off presscon/party at Events Place 3,

Missouri St, San Juan City.

Caucasian beauty Catriona Elisa Gray recently left for the United States to compete against 120 candidates vying for the 66th Miss World crown. Born to a Scotch father and Bicolana mother from Oas, Albay, Gray shared her hopes and dreams for a strong and victorious showing in the pageant.

“Miss Gray will proudly walk on stage to represent the Philippines, and with her she brings all the prayers of the Filipino people,” Miss World Philippines national director Cory Quirino said during Cat’s send-off held at the C3 Events Place in Greenhills. “I call on the support of the Filipino community in the US for a strong Filipino delegation during the Miss World pageant,” Quirino added.

Born in Cairns, Queensland, the 22-year-old commercial model finished high school studies in Australia before moving to Manila in 2012. She completed a Master degree at Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachussets. A nature-lover, she is an avid outdoor thrill-seeker who has a deep passion for music and arts, composing songs and creating flower dresses. 

Gray is presently a volunteer with Young Focus which aims to provide free and accessible education to children up to college, particularly, school sponsorship program for the children of Smokey Mountain. She has taken on a personal mission to raise funds for the fulfillment of the Paraiso: The Bright Beginnings Project, procurement and renovation of a Pre-School building for children 3 to 5 years of age. 

The Paraiso: Bright Beginnings Project, in partnership with Young Focus, will be used for Gray’s ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ entry during preliminary competitions at the Miss World pageant. Gray will be parading local designer Francis Libiran’s  creation for the evening gown competition in keeping with the “Filipino First Policy” of the Miss World Philippines Organization.

The Miss World 2016 finals will be held at the Gaylord Convention Center, Washington D.C., USA on December 18, 2016. Words & Photos by ETON B. CONCEPCION

With Ms. Cory Quirino, National Director of Miss World Philippines, Governor Joey Salceda and Miss World Philippines Princesses. (Photo from Ms. Cory Quirino’s facebook)

The author gives a personalized token tie.