Miss Philippines wins 2018 Miss Universe crown
What you need to know:
In the final round, Gray earned applause describing her work in the slums of the Philippine capital Manila.
Miss Spain's Angela Ponce made history as the first transgender candidate in a competition once owned by President Donald Trump.
BANGKOK,
Miss Philippines was crowned Miss Universe on Monday in Bangkok after a trailblazing ceremony praised for featuring its first transgender candidate but marred by gaffes about the English-speaking ability of two Asian contestants.
Catriona Gray, 24, finished first ahead of the South African and Venezuelan finalists in the glittering televised event hosted by American comic turned TV host Steve Harvey and supermodel Ashley Graham.
Ms Catriona Gray of the Philippines (centre) is congratulated by contestants after winning the Miss Universe 2018 on December 17, 2018 in Bangkok. PHOTO | LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA | AFP
'SPREADING AWARENESS'
In the final round, Gray earned applause describing her work in the slums of the Philippine capital Manila.
After winning she told reporters she would like to expand her work with an organisation in the Philippines that promotes education on HIV and AIDS.
Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela competes in swimsuit during the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok on December 17, 2018. PHOTO | LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA | AFP
"A few years ago I lost a close friend to health complications with HIV," she said.
"So spreading awareness on that cause and encouraging people to get the simple test and knowing their status is definitely one of my first projects that I'd like to pursue."
Sthefany Gutierrez (firs-left) of Venezuela, Tamaryn Green (2nd-L) of South Africa, Catriona Gray (C) of the Philippines, H'Hen Nie (2nd-R) of Vietnam and Kiara Ortega Puerto of Rico (R) stand on stage after being selected as top five finalists during the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok on December 17, 2018. PHOTO | LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA | AFP
INCLUSIVITY
Gray — a student of music theory — beat more than 90 contestants from around the globe in the 67th instalment of Miss Universe, which was held in the Thai capital's Impact Arena.
During the competition, which was broadcast live, candidates were asked questions on press freedom, legalisation of marijuana, refugees and the #MeToo movement.
This year's event drew positive feedback for themes of inclusivity and an all-women panel of judges made up of business leaders and former Miss Universe titleholders.
Contestants compete in swimsuit during the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok on December 17, 2018. PHILIP |LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA | AFP
TRASNGENDER CANDIDATE
Miss Spain's Angela Ponce made history as the first transgender candidate in a competition once owned by President Donald Trump, whose administration has attempted to block military recruitment of transgender people.
"I always say: having a v***** didn't transform me into a woman. I am a woman, already before birth, because my identity is here," Ponce told AFP on Saturday, gesturing to her head.
She added she wanted her appearance to be empowering and that she hoped for a "new generation of human beings who are raised a lot better, more tolerant and respectful."
Angela Ponce of Spain competes during the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok on December 17, 2018. PHOTO | LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA | AFP
TOLERANCE
But issues of tolerance and respect came centre stage during the competition when Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers appeared to poke fun at Miss Vietnam and Miss Cambodia on social media for not being able to speak English.
The comments went viral but Summers later posted an apology on Instagram, saying she did not "intend to hurt" her fellow competitors.
Sarah Rose Summers of the United States competes in the swimsuit competition during the 2018 Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok on December 13, 2018. PHOTO | LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA | AFP
Gray's victory was closely followed in the Philippines, where beauty pageants are hugely popular.
Social media exploded with clips of fans jumping for joy and hugging each other as the Filipina contestant went through each successive round and eventually won.
A spokesman for President Rodrigo Duterte in a statement praised Gray's win for putting the Philippines on the world map "for its beauty and elegance".
