Catriona Gray shares never-before-seen clips of her Binibining Pilipinas journey

Catriona Gray has shared some never-before-seen footage of her Binibining Pilipinas journey on her YouTube channel.

In the beautiful black and white short film by Jolo Luarca, the queen narrated what she experienced from 2018 to the present.

“I remember being on that stage just represented so much to me because it was my chance to try again at earning the right to represent my country and I know that a lot of women aren't afforded that chance,” Catriona said.

“Coming from the failure that I did, that stage represented me conquering not only my fear, but also conquering a dream," she added.

The 'failure' she might be referring to is her stint in the Miss World 2016 pageant where she finished in the Top 5.

After the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 pageant, however, Catriona went on to the world stage and won the Miss Universe competition.

“I will forever look back at that night [as] a moment that changed my life. I remember just thinking I've got one shot. I need to give it everything within me, every fiber of my being. And even though I remember having that drive, I was just so happy to be there,” she said.

In 2019, Catriona went back to Araneta to crown her successor not just as a reigning Binibining Pilipinas, but as a reigning Miss Universe.

“Even though it was that exact same stage, it felt like everything else became larger than me. It wasn't just my dream anymore. I had actually been able to bring pride to millions and that really is one of the greatest honors of my life.”

In 2021, Catriona and Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up Nicole Cordoves made history as the first all-female host tandem of the pageant.

As a host, Catriona knows exactly what the girls are going through, the nervousness, anticipation, and pressure to make their families and communities proud.

In a message to this year’s queens, Catriona said, “I'm so proud of you because you continue fighting for that dream to represent our country. That shows incredible strength and incredible perseverance. And I'm excited because you are now raised up as inspirational figures that the younger generations can look to as role models who really fight for their dreams and I applaud you. Congratulations.”

This year, Catriona and Nicole will once again be hosting the grand coronation night.

It is set to happen on July 31 at The Big Dome and will be streamed across different networks, plus the Binibining Pilipinas official YouTube channel. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA News