Catriona Gray Instagram – 5 has always been my favorite number, ever since I was a little girl. And it seems fitting to celebrate and reflect on my 5th year anniversary as I stand now on the cusp of a whole new chapter. 🌌 5 years ago, I gave my absolute everything on the @missuniverse stage. And I’m fond of looking back on my journey and remembering how I had to conquer so many fears because in my pursuit, I went against the grain. From being an independent, non-camp trained candidate and forming my own team; to utilizing visual, story telling in every aspect from my national costume, to my ootds, to my accessories; to creating social media strategies and campaigns. Some people, I rubbed the wrong way because I wasn’t just a “yes” girl. I was vocal, stubborn in my vision of what a representative could, and ought to bring to the universe stage. Mine is also a comeback story. One that was rooted in failure – that’s why the mythical folklore of Philippine mythology in the form of Ibong Adarna resonates so deeply: a phoenix that rises from the ashes. And five years ago, in Bangkok Thailand, I earned the greatest honor of bringing pride to my country as @missuniverse 2018. To everyone who has supported me every step of the way, especially those of you who encouraged me never to give up and to try again, thank you. 🥹 Look at how far we’ve come together. My journey in its simplest form, has and always will be, a love letter to my country of the Philippines. 🇵🇭 And I hope it can serve as a reminder to never give up on YOUR vision. And that no matter what the path your on looks like…know that you are never denied and only redirected. ✨️ And yet…we rise. 🔥 Photography: @bjpascual Creative Direction: @vincecanlapan Makeup: @jellyeugenio assisted by @zidjianpaul Hair: @hairbybrentsales Styling: @justine.aliman19  Designer: @diaaliph Handler & Coordinating Producer: @lizalvarez.ph @cornerstone Road Manager: @danikapalanca