MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Catriona Gray’s red gown drew inspiration largely from the famous Mayon Volcano, but it was important for her to wear red for a more personal reason.
The newly-crowned Miss Universe met with members of the media from different parts of the world and shared, with a hint of pride in her voice, that her gown was inspired by Mayon Volcano in her hometown in Albay.
READ: From Ibong Adarna to Mayon Volcano: Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray pays tribute to home
She added that the gown was in red “because when I was 13 year old, my mother told me, ‘I had a dream that you were in Miss Universe and you won in a red dress.’”
Catriona’s parents were among the thousand spectators that filled Impact Arena in Bankok, Thailand to watch her win.
“So when I saw her earlier, she said ‘I dreamed this,’ and she had tears in her eyes,” the newly-crowned Miss Universe shared.
In a video posted by Twitter user @MiksinCambodia, Catriona’s parents were elated with their daughter’s win.
After the announcement, her dad, who was holding a copy of the Philippine flag, stood up and cheered.
Catriona’s mom, who was in a red dress herself, was in tears.
Catriona took home Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe crown.