BANGKOK, DEC 17 (TNA)-
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines vows to continue
advocating rural education development and the fight against HIV-Aids after
being crowned at the pageant in Bangkok on Monday.
The 24-year-old Miss Philippines won the crown at Impact
Arena while Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green and Miss Venezuela Sthefany
Gutiérrez became the second and third runner-ups, respectively.
In the recording-setting contest of 94 beauty queens, the
Australian-born had already been an outstanding contestant for her “slow-mo”
turn during Friday’s swimsuit round.
She won the hearts of many and, of course, highest points
from the panel of judges, including Colombian-American CEO Liliana Gil
Valletta, fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, and former Miss Universe winner
Michelle McLean at Impact Arena.
Best National Costume, meanwhile, went to Miss Laos On-anong
Homsombath.
In press conference after the pageant, Gray performed Thai
traditional greeting of “wai” before expressing her gratitude towards
tremendous supports from everyone.
“I would definitely love to expand the platform that I
have regards to education. I work closely with an HIV and AIDS organization in
the Philippines. It’s something that I feel passionately about because a few
years ago, I lose a close friend to health complications with HIV.”
What she wanted to do most after the contest was spending
time with her family and having her favorite Thai iced tea and mamuang nampla
wan or mango with Thai dipping paste.
This year’s Miss Universe had been on international
spotlight with Angela Ponce of Spain as the first transgender to reach the
final of the annual contest. (TNA)
