Miss Philippines Wins Miss Universe 2018

Diana Bell-Heather   |   17-12-2018

Miss Universe came to a triumphant finale for Catriona Gray from the Philippines as she claimed the 2018 crown.

 

Miss Philippines Wins Miss Universe 2018 catriona gray

 

She beat hopefuls from 93 other countries, including the runner up Demi Leigh Nel-Peters from South Africa, to become the fourth Filipina to achieve the highest accolade in pageants.

 

The 24-year-old winner is half Scottish and half Filipino and was born in Australia before moving to the Philippines when she was 18 to begin her career as a model. With a degree in Music Theory, Gray is also a singer and has her own project called Paraiso: The Bright Beginnings Project that strives to ease poverty in the Philippines.

 

Miss Philippines Wins Miss Universe 2018 catriona gray

 

She took the crown wearing a red sequin gown designed by Mak Tumang and was inspired by the Mayon Volcano in her hometown, Albay.

 

Held in Bangkok and hosted by Steve Harvey and Ashley Graham with the judging an all-female committee consisting of fashion designer Mo’nique Lhuillier, Miss Universe 1988 Bui Simon, Miss Universe 1992 Michelle McLean, Women’s March co-founder Janaye Ingram, SWAAY Media founder Iman Oubou, CEO of CulturIntel Lili Gil Valetta and architect Richelle Singson-Michael.