Catriona Gray goes viral for mispronouncing ‘karangalan’ during her Miss Universe farewell speech

Filipino netizens were quick to notice Catriona Gray’s incorrect pronunciation of the word “karangalan” during her farewell speech as Miss Universe 2018 during the coronation event in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States on Monday, December 9 (Philippine Time).

As she walked the stage and delivered her heartfelt speech before turning over the crown to the new Miss Universe, Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi, Catriona said, “And to my beloved Philippines, isang ‘karalangan’ (instead of karangalan) po ito.”

Here is Catriona’s full and corrected speech:

“I’ve always believed that as women we have the power to redefine our generation.

When we raise our voices together, the words ‘woman power’ become more than just a phrase. They become a movement.

I wanted my year to be a reign with purpose, from advocating for quality education for all to raising awareness to HIV and AIDS. I’ve start to use my voice for good.

Thank you to mom and dad for always believing in me. Paula and Ester for your mentorship, the Miss Universe Organization and Team Catriona, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B52NuHjgM8G/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

And to my beloved Philippines, isang ‘karangalan’ po ito. You endlessly inspire me and give me hope.

Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Above all, thank you God. I lift everything to glorify and honor you.

As I close this chapter, I do so with a grateful heart.

To everyone with a dream, know that your dreams are valid. And on your path you are never denied, only redirected.”

But instead of being bashed for the slip up, Filipinos continued to show their love for the former Pinay beauty queen, who was fabulously dressed in a shimmering blue gown designed by Mak Tumang during her final walk.

Here’s what Pinoy netizens have to say:

“Mahal kita, Cat!!! Karangalan. He he.”

https://twitter.com/PBBDianaOFC/status/1203872262333485056?s=20

“Karangalan Cat. Pero kebs.. ganda ka naman.”

Karangalan Cat. Pero kebs.. ganda ka naman.

— Mae Angelic Dawara (@angelicdawara) December 9, 2019

“Akala ko ako lang nakapuna. No hate just love. 😘💕”

https://twitter.com/MimingDiputado/status/1203881467043954688?s=20

“‘Isang karalangan.’ That’s okay, Catriona. You are still one of the most loved Pinay Miss Universe.”

“isang karalangan”

that’s okay, Catriona. you are still one of the most loved pinay Miss Unuverse.

— WhatAWasteofAdMoney (@wawam) December 9, 2019

“KARANGALANNNNN LOVE YOU QUEEN!!!!”

https://twitter.com/heyitsge_/status/1203872430881562624?s=20

“If it’s kalarangan then it is kalarangan, WE LOVE YOU QUEEN CAT.”

https://twitter.com/freedraia/status/1203874005834354690?s=20

“Ang cute ng ‘karalangan’ ha ha ha but anyways, you did so much in your reign. Thank you!”

Ang cute ng "karalangan" hahaha but anyways, you did so much in your reign. Thank you!

— Semi-hiatus #WINNERCrossTour2019 (@Innerkiki_444) December 9, 2019

In the context of Catriona’s speech, the Tagalog word “karangalan” means “honor” in English.