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LOOK: Australian Tabloids claim Catriona Gray is more Australian than Filipina

Trending & Features December 20, 2018

Catriona Gray recently brought the Miss Universe crown back to the Philippines. It was a win for all of us Filipinos. And that’s also how Catriona Gray saw it as.

In a recent post on her Instagram, she writes: “[The] Philippines, what an amazing honor it has been to carry your name across my chest and to embody you in all aspects. I may now carry the sash of Miss Universe, but I’ll forever be your Miss Philippines.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrfYbK5gb0D/

 

A short time after this though, Australian tabloids started questioning if the new Miss Universe shouldn’t be representing Australia instead. The front page of Queensland’s ‘The Courier’ displays Catriona Gray with the title “Miss Universe Philippines”, then replaces ‘Philippines’ with ‘Queensland’.

(Related: What Does It Mean To Be A Filipina)

 

Facebook page “PGAG” shared a photo comparing different headlines from Australian media sources. Aside from the Courier cover was Hit Radio’s story. The online publication stated: “An Australian Girl Just Won Miss Universe But She Wasn’t Miss Australia.” Above both photos is the statement “and they say Filipinos love claiming things.”

https://www.facebook.com/myPGAG/photos/a.161365111156191/306863076606393/?type=3&theater

The reason for all this controversy is simply because she was born and raised in Australia by her Scottish-Australian father and Filipina mother. However, she is a dual citizen to both countries. After earning a certificate at Berklee College Music she returned to the Philippines when she was 18 years old. Since then she’s been here in the Philippines, pursuing her career.

If you look at the situation, it’s easy to see how she can represent either country. Like most people in this globalized world, “home” can be multiple places. But what’s important is that it was her choice to represent the Philippines and embrace her identity as a Filipina.

What do you think about the claims made about Catriona?

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About The Author

Mikaela Zulueta

doesn't believe in horoscopes but is 110% Virgo