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Newly crowned Miss World Philippines Catriona Gray's love for kids is inspiring

5 min read
Newly crowned Miss World Philippines Catriona Gray's love for kids is inspiring

The 22-year-old Fil-Aussie beauty queen has also done volunteer work in Smokey Mountain. Learn more about this Beauty with a purpose, below!

Catriona Gray has been living up to the Miss World pageant’s ethos “Beauty with a Purpose” long before she won the crown.

Working with an education-centered NGO called Young Focus, the 22-year-old beauty queen is helping to give “children and youth [in Smokey Mountain] the opportunity to develop intellectually as well as creatively and socially.”

“Progress is a choice, job creation is a choice. Whether we give our children a future of more or a future of less – this too, is a choice.” – Martin O’Malley Children deserve the chance to be children. Let’s help give them a brighter beginning. #ParaisoBrightBeginningsProject #ComingSoon #EmpowerChange

A photo posted by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on May 13, 2016 at 3:07am PDT

Her most recent project is raising funds for the local preschool through auctions of her original artworks, benefit concerts, and enlisting the help of various organizations. She also uses social media as platform to raise awareness, dubbing the campaign Paraiso: Beginning’s Project.

“I would dedicate my voice and essence to carry that torch and to set charitable causes alight…”

A photo posted by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on Sep 10, 2016 at 6:21pm PDT

She also uses her Instagram account, which is followed by 29,000 people, as a channel to share her passion.

“Please be mindful today when reflecting on your week, that there are families just like your own living in conditions like this,” she wrote alongside a photo taken during one of her volunteer trips to Smokey Mountain. “Let’s work together to end the cycle of poverty.”

She echoed the same sentiments in her answer during the Miss World Philippines pageant’s Q&A portion.

“To be a Miss World is to be passed a torch that burns with passion and purpose. If I am to become Miss World Philippines, I would dedicate my voice and essence to carry that torch and to set charitable causes alight, such as my advocacy, the Paraiso Bright Beginnings Project, and I would focus on passing on this torch to empower others,” she said with pride. “Because I believe together, there is no darkness in this world that our light cannot overcome.”

It’s a pleasure working with such beautiful souls today! Some of these local volunteers are parents of children within the program so it’s wonderful to see the community supporting #YoungFocus’s efforts. ???????? Wishing you all a productive and heartwarming Friday!!!! #ParaisoBrightBeginningsProject #EmpowerChange

A photo posted by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on Aug 18, 2016 at 8:41pm PDT

When asked who she sees in the mirror every time she gets up in the morning, she answered: “I see someone who is constantly trying to be better. I always endure to be better than the day before, to do things that challenge me, to do things outside the box,” stressed Catriona. “And something that is very fulfilling that I have found is that when I look in the mirror and I want to see someone who gives back to the community, and that’s someone who I achieve to be every single day.”

Nothing can dampen the spirit of these little ones! ☀️ In Tondo this morning to begin the clean up of the building that will soon become the new Preschool and Childcare for the youth of Smokey Mountain. Please continue donating to make this dream of education become a reality for these kids (????????cat-elle.com/Paraiso to donate) ???? #EmpowerChange #YoungFocus #ParaisoBrightBeginningsProject

A photo posted by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on Aug 18, 2016 at 4:33pm PDT

Learn more about Catriona Gray on the next page

The Filipino-Australian beauty was born to a Bicolana mom, Normita Ragas Magnayon, who hails from Oas Town, Albay. She’s now based in Queensland, Australia.

photo: Mita Gray Facebook

photo: Mita Gray Facebook

In an interview with Rappler, Mayor Domingo Escoto said that Catriona’s family lived in Oas Town before migrating abroad. “Catriona’s clan in Oas are musicians and from respected family,” she stated. “We’re preparing for victory homecoming for our very own beauty queen.”

Catriona took to Facebook to express her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported her along her journey.

“Today is the first day of a very exciting journey as your new Miss World Philippines. It doesn’t feel real yet – typing this as it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I’m in the middle of a whirlwind of emotions, but in the afterglow of last nights events, the remaining feelings of excitement and gratitude are the most prominent,” wrote Catriona on Facebook. “THANK YOU to my family for always supporting me on every endeavour that I choose.”

Aside from winning the crown, Catriona was also named Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Fashion Runway, Miss Hannah’s Beach Resort, and Miss Manila Hotel.

She will be competing in the Miss World pageant in Washington, D.C. this coming December.

READ: What kids must learn to become ‘confidently beautiful with a heart’

Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

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Bianchi Mendoza

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