Nas Daily features Catriona Gray: from struggling financially at 20 to winning Miss Universe 2018

Nas Daily has featured Catriona Gray’s inspiring story, from her being a bread winner at 20 who struggled financially to becoming Miss Universe 2018.

The vlogger shared the beauty queen’s story via a six-minute video on Facebook.

"She went from struggling financially supporting her family in Manila at age 20 to winning the biggest beauty pageant in the world," Nas said in the video.

He narrated that Catriona was an only child and had to transfer to different towns at a young age due to the nature of her father’s job.

In the vlog, Catriona said she had been exposed at a young age to different activities and her parents allowed her to explore her interests.

Despite having a happy childhood, "the more she grew up, the more lost she felt," Nas said.

At 20 years old, Catriona became the breadwinner of her family. Apart from the financial pressure, she also had her own insecurities.

"She kept comparing herself to people on social media who seemed to have it all figured out," said Nas.

Catriona had hosting, modelling, and performing gigs, which she said were "very unstable" jobs.

Amid her financial struggles, Nas said Catriona thought, "if she couldn't help herself, maybe she could help others."

That's when she ventured into volunteering, which led her to the pageant world where she later gained a platform to help others.

Catriona said she realized "how much I have to be grateful for and I was seeing things in the wrong way."

From then on, she "became the voice when she helped the poor."

During her first stint as a beauty queen representing the Philippines at Miss World, Catriona said she failed.

However, it didn't stop her and she went on to pursue her dreams until she won Miss Universe in 2018.

This achievement helped her with her advocacies, including raising thousands of dollars for the youth of Tondo, Manila, her advocacy for women's rights, LGBTQ community, and education.

Catriona is one of the Filipino content creators who are sharing their knowledge virtually at Nas Academy.

According to her Instagram post in June, this is her "in-depth course teaching you the skills and tips I used to conquer the Universe and every other stage I've been on since!"

Aside from Catriona, also part of Nas Academy is Kapuso award-winning journalist Jessica Soho, who is sharing her knowledge on broadcast journalism. – RC, GMA News