Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has expressed her support for Joyce Peñas Cubales, a 69-year-old fashion designer who vied for the Miss Universe Philippines-Quezon City (MUPH-QC) title.
In her interview with ABS-CBN News reporter MJ Felipe last Jan. 27, the beauty queen showed her excitement over the removal of the age restrictions as part of the new rules of the Miss Universe Organization.
“Oh, I think it’s wonderful! I’ve always loved the different stories that come through the platform of pageantry,” said the beauty queen.
“Especially as a woman, I feel like age is usually used to kind of limit us and our potential. There are terms always thrown at women that, ‘Oh, your biological clock is ticking’ or ‘Your time is running out,’ or ‘These are your prime years,’ mga ganyan,” added Gray.
Cubales, who will be turning 70 in September, is one of the 15 candidates who will compete to represent Quezon City at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024.
Last year, the Miss Universe organization announced that it would be allowing women aged 18 and over to compete in the prestigious pageant. Previously, only those who were between the ages of 18 and 28 were allowed to do so.
While she welcomed the change, Gray expressed her understanding of those who were against the rule change regarding the age restrictions.
“I understand that as well in a way, because it’s like a sport, no? Pageantry, we’ve become accustomed to many things that are considered traditional. So, as the rules are starting to be lifted, I can understand why that angers some people and why it rubs them the wrong way,” the beauty queen explained.
Apart from the removal of the age restrictions, the Miss Universe Organization has also previously allowed mothers and transgender women to compete, which has received multiple reactions from pageant fans.
The Grand Coronation Night for the MUPH-QC will be held on Feb. 5 at the Seda Vertis North Quezon Ballroom.
