After winning Miss Universe, Catriona surpasses 2 million followers on Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray achieved an impressive social media milestone after she won the crown and sash of the prestigious beauty pageant.

Catriona gained more than one million followers on Instagram in less than a day. As of posting, the 24-year-old beauty queen has 2.4 million followers.


She just reached one million followers on Instagram on the eve of the Miss Universe coronation.


Her first Instagram post after being crowned the newest Miss Universe has more than one million likes.

“Philippines, what an amazing honor it has been to carry your name across my chest and to embody you in all aspects. I may now carry the sash of Miss Universe, but I’ll forever be your Miss Universe,” she wrote.

Catriona’s Facebook page is nearing the one million mark at 964,134 likes. Her Twitter account, meanwhile, has more than 299,000 followers.

Catriona was crowned as the newest Miss Universe Monday at Thailand capital’s Impact Arena. She became the fourth Filipina to win the international pageant, following the footsteps of Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973) and Pia Wurtzbach (2015).  — Gaea Katreena Cabico

source: philstar.com

'This is it': Catriona Gray dedicates Miss Universe journey to Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Hours before the much-awaited coronation day, Philippines’ Catriona Gray dedicated her Miss Universe journey to her home country.

In an Instagram post, Catriona, 24, recalled her experience being a candidate for Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) and being chosen to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.

“Philippines, this is it. What an amazing journey this has been - from day one back in January 2018 of announcing candidacy [for Binibining Pilipinas] to today,” the Bicolana beauty wrote.

“Philippines, you have endlessly inspired me, given me strength and support. I want nothing more than to bring pride to you and give my all to give the best Christmas gift ever to my country,” she added.

“Mahal kita, Philippines. Para sayo 'to. Stand by me prayer warriors, laban tayo.”

Catriona is eyeing to bring the Miss Universe crown back to the Philippines and follow the footsteps of Pia Wurtzbach, who won the crown three years ago.

The Miss Universe crown and sash will be awarded Monday. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral

source: philstar.com

#TeamCatrionaGray: Filipino supporters arrive in Thailand ahead of Miss Universe 2018

BANGKOK, Thailand — Two days before the final competition of Miss Universe 2018, some Filipinos flew from Philippines to Thailand just to support Filipina bet Catriona Gray.

On Saturday afternoon, a number of Filipino supporters turned heads at the Suvarnabhumi airport as they donned the replica crowns of Miss Universe and sash to proudly show support for Catriona.

These Filipinos who flew from Manila found they shared love for Miss Universe pageant when they arrived at the airport. They are set to watch the live coronation event of the pageant slated Monday morning (Philippine time.)


Pageant enthusiast Albert Paran, who came all the way from Cebu, said he is very excited to watch the pageant live. He is a fan of Catriona.

“Parang dream come true,” he said, adding that Catriona's victory is his Christmas wish.

Also present in Bangkok is former Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup-Lee. She also wore the replica Mikimoto and diamond blue sapphire crowns brought by doctor Loyd Brendan Norella.

Loyd is one of the volunteers of LoveYourself Inc., an HIV advocacy group that Catriona supports.

He said he also traveled to Bangkok to support his friend Catriona

Win or lose, Loyd said he is proud that the Philippines was beautifully represented by Catriona.

On Wednesday, Filipino-American and YouTube vlogger Jerome Bediones also arrived in Bangkok to watch the Miss Universe pageant and back Catriona. He flew from Washington State.

Jerome watched the preliminary pageant which he said was nailed by the 24-year-old Filipina bet.

“Philippines, Catriona Gray, stole the show. So much confidence with her walk, and it may sound biased (I really don't think so) but she has the whole package when it comes to being a Miss Universe. Just looking at her, you can tell she leads with empathy and compassion, but also is stunning,” Jerome said.

Meanwhile, Albert Paran and retired flight attendant and registered nurse Mickey Rodriguez said they will both wear national costumes on Monday.

Albert said he had Philippine traditional clothing kimona designed for the pageant while Mickey said he will wear barong Tagalog.

“Gusto kasi niya (Catriona) nationalistic,” Mickey said.

Other supporters said they will wear tuxedo that bears Philippine flag.

Catriona, a former candidate for Miss World, is set to compete against 93 other representatives from across the globe at the Impact Arena in Bangkok on Monday. She is vying to bring back the crown to the Philippines three years after Pia Wurtzbach won the pageant in 2015.

source: philstar.com