Catriona Gray, R’Bonney Gabriel bond during Miss Manila 2024 hosting stint

R’Bonney Gabriel (left) and Catriona Gray / CONTRIBUTED PHOTO, MISS MANILA

Catriona Gray and R’Bonney Gabriel, the last Miss Universe winners from the Philippines and the United States, respectively, got to bond with each other when they hosted the 2024 Miss Manila pageant, where they also shared hosting chores with Kapuso actress Gabbi Garcia.

The two said the pageant, held at the Manila Metropolitan Theater on June 22, was the first time for them to be together as hosts, and both queens shared how much fun they had, whether on or off stage.

“We only did a Vogue Philippines shoot before, so this is our first event, and live event pa. So sobrang saya (It was so much fun). It’s wonderful to be with her, and also Gabbi being a part of our trio this year, it was a lot of fun. It’s all being girl-girls, and cheering each other on from backstage and just making chika (chitchat) in between,” Gray told INQUIRER.net in an interview.

Gabriel also enjoyed the moments off stage. “Usually it’s just ‘go, go, go, go.’ But Catriona, Gabbi, and I we have downtime, we made little chika-chika (chitchat) on the side. And it was good to catch up with them because we’re also busy, so we only see each other in passing. So we had some conversations and we’re able to catch up, which is nice,” she shared.

Gray also felt privileged to get the chance to share the stage with Gabriel. “It’s nice to get to know a fellow Miss Universe, which doesn’t usually happen kasi siyempre (because, of course) they’re from other countries, or maybe based in the US. So it’s really nice that R’Bonney has visited, and staying in the Philippines from time to time,” she said.

When asked what stuck out during the gig, Gray said, “I think it was just us three bonding as hosts backstage during the gaps or the commercial breaks, just chatting with each other, getting to know each other. Because, Gabbi, I’ve only ran into in a handful of events. And R’Bonney and me have only had that just one shoot with. It was kind of a bonding experience for us. So it’s just really, really nice, too.”

Gabriel also shared some backstage happenings that the audience does not know about. “You know my bow on my dress, it kept going off, so we had to sew it on to me last minute. And then Catriona, when she got on her third dress, because it was so large and avant-garde, we ended up switching positions a few times. And that just shows how you always have to be ready, be able to be flexible,” she shared.

And while this is Gabriel’s first time hosting the city pageant, this is Gray’s second year after its revival last year. “The basis of production, in terms of the opening number, swimsuit, evening gown competition, background, stage, really shares something about Manila, which, I think, is wonderful. It’s a visual aspect, but also an invitation for people to know more about the City of Manila,” the Filipino queen said.

“The opening number, I love that. That was so new and refreshing. And I really thought it was really, really sweet. So I hope it sets the tone for many other pageants also to explore creatively what they can do in terms of representing not only the country, but maybe the city as well,” Gray continued.

She also said that she thought the judges had a tough time choosing the winners. “But I think that we have a wonderful set of winners again,” she said. The panel included reigning Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo, actress and ABS-CBN executive Charo Santos-Concio, and GMA executive Annette Gozon-Valdes

Newly-crowned Miss Manila Aliya Rohilla (center) with (from left) second runner-up Daniella Moustafa, Miss Manila-Charity Xena Ramos, Miss Manila-Tourism Leean Jamie Santos, and first runner-up Jubilee Acosta/CONTRIBUTED PHOTO, MISS MANILA

The 2024 Miss Manila crown went to pageant veteran Aliya Rohilla from Sta. Cruz, with Manuguit’s Leean Jamie Santos, and actress Xena Ramos from Sta. Ana taking the Miss Manila-Tourism and Miss Manila-Charity titles, respectively.

Jubilee Acosta from España was first runner-up, while heavy favorite Daniella Moustafa rounded up the winners’ circle as second runner-up.