VP Robredo receives Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray

Updated February 26, 2019, 7:55 PM

By Raymund Antonio

More than a homecoming, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on Vice President Leni Robredo, her fellow Bicolano, at the Quezon City Reception House.

Vice President Leni Robredo together with 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray, during a courtesy call at the Office of the Vice President in Quezon City, February 26, 2019. (MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN)

Gray, the fourth Filipino who won the crown, met Robredo for the first time at her office since her victory in the prestigious beauty pageant in December last year.

The Vice President basked in the glory of the Filipino-Australian beauty queen, expressing gratitude for her win that presented the Philippines in the best way possible across the world.

“This is our opportunity to tell you how proud you make all of us, not only because you won the crown, but also because you presented the best of the Filipino,” Robredo said in her message.

The lady official added Gray’s grand homecoming once again united all Filipinos.

“We want to thank you for giving us this honor. And we want to thank you for giving us this opportunity to thank you in person, for making us proud to be Filipinos. For giving us a reason to be united again,” she said.

Gray received a warm welcome upon her arrival at 9 a.m. at the QCRH. Some staff of the Office of the Vice President even wore the iconic ear cuff popularized by Gray.

The Lipa City Youth Orchestra, organized by Project Gifted, performed during her courtesy call with Robredo. There was also a video presentation that was played during the short program for Gray.

In her message, the 24-year-old beauty queen reminded Filipinos of her purpose that goes far beyond winning a crown.

Like her, Gray said Filipinos can make small contributions to help others in their communities.

“For me, I use the facet of fashion and my advocacy. And if you just look at your life and your community and assess and see a place that you can—‘Yeah, I can give back in this small way,’ it matters,” Gray said.

“Sometimes we look at things and say, ‘That’s such a small thing that I could do, and it may not make much of a change.’ But enough small changes, enough small acts of goodwill and good things can make a big difference when put all together,” she stressed.

During her visit to the OVP, Gray received a yellow malong called “landap” from Robredo.

“I know during the pageant, you also exhibited many of our textiles. What we’ll be presenting to you is a product of one of our communities from Marawi City,” said Robredo.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/02/26/vp-robredo-receives-miss-universe-2018-catriona-gray/