Catriona Gray made history by being the first Filipina beauty queen to bag both Miss World Philippines and Miss Universe Philippines titles.
Gray’s first major international pageant was Miss World 2016 wherein she finished as a Top 5 finalist.
Later this year, she will once again try her luck in international pageantry in the Miss Universe pageant.
Gray said that joining Binibining Pilipinas was risky for her as she already won a national title two years ago.
“You know, it’s very risky for me to join Binibining Pilipinas ulit because it was Miss Universe Philippines or nothing for me. But I’m just so blessed to be sitting here with the Miss Universe Philippines sash,” she said in an exclusive interview with PEP.
However, the 24-year-old model and singer said that she she doesn’t feel the pressure of representing the country in an international stage yet. Rather, she sees the high expectations from fans as something positive.
“I think it’s a blessing na Filipinos have such high expectations on us beauty queens, ‘coz it shows that they really care and they’re really rallying for us. But actually, I don’t feel a lot of pressure yet.
“I mean, it’s only one or two days fresh from coronation, so I just want to revel and experience of having the crown… of having the sash… of having the title. But definitely, later on, I might feel a bit of pressure, but it’s all well and good.
“The pressure means that I care about what I’m doing and I want to do well,” Gray elaborated.
If she will be victorious in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant, she will be the fourth Filipino to bring home the title after Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, and Pia Wurtzbach.
