Miss Universe Catriona Gray turned over her Bb. Pilipinas-Universe crown after a moving speech addressed to the Filipino people.
Gray delivered her farewell speech during her final walk on the Bb. Pilipinas stage on June 10.
The reigning Miss Universe spoke of her gratefulness to the Filipino people whose support she felt throughout her journey.
RECALL: How Catriona Gray won Miss Universe crown by advocating positivity and child welfare
“I am so humbled and immensely grateful to each and every one of you who has given true meaning to feeling the love and support of the Filipino people.”
The country’s fourth Miss Universe then listed 3 ways she conquered 3 Mayon Volcanoes – alluding to the famous Philippine volcano of Bicol where she traces her parental roots.
Gray talked about herself, others, and the world – insights she has learned from her experience.
1. “Conquering myself”
The Filipino-Australian beauty talked about how she overcame fear of failure in the face of great expectations.
“I conquered my fear with faith – faith that God purposely set me on this path and that He would not give me a burden too heavy to carry. And faith in myself, because I knew that I was not perfect. But I knew I’m determined. And I knew that out of all 95 women that I was to compete with in Miss Universe, I would be the one and only Filipina, and that gave me strength.”
2. “Conquering others”
The beauty queen then shared insights on how to stay positive by working with people who believed she can win.
“I conquered others by surrounding myself with people who uplifted me, supported me, and mentored me. My Team Catriona were my backbone and my safe place. I wouldn’t be standing here if not for every single one of them, and for all of you. And as an only child whose family was away for the entirety of this journey, they also gave me a home.”
3. “Conquering for a purpose”
The child welfare advocate then pointed out what she says is the most important insight – knowing why she was doing what she is doing.
“What was the point of all this? Who was I doing this for? I looked down at the lettering over my heart, and it said Philippines. I felt its weight, knowing the history, challenges, and triumphs of the Filipino people, I thought of the children of Tondo and of my country.
I may only be one person, but now I have the opportunity to serve 104 million Filipinos, I knew that I was doing this para sa Pilipinas. Inside each and every one of us is a king or queen with the ability to conquer the universe, whatever that may be for you. But we must first conquer ourselves, conquer what others perceive of us, and finally, conquer with a purpose.”
READ: Catriona Gray continues with her mission to care for Filipino children.
Catriona Gray ended her emotional speech with a pledge:
“To conquer our dreams. Philippines, I will forever our raise our flag… Love, Catriona Gray, your Miss Universe 2018.”
Catriona Gray turned over her Bb. Pilipinas-Universe crown to the new Miss Universe Philippines 2019, Gazini Ganados from Talisay, Cebu.
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