Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray flew from her New York residence to Las Vegas’ Grand Garden Arena as part of Filipino boxing legend and Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s entourage for his WBA Super Welterweight bout against dethroned reigning champion Keith Thurman on Sunday.
Gray, in a pink pantsuit, was wildly cheered by thousands of Filipino boxing fans at MGA Grand, as she walked Pacquiao down to the ring, climbed into the ring before the singing of the Philippine national anthem and raised the national colors. Gray arrived at the Arena in a vehicle with Pacquiao and wife Jinkee.
Gray also met with Pacquiao’s rising boxer-son Jimuel and two younger daughters, Princess and Queenie, who only watched their father’s fight on TV.
“The legend inspiring the dreams of a generation. Laban Manny Pacquiao! Laban Pilipinas!” Gray posted later on Instagram with her photo standing beside Pacquiao. Gray screamed her heart out along with the Filipinos when Pacquiao was declared winner. Pacquiao’s latest victory was his 62nd and made him the oldest Welterweight Super World Champion in boxing history. Pacquiao served as one of the judges in the 2014 Miss Universe pageant with Philippine representative MJ Lastimosa.
However, while most Filipinos liked Gray’s show of support for the Filipino boxing great, some posted their displeasure asking why Gray, an LGBT-supporter, would go out of her way to be with Pacquiao, who is well-known for his anti-gay stand.
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Pinay crowned Miss Fashion World 2019 in Malaysia
Another title has been added to the country’s harvest of victories in international competitions. Sharmaine Rose Magdasoc, a 23-year-old model and graphic artist from Pasig City, bested 11 national delegates from around the world and was crowned Miss Fashion World 2019 at the glittering finals held at the Palace of Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 20.
Possessing a stunning, beautiful face, the native of Libon, Albay and Information Technology graduate at Asian Summit College, won the judges over with her amazing catwalk skills and professional attitude.
“It was a very tough competition. It was very hectic as the contest was scheduled for only a week. I guess my perseverance and good behavior throughout the contest paid off. Some of the girls were already complaining,” Magdasoc told reporters at her arrival in Manila on Monday.
Miss Belgium was named first runner-up in the inaugural competition, which also gave away special awards including Most Elegant, Best Catwalk, Most Charming, Most Photogenic, Most Fashionistas, Most Popular and Best Skin.
The founder and organizers of Miss Fashion World 2019, Isabelle Liow and Dato Sri Dr Warren Eu, in partnership with Tourism Malaysia, promised to expand the competition the next years.
Magdasoc, a consistent honor student and a breadwinner for her family, also won the inaugural Turismo Filipina pageant in December last year. She was a semi-finalist in Miss Global Philippines 2017.
The beauty queen, who will return to Malaysia to fulfill her obligation as Miss Fashion World 2019, said that she is open to joining other major national pageants when her reign is finished.