Catriona Gray was able to join Chico, Rica, Hazel & Markki on The Morning Rush last April 30! It was also Catriona's first ever radio show in the Philippines so that's a Monster Exclusive for you all! The DJs even mentioned to Catriona that they had a Miss Universe 2018 viewing party at the RX booth, complete with a TV set up, wine glasses (with coffee) and popcorn! All out support to the queen and of course, the Philippines!
Catriona confessed that she spent most of her time during Christmas break in 2018 just watching video reactions of people on Youtube when she won the pageant! That's a mix of awe and self love to say the least!
In terms of music, Catriona's first love, her music taste is very eclectic! From jazz and Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley, country to rap. Her music taste just varies from time to time!
Catriona also mentioned that it is one of her dreams to collab with Lea Salonga and that she also loves broadway! Catriona would save up and watch broadway alone when she was a kid and a broadway show she would love to star in is definitely Gigi Van Tranh from Miss Saigon because of how sentimental and special the show is to her and knows every word by heart!
A fan asked if she could be a Disney princess (like Lea) who would she be and why? Catriona would love to be Mulan because "she can kick ass" the beauty queen quoted. Catriona even has a black belt in karate as she took lessons growing up! We do imagine Catriona to be an ass-kicking princess!
On the topic about quarantine period, Catriona would love to go out and enjoy nature and get back to worship in church after the ECQ is done. Also this ECQ period, Catriona has been working on her book "Conquering Miss Universe" which she writes about her life lessons and anecdotes during the pageant. She even stated how writing her book has become a "day job" for her this quarantine!
Of course, in this trying time Catriona always has a silver lining - knowing that she can lend a helping hand to the less fortunate, especially those in Tondo, Manila by organizing relief efforts and raising funds for 15 kg of rice. Our Miss Universe is still doing her part regardless of our current situation and limited resources.
Talking about pageantry, Catriona was actually super shy when she was a little girl since she moved around a lot! She was mostly quiet but forced to come out of shell when she moved away from home at 17 and that's when she became much more "out there" and outgoing since then.
Catriona also mentioned that she never wanted to become a beauty queen but was joined by her mom to a Little Miss Philippines pageant in Sydney, Australia when she was 5! Her talent was lip syncing and dancing to Stop Right Now by the Spice Girls. She has never really seen Miss Universe as something she'd be in, since she thought that the winners just wins the crown and that's it. But her perception changed about it all after she actually won!
Chico asked her if she is still in Miss Universe mode during interviews or is she more relaxed now as she has always been able to answer nicely in Q&As! On Miss Universe, she reminds herself to speak from her core and personal experiences since it comes out more genuine and authentic. She is still the same when she talks to other people and interviews, as she always wants her answers to reflect her. Genuineness and authenticity are the traits that comprise Catriona's words!
Speaking of Catriona's well-thought and well-worded answers, a fan asked "What's more important, to be respected or loved?" "To respect someone is the foundation on which you build love because you can't truly love someone unless you have a foundation of respect, so you can't have love without it." Amazed by how Catriona answered, Chico said "I swear you do this so well!" Clearly, she does! And she didn't even stop to think before answering and her words just flawlessly flowed out her mouth.
In a more in-depth topic about pageants, how does Catriona handle competition within her fellow Miss Universe contestants? Well, she did get lucky during her time since there wasn't any bad energy within her pageant-mates but if in the situation that that energy starts to rise, Catriona said that being polite and professional is the key! And to surround yourself with people in the competition that doesn't make you feel that way. Yes Catriona! Girls always support girls!
What about some advice on how to join beauty pageants but lacking confidence? As someone who experiences the same thing, Catriona advised that developing own skills is a must and reinforce your love for what you're doing! She is human after all but she never forgets to look at the silver lining of it all, and advices for you to do the same!
A more important question that Chico asked - what would Catriona choose between winning Miss Universe or winning a Grammy? Simple. Catriona would still choose being crowned Miss Universe! Even if she has an utmost love and connection for music, connecting to different people and cultures as a Miss Universe is something she will always choose.
"Pageantry finds its core in representing something." Catriona answers to a question, "How do you see pageants moving forward in light of this current situation?" Catriona really asserts her stand for representation and advocacy and believes that women can still advocate and represent in this time just in a different way! We love a passionate queen who always stands by for what truly matters the most to them!
For more of Catriona's wise words of advice, intelligent remarks and just new random facts about her, catch her FB Live interview here:
If you want to hear more about Catriona's singing, check out her Soundcloud account where she used to post covers of her years ago! Let's just hope that Catriona will delve into her singing and hear more of her beautiful vocals in the future!