MANILA, Philippines — Is Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray pressured by the recent win of Miss International 2018 first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo?
During her send-off together with Miss Supranational Philippines Jehza Huelar on Monday, Catriona had nothing but praises for the Miss International performance of the youngest queen in their batch.
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“So proud of our baby girl! She’s our bunso and I always feel like she’s my little sister,” enthused Catriona.
“So happy to see her perform so well. She stayed so stoic and polished throughout the competition and she’s amazing. And first runner-up is such an accomplishment. I’m so proud of her!”
Manalo almost made it to give the country its seventh Miss International title after she finished first runner-up in the competition held at Tokyo Dome City Hall in Japan on November 9.
Mariem Velazco of Venezuela was crowned Miss International 2018.
According to Catriona, Ahtisa’s win does not add pressure to her bid to take home the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe crown at the upcoming pageant in December in Thailand.
“I can already feel that my competition’s coming near. I’m just proud of her!” Catriona said of Ahtisa.