Rachel Peters and Catriona Gray
In joining a prestigious beauty pageant, one can never be “too prepared,” said Rachel Peters, who represented the country in the Miss Universe tilt last year and finished in the Top 10.
“Lots of things can happen—unexpected photo shoots, dinners, events,” she told reporters at a recent press conference she hosted. “So, the best preparation a contestant can do, really, is to know herself from within… Things outside can always change. But when [you’re true to your core], you can overcome anything that comes your way.”
Having said that, Rachel is feeling optimistic about the chances of the country’s representative this year, Catriona Gray, who had been diligently training en route to the contest, which will be held on Dec. 17 in Bangkok, Thailand.
“I got the chance to see her recently. She’s beautiful, and I know she’s going to be awesome. The pageant’s segments—she knows everything about them,” related the 27-year-old model-entrepreneur. “I have heard that she’s going all-out. I can’t wait to see her national costume, gowns, her performance.”
While they haven’t hung out together that often yet, Rachel said she does see a little of herself in Catriona. “We have a similar background and upbringing. We both studied in Australia. And those are things we can bond about,” she said.
Another thing Rachel admires about Catriona is how the latter values the opinions of previous Miss Universe contestants.
“I believe she sought advice from past Miss Universe bets, as well as other beauty queens who had competed in pageants abroad. She asked me a very specific question about a very specific interview. And that, to me, showed how dedicated she is,” she said. “She’s covering all bases.”
Although most Filipinos are fiercely supportive of their queens, there are a few who can be quite harsh, especially on social media. Thus, Rachel urged everyone to rally behind Catriona in her bid to take home the crown.
“Let’s support Catriona, send her a lot of good vibes and love,” Rachel said, adding that contestants have to contend with various distractions, too.
“Back when I was competing, I tried to do everything [as early possible]. I was the first in line to get my hair done. Then, I would apply my makeup. I would exchange messages with my family and loved ones, screen cap them, and read them over and over again,” she recalled.
“I also tried to meditate, even just for 10 minutes to calm my nerves,” added Rachel, who’s hoping to spend more time with her fellow queens. “It’s a wonderful thing. Whenever I’m with them, doing fashion shows and such, it always feels like I’m with family.”
Rachel has been busy shuttling between Manila and Siargao, where she owns a coffee shop. “Everything is going well. I’m celebrating Christmas with my staff there … I’m also working on a personal project, which I hope to announce next year,” she said.