NEWLY-CROWNED Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Elisa Gray arrived in Manila on Wednesday afternoon.
She flew from Bangkok in Thailand, where the pageant was held, via a private plane owned by the family of former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson.
Gray attended a Q&A session in Pasay City. She was joined by Miss Universe 2018 Filipino judge Richelle Singson-Michael.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Gray was expected to pay a courtesy call to President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang “anytime soon.”
The 24-year-old Filipino-Australian beauty queen dedicated her win on Monday to Filipinos, saying the prestigious title is her Christmas gift.
“Mga kababayan, I am so happy to give you the best Christmas gift ever! Sa lahat ng Pilipino and all the fans, thank you so much for all the love and support,” she said.
The Senate on Monday passed Senate Resolution No. 376, which lauded Gray for “honoring the country with the prestigious and most coveted Miss Universe crown and title.”
“For winning the Miss Universe title, Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray has brought great pride, honor and glory to the country and the Filipino people, worthy of praise and commendation of this august Chamber,” it added.
Gray bested 93 other candidates from different countries. She succeeded Demi Leigh Nel-Peters from South Africa.
Gray is the fourth Filipino to bring home the coveted title, joining Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, and Pia Wurtzbach who won in 1969, 1973, and 2015, respectively. (CNN Philippines/PN)
