Catriona Gray delivered a performance for the books to bag the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe crown in a glitzy coronation night at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday, December 17.
Dubbed as the one to beat coming into the competition, the 24-year-old model-musician wowed the selection committee, the thousands at the stadium and the millions more watching in their homes with her remarkable showing at the swimsuit and evening gown portions. She wore a show-stopping red gown by Filipino designer Mak Tumang. She then aced the final question and answer portion to seal the deal.
When asked what is the most important lesson she learned in her life and how she would apply it to her time as Miss Universe, Gray related her experience working with a nongovernment organization that pushes for education to children in impoverished areas.
“I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila, and the life there is very poor and very sad, and I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look in the beauty of the faces of the children, and to be grateful. I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining, and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide as a spokesperson. If I could teach people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their faces,” Gray said.
The embodiment of a true, modern Binibining Pilipinas, Gray has lived up to the hype from the moment she won the Miss Universe Philippines title last March until she set foot in Bangkok, Thailand.
Just like in her performance in Binibining Pilipinas, Gray walked the talk at the Miss Universe stage, impressing in her physical preparation, mental fortitude and sincerity in advancing the causes she believes in.
Gray, who hails from the province of Albay, bested 93 other candidates, including South Africa’s Tamaryn Green, who was named first runner-up, and Venezuela’s Sthefany Gutierrez, who was second runner-up. Puerto Rico’s Kiara Ortega and Vietnam’s H’Hen Nie rounded up the Top 5.
She was crowned by last year’s winner, Demi Leigh Nel-Peters.
“My heart is filled with so much gratitude. There were moments of doubt, where I felt overwhelmed, where I felt the pressure, because so much is expected of a Filipino representative. But I would always look to the supporters, to my family and my team and there I would source my inspiration and strength,” Gray said during her first press conference as Miss Universe.
Gray said she plans to use her bigger platform in continuing advocating for education for poor children and for people to be more aware of HIV-Aids and end the stigma that comes with the condition.
She said she is also looking forward to traveling across the world for her work as Miss Universe and being based in New York City, where she could watch her favorite Broadway plays and experience spring and autumn.
Gray followed the footsteps of former Misses Universe from the Philippines: Pia Wurtzbach, who ended a four-decade drought in 2015, Margie Moran, who won the title in 1973, and Gloria Diaz, who clinched it in 1969.
Gray thus delivered on her wish to bring home the Miss Universe crown for the Philippines this Christmas season.
“My wish for the Filipino people is to have a safe Christmas season, for everyone to experience joy and love, and sana I can bring home the crown,” Gray said during the exclusive send-off party organized by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. for her last November.
Gray is expected to return to the Philippines soon where a grand homecoming awaits her.
For more updates, visit www.bbpilipinas.com and follow our social media pages: @RealBbPilipinas on Facebook and Twitter and @bbpilipinasofficial on Instagram.
The culture and heritage advocacy group Proyekto, in partnership with Gateway Gallery, will be conducting a talk on history
and fake news. The timely talk, Seeking Katuwiran: Reading Philippine History in the Time of Fake News, will be held at Gateway Gallery, on December 1, 2018, Saturday, 2 to 5 pm.
The talks will be delivered by leading historians Xiao Chua and John Ray Ramos. Ramos of Far Eastern University will talk about the issue of truth and fake news during the time of Rizal and Bonifacio. Chua of De La Salle University will focus on the Filipino concept of human rights as reflected in various readings of Philippine history. Both topics will highlight the magnitude of critical thinking which is an important skill in the discipline of history, especially in research and interpretation.
Proyekto Live! talks, workshops, and symposiums have been held at the Gateway Gallery since 2015. They serve as an amplifier and distiller of the issues and events that transpired in history as depicted in the long-term Gateway Gallery exhibit SiningSaysay: Philippine History in Art.
Proyekto is a project-based movement that contributes in bringing about social change and bringing Philippine heritage and history to life. It was started by Ramos and Cesar Ramirez Jr. on April 1, 2014. Since then, Proyekto has conducted numerous events in various places and institutions to promote love
of history, heritage, and culture. Their avenues include tours, talks, collaborations and
some products/services.
Seeking Katuwiran: Reading Philippine History in the Time of Fake News is open to the public, students, teachers, history enthusiasts and is open for group registration. The registration fee is Php 150. To register, please call or text Proyekto at 0920-222-8889.
Gateway Gallery is the art and history museum of Araneta Center and is managed by the J. Amado Araneta Foundation. Opened in 2015, it serves as the artistic and cultural hub of the Araneta Center community. It is open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, at the 5F Gateway Tower, Araneta Center, Quezon City. For inquiries, call 588-4000 local 8300, or email gatewaygallery@aranetagroup.com, or message Facebook page Gateway Gallery PH.
In today’s fast-changing world, a global education is just the right tool to keep up and adapt to the times.
This is the exact reason why the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines encourages young Filipino students to pursue higher education in the EU.
EU Ambassador Franz Jessen emphasized this point by saying that studying abroad— especially in the EU—“allows one to gain a different perspective, which can be incredibly useful especially for the Filipino youth.”
Ambassador Jessen said that the European Higher Education Fair 2018 on 10 October 2018 at the Shangri-La Plaza opens the doors for Filipino youth to find out about higher education opportunities in Europe.
Here are the top 10 reasons why you should consider EU for your higher education:
1. Start building your career in the EU
Having a degree from the EU is undoubtedly attractive on your résumé as employers all over the world seek an international study experience when recruiting. A European education guarantees that you have gained the skills, knowledge, and experience that will be valuable in the international business community, as well as in the creative and research sectors.
2. Learn leading global business languages
Aside from the fact that most European countries have high proficiency in English, EU also offers thousands of study programmes in English. This means that you can get by with English in everyday communication and situations. But don’t let this stop you from the excitement of learning other global business languages like French, German, Spanish, Italian, and more.
3. Experience world-class education
Simply put: many of the world’s best universities are in Europe. You will be right at the center of an international community with a history of and passion for learning. World-class teaching, top facilities, and cutting-edge research programmes, and an emphasis on creativity, innovation, and support will help you reach your true potential.
4. Be part of a top-notch research community
For ambitious academics looking to boost their careers, EU is the perfect place to explore research opportunities. In fact, the European Union is actively looking to attract an additional 1 million researchers over the next decade.
5. Feel right at home
As a center of education, the EU is naturally a welcoming, friendly place for international students. Universities and colleges offer support and social activities to help you feel right at home. Making friends around the world and staying in touch with your network of peers will make you feel like you’re a part of an international community—one that shares your goals, dreams, and aspirations.
6. Have a unique cultural adventure
Of course, studying in the EU means that you get to travel while pursuing a prestigious degree. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to discover European countries and to immerse yourself in the many wonderful cultures in Europe. Get your fill of Instagram-worthy locations from the snowy mountains up North to the paradise beaches of the South, not to mention the many historical places all across the continent.
7. Europe is a hub
Easy access to other cities/countries with cheap flights/trains in the Schengen area that allows moving through borders easily.
8. Get value for your money
Contrary to the perception that an international education costs a lot, EU universities and higher education institutes invest in their study programmes to make education affordable for students, while still maintaining high-quality standards. Aside from this, EU offers a lot of academic scholarships and financial support options, particularly the Erasmus programme. EU believes that one’s financial situation should not be a hindrance in the pursuit of quality education.
9. Celebrate diversity in education
With all these options, studying in the EU really gives you a lot of choices when it comes to higher education. The educational and cultural diversity that EU offers is beyond comparison. Studying in the EU is really a life-defining moment for students looking to shape their future.
10. Specialized Programmes in the EU
Large range of specialized programmes and specific subjects are offered in some of the best European universities, one can study in any area you are interested in. With the harmonization of most of Europeans programmes (Bologna Treaty), it easily allows mobility within Europe for your study programme (between Bachelor and Master or Ph.D. for example) and so it is easy to find a job.
The theme of this year's EHEF is “Sustaining Innovation and Excellence”. The Fair continues to promote EU as an outstanding center of quality in higher education.
Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, together with EU Member States’ Embassies and Cultural Groups, and in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), EHEF 2018 will feature universities and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from EU member states.
EHEF 2018 is designed to enable students to get quick yet comprehensive information on higher education and mobility programmes. Learn more about the EU educational system and way of life through lectures and direct interaction with the university and HEI representatives, alumni volunteers, and past Erasmus+ scholars. There will also be country presentations from each member state to showcase all the best reasons why one should definitely consider pursuing higher education in the European Union.
Admission to the fair is free. Interested parties can pre–register online via www.ehef–philippines.com.
For more information, visit @EHEFPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and on Twitter.
