Besting 39 candidates, she will compete for the Miss Universe 2018 pageant following Rachel Peters’s stint last November 2017.
Catriona also bagged five other special awards including Best in Long Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Pitoy Moreno Best in National Costume, Jag Denim Queen, and Miss Ever Bilena.
A consistent crowd favorite, Catriona once brought pride to the country as Miss World-Philippines 2016 and was among the top five finalists in the Miss World 2016 pageant.
The rest of the winning beauty queens from Binibining Pilipinas 2018 are the following: Bb. Pilipinas-International: Ma. Ahtisa Manalo Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational: Jehza Huelar Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental: Karen Gallman Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International: Eva Patalinjug Bb. Pilipinas-Globe: Michele Gumabao All six Filipina beauties will be representing the Philippines this year in the next round of international pageants. Meanwhile, Vickie Rushton finished first runner-up and Samantha Bernardo landed second runner-up Special awards for the evening were: Best in Swimsuit: Catriona Gray; Best in Long Gown: Catriona Gray; Pitoy Moreno Best in National Costume: Catriona Gray; Miss Photogenic: Eva Patalinjug; Face of Binibini: Eva Patalinjug; Miss Talent: Marie Sherry Ann Tormes; Miss Friendship: Marie Sherry Ann Tormes; Jag Denim Queen: Catriona Gray; Miss Ever Bilena: Catriona Gray; Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice: Samantha Bernardo; Binibining Cream Silk: Michele Gumabao; Miss Philippine Airlines: Muriel Orais.
The panel of judges for this year’s pageant are Edgar Saavedra, Mike Brown, Gerald Anderson, Alyssa Valdez, Martin Lopez, Thirdy Ravena, Colombia ambassador Victor Echeverri, Precious Lara Quigaman, Ces Oreña-Drilon, U.S. ambassador Sung Yong Kim, Conchitina Sevilla-Bernardo, Besty Westendorp- Brias, Raymond Villanueva, and Stella Marquez-Araneta.
Here are the questions asked to the six newly-crowned Binibini and their winning answers: After the devastating war, Marawi is now on its way to recovery.
What is your message to the young women of Marawi?
Catriona Gray, Miss Universe-Philippines 2018: “My answer and my message to the women were to be strong. As women, we are the head of the household and we have amazing infl uence not only in our own families as mothers, sisters, and friends but also in 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, then once the rebuilding is complete and is underway, the morale of the community will stay strong and high.”
How should a beauty queen respond to ruthless criticism?
Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2018: “A beauty queen should always respond to criticism constructively. We beauty queens are public fi gures. And we put ourselves in the position to be judged. But nonetheless, we should always fi lter which comments we should accept and what we should not.”
What do you think is the most important quality of a millennial woman?
Jehza Hueler, Bb. Pilipinas- Supranational 2018: “I think the most important quality a millennial woman have is to have ambition. With her vision, she should have this attitude and perseverance so that she can achieve her goals. And through that vision, she would be able to express herself freely. So, I would hope that all the millennials out here would really adhere to our culture and our tradition so that we can inspire others, we can impact people.
Do you agree that a third rest room should be built for transgenders?
Why or why not?
Karen Gallman, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2018: “I definitely agree there should be a third rest room for transgender because as women, we would like privacy, and also with men. We have a separate room for the transgenders to serve as equality and privatization.”
What is the role of beauty queens in the pursuing of our country’s economic success, if any?
Eva Patalinjug, Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International 2018: “A role of the beauty queen is to be a voice. I am here to make a message to all of you. In these times of uncertainty and fear that has seemingly taken over in our country, we have remained steadfast as we face all of the challenges. As a united nation, what we should do is to set aside our political diff erences, forget our academic and social preferences, and let love and loyalty for our country rise above all.”
What can you do to fight fake news?
Michele Gumabao, Bb. Pilipinas-Globe 2018: “I know that fake news is very rampant nowadays. But in order to fight this, we must first know what we are reporting, know what we are reading. And at the same time, be accountable with what we say especially online. And I hope that media always fi lters and use their resources to always deliver truth and authentic news.”
