Catriona Gray competing for the Binibining Pilipinas crown in 2018. Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@catriona_gray
As reigning Miss Universe Catriona Gray relinquishes her Binibining Pilipinas Universe crown to a hopeful Binibini, the beauty queen reminisced on the training sessions and preparations she did for the pageant.
According to Gray, through her Instagram Stories last night, June 8, she was the 20th contestant when she competed for Binibining Pilipinas 2018.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@catriona_gray
Gray also shared photos of herself practicing her walk and stance for the competition.
Catriona Gray practicing her walk and stance for the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 competition. Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@catriona_gray
“Jan. 20, 2018, (1 month and 26 days), knowing the design Carlos Buendia Jr. and I came up with,” the beauty queen said.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@catriona_gray
The beauty queen also impressed her followers with sketches of her national costume and long gown designs, which she did with Jearson Demavivas and Mak Tumang, respectively.
Gray also looked back on moments she had with her closest friends on the pageant, sharing her photos with them.
Catriona Gray looked back on the moments she had with her closest friends on the pageant. Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@catriona_gray
“Literally one of the best things gained out of Binibining Pilipinas, friendship with [Michele Gumabao and Sandra Lemonon],” she stated.
The beauty queen also opened up on her struggles with her body especially when she experienced body shaming from netizens.
“It was this event that I experienced an increase in body bashing, body shaming, from so many in the online community,” Gray recalled. “It is easy to tell someone ‘to have a thick skin’ but the words hurt.”
Catriona Gray admitted she experienced problems with her body during the competition. Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@catriona_gray
Catriona Gray confessed about her issues with her body during the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant. Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@catriona_gray
“There were days I really struggled reading comments online and it was definitely a process, but I had to grow to accept and love my unique shape, my unique body and appreciate my body for its strength and capabilities,” she said.
Catriona Gray trained extensively for the Binibining Pilipinas pageant despite her “crazy” schedule. Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@catriona_gray
Gray also admitted that her schedules, when she was preparing for Binibining Pilipinas 2018, were “crazy.”
Catriona Gray during the coronation night of Binibining Pilipinas 2018. Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@catriona_gray
Gray capped her reminiscences through her Instagram Stories, with a photo of herself in the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 coronation night.
“10 months of preparation, hours of training, the dedication of a team, the dream of a Filipina came true,” the beauty queen said.
Catriona Gray, along with her fellow Binibining Pilipinas titleholders, will crown the next batch of queens tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. JB
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