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TRIVIA: Things You Didn't Know about Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray

By Aedrianne Acar

Published On: February 6, 2018, 04:29 PM

Updated On: May 5, 2021, 12:18 PM

If there's one thing you should know about Albay beauty queen Catriona Magnayon Gray is her iron-clad determination to pursue her goal.

After failing to get the crown in the Miss World pageant in 2016, where she finished in the Top 5, Catriona returned to action in the prestigious Miss Universe held in Thailand two years later, and made history as the fourth Pinay to capture the elusive crown.

She followed in the footsteps of legends like Gloria Diaz (1969), Margarita Moran (1973), and Pia Wurtzbach (2015).

But did you know that before the world knew her as the Miss Universe 2018, Catriona showcased her talent in the flagship kiddie talent competition "Little Miss Philippines" of 'Eat Bulaga?'

Check out more fun facts about this Fil-Australian beauty in this gallery.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Trivia

The 2018 Miss Universe was born on January 6, 1994. She stands 5' 10".

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Little Queen

At the age of five, Catriona won her first beauty pageant when she was hailed Little Miss Philippines in Sydney, Australia.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

First Commercial

Catriona shot her first commercial when she was just 16 years old.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Miss World

Catriona is considered a "crossover beauty queen" as she previously finished as one of the Top 5 finalists at the Miss World 2016 pageant.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Independent

In previous interviews, she revealed that she did not train under a particular beauty camp for the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 pageant.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Beauty camp

She was previously trained under beauty queen maker Jonas Gaffud's Aces and Queens.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Australia

Catriona was born on January 6, 1994 in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Parents

Her dad Ian Gray is Australian, while her mom Normita Magnayon is Filipina.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Albay

She has roots in Albay because of her mother who is from Oas.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Close friend

She is also friends with Miss World Philippines 2014 Valerie Weigmann.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Education

Catriona holds a Masters Certificate in Music Theory from the Berklee College of Music.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Singer

She sings too! Here is a throwback to her first gig in Saguijo.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Model

After moving to Manila from Australia, Catriona worked as a ramp, print, and commercial model.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Potential

Even before that, she was already showing potential as a model judging from these test shots taken back when she was 13 years old.

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Photo by: catriona_gray (IG)

Art

She is also good in drawing and she shares some of her sketches on her Instagram account.

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Photo by: @bbpilipinasofficial IG

Miss Universe Philippines 2018

Catriona bagged the title Binibining Pilipinas Universe at the Grand Coronation night last March 18, 2018. She also dominated the special awards, winning: Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, and Best in National Costume, Binibining Miss Ever Bilena, and Jag Denim Queen.

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Social media

Catriona Gray is one of the most-followed Pinay celebrities. Source: Catriona Gray social media accounts

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Photo by: samuelmilby (IG)

Sam Milby

During his birthday celebration in May 2020, Sam Milby declared that he's in a relationship with the beauty queen. Catriona used to date actor-model Clint Bondad.