Before meeting President Rodrigo Duterte at the Villamor Airbase and flying to New York Thursday night, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray graced the Frontrow Cares charity event at the Shangri-La at the Fort on Thursday morning.
“I’m so happy to be here. I really missed Christmas dito sa Pilipinas [here in the Philippines], Gray said.
“I hope to inspire you all in your life, in your platforms, to open up your heart and give to the underprivileged children. Giving is so important, and what is wonderful is that they are to experience joy and happiness this season.
“Just a bit of a background: I’m an only child and I have always wished for siblings, and when I became an adult and reached out to charities I chose to help the children. So if you could, give a gift or stay with them so they can have an amazing formative outlook of the year that is to come.”
The newly crowned Miss Universe says helping children is something close to her heart.
“Working with children really touches my heart because they are so pure, and you know they come into this life and this is the simple thing that make them happy, and I think that this event is the perfect example of where we can give something as simple as a gift,” Gray said.
She also took the occasion to thank everyone for “the wonderful support” that they gave her in her Miss Universe journey.
After the press conference at the Shangri-La, the Miss Universe team went straight to Gentle Hands Inc. in Project 4 in Cubao, Quezon City, for the charity event, which was the highlight of Gray’s visit. She arrived with her parents and was accompanied by Shawn MCclain, Miss Universe Organization Business Development and Marketing vice president and Esther Swan, MUO Director of the Talent Department.
READ: It’s ‘all or nothing’ for Catriona Gray
She delivered a short message and the Frontrow Enterprise gave gifts to more than 100 orphans of Gentle Hands. A million pesos was also given to the foundation.
Gray is expected to arrive in New York today, where she will stay and begin her official duties as Miss Universe. She arrived in Manila via a private jet on Wednesday, two days after winning the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe crown.
The beauty queen’s official homecoming, which traditionally includes a motorcade and TV appearances, will happen next year. According to the Miss Universe Organization, the 24-year-old beauty queen will be back to the Philippines in January for a grand motorcade and homecoming party in Manila and in Albay.
