By Azer Parrocha – PNA
MANILA — Malacañang on Monday congratulated Philippine bet Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray on winning the fourth Miss Universe crown for the country during the pageant coronation night held in Bangkok, Thailand.
“The Palace wishes to congratulate newly crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Panelo said Gray, who bested 93 other candidates, made the Philippines proud when she showcased “the qualities defining a Filipina beauty: confidence, grace, intelligence and strength in the face of tough challenges.”
“In her success, Miss Philippines has shown to the world that women in our country have the ability to turn dreams into reality through passion, diligence, determination and hard work,” Panelo said.
Panelo said that Gray’s victory “sets the bar high in empowering more Filipino women to believe in themselves and to fight for their own place in the universe.”
“We salute and admire her victory,” Panelo said.
He cited Gray for showcasing the country’s “beauty and elegance” in terms of being a tourist destination.
“Catriona’s crowning glory is placing the Philippines in the world map again for its beauty and elegance that matches the world-renowned attraction of the many scenic and mesmerizing islands in our country,” he added.
Gray won the country’s fourth Miss Universe crown, taking after Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran, (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).
First and second-runners up are South Africa’s Tamaryn Green and Venezuela’s Sthefany Gutierrez, respectively.
