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Girl in a jacket

Catriona Gray conquered the world, the universe rather, and Pinoys are all proud of her

In case you haven’t caught up with the latest news today, or weren’t able to join the group of people screaming from their homes, classrooms, and work offices, Philippine representative Catriona Gray was declared Miss Universe 2018! It was, indeed, a great day for all Filipinos as Catriona brought the crown back to the Philippines and represented our country with outstanding beauty, grace, and intelligence.

And because we Filipinos are known as one of the toughest and most supportive fans when it comes to beauty pageants, a lot of us were probably late for work or school trying not to miss the whole coronation. Team Bahay and Team Office were all in solidarity as Steve Harvey announced Philippines as the winner—no mistakes this time!

A lot of people congratulated Catriona for winning the Miss Universe 2018 title and we’re all feeling proud of her. But nothing can probably compare to her parents’ reaction as seen in this video by Michael Strahan, who happened to be sitting next to them.

She showed the world, the universe rather, that she has what it takes to be Miss Universe.

And maybe, what they say is true, that sometimes our failures are just part of the journey and we’re all headed for something better.

When she mentioned about “seeing situations with a silver lining” and we see four on her side, we knew our queen’s gonna get that crown!

Catriona embodied not only being Miss Universe but also “Miss Independent” on and off camera.

We know that all throughout the whole competition, she dedicated so much effort into representing the Philippines in everything she wore—from the gowns and national costumes down to the accessories that she designed herself—all bearing symbolisms relating to the Philippines. Her “Lava Gown” was inspired from the lava of Mayon Volcano, but some people noticed how it looks a lot like the traffic in EDSA. We stan a queen of symbolisms!

Cat’s stunning red gown completed the colors of Philippine flag along with previous Pinay Miss Universe title holders.

Now the next PH representative might have to wear colors of the flag pole?

It only took three years after Pia Wurtzbach’s win and another “confidently beautiful with a heart” Filipina took home the crown and the title again.

Maybe there’s a pattern here; but as how Pia and Catriona did it while walking down the runway, to be Miss Universe, one must probably learn how to change their facial expression from “I’m just gonna act all cute here” to “I’m actually here to steal the crown.” SAME ENERGY, SIS!

Long before the coronation night, it seems that Cat was already hanging around with the queens and we all know she belongs in the group.

And despite the two other hosts “ignoring” her, Catriona Gray rose above among the other contestants like the Ibong Adarna, with her passion as fiery as Mayon Volcano’s lava and erupted victorious.

Those who belittled her and didn’t believe she could win can now choke because she did not only outstand Miss Universe hopefuls, she also got to beat two of the most powerful pop stars: Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift!

The Miss World organization also congratulated her for her win and said that Miss Universe has “a great winner.” Too bad you didn’t see that back in 2016, sweetie.

Catriona being the newest Miss Universe may be a win for all Filipinos, but most importantly, it opens opportunities for memes and witty branded content. We’re here for the new queen, new memes, fam.

Congratulations, Catriona! Basta kapag ikaw ay nagipit, ang korona sa Cebuana Lhuillier ilapit!Photo by ABS-CBN News

Posted by Cebuana Lhuillier on Sunday, December 16, 2018

We’re probably all caught up in a swirl of emotions right now, but tomorrow, we’re back to work as usual. (At least, all the gays and the parloristas are in good mood. It’s all that matters, you know.)

We’re also expecting to see this earring in Divisoria in a few days or in every damn jewelry store nationwide real soon. Catriona Gray, a trendsetter, indeed.

And we’ll definitely see babies named after Catriona in 2019!

She may not won the fight for the world in 2016, but she conquered the universe in 2018. Now that’s a glow-up! Congratulations, Catriona Gray!

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