She is no stranger to beauty pageants. As a matter of fact, two years ago, she nearly snagged the Miss World title when she finished third runner-up in the competition. Catriona Gray, a Filipino-Australian model and singer and Miss World Philippines 2016 titleholder, was the crowd favourite and was even an early pick by beauty pageant analysts to win the top crown. She didn’t disappoint as she won the Miss Universe Philippines 2018 title, on top of five special awards, including Miss Ever Bilena, Jag Denim Queen, Pitoy Moreno Award for Best in National Costume, Best in Evening Gown and Best in Swimwear.
Catriona, who represented her mother’s and grandmother’s hometown of Albay, posted on social media after her win, “Just to think I’m going to be able to say, Catriona Gray, Philippines, gives me the chills all over again.”
Meanwhile, another Filipino-Australian beauty captured a major crown. Karen Gallman, who represented Bohol, won the Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2018 title. Beauty pageant observers tauted her as having the most beautiful face on the roster.
Karen joined the pageant in 2012, but her second attempt seemed to be the charm. She won the special award, Ms Photogenic back then. A former analyst in London, Karen shared in one of her interviews prior to the pageant that six years gave her the work-life balance experience through education and professional work to prepare her for the second attempt at the crown.
Other title holders are: Maria Ahtisa Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas International; Jehza Mae Huelar, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational; Eva Patalingjug, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International; and Michelle Gumabao, Bb. Pilipinas Globe.
