Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and fashion designer Mak Tumang made our country proud again.
Gray ended her Miss Universe Philippines reign on June 10 in a head-turning shimmering purple gown which Tumang earlier said was inspired by the waling-waling flower.
Waling-waling is considered the “Queen of Philippine flowers” by the indigenous Bagobo people. The representation, Tumang said in an Instagram post, “fits perfectly to what our Miss Universe Catriona Gray is. She is absolutely a queen of beauty and substance.”
Of course, the gown was aligned with Gray’s objective to pay homage to and showcase Philippine culture—for which she will be known even after her reign.
“The Queen of the Filipinos’ hearts bids farewell to her reign here. Yet, she will incessantly reach and touch the bright sun, making her justly symbolic of the Filipino’s unceasing hope and tenacity,” said Tumang, who has created Gray’s pageant gowns since she competed for Miss World in 2016.
Gray’s sparkling gown was complemented with stunning makeup by Jelly Eugenio that shone under the stage lights. Her crystallized eyelids flickered, while the light bounced off her luminous cheeks. The purple-tinged blush-on and lip color matched her dress.
Aside from the orchid-hued, waling-waling-inspired dress she wore on her final walk, Gray first appeared on stage in a flowing, low-cut number in marigold and white, also done by Tumang.