Tag Archives: Miss Universe 2018

ICYMI: Catriona Gray on the cover of PeopleAsia Magazine – January 2019

You can now buy your own copy of Catriona Gray’s first printed magazine cover as Miss Universe through PeopleAsia’s Special Collector’s Issue this month.

The inside stories will include her preparation for the pageant, her thoughts and analysis on why she won and PeopleAsia’s front-view observation during the coronation night!

This collector’s issue will also feature Catriona’s long-time collaborator – the Kapampangan designer Mak Tumang and our three previous Misses Universe – Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973) and Gloria Diaz (1969).

‘Alab at Dangal’ Patriotic Earcuff by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray!

It was the most beautiful day in the Universe yesterday as another Filipina was yet again proclaimed the queen of the Universe 💕🇵🇭

Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray was able to clinched the 67th Miss Universe title and the fourth crown for the Philippines besting 93 delegates across the globe.

All throughout her journey, Catriona have shown to the world the beauty of the Philippines most especially its indigenous fabrics and patriotic designs through her OOTDs! One of the most talked-about piece since her Binibining Pilipinas days was her Three Stars and the Sun earcuff and our newly crowned Miss Univese together with Tessera Jewelry just elevated the patriotic earcuff and added a pair of golden south sea pearls studded with diamonds and rubies! Wow! How’s that for a queen?!

Truly, we stan an artistic queen and I cannot wait until these accessories becomes available to the public!

For Inquiries:

WhatsApp/Viber/SMS: +639171793352 or e-mail them at sales-tessera@gmail.com

Or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @jesserajewelry!

Mabuhay ka Catriona! 🇵🇭👑

Miss Universe® 2018 : Meet the Preliminary and Final Telecast Judges!

The Miss Universe Organization just announced today the name of the all-female commitee who will determine the successor of Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters as the next Miss Universe. Both preliminary and final telecast will be judged by the same panel. They are:

Bui Simon/gettyimages

Porntip “Bui” Simon
Miss Universe 1988 from Thailand, founder of Angel Wings Foundation, which addresses the needs of Thailand’s young and vulnerable citizens with increased educational opportunities

Monique Lhuillier/gettyimages

Monique Lhuillier
World renowned bridal and fashion designer with creations worn by celebrated women including first ladies of the United States for more than two decades; member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America

Janaye Ingram/nydailynews

Janaye Ingram
Corporate executive, political grassroots organizer and founder of Women’s March, Inc.; 2017 Glamour Magazine Women of the Year along with her fellow Women’s March organizers; Miss New Jersey USA 2004
Michelle McLean: Returning to Bangkok, where she was crowned Miss Universe 1992 from Namibia, internationally recognized model and television presenter; Chairperson of the Michelle McLean Children Trust and Founding partner of the Business of Beauty

Iman Oubou/outremersbeyou.com

Iman Oubou
Moroccan-American entrepreneur, former pageant titleholder and founder of women’s digital platform SWAAY MEDIA; published scientist recently named as one of CIO Magazine’s 2018 “Female Entrepreneur’s to Watch” and awarded the first ever “Visage Du Maroc” of 2018, a new initiative uplifting female voices in Morocco and across the Middle East

Lili Gil Valletta/bizjournals.com

Lili Gil Valletta
Award-winning entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of CulturIntel and CIEN+, TV business commentator and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader; O.S. Hispanic Businessperson of the Year; and 2018 Women of Excellence Award recipient, among others

Richelle Singson-Michael/LinkedIn

Richelle Singson-Michael
CEO of Platinum Skies Aviation and FinTech Casha.me; pioneering architect and Vice Chairwoman of the LCS Group of Companies, which led and oversaw the successful hosting of the 65th MISS UNIVERSE® in the Philippines

Miss Philippines’ Catriona Gray’s National Costume for Miss Universe 2018 – #BuongPilipinas

I’ve been MIA during the start of the Miss Universe proper in Bangkok because I’m attending some personal issues but now that I’ve found some time to actually post some updates here, let me start with yesterday’s National Costume show.

Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray’s national costume was one of the most anticipated costumes of any Philippine delegate to ever compete in the pageant as well as any delegates in this year’s edition. The costume apresented to the public last night in Pattaya garnered polarizing reception from the different spectrum of social media.

Her elaborate costume with a touch of the #BuongPilipinas or the whole Philippines is something that has never been seen from a Philippine delegate in the past editions or any international beauty pageants that usually settles for a single-themed outfits.

This intricately designed ensemble is called “LuzViMinda” in a collaboration of different designers with Catriona’s inputs too! Jojo Bragais designed and provided the thigh-high boots and the beautiful headress representating Mindanao, Eric Quiwa for the Parol representing Luzon and Jearson Demavivas who spearheaded the creation of this costume and was also responsible for Catriona’s winning national costume during the Binibining Pilipinas earlier this year worked on the Pintados body representing the Visayas region.

The costume may have not garnered universal acclaim but for a delegate to represent the country with such pride in our culture and heritage is achievement enough and is already a winner in my book!

In the midst of sociopolitical divisiveness in the Philippines, Catriona Gray and her team made me realized that outside of this spectrum, there’s a lot to be proud of our country, our people and our history.

Maraming Salamat!

It’s All or Nothing for Catriona Gray Come Miss Universe 2018!

Catriona Gray under the lens of Raymond Saldaña

The Miss Universe competition proper is looming around and it’s going to be an all or nothing journey for Philippines’ bet Catriona Gray as she aims to win the fourth Miss Universe crown for the country, merely three years after Pia Wurtzbach controversial crowning in Las Vegas.

In her recent guesting in The Bottom Line with Boy Abunda, Gray stated that she never considered failure in terms of actually winning the crown.

I never consider failure. Why? Because I feel that if you have that in your vision, it will distract you, it will withdraw your energy from you. And I need 100%, 120% of my energy to go towards winning.

In a stunning showcase of her gift of gab, Catriona answered questions relevant to the country and issues its facing today and she answered them oh-so-eloquently, whilst getting tips from the Talk Show king Abunda himself.

Here are some of the questions asked by the panel.

What’s her take on the recent passage of the Mental Health Act:
I think it’s a great step forward because I believe that there’s more awareness now than there ever was before. And it’s something usually that wasn’t talked about because we thought it was a weak will or weak sense of character. Maybe they’re just going through something bad or we made up all these excuses to color over what was the truth behind it. But now that we have something that can be put in place, the proper education can finds its way to the hands of people that need it. And the stigma can start to break apart.

Why is she mum about her political views:
I like to take it as if it’s the time and place. I am not going to be a public figure that just spouses an opinion without being considerate of both sides and validating both sides because at the end of the day, I wear a Philippines sash and the Philippines is made up of millions of Filipinos with different points of view and different political standpoints. So I never want to polarize that.

The truth why she decided to apply as an independent candidate during the Binibining Pilipinas when she was initially under Aces & Queens back when she competed for Miss World Philippines and subsequently won: (Would you rather be the one who hides the truth, or tells a lie)
I would rather be the one who hides the truth because I believe no matter what, the truth will always come out. And I always believe that staying true to myself which is what I did in being an independent candidate, I just wanted to create my own team. Instead of focusing on multiple girls, I got undecided focus from a team of people that I chose myself. So I was allowed to be creative in that space and surround myself with a core team and it’s one of the best decisions I made

And the question that made Boy Abunda jump off his seat! It was really funny, tbh.
How would you convince a feminist that beauty pageant are still relevant?
I believe the aim of feminism isn’t to bring women down for what they choose to express themselves as or what they choose to pursue. I think and I believe that the whole aim of feminism is to support women in whatever they choose to do as long as it’s considerate and respectful to someone else.

With the caliber of how she answered these hard-hitting questions, it is very hard to lower our expectations for Catriona who is heading to Thailand next month as one of the pageant’s frontrunners.

Will the world, the universe rather finally align for Catriona?

My Miss Universe October 2018 Hot Picks!

I know this post is a bit overdue but I had this note on my phone with my Top 9 only until the last month ended. I’ve tried checking out more girls and their trainings, their outfits and a lot more that has to do with their exposure but only came up with the same girls who are getting the hype since the start of the pageant season. So without further ado, let me present to you my Top 9 Hot Picks for the month of October!

In ninth place is Canada’s Marta Stepien. See, I loved Canada’s type of beauty just like the earlier comparison to superstar Taylor Swift, Marta has the type of beauty that would do well in Thailand like her compatriot Natalie Glebova when she snatched the crown from the Latinas in 2005. She’s went down on my list because I haven’t that much change in her – good or bad. I still think that she’s one of the frontrunners but her chances for me is dwindling.

At number eight is Sthefany Gutiérrez of Venezuela. I loved the fact that she’s experimenting with her looks now and that she’s listening to her supporters. I thought she looks a bit mature with her ‘pocahontas’ hair and too heavy make up so I’m very much happy with her different looks now. Seriously, she’s hella pretty with a no make-up makeup look.

Number seven for me is host delegate Sophida Kanchanarin. This Thai beauty is one of my favorite Asian beauties this year. I just loved her oriental bone structure and her classy aura. I still don’t see her winning the whole thing but she’s inching towards the Top 5 for me.

At sixth place is H’Hen Niê of Vietnam. I’m still on a fence with her recent styling with longer hair. I mean, she’s got a beautiful face but it felt too forced. Her face is meant to be shown with her current short do. She’s definitely one of the strongest Asian delegates this year!

On fifth place for me is Puerto Rico’s Kiara Ortega. Puerto has never reached the Top 3 in this decade but it looks like Kiki is about to avenge her compatriots most especially Bodine Koehler who got snubbed in 2013. Kiki is young, personable but lacks in height. Some people are touting her to be one of the ‘girls to beat’ but I am pretty sure that at this point – the girl to beat remains the same from my last Hot Picks – bias aside.

Coming in at fourth place for me is none other than South Africa’s Tamaryn Green. She also went down for me last month. She’s looking too mascular for me so she needs to exudes a little bit of softness come pageant proper in order to stand out the way Demi started her game plan to win the crown in Vegas last year.

My third placer is Miss USA, Sarah Rose Summers. I loved Sarah Rose’ looks and again, I keep on saying that her winning personality will make her shine in Thailand. I’m not sure if she’s really that focused in winning the crown or she’s content to just be Miss USA since her prizes as the reigning queen is the same with her Miss Universe counterpart. I still she’s one of the strongest delegates this year and she’s just so pretty to begin with so I have her as my third best’ for October.

My number two is Valeria Morales of Colombia. I’m very much enamored by her Juliana Franco’s aura and she’s a very good speaker too. I wished that she could speak English fluently to cater to her international fans but I think she’s the biggest rival of the ‘girl to beat’ at this point.

And my numbero uno pick is still our very own Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray. It’s always been Catriona Gray, you say but she’s really THAT girl who could bring Miss Universe into a whole new level. She’s beautiful, current, has a fun personality and most importantly – the gift of gab. I’m still in awe everytime I watch her speak about ANY given topics. I’m telling you, she’s coming for your favorites.

Who for you is leading the pack this year???

See you in Thailand next month!

All photos courtesy of missuniverse.com

ICYMI: Catriona Gray & Jezha Huelar’s Send-off!

Jezha and Catriona with Madame Stella Araneta

I’m a bit late in posting this but I’m pretty sure that you’ve read and seen all of there is to see during the send-off of Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray and Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational Jezha Huelar to their pageant assignment overseas.

Catriona of course will be competing at the 67th Miss Universe pageant in our neighboring country, Thailand while Jezha is flying to Poland for the 10th Anniversary Edition of Miss Supranational.

Catriona wowed everyone with her femme fatale styling while Jezha is looking oh-so-sweet with her blue princess cut gown.

Good luck ladies!

Miss Universe 2018 Ticket Prices – Live at the Impact Arena in Bangkok!

For those of you who are planning to watch the 67th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, here are the ticket prices you’ve all been waiting for!!!

The prices ranges from 2,500 – 50,000 THB (that’s about 4,000 – 80,000 Philippine Pesos exchange rate as of press time).

So, who’s going to be watching?

Catriona, Oh Catriona!

A recent photo release from famed Filipino photographer Raymond Saldaña made the rounds of social media today that shook pageant fans and pundits around the world for it showcased yet again the alluring beauty of Miss Universe 2018 frontrunner Catriona Gray!

Catriona Gray
Miss Universe Philippines 2018

Raymond Saldaña Photography
https://www.instagram.com/raymondsaldana_klickbox/

Make up by : Jelly Eugenio
Hair by : Florenz
Styled by : Patrick Henry Mergano
Earrings : Christopher E Munar
Gown : Cherry Samuya Veric

Exquisite, isn’t she?

Bangkok is Ready for the Miss Universe 2018!

After almost three months of radio silence from the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), Bangkok is now ‘officially’ re-confirmed as the host of this year’s Miss Universe pageant. The MUO team spearheaded by its President Paula Shugart confirmed the event happening on December 17, 2018 (Local Time) after the initial announcement in July.

Yesterday, a Press Conference was held in Bangkok where the Miss Universe Organization presented the new financier of the pageant – the TNP Group – after its initial investor TW Investment pulled out from the project due to misbehavior of its shareholders putting the third hosting of the Kingdom in peril.

And there’s also a rumored new crown for the winner of this edition? So that means, no more Mikimoto crown? We’ll see in the coming days or during the finals night at the Impact Arena.

Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters via missuniverse.com

It can now be said that Bangkok is all set and ready to provide the most beautiful show in the Universe!