Fil-Australian model Catriona Gray bested 39 ladies and took home the
most coveted Miss Universe-Philippines 2018 title at the glittering Binibining
Pilipinas 2018 grand coronation Sunday night at the jam-packed Smart Araneta
Coliseum.
Gray, a 24-year-old, model and songwriter, stood out in almost all
departments bagging special awards including best in evening gown, swimsuit and
national costume. She was simply
captivating in a gorgeous Mak Tumang evening gown and won the Pitoy Moreno
national costume award with a Muslim-Singkil-inspired costume designed for her by
Jearson Demavivas.
Gray, a graduate of Berklee College of Music and an NGO volunteer
for the children of Smokey Mountain, was the last finalist among the 15
finalists to take center stage during the Q&A portion. Chairman of the board of judges US Ambassador
to the Philippines Sung Kim, asked her "After the devastating war, Marawi
is now on its way to recovery. What is your message to the young women of
Marawi?" Gray replied "My message
is for the women of Marawi to be strong. As women, we are the head of the
household, we have amazing influence not only on our own families – as mothers,
sisters, and friends – but also on our community. If we could get the women to
stay strong and be that image of strength for the children and the people
around them, once the rebuilding is complete, the morale of the community will
stay strong and high." Her superb
delivery sealed the win and the right to represent the country at this year’s
Miss Universe pageant.
Gray is most feared among Latina beauties even before the Bb. Pilipinas
finals. She was widely predicted to become the Philippines’ second Miss World
winner but lost to Puerto Rico’s Stephanie del Valle in a controversial
decision in Miss World 2016. Will Miss World’s loss be Miss Universe’s
gain?
Doll-face Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, a 20-year-old, Accountant, was named Bb.
Pilipinas-International 2018. The 5-foot-9, Candelaria, Quezon mestiza native stuttered
a bit during the Q&A round but recovered greatly before her 30-second time
expired. She wants to become a police officer in the near future.
Other winners were Karen Gallman, a 25-year-old, Fil-Aussie beauty from
Bohol who was crowned Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018. Gallman was Miss
Photogenic during the 2012 Bb. Pilipinas search.
Volleyball star Michelle Gumabao took the title as Bb. Pilipinas Globe
2018. The 25, daughter of actor Dennis Roldan and graduate of Marketing
Management from De La Salle University, nailed her “Fake news” answer and won
the Miss Cream Silk special award.
Eva Psychee Patalinjug, a 24-year-old, Nursing graduate of Cebu Doctors’
University, who bagged the Face of Binibini (Miss Photogenic), was named Bb
Pilipinas Grand International 2018 while Jehza Huelar, a Finace graduate of
Ateneo de Davao University and a 3-time
Bb. Pilipinas candidate finally took a title as Bb Pilipinas Supranational 2018.
Vickie Marie Milagrosa Rushton 25, actress/model and former 2014 PBB
housemate, and Samantha Bernardo, a 25 year-old, rhythmic gymnast from Puerto
Princesa City, Palawan, who won the Manila Bulletin People’s Choice award, were
named First and Second runners-up, respectively.
Rounding out the Top 15 finalists were Muriel Orais (Miss Philippine
Airlines), Anjame Magbitang, Wynonah Buot, Juliana Kapeundl, Edjelyn Joy
Gamboa, and early favorites Sandra Lemonon and Aya Abesamis, who both failed to
impress in the Q&A competition.
Shane Quintana Tormes, who won the Best in Talent and Miss Friendship
special awards, made it among the Top 25 that included Kristie Rose Cequeña, Sigrid
Grace Flores, Kayesha Chua, Ana Patricia Asturias, Ena Velasco, Trixia Marie
Maraña, Agatha Romero, Mary Joy de Castro and Patrizia Garcia.
Miss Universe Philippines 2017 Rachel Peters made her traditional
farewell walk and relinquished her crown along with Bb. Pilipinas International
Mariel de Leon, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Katarina Rodriguez, Bb.
Pilipinas Globe Nelda Ibe, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Elizabeth Durado
Clenci and Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Chanel Olive Thomas.
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Richard Gutierrez and Nicole
Cordoves acted as hosts of the night telecast over ABS-CBN. The judges
included Novotel GMMike Brown, actor Gerald Anderson, Volleyball star Alyssa
Valdez, ABS-CBN’s Martin Lopez, basketball player Thirdy Ravena, news anchor
Ces Drilon, Miss International 2005 Lara Quigaman, Colombian Ambassador to the
Philippines Victor Hugo Echiverri and United States Ambassador to the
Philippines Sung Kim. (Words and Photos
by Eton B. Concepcion)
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