By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA
MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday praised newly-crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray for “raising the Philippine flag” and reintroducing the country and its people before the world through her wit and action.
“A passionate advocate of Philippine tourism and a partner of the DOT in and out of the Miss Universe stage, Miss Gray has raised our flag through her words and actions,” the DOT said in a statement as it joined multitude of well-wishers, congratulating the Filipina with her win at the 2018 Miss Universe in Bangkok, Thailand.
“She has single-handedly led more people all over the world to discover that, indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines,” it added.
Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat earlier said Gray personally sought the DOT’s assistance in making her introduction clip for the international beauty pageant.
Prior to heading to Thailand, Gray visited various places in the country where her promotional video were set to showcase more of the Philippines’ heritage as well as its people’s rich culture.
She toured Luzon’s Rizal Park, and world-renowned El Nido, Palawan; Mindanao’s multi-faceted South Cotabato; and also showcased the resilience of the Visayan people particularly in Tacloban City, the DOT said.
“Throughout the Miss Universe competition, DOT underscored that Gray evoked the Filipino people’s essential attributes of friendliness, cheerfulness, hospitality and kindness when she was around the representatives of different nations,” it said.
“Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and the Department of Tourism family joins the Filipino nation in conveying joyful and proud congratulations to our very own newly-crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray,” it added.
