5 beauty queens share their Yuletide wishes for the Filipino people

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray—INSTAGRAM

I really pray that this holiday season, people will remember what Christmas is all about. It’s about family, it’s about loving and giving.”

Newly crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray expressed this Christmas wish for the Filipino people shortly before she left for Thailand to compete in the prestigious beauty tilt.

“And I would encourage people, if they could look into their homes if they have spare books, clothing or even canned goods. If you want to give gifts, give it to charity,” Gray told the Inquirer in an intimate gathering organized by beauty brand Olay with other beauty queens at Café 1771 in Ortigas.

“Give someone else a Christmas season that they may not have, because we’re overflowing in excess,” she added. “Imagine there are some families that don’t even have a lot. So look into a charity near you and just give the gifts to someone.”

Rachel Peters

For 2017 Miss Universe Philippines Rachel Peters, Christmas is best celebrated with family and friends, so she hopes every Filipino would “get to spend the last few days of 2018 with the people they love.”

Peters added: “I hope you all have a wonderful start in 2019. I wish you success and happiness.”

2015 Miss Intercontinental first runner-up Christi McGarry, meanwhile, noted that the festive Christmas celebration in the Philippines makes it more bearable for her to spend the holidays away from her family living in the United States.

She was able to spend it back home last year, but her work as a DJ is preventing her from flying back this year.

Laura Lehmann (left) and Christi McGarry —PHOTOS BY ARMIN P. ADINA

For 1999 Miss Universe first runner-up Miriam Quiambao and 2017 Miss World Philippines Laura Lehmann, this Christmas also means new beginnings.

“My mom and I just moved into a new condo. It’s going to be our first Christmas in our new home. We don’t have decorations or a tree. But just being with each other is already Christmas enough,” Laura said.

She also wished that Filipino people would “think of each other” this Christmas.

For Miriam, being an expectant mother brings a new meaning to the celebration.

Miriam Quiambao

“We’re so excited because of the new addition to our family. We look forward to that day when we’ll finally be celebrating with the little baby on the side,” she told the Inquirer.

“But for now, there’ll be the three of us, and also our dog, and our relatives from my husband’s side. My dad will also be coming over, as well,” Miriam added.

The TV host also wished that people “celebrate the one reason for the season, that’s the love of Jesus.”

She continued: “We love because God in the heavens first loved us. Even when we were sinners, he sent Jesus to die on the cross. And that’s why we’re celebrating this special day, Christmas, because we celebrate the birthday of Christ, which is the ultimate expression of God’s love for us.”

The five beauty queens are featured in TV host Bianca Gonzalez’s “Paano Ba ’To?” video on YouTube, where they discuss the first steps they took to chase their dreams of a beauty crown.