Catriona Gray: We must conquer with a purpose

CEBU, Philippines — As she ended her Miss Universe Philippines reign, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s heartfelt farewell speech is proof that she is just as in love with the Filipinos, the same way they have all fallen in love with her in the past year.

The Bicolana beauty not only wowed the Philippines and the universe with her mesmerizing slow-mo walk, but the bright and witty Filipina-Australian displayed a brand of courage and vision by going independent and putting her ideas to real life, and an admirable preparation and thoughtfulness that transcended from her words, to her actions, and even outfits – something that’s never before seen in previous Filipina representatives.

Bidding the Binibining Pilipinas stage goodbye Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum during the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 coronation night, Catriona began her speech with a grateful heart. The 25-year-old did not only address the venue, but the whole nation, which was all eyes and ears on the pageant stage that evening.

“Philippines! My heart is overflowing with gratitude, because here, on this exact stage, I was given the chance to pursue this dream. This journey has been made even more meaningful, because every single step of the way I felt each and every one of you right there with me,” she began.

Catriona looked just as bright as her Mark Tumang gown, inspired by the waling-waling flower which the designer regards as a “paragon of unmitigated beauty.” The designer likened Catriona’s stature to the waling-waling’s Queen of Philippine Flowers label, its “unparalleled and captivating beauty” a fitting representation of Catriona’s constant and unceasing hope and tenacity.

Catriona narrated her humbling experience of service, where she felt like she learned about what it means to be so loved and supported by the Filipinos. She knew she had big shoes to fill as Miss Universe Philippines, a title which came with its own set of challenges.

For all her confidence and charm, Catriona’s first challenge was within herself. She shared how she needed to overcome the fear from inside of her. Despite the “fear of falling short, the fear of failure, the fear of not measuring up,” Catriona was able to rise to the occasion with faith in God. She believes that it was by His design and purpose that she became Miss Universe Philippines, and the weight of the sash that bore her country’s name became not her burden, but her strength.

Catriona went on to describe how she also had to overcome the challenge posed by the people around her. She said that people have told her that she was bound to fail many times. The discouragement went on insofar as telling her that it was “too soon” for another Filipina Miss Universe.

Despite being put down, she stressed the importance of the people who knew her most for they were the ones who uplifted, supported, and mentored her. She described Team Catriona, her solid group of handpicked visionaries, as her “backbone” and her “safe place,” who made her the person she is today, and gave her a family and a home.

Above all, Catriona’s most important hurdle was her purpose. Going back to why she was doing all this and who it was for, the beauty queen said she need not go far to find out, only to look down at the lettering over her heart that read Philippines – and that was enough to remind her of the historic challenges and triumphs of the Filipinos.

Before wrapping up with many thanks to have been chosen as a representative of the country, Catriona then reminded the audience that this greatness and achievement is also made by the millions of Filipinos who are all capable of doing the same thing. She urged them to persevere as she had.

Despite her Binibining Pilipinas journey coming to a close, Catriona promised to be Miss Philippines and to raise the Philippine flag forevermore.

“I may only be one person, but now I have the opportunity to serve 104 million Filipinos, and I knew that I was doing this para sa Pilipinas. Inside each and every one of us is a king or queen with the ability to conquer the universe, whatever that may be for you. But we must first conquer ourselves, conquer what others perceive of us, and finally, conquer with a purpose. To conquer our dreams. Philippines, I will forever our raise our flag!”