Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray was crowned on December 17, 2018 as the newest Miss Universe and the fourth Filipina who won the title after Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973) and Pia Wurtzbach (2015).

Catriona Gray is a 24 year old Filipina-Australian who lives in Oas, Albay and was born in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Her father is a Scottish-born Australian while her mother is a Filipina. After she finished High Schoo, she moved to Philippines and she worked as a commercial model, aside from that she's also a TV host, singer, model and stage actress.

During Preliminary competition, she gave us the stunning slow-motion twirl while wearing her pink swimsuit. And that was just one of the things that made her stand out.

She had many "pasabogs" (surprises), including her national costume, which as she describes in her Instagram post: 

"LUZVIMINDA: "Magdiwang. Lumaban. Pagyamanin." 🇵🇭✨ LUZON-- MAGDIWANG" (Celebrate): The island group of LUZON is represented by the world-renowned "PAROL/CHRISTMAS LANTERN" from the province of Pampanga with a BRASS BORDER designed and made in Apalit, Pampanga (inspired by designs from the Philippine Baroque Churches that were declared as UNESCO Heritage Sites)

At the back of the PAROL is a PAINTING with INSCRIPTION of the lyrics from "LUPANG HINIRANG", the Philippines’ National Anthem written in Baybayin (Ancient Filipino Alphabet) that literally translates to: "Lupang hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig
Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw." The PAINTING also highlighted victories, festivals, events, heroes and national icons with a style inspired by the works of Philippine National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco, a native of the Art Capital of the Philippines, Angono, Rizal in Luzon.

VISAYAS--LUMABAN" (Fight): The island group of VISAYAS is represented by a body suit with authentic "tattoo designs" embellished with crystals derived from patterns used by the "PINTADOS" who are indigenous peoples found in various islands in this part of the Philippines. 
The tattoo patterns are authentic and based from the manusript "BOXER CODEX" written in 1590.

The tattoos represent an individual’s journey and a public testimony recounting acts of combat, bravery, and strength, that perfectly represents the courageous and resilient Filipino spirit amidst trials we face in this day and age.

MINDANAO-- “PAGYAMANIN" (Enrich):
The island group of MINDANAO is represented by an authentic "HEADPIECE & BRASS ACCESSORIES" from the province of South Cotabato and customized KNEE-HIGH BOOTS with embroidered designs inspired by different indigenous textile patterns from the southern part of the Philippines, namely: Inaul, Yakan, Maranao, B'laan, Bagobo, Tausug and T'nalak. 
The woven textiles express a strong belief in "ancestral and natural spirits" and "cultural roots" of indigenous communities that remain well-preserved up to this day."

Her preliminary gown was created by THE Mak Tumang who created her Binibining Pilipinas 2018 winning gown. It was inspired by the Ibong Adarna: The Blazing Siren.

"The 'Ibong Adarna' is a mythological pulchritudinous bird that could change in several fascinating guises. Its enchanting voice can enable complete healing to anyone who hears it. Some artists liken it to the mythological Phoenix where it recurrently regenerates itself by arising amidst a spectacle of flames and candescence. This makes it a fitting symbol of resilience, rising and rebirth.

The gown draws insiporation from the Philippine Adarna Bird, Phoenix & Mikimoto Crown. It contains layers of Embroidered Gold Feather Patterns encrusted with genuine Swarovski Crystals in Hyacinth, Fire Opal, Topaz, Jonquil Aurora Borealis, Topaz Aurora Borealis" (Mak Tumang, Facebook Story).

Mak drew inspiration from the Mayon Volcano for Catriona's finals gown. In his Facebook story"

"MAYON: Fiery and Lovely Perfection

The prominent and iconic Mayon Volcano is the penultimate inspiration for this creation. It is dubbed as the ‘perfect cone’ because of its symmetric conical form. Folk tales have it that it was named after the mythological heroine ‘Daragang Magayon’ (Beautiful Lady). Despite its pulchritude is the fact that it is the most active volcano in the Philippines erupting numerous times in the past half a millennium. Catriona can be considered as the modern-day Daragang Magayon. She embodies the Filipina’s beauty, intelligence and burning passion. This lady is definitely on fire! Watch her erupt right before your very eyes and let the lava of grace, goodness and hope flow."

The 2018 Miss Universe was held in Bangkok, Thailand. Catriona is the only Filipina to have held both Miss Universe Philippines and Miss World Philippines crown. This girl is a trailblazer. She represented the culture,history and people of Philippines in every step on the stage and that makes all Filipinos proud!

Congratulations Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray from OneCebu.com!