She took the Miss Universe title while representing the Philippines, but the country is just part of Catriona Gray’s story. The 25-year-old beauty queen grew up in Australia, has a Scottish father and studied in America, so is part of, as she puts it herself, a “cohesion of cultures”.
So when she was crowned Miss Universe 2018 back in December, the excitement spread further than just the Philippines. In fact, there were plenty of people in Australia, where she lived until her late teen years, trying to claim Gray as their own.
But in an interview with US television show Build Series, Gray confirmed she "really feels like Miss Philippines". Talking about whether or not it was strange to compete against Miss Australia Francesca Hung, she said: "I just feel like a Filipina, a Filipino woman, and it just so happens that when I was growing up, I was very much an Australian and I think you can be both.
“I did grow up with those two sides of the world and I just found it funny that there were people saying I was practically Miss Australia like ‘no she’s ours, she’s ours’,” she added. “But I can’t blame them for being excited.”
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The moment Catriona Gray won Miss Universe 2018:
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Miss Philippines Catriona Gray reacts after being crowned Miss Universe during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, December 17, 2018. Reuters -
The new Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray from Philippines celebrates as she is crowned during the Miss Universe 2018 beauty pageant at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, 17 December 2018. EPA -
Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela, Tamaryn Green of South Africa and Catriona Gray of the Philippines stand on stage after being selected as top three finalists. AFP -
Catriona Gray with runner-up Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green. EPA -
Miss Spain Angela Ponce, the first transgender woman to take part in the international beauty contest, thanks the crowds during the Miss Universe 2018 beauty pageant. EPA -
Catriona Gray reacts after being selected as top five finalist while Natalia Carvajal of Costa Rica and Akisha Albert of Curacao applaud. AFP -
H'Hen Nie of Vietnam reacts after being selected as top five finalist. AFP -
Kiara Ortega of Puerto Rico reacts after being selected as top five finalist. AFP -
Sophida Kanchanarin of Thailand competes after being selected as top 10 finalists. AFP -
Miss Costa Rica Natalia Carvajal jokes with host Steve Harvey during the Miss Universe 2018 beauty pageant. EPA -
Marta Stepien of Canada competes after being selected as top 10 finalists. AFP -
Akisha Albert of Curacao competes after being selected as top 10 finalist. AFP -
Catriona Gray poses in her dress by Mak Tumang, a Philippines designer. AFP -
Catriona Gray dons the 'Mayon' gown by designer Mak Tumang AFP / Lillian SUWANRUMPHA -
Miss Great Britain Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers sings a song next to host Steve Harvey during the beauty pageant. EPA -
Miss Puerto Rico Kiara Ortega competes in the 67th Miss Universe 2018 beauty pageant in Bangkok. EPA -
The top 10 finalists. Tamaryn Green of South Africa, H'Hen Nie of Vietnam, Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela, Catriona Gray of the Philippines, Natalia Carvajal of Costa Rica, Akisha Albert of Curacao, Manita Devkota of Nepal, Marta Stepien of Canada, Sophida Kanchanarin of Thailand and Kiara Ortega of Puerto of Rico. AFP
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During the interview, Gray also revealed what the former Miss Universe, South African model Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, whispered to her as she handed over the coveted crown.
“She said it’s a little bit loose so be careful it doesn’t fall off,” she laughed. “It was as practical as that.”
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Read more:
Five things you didn't know about Filipina Miss Universe winner Catriona Gray
From Miss Philippines to Miss Universe: the previous Filipina winners and where they are now
Miss Universe 2018: The two contestants from the Arab world vying for the crown
Pinoy pride: the story behind Miss Philippines’ winning Miss Universe dress
Australian tabloid claims Aussie 'ownership' of Filipina Miss Universe Catriona Gray
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