Christi McGarry wore this dress by designer Mark Bumgarner during the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation night. Bumgarner/Instagram 

She may not have won the crown, but Christi McGarry is still filled with gratitude after competing in Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

The pageant veteran, who represented Taguig City, finished fourth runner-up in this year's competition which was won by Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan. 

In an Instagram post, McGarry described her Miss Universe Philippines 2024 experience as "a wild and incredible yet humbling ride," adding that she "poured out and left my entire heart on that stage."

"Immeasurable sacrifices and countless hours of training and sleepless nights. The celestial calling. The hunger. The drive. The intention. The ambition. The purpose," she recalled. 

"All counted down and lead to the final moments of Sunday night where I gave it my absolute all, and will never forget the roaring of MOA Arena in unison of the announcement of my proudly represented city of Taguig, whom I'd like to thank for the trust to carry its sash and name into the final 5 of the most prestigious pageant in our country," she added. 

McGarry said it has been "an incredible privilege" to be part of a "legendary batch" of Miss Universe Philippines candidates, and is grateful to all those who have supported her in her journey.

She went on to congratulate Manalo for winning the crown, calling her an "effortlessly beautiful soul both inside and out."

"Your destiny awaits and I am so happy and excited for you and this next legendary chapter in your journey," she told Manalo. "You are a bright light in the universe. Love you, and will always be here to support you, and no doubt you'll make us proud, our glorious morena queen."

McGarry, 33, returned to the pageant scene this year following the removal of age limits in the Miss Universe pageant. 

She represented the Philippines and finished first runner-up in Miss Intercontinental in 2015, the same year that Pia Wurtzbach won the Miss Universe crown.

Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo to represent PH at Miss Universe 2024

Miss Intercontinental PH 2015 McGarry joins Miss Universe PH