Catriona Gray, Jehza Huelar seek international crowns

By: Robert R. Requintina
Published November 13, 2018, 8:14 AM

Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray has encouraged the people to get an HIV test to know their status as she raised awareness and education against HIV/AIDS through her volunteer work.

BINIBINIS SEEK INT’L TITLES – Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray (right) and Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Jehza Huelar pose during an exclusive send-off held at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City on Nov. 12. (ROBERT REQUINTINA/ MANILA BULLETIN)

“The saddest thing is people aren’t getting tested, and there’s treatment out there, and there is a community that’s supportive out there, but a lot of people choose not to because of fear,” says Gray, during an exclusive send-off party organized by the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. at the posh Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City last Monday.

She adds: “So if I can shed any light to show either how easy it is to get tested, or to show that there’s nothing wrong with living your life with HIV – it’s possible, it should not be looked down upon as a judge of character, then I’ll do it.”

Gray will represent the Philippines at the 2018 Miss Universe beauty contest in Bangkok, Thailand on December 17.

The Filipino-Australian beauty queen also wished a safe holiday season for the Philippines. “My wish for the Philippines is to have a safe Christmas season for everyone to experience joy and love and gratitude. And sana I can bring home the crown.”

Heralded as one of the early favorites in the prestigious pageant, this 24-year-old stunner has worked with some of the established names in fashion and have participated even in the revered catwalks of New York Fashion Week. She is also active in social causes such as HIV awareness and education through her volunteer work for Love Yourself and Young Focus.

Miss Supranational 2018

Just like Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, it took Bb. Pilipinas Supranational Jehza Huelar three tries to bag a national title. The beauty queen from Davao was determined more than even during her third attempt for the national contest.

Huelar, 24, will vie for the Miss Supranational 2018 crown in Krynica-Zdroj in Poland on December 7. She will try to duplicate the feat achieved by Mutya Datul in 2013 during the 10th anniversary of the pageant on Dec. 7.

At the same press event, Huelar says that her inner strength comes from the challenges she had to face when she was young. Both her parents passed away when she was just 20 years old, a loss which she turned into one of of her biggest advantages whether in pageants or in real life.

“It was the moment I needed to be strong no matter what life throws at me, and I became an independent woman,” she says.

Also at the media send-off were Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. Chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Karen Gallman, Miss Globe top 15 finalist Michele Gumabao, and Bb. Pilipinas 2nd runner-up Samantha Bernardo.

https://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2018/11/13/catriona-gray-jehza-huelar-seek-international-crowns/