Catriona Gray's winning points in Miss Universe, according to a pageant expert

Pageant expert Makoy Manlapaz said Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray may have had the hardest journey among all Filipina beauty queens, who competed and won.

"Isa siguro si Catriona d'on sa may pinaka-mahirap na pinagdaanan na candidate or beauty queen dito sa Philippines kasi as we mentioned earlier, two major pageants kasi 'yong sinalihan niya eh Miss World and then Miss Universe...magkaibang pageants," Makoy told Rhea Santos in an interview on Unang Balita on Tuesday.

Despite having to prepare for two different pageants, it wasn't a setback for Catriona.

Here are four of Catriona's winning points, according to Makoy.

1. Despite her past pageant experience, Catriona took preparations for Miss Universe seriously

She may have past experience in Miss World, but Catriona took her preparations for Miss Universe seriously. 

According to Makoy, Catriona and her team did Miss Universe differently compared to how they prepared for Miss World back in 2016.

"Kung gusto talaga nating manalo ng crown, pinagaaralan natin 'yon," he explained.

"Miss Universe and Miss World, meron silang more than 60 years ng pagma-mount ng pageant so pinagaralan 'yan for sure. Siguro nakita nila sa Miss World they are looking for a specific winner, and magkaibang magkaiba kasi ang Miss Universe at Miss World eh," he added.

Mackoy said Catriona's performance is more fierce than her performance in Miss World. "Magkaiba eh, kaya 'yong packaging niya n'ong time ng Miss World medyo iba sa nakikita natin ngayon. Fierce eh, tsaka mas outspoken siya ngayon."

2. Catriona aced the Q&A portion of Miss Universe

For Makoy, Catriona is consistently confident in answering the Q&A portions of the pageants she's joined — from Miss World, to Binibining Pilipinas and finally to her Miss Universe journey.

"Kung Q&A siguro 'yong pagbabasehan, from Miss World, to Binibini to her pre-pageant interview sa Bangkok, makikita natin kasi na at ease talaga siya eh. When it comes to communication skills, siguro nakatulong na d'on," Makoy said, adding English being Cat's first language might have helped her.

Makoy mentioned how her advocacy of helping the children of Tondo might also helped Cat in her communications, mingling with people from different walks of life.

"Meron siyang advocacy na tinutulungan sa Tondo, so 'yong communication niya sa iba't ibang klase ng tao from siguro pinaka mababa hanggang sa pinaka mataas medyo na-master na niya 'yong kanyang pagsasalita."

3. Her well-conceptualized and well-executed outfits for Miss Universe

Although Makoy said that the price and beauty of your gown don't really matter, the organizers and the panel of judges look at how well-prepared a candidate is.

"'Hindi naman talaga jina-judge sino 'yong designer mo or ano 'yong suot mo, kung mahal ba 'yan. Let's say behind 'yong mga organizers and then the panels, pag nalaman nila na well-prepared 'yong candidate eh," Makoy said.

Unlike other candidates who just had their gowns designed based on trends, Catriona's outfits for Miss Universe are well-thought of. They each have a story to tell.

"Kasi hindi lang siya basta from a fashion house na kinuha mo off the rack. Merong story, pinagaralan, alam mo talaga na 'yong team ni Catriona nag-focus din sila not only how Catriona will compete," he said.

4. Sh represented her country and her roots through fashion

Aside from her Mayon Volcano evening gown at the coronation night and her iconic ear cuff "Alab at Dangal" Catriona has been promoting Pinoy culture early on the pageant.

She wore a T'boli Marsala skirt, a Kababayan jacket, a modern T'nalak dress, a barong top and a skirt with hand-painted sampaguita and etc. in Bangkok during pre-pageant activities.

"Gusto niya talaga may representation, sa damit niya, sa accessories niya sa lahat, sa bansang Pilipinas," Makoy said.

Catriona is Philippines' fourth beauty queen to be crowned as Miss Universe after Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Gloria Diaz (1969) and Margarita Moran (1973). — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News