Miss Universe 2018 Coronation Night

The Philippines awaits the arrival of newly crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, just a few days after the prestigious pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.

The immediate homecoming of a new Miss Universe is a rare episode. Traditionally, pageant winners are flown straight to the organization's headquarters in New York, where the reigning "queen" is also provided an apartment for a whole year as part of her winnings.

"I just want to say thank you to the Philippines, my country. You know, you guys have supported me all through this and if not for you, I would not have had the endurance or the spirit to do what I do," Gray says in a video released earlier today.

To the Philippines: pic.twitter.com/5YCp97YpPt

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 18, 2018

The Philippines' Catriona Gray is hailled this year's Miss Universe. This is the fourth crown given to a candidate from the Philippines in the history of the prestigious beauty pageant.

Philippines' Catriona Gray is asked about the legalization of marijuana for the Top 5 Q&A.

"I’m for it being used for medical use, but not so for recreational use. Because I think if people will argue then what about alcohol and cigarettes? Everything is good but in moderation."

Wearing an orange swimsuit designed by a Thai princess, Catriona Gray of the Philippines repeats her now-iconic slow-mo turn anew on the final competition's stage for the swimsuit segment featuring the Top 10 Miss Universe candidates.

The Philippines' Catriona Gray makes the cut for the Top 10 candidates of the MIss Universe final competition—down from 94 contestants. Joining her are:

1. South Africa
2. Vietnam
3. Venezuela
4. Costa Rica
5. Curacao
6. Nepal
7. Canada
8. Thailand
9. Puerto Rico

Catch real-time, exclusive updates from Bangkok, Thailand: Miss Universe 2018

Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray delivers her 15-second opening statement in a new round for this year's final competition.

The round followed the roundup of the Top 20 semi-finalists from Africa and Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and Wild Card selection.

"Working in some of the poorest areas of my country, I found that it was a lack of child support not poverty that killed their dreams. A child once told me, 'Cat, it's just not my life and those dreams are not for me' but I stand here today because someone believed in me and we owe it to our children to believe in them."

Philippines' Catriona Gray enters the Final 20 semifinalists of the competition, as among the five selected from Africa and Asia-Pacific region.

AND THE COMPETITION IS ON. Ne-Yo performs "Nights Like These" for the opening number of the Miss Universe final competition.

Steve Harvey explains the significance of his tuxedo suit he's wearing, saying it stands for the 97 countries represented today at the prestigious pageant.

The Philippines' Catriona Gray is gunning for the crown on the Coronation Night of Miss Universe 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Gray made waves online after her stunning walk at the preliminary competition last week, earning her legions of fans. She also welcomed Filipinos who flew to the Thai capital to show their support.

The event will be aired live around the world at approximately 8 a.m. Manila time.

Catch exclusive updates LIVE from Bangkok, Thailand: Miss Universe 2018