Vocal and stubborn on her vision. These were the words of Catriona Gray as she described herself as a Miss Universe candidate over five years ago in an online post.
Wearing the version 2.0 of her Miss U gown, the Miss Universe 2018 confessed that she was not just a “yes girl” especially on how she represented the country back then. She was vocal about what she wanted to offer as the Philippine candidate in the universe stage.
Catriona also reminisced the time as a “comeback story.”
“Mine is also a comeback story. One that was rooted in failure – that’s why the mythical folklore of Philippine mythology in the form of Ibong Adarna resonates so deeply: a phoenix that rises from the ashes. And five years ago, in Bangkok Thailand, I earned the greatest honor of bringing pride to my country as [Miss Universe] 2018.”
She remembered that she gave her “absolute everything” in the said international pageant where she “conquer[ed] so many fears because in my pursuit, I went against the grain.”
The 2018 Miss Universe hoped that her success will inspire people not to give up on their vision.
“My journey in its simplest form, has and always will be, a love letter to my country of the Philippines. 🇵🇭 And I hope it can serve as a reminder to never give up on YOUR vision. And that no matter what the path you[’re] on looks like…know that you are never denied and only redirected.”
Finally, she expressed her gratitude to all those who supported her in the Miss U journey.
“To everyone who has supported me every step of the way, especially those of you who encouraged me never to give up and to try again, thank you. 🥹 Look at how far we’ve come together.”
