Catriona Gray

Fil-Aussie beauty queen continues to shine

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Four years after her reign as Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray continues to shine in the pageant events she has attended, here and abroad.

Recently, the 4th titleholder from the country graced the Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 pageant as member of the selection committee, together with reigning Miss Universe Haarnaz Sandhu and Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova of Canada. During the Queens Press Conference, Cat remained as glib as ever; bravely answering the questions from Vietnamese mediamen.

In fact, her airport arrival in Vietnam was likened to that of her 2018 touchdown in Bangkok, where throngs of pageant fanatics and aficionados welcomed her. Some observers even commented that fans and supporters were more agog over her than with the new Vietnamese national winners.

During her short stay in Vietnam, she was able to don some outfits created by local designers, including an ao dai-inspired gossamer gown, decked with peacock plume details, custom-made for her by fashion designer Hoang Hai. She also gamely wore the country's national costume - the Ao dai - in another event. A staunch advocate of Filipino textile and fashion, the Fil-Aussie beauty queen gave the spotlight to Viet designs in the meantime.

With the 72nd Miss Universe pageant just around the corner, Cat may be seen gracing other national pageants, notably that of South Africa where she has been a perennial presence since winning the crown. Interestingly, Miss Universe Organization CEO Amy Emmerich and president Paula Shugart were with Cat and the other queens in the Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 final show.