Albay town to rename park after Bb. Pilipinas 2018 winner
WINNING BEAUTIES Bb. Pilipinas Universe Catriona Gray (fourth, from left) is joined by other winners of the beauty pageant: Samantha Bernardo, second runner-up; Michele Gumabao, Bb. Pilipinas Globe; Eva Patalinjug, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International;Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas International; Jehza Huelar, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational; Karen Gallman, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental; and Vickie Marie Milagrosa Rushton, first runner-up. —PHOTOSBY LEO M.SABANGANII
OAS, Albay — Aside from a grand homecoming, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2018 title holder Catriona Elisa Gray will find a park here renamed after her as a gesture of gratitude and an expression of pride from her townmates.
Gray bested 39 other aspirants for the top plum in the Bb. Pilipinas pageant’s 55th edition at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City early Monday.
The Oas People’s Park will be renamed Catriona Elisa Ragas Gray Park as a special gift to the Filipino-Australian Gray, who traces her maternal roots to Oas, for winning the title on Sunday night, Mayor Domingo Escoto Jr. said on Monday.
The beauty queen’s mother, Normita Ragas Magnayon, hails from Barangay Iraya Sur.
During the pageant’s coronation night, Gray was also adjudged the Pitoy Moreno Best in National Costume, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, Miss Ever Bilena and Jag Denim Queen.
Ahtisa Manalo from Quezon bagged the Bb. Pilipinas-International crown and will aim for the country’s seventh Miss International crown in Japan later this year.
Former runner-up Jehza Huelar from Davao City was voted the Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational crown, while Karen Gallman from Bohol was chosen Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental.
The Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International title went to Eva Patalinjug from Cebu, while the Bb. Pilipinas-Globe title was awarded to Michele Gumabao of Quezon City.
Town’s pride
The 100-square-meter park in front of Oas municipal hall, which will be renamed after Gray, is still undergoing renovation. It is adjacent to St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church and next to Rizal Park.
Fred Reburiano, municipal executive assistant, said a portion of the park would be transformed to look like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with a spot on the pavement featuring a star and Gray’s name.
A playground and minibike lane for children and a fountain will also be among the fixtures of the place.
“We are very proud of her and we will come up with a program to honor her for winning the pageant,” Mayor Escoto said.
He said he would discuss with the municipal council the possibility of giving her cash incentives.
Catriona Elisa Gray
The local government is planning to hold a grand homecoming for Gray, as well as a motorcade or parade to coincide with the celebration of Oas’ Puto Festival on May 7-8, Escoto said.
Volleyball star
Gray, who is also a television host, singer and model, visited her hometown after she was crowned Miss World Philippines in 2016. She made it to the Top 5 in the Miss World 2016 competition in Washington.
In just her first try, Gumabao, a volleyball star, won the Bb. Pilipinas-Globe crown.
The former De La Salle spiker had her shining moment at Smart Araneta Coliseum, the site of her previous epic battles on the volleyball floor, as she earned the right to represent the country in the pageant this year.
Though a newcomer, Gumabao immediately turned heads since she announced her application for Bb. Pilipinas. Her transformation from a formidable cocaptain for the three-time UAAP volleyball champions into a beauty contestant did not go unnoticed.
She brought her feistiness on the court onto the pageant stage, which made her one of the favorites going into the event. She impressed in her answer during the Q&A about fighting fake news.
Interestingly, her former on-court rival, Alyssa Valdez, was one of the judges for the night. Ateneo guard Thirdy Ravena was also part of the judging panel.
Former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach hosted the coronation ceremonies with actor Richard Gutierrez. —With reports from Armin Adina and Celest Flores-Colina
