What Catriona Gray thinks of her ‘pambansang coping mechanism’ moniker

Catriona Gray during the Miss Universe 2018 pageant. Images: Instagram/@missuniverse

The moment when a Filipina candidate fails to secure the winning spot in a pageant, fans often find themselves looking back at Catriona Gray’s crowning moment to relive her Miss Univevrse 2018 win — from which she has earned the moniker “pambansang coping mechanism” on social media.

It’s been six years since Gray was crowned in the global tilt. The Philippines has yet to come close to winning the Miss Universe title, with Beatrice Luigi Gomez earning the Top 5 spot in 2021, the country’s highest placement in recent editions.

Netizens often joke about her doing the “slow-mo turn” for the past six years, with some noting that she “needs to rest.” Others, however, often look back at her signature pasarela, lava gown, and determination as a way to console themselves.

For Gray, she finds the title amusing. She nevertheless remains hopeful that the Philippines will claim its fifth Miss Universe crown.

“Tawang-tawa ako sa mga fans. Pero very grateful naman ako (I find the fans funny, but I’m very grateful). I’m very hopeful as well that we’ll have a fifth Miss Universe from the Philippines,” she told reporters on the sidelines of her Legacy Ball in Parañaque.

On Chelsea Manalo’s performance

When asked about Chelsea Manalo’s Miss Universe 2024 stint, Gray pointed out that she was an “easy Top 12” pick despite not advancing to the next round. “If they were asking me as a judge, she would have been an easy Top 12 pick, but it’s in the judges’ hands.”

“I’m really proud of her. I think she really stayed true to herself this whole journey,” she continued. “The pressure put on a Miss Philippines is one of a kind, especially for someone as young as her. I think she carried herself with a lot of grace and authenticity… I am very happy and hopeful that we’ll have a fifth Miss Universe with all these learnings from 2018 up to now.”

Manalo nevertheless was named Miss Universe Asia 2024, one of the global tilt’s “continental queens.” She, along with Finland’s Matilda Wirtavuori (Europe and Middle East), Peru’s Tatiana Calmell (Americas) and Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina (Africa and Oceania), will be traveling with reigning titleholder Victoria Kjaer Theilvig to different parts of the world.

Gray, however, admitted that she doesn’t “really understand the system” but considers it to be an opportunity for other candidates to represent their respective countries.

“As I understand it, I think it’s great… more countries representing alongside the reigning Miss Universe. I [hope for more] group projects together, for goodwill or charity. So, I think it’s a nice image of collaboration that is not just the one reigning throughout the whole year but a collection of queens,” she said.

Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Theilvig and the continental queens. Image from MUPH EVP Voltaire Tayag

She also expressed her support for Theilvig as she embarked on her reign as the current Miss Universe. “I think Denmark will do an incredible job as our new Miss Universe. I’m sure she’ll be very well-traveled like her predecessor, so I’m excited.”

As a titleholder herself, Gray stressed the importance of having a “gigil factor” when it comes to choosing the next Filipina delegate in the global tilt.

“I think [we should send] someone who really wants it. I love seeing girls with gigil factor. I love to see consistency, I know people would have different opinions but for me, as soon as you step out of the door, at any given day, you give 110% talaga,” she said.