Image: Instagram/@catriona_gray
Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray sure loves to travel. Although preparing for Miss Universe 2018 this December remains as one of her top priorities, Gray knows when to take a break and see the world.
Gray took to her Instagram last July 21 to share to her fans her recent trip to South Cotabato in Mindanao. Gray reveled in the T’nalak Festival of South Cotabato. In one of her posts, she shared a picture of the T’nalak parade, and gushed over the performers’ colorful costumes.
“The colours of the T’nalak festival!!” wrote Gray.
In another post last July 23, Gray shared a picture of her sitting on a staircase made of bamboo while being surrounded by sunflowers.
Gray wrote about her T’nalak festival experience: “Had the most amazing first day in South Cotabato! Being the last day of the T’nalak festival we witnessed all of the dance groups as they danced down the streets and showcased their regions and cultures!”
Gray also paid homage to the T’boli people, one of the indigenous peoples residing in South Cotabato. Gray shared last July 24 a picture of two T’boli women wearing their distinctive garb.
“Learnt so much of the rich T’boli culture from these very kind women,” wrote Gray. “They are preserving generation-old traditions up until this day and passing it on to their daughters.”
She also shared a picture of a young T’boli girl focused on her beadwork, and wrote, “Traditions passed down from mothers to daughter. To actually see the lengthy process that goes into making these items give me such deep appreciation for our native Philippine-made products.”
“So inspired for my wardrobe for Ms Universe!”added Gray, possibly hinting that her national costume for Miss Universe this year might entail elements of T’boli culture.
This isn’t the first time Gray paid homage to Mindanao and its various rich cultures, however. During the national costume competition in Binibining Pilipinas last March, Gray took inspiration from the Maranao people when she wore a singkil princess garb, complete with a jeweled parasol topped with a golden Sarimanok. /ra
RELATED STORIES:
The T’boli: A story of massive land-grabbing through the centuries
Story behind Catriona Gray’s stunning evening gown revealed by designer
LOOK: Catriona Gray meets Miss Universe Japan in Tokyo