Jan Angelo Batongbakal

WHO SAID THIS: Catriona Gray’s winning answer that led to the PH's fourth Miss Universe crown

Article (news)

Peter Andrew Acierto

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780580157277WST26-AC_38-CatrionaGray.png" style="width:650px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div>“If I could teach people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their faces.”<div></div><p>The journey of Catriona Gray towards the Miss Universe 2018 crown was not the easiest as she had to best all other candidates. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2023/12/18/catriona-gray-marks-fifth-anniversary-of-miss-universe-journey-1847" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: Catriona Gray marks fifth anniversary of Miss Universe journey<br/></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Her answer to the final question, &quot;What is the most important lesson you&#x27;ve learned in your life and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?&quot; made her the eventual winner of the prestigious beauty pageant. Despite her winning the crown, some netizens criticized her answer, saying it was “romanticizing poverty,” which Catriona denied.</p><p>In a previous interview with veteran broadcaster Jessica Soho right after she won the crown, the beauty queen explained that it wasn’t her intention to romanticize poverty, but rather discuss the situation that she personally encountered during her immersion in the slums of Manila. </p><p>“I was not romanticizing poverty. I’m not saying it’s beautiful there. If you look at my answer in the context of looking at the first sentence, it does not romanticize poverty, because I start from that point,” she previously expressed.</p><p>“You know, there’s nothing beautiful about poverty, but in the people that you talk to, the teachers that I’ve met, the children, who I’ve heard their stories of, and the families that I’ve heard stories of. There’s something beautiful about their spirit, their will, their determination, and that was what I was referring to,” she maintained.</p><p>Because of her answer to the Miss Universe question, Young Focus Philippines, the foundation she worked with in the slums of Tondo, received several inquiries about how they could help. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/4/8/look-catriona-gray-becomes-first-filipino-to-grace-the-cover-of-soul-arabia-1545" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: LOOK: Catriona Gray becomes first Filipino to grace the cover of &#x27;Soul Arabia&#x27;</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Not only did she win the Philippines&#x27; fourth Miss Universe crown, but she also helped the people she mentioned in her winning answer. </p><p>Fast forward to her life after Miss Universe, Catriona is still helping out several causes and has used her voice to influence others to do good as well. </p>

<p>Catriona Gray's winning answer continues to make an impact, even after nearly a decade.</p>

Catriona Gray's winning answer continues to make an impact, even after nearly a decade.

WHO SAID THIS: Catriona Gray’s winning answer that led to the PH's fourth Miss Universe crown

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Celebrities

WHO SAID THIS: Catriona Gray’s winning answer that led to the PH's fourth Miss Universe crown

Drew Acierto

Published June 04, 2026 09:38 PM PHT

Read More:

WHO SAID THIS

Catriona Gray

Miss Universe

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.