'I'll forever raise our flag': Catriona Gray thanks Filipinos in heartwarming farewell speech

ABS-CBN News
Posted at Jun 10 2019 02:44 AM

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray make her final walk during the Binibining Pilipinas coronation night early Monday. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray bid the Binibining Pilipinas stage farewell, and she expressed her deepest gratitude for all the support and love she received throughout her journey.

"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 everyone of you right there with me," she said.

Gray also talked about the hardships she went through, including overcoming her own fears, and conquering doubts and challenges for a purpose.

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For her final walk, Gray wore a waling-waling-inspired gown made by Mak Tumang.

In his post, Tumang said most Filipinos regard the waling-waling as the "the rarest, most beautiful and the most expensive among all the flora our country has," making it a perfect representation for Gray.

"This representation fits perfectly to what our Miss Universe Catriona Gray is. She is absolutely a queen of beauty and substance. This flower, like Catriona, continues to be on treetops and aspires for greater heights. The Queen of the Filipinos' hearts bids farewell to her reign here," Tumang wrote in his caption.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/06/10/19/ill-forever-raise-our-flag-catriona-gray-thanks-filipinos-in-heartwarming-farewell-speech