Catriona Gray made her last walk as Miss Universe Philippines last June 9 during Binibining Pilipinas 2019. She was able to pull off a number of emotional farewells, including her impactful parting speech. But perhaps the most poetic of them all was a last show-stopping gown paying homage to Philippine culture, as is her trademark.
(LOOK: Catriona Gray Sends Specially Handwritten Letters To Her Fans)
This gown was once again designed by Mak Tumang, who has been creating Catriona’s pageant gowns since 2016. He explains that the design is inspired by the waling-waling, which is commonly known as the “Queen of Philippine flowers.” According to him, “many regard it as the rarest, most beautiful and the most expensive among all the flora our country has.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByfwFOtHOqF/
(Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray Team Up For HIV Campaign)
Just like the flower, Catriona is “absolutely a queen of beauty and substance.” The symbolism behind the dress is meant to express that “the Queen of the Filipinos’ hearts bids farewell to her reign here. Yet, she will incessantly reach and touch the bright sun, making her justly symbolic of the Filipino’s unceasing hope and tenacity.
”
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByhYKozgCRq/
(Catriona Gray on being a ‘mixed’ Filipina: “I represent a diverse Filipina beauty”)
Despite her retiring the crown, Catriona promised to continue raising our flag in her endeavors. As of now, she still has many months left for her to fulfill her Miss Universe duties.
What do you think about her gown?
