Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Elis Gray, before finally passing her crown to the next Miss Universe Philippines, expressed her utmost respect and gratitude to those people who helped her in achieving her dream—to be a Queen who sees situations with a silver lining.

Catriona has definitely come a long way. From applying as an independent candidate for Binibining Pilipinas to blazing her trail into winning Miss Universe 2018. And all these things happened because, first, she believed in herself; and she surrounded herself with people who truly supported her.

As she did her final walk on the Binibining Pilipinas stage last night, June 9 at the Araneta Coliseum, Catriona looked back on her journey and dedicated her message to our countrymen.

Said Catriona: “Philippines! My heart is overflowing with gratitude, because here, on this exact stage, I was given the chance to pursue this dream. This journey has been made even more meaningful, because every single step of the way I felt each and every one of you right there with me.”

Catriona also posted throwback photos on her Instagram account remembering her time as Binibining Pilipinas number 20.

In the post, she wrote, “PHILIPPINES I have ALL THE FEELS. @bbpilipinasofficial is where I was given the chance to pursue my dream of becoming @missuniverse and to raise our flag as a proud, determined and empowered filipina. I love you all so so much.”

She even gave a shout out to her fellow queens who also passed on their crowns.

The photo was captioned: “Appreciation post for my fellow @bbpilipinasofficial queen sisters @gumabaomichele @evapatalinjug @karen_gallman@jehzahuelar @ahtisa. I'm so grateful to have been reigning alongside you beautiful souls. You all made me feel like we had a little family everytime we would see each other and that's something I'm definitely going to miss. You all made our country so proud.  See you tomorrow Queens!”

Binibining Pilipinas Charities, for its part, thanked Catriona on its official IG account, for being such “an inspiration to many, a truly empowered binibini and Filipina.”

The full caption read: “Thank you for raising our  flag, you made us all proud by bringing home our 4th @missuniverse crown.You are an inspiration to many, a truly empowered binibini and Filipina! We salute you Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray#BbGrandCoronationNight2019.”

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