Catriona Gray of the Philippines smiles after being crowned the new Miss Universe 2018 on December 17, 2018, in Bangkok. AFP
MANILA, Philippines — “Regal as Mayon is majestic” was how Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda hailed Catriona Gray for bagging the fourth Miss Universe title of the Philippines on Monday.
The former governor of Albay said Gray was the “most prepared candidate ever.”
“… (I)f you prepare to fight calamities, the more you are prepared for victory. She is regal as Mayon is majestic. She is beautiful, truly Daragang Magayon. The entire Albay is happy and proud of her achievement as proud she is of her roots,” Salceda added in a statement.
Gray wore a Mak Tumang fiery red long gown inspired by the Mayon volcano lava during the Miss Universe 2018 coronation held at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers for his part said Gray’s “victory was an inspiration to all Filipinos amidst the challenging times.”
“Her sacrifices and triumph inspire Filipinos to continue fighting on amidst the challenges and difficulties. Her victory is our victory. This is such an amazing Christmas gift to the country,” Barbers said.
Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy, chair of the House women and gender equality panel, lauded Gray’s advocacy for children’s rights and welfare as reflected from her answer during the final question and answer portion of the pageant.
“Ikinalulugod kong malaman na children’s rights and welfare ang piniling adbokasiya ni 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray. Nadagdagan tayo ng matibay, maganda, at maimpluwensiyang kapanalig na magsusulong ng mga karapatan at kapakanan ng mga kabataan, ng bagong henerasyon,” Herrera-Dy added.
Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo, one of the authors of House Bill No. 6517 or the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis bill, also thanked Gray for her support for medical marijuana or cannabis as stated during the Top 5 question and answer portion.
“We are certain her statement during the pageant will convince Congress to expedite passage of HB 6517 into law,” Salo said added.
1-Ang Edukasyon Rep. Salvador Belaro Jr., also a Bicolano from Camarines Sur, meanwhile said Gray was truly a role model for Filipinos.
“Angat sa lahat ang talino, husay, at ganda ng ating kababayang si Binibining Catriona Gray. Ehemplo siyang dapat pamarisan ng bawat Pilipino saan mang dako ng mundo,” Belaro said.
Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman also congratulated Gray for bringing “immense pride and honor to the Filipinos all over the world not only with her beauty but also with her intelligence, integrity and her heart for the poor.”
Roman also expressed confidence that Gray would make a great ambassador for peace, love, and compassion in the international community.
Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt-Romualdez, former Binibining Pilipinas International 1996, underscored that Gray’s triumph was a “testament to the faith and resiliency of the Filipino spirit.”
Known as a pageant favorite, Gray is the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe after Pia Wurtzbach in 2015. The first two were Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973. /cbb, je
READ: Philippines’ Catriona Gray is Miss Universe 2018