MANILA, Philippines — Miss Philippines Universe Catriona Gray said that the ability to communicate, and not the knowledge of English language, defines a Miss Universe.
In a video interview with Philippine Pageantry, Catriona was asked whether she thinks it is a prerequisite to speak the English language in being a Miss Universe.
Related Stories
“No, of course not,” the Philippines’ bet said.
“Miss Universe is someone who communicates her thoughts effectively and is able to connect to people,” Catriona added in a cut from the interview that has since gone viral.
She also said likened communication to music where she said feelings may be conveyed despite lyrics written in a foreign language.
“Just like in music you don’t need to understand the lyric but you can feel the feeling from what they’re communicating so why should it be any different from language,” Catriona also said.
This was the same question posed to Miss Philippines Universe Janine Tugonon when she competed in 2012.
Janine then said: “For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language. It’s being able to influence and inspire other people. So whatever language you have, as long as your heart is to serve and you have a strong mind to show to people, then you can be Miss Universe.”
Janine finished her run as the pageant’s 1st Runner-up. Miss USA Olivia Culpo bagged the crown in 2012.
Catriona competes with 95 other beauty queens for the crown. She hopes to bag the fourth Miss Universe crown for the Philippines. — Kristine Joy Patag