Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray treated her fans to a free-admission concert dubbed Raise Your Flag held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 24. “Raise Your Flag” was also the title of the song that Gray said when she was asked by host Steve Harvey to come up with a title for a song that she would write to sum up her Miss Universe journey.
Gray was fitted by fellow Binibining Pilipinas representatives to the Miss Universe pageant from 2010 to 2017 that included Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach who’s appearance made the show a rare treat having two recent Miss Universe winners from the Philippines together.
Only 2012’s Janine Tugonon, who is now based in New York, was missing in the coming-together reunion with Venus Raj (2010), Shamcey Supsup-Lee (2011), Ariella Arida (2013), MJ Lastimosa (2014), Maxine Medina (2016) and Rachel Peters (2017).
They walked the stage in a locally-designed, fabulous all-red evening gown mini fashion show together with Bb Pilipinas-Globe Michele Gumabao, Bb Pilipinas-Supranational Jehza Huelar, and Bb. Pilipinas runners up Vickie Rushton, and Samantha Bernardo, and Kapamilya young star Maymay Entrata.
Gray brought the house down when she appeared in her now iconic and stunning red lava gown by Mak Tumang.
Madam Stella Marquez de Araneta led the BPCI while former Binibining Pilpinas winners present in the event were Chiqui Brosas-Hann, Alma Concepcion, Jenette Fernando-Hizon, and Patricia Fernandez.
Gray shed tears of joy when parents Mita and Ian Gray made a surprise appearance on the show.
“The reason I am who I am today is because of these two people. Whatever I wanted to do in pursuit of my dreams, they were always there to support me every step of the way,” Gray said.
The children of Young Focus based in Tondo, Manila, a pet organization of Gray’s advocacy joined their Miss Universe idol-supporter onstage before the show ended with debut of the song “Raise Your Flag” performed by KZ Tandingan and Kritiko.
Raise Your Flag for Catriona Gray airs tonight on ABS-CBN.
