It is a great day for the Philippines as Catriona Gray, the Philippines’ bet for Miss Universe, won the competition. After two years, Catriona will be bringing back the crown back to the Philippines following Pia Wurtzbach’s win back in 2015.

Catriona stunned everyone with her Mak Tumang designed red gown which was inspired by Mayon Volcano lava – which also makes a reference to her iconic lava walk. Even during the preliminary round of the competition, Catriona amazed not only the Philippines but also other countries. She even caught the eye of supermodel-host Tyra Banks.

Catriona proved that she truly deserves the crown through her confident walk, captivating smile, and most of all her intellect which she showed through the question and answer portion.

When asked by host Steve Harvey on what is the most important lesson she has learned in her life, and how she would apply it to her time as Miss Universe, Catriona answered: “I worked a lot in the slums of Tondo Manila and the life there is very poor and very sad. I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look in the beauty in the faces of the children and to be grateful. I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining to assess where I would give something and where I could provide something as a spokesperson. This I think if I could teach also people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their faces.”

During the first round of the question and answer portion, she was also asked regarding legalizing marijuana, she answered that she is in favor if it is legalized for medical use but not for recreational use.

Catriona indeed made the Philippines proud as she represented the country with confidence and pride.

Catriona is the fourth Filipina Miss Universe following Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, Margie Moran in 1973, and Gloria Diaz in 1969.