• Catriona Gray clarified that she is Miss Philippines and does feel like she’s a Filipina.
• She added that she doesn’t blame Australia’s excitement after she won the beauty pageant. 

There has been a debate about whether Catriona Gray should be considered as Miss Australia or Miss Philippines.

READ: ‘An Australian won Miss Universe’, Aussie media outlets report about Catriona

In an interview with the American show Build Series, she set the record straight as some Australians have been claiming her as their own after she won the Miss Universe 2018 beauty pageant.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsbgq6NAhIX/

“I am Miss Philippines,” she stated.

“I really feel like I’m a Miss Philippines. I feel like a Filipina, a Filipino woman. It’s just so happens that when I was growing up, I was very much of an Australian. And I think you can be both because I did grow up with those two sides of the world. I thought it was funny that there was this war, like, ‘No, she’s ours, she’s practically Miss Australia.’ But I am a Miss Philippines.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsVs_7Hgrs3/

Despite the arguments, she added that she actually doesn’t mind Australia’s happiness upon her win.

“I can’t blame them for being excited, from really feeling the high spirits of the season, too. So we’ll let them have that.”

READ: “Well done!” Miss World congratulates Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray

Miss Universe 2018 is currently in New York City, attending media interviews and appearing in several television shows in America.

• Salvador Panelo said that the President will sign any bill that will make the use of medical marijuana legal.
• It was asked after Miss Universe Catriona Gray was asked about her stand regarding the matter.

In a media briefing held Tuesday, December 18, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo stated that President Rodrigo Duterte will sign any bill that will result to the legalization of the use of medical marijuana in the country.

He said that the president is in favor of the use of the drug and will support any legislative measure consistent with his stand.

“He’s in favor of limited use of marijuana.

“Logically then he will support and sign any bill that would be consistent with his stand.”

The topic was back in the spotlight after Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray addressed her stand regarding the issue in the Q&A portion of the pageant.

“I’m for it being used in a medical use but not so for recreational use,” she answered.

“Because I think if people were to argue ‘What about alcohol and cigarettes?’ Well everything is good but in moderation.”

View this post on Instagram

When I was 13, my mum told me "Honey, I dreamt of you winning @missuniverse in a red dress." At that time I thought nothing of it, and today my mother's dream came true. ✨ Where do I even begin? Lord God, I lift everything up to you – to glorify and honour you. 🙏 Philippines 🇵🇭 what an amazing honor it has been to carry your name across my chest and to embody you in all aspects. I may now carry the sash of Miss Universe, but I'll forever be your Miss Philippines. ❤️💙💛 To my team @carlosbuendiajr @bragaisjojo @mitagray @binibiningnicolecordoves @jololuarca @justine.aliman19 @ton_lao @vheecostyle @francischee_ @styledbypatrickhenry @visionerickson @ardelpresentacion @mackycombe @harleybarleyyy @jellyeugenio @hairbybrentsales @memayfrancisco @mimsqiu @momoisupe @tesserajewelry @maktumang @jearsond @theaiveeclinic @empiredentallounge @jed_jimenez I wouldn't have been able to do any of this with all your time, effort and love 💛 #MissUniverse @missuniverse

A post shared by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on Dec 17, 2018 at 5:36am PST

When asked about the newly-crowned Miss Universe’s answer, Panelo said that she could have been “influenced by the President’s decision on that matter” or could have been her own conclusion because “she listened to the pros and cons of the matter.”

In September 2017, the House Bill No. 6517 or the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act was approved. It seeks to legalize the use of medical marijuana.

• Miss Albania experienced an airport mishap as she had no cash to pay for the excess baggage fee on the way home from the Miss Universe 2018 competition.
• Her fans chipped in their money to pay for her fee so that she can take all of her stuff home.

Miss Universe Albania Trejsi Sedjini was one of the trending candidates of the 67th Miss Universe.

When she was on her way back to Albania on Wednesday, December 19, she really wanted to take home the gifts that her Thai fans gave her. But there was one problem: she didn’t have enough money to pay the baggage fee.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrXqf4uhggR/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrVTHGxh5M8/

Her Thai supporters found out about her situation while she was at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. They decided to help her and contribute their own money to pay the THB 5,225 excess baggage fee.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq6bESJB0VJ/

Korakot Mussamont Chansiri, who was one of Sedjini’s supporters at the airport, shared the story of the Albanian beauty queen.

She said that while Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray was boarding a private plane, Miss Albania was opening her suitcase to see what she can leave behind.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Brkt54mh42M/

The beauty queen thanked her Thai fans via a post on Instagram. “Thank you my Thai fan for making me happy. Thank you for the support, the gifts and the love that you share everyday for me. You all are so real and lovely,” she wrote as a caption.

• Angela Ponce expressed her adoration towards Catriona Gray and the Philippines.
• Two months before the coronation night, Gray expressed her stand on the topic of transwomen being a part of Miss Universe.

Miss Spain 2018 expressed her gratitude towards the newly crowned Miss Universe, Catriona Gray and her supporters in the Philippines.

In a tweet dated December 19, Angela Ponce congratulated Gray and complimented her. “She is beautiful she is a very kind girl I’m very happy for you Cat,” Ponce wrote.

She also said that she loves the Philippines and the fans that always supported her.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrSWLDRHY6R/

She is the first ever transgender woman to compete in the prestigious beauty pageant. As this generated mixed reactions from netizens, Grey has shown her full support and defended the transgenders.

“I’m open to it, because individually, I see beauty queens more than a physical aspect.

🤩👏🏼👏🏼 Yes I am happy sister @catrionaelisa congrats Philippines our new #MissUniverse she is beautiful she is a very kind girl I'm very happy for you Cat. I love you Philippines 🇪🇸🇵🇭and all my fans that always support me♥ pic.twitter.com/WvdifpKlkU

— ANGELA PONCE (@angelaponceof) December 18, 2018

“We represent something — that has to be what we’re there for. And she has a purpose. She is that voice for the transgender community.

“If she can further educate people about what are the needs of the transgender community to get us to be more compassionate towards them… I have close friends who are transgender, so I’ve heard their experiences, and there is a lot of work to be done in how we come towards them.”

• Beauty queens expressed their opinions about the inclusion of transgender women at the Miss Universe.
• Winwyn Marquez, Maxine Medina, and Gloria Diaz are against the idea, while Catriona Gray showed support. 

The topic of transgender women joining beauty pageants has been re-opened after Miss Spain 2018, Angela Ponce, successfully became a part of the Miss Universe 2018.

She was acknowledged as the first ever transgender contestant of the competition by honoring her with her own segment during the coronation night. After the preliminary rounds, the 27-year-old said that it was an honor and pride to be part of the pageant.

“I don’t need to win Miss Universe. I only need to be here,” she said in the video.

View this post on Instagram

Que honor y orgullo poder ser parte de la historia de @missuniverse. Esto es por ustedes, por aquellos que no tienen visibilidad, ni voz, porque todos merecemos un mundo de respeto, inclusión y libertad. Y hoy estoy aquí, representando con orgullo a mi nación, a todas las mujeres y a los derechos humanos. • #missuniverse #missuniverso #confidentlybeautiful #thailand #bangkok #roadtomissuniverse #67thmissuniverse #angelaponce #spain #preliminar

A post shared by ANGELA PONCE (@angelaponceofficial) on Dec 14, 2018 at 5:27am PST

“I always say: having a vagina didn’t transform me into a woman. I am a woman, already before birth, because my identity is here.”

While she’s proud of her achievement, Filipino beauty queens have different viewpoints regarding the inclusion of transgender women in beauty pageants.

Beauty queens expressed their opinions. 

2017 Reina Hispanoamericana titleholder Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez said that as much as she loved the idea of Spain allowing Ponce to join, she still thinks that the Miss Universe should be given to “natural born women”. She also clarified that she has nothing against transgenders.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrhCCD-naJ4/

“Kasi there is Miss International Queen, tama ba? It’s a prestigious pageant also… let’s just give it (Miss Universe) for natural born-women and for transgenders to have their own prestigious pageant. Pero kung a-allow naman ng Miss Universe pageant, then we should accept it also.”

Miss Universe-Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina was also not keen on having transgender women in the Miss Universe competition.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqv2T_Jjm-L/

“Well, kung gusto niya talaga sumali, may mga pageants naman na for them. So, let’s give them an idea na meron naman talagang pageant for them. Para man equal din sa girls di ‘ba.”

The 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz hoped that there will be a separate pageant for transgenders instead.

View this post on Instagram

Enjoying this beautiful villa at BE Grand Bohol Resort ❤️ world class! @begrandbohol #BEGrandBohol #BEGrandResort #beyondtheexpected #BEResorts #BEResortsBohol #beholdbohol

A post shared by Gloria Diaz (@its.gloriadiaz) on Jan 8, 2018 at 12:43am PST

In one report by Bombo Radyo, Diaz mentioned that there’s nothing wrong with Ponce’s participation in the pageant, but she hopes for a better venue for transgenders.

As other netizens also shared the same sentiments as Marquez, Medina, and Diaz, the newly-crowned Miss Universe, Catriona Gray, defended Ponce’s right to join the pageant.

View this post on Instagram

When I was 13, my mum told me "Honey, I dreamt of you winning @missuniverse in a red dress." At that time I thought nothing of it, and today my mother's dream came true. ✨ Where do I even begin? Lord God, I lift everything up to you – to glorify and honour you. 🙏 Philippines 🇵🇭 what an amazing honor it has been to carry your name across my chest and to embody you in all aspects. I may now carry the sash of Miss Universe, but I'll forever be your Miss Philippines. ❤️💙💛 To my team @carlosbuendiajr @bragaisjojo @mitagray @binibiningnicolecordoves @jololuarca @justine.aliman19 @ton_lao @vheecostyle @francischee_ @styledbypatrickhenry @visionerickson @ardelpresentacion @mackycombe @harleybarleyyy @jellyeugenio @hairbybrentsales @memayfrancisco @mimsqiu @momoisupe @tesserajewelry @maktumang @jearsond @theaiveeclinic @empiredentallounge @jed_jimenez I wouldn't have been able to do any of this with all your time, effort and love 💛 #MissUniverse @missuniverse

A post shared by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on Dec 17, 2018 at 5:36am PST

A month prior to the coronation night, Gray has expressed her support to the inclusion of transgender candidates to the line-up of contestants.

“I’m open to it, because individually, I see beauty queens more than a physical aspect,” she answered in one episode of The Bottomline.

“We represent something — that has to be what we’re there for. And she has a purpose. She is that voice for the transgender community.

“If she can further educate people about what are the needs of the transgender community to get us to be more compassionate towards them… I have close friends who are transgender, so I’ve heard their experiences, and there is a lot of work to be done in how we come towards them.”

• Laila Chikadora experienced a bit of difficulty during her Facebook live for News5.
• Netizens poked fun at the broadcaster’s reactions.

It seems like the whole world have its eyes on the newly-crowned Miss Universe, Catriona Gray, and people are excited to see every update about the title holder.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnVxWFNDSj_/

She has made it back to Manila on Wednesday, December 19, and several media outlets have had the chance to stream her arrival.

Grey was with former Ilocos Sur governor, Chavit Singson, and other notable media personalities like Jessica Soho and Dyan Castillejo inside a private plane.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Laila Chikadora (@lailachikadora) on Feb 19, 2018 at 8:19pm PST

All eyes were on her as she alighted wearing a white suit.

But netizens who were streaming from the News5 Facebook livestream as Laila Chikadora experienced a bit of mishap which was clearly heard by everyone.

A few minutes after the live started, she began telling someone to call her in another phone as she was conducting the stream at the other one.

“[Unaudible] call me sa Globe! Ang kulit naka-live ako sa Smart! I told you to call me sa Globe kasi I’m using this phone on Facebook. I told you na.”

The viewers began commenting about what they heard and started repeating the words that Laila uttered.

Ang kulet nakalive ako sa smart! 😂

Naka live daw sa smart bulok daw kase globe

Hahaha kulit nya noh tawag ng tawag sayo

Other netizens even started to get annoyed in behalf of the broadcaster.

Sinabi nang tawagan ang isang phone. Ano ka ba????

Naglilive si ate sa smart, ano ba!!!!

Laila encountered another mishap when her phone suddenly dropped in the middle of the crowd when they were trying to get closer to the beauty queen.

“Hold on! Hold on! My phone! Guys! Guys! My phone! Bim, are you still there? My phone fell down,” she yelled as she tried to grab hold of the gadget.

The netizens once again poked fun of the incident.

My phoneeee

Kaloka si ate

Hahahaha 😂 baka ung fon mo ma nakaw pa yan in live lol

Another angle of the happening was captured in the Facebook live of GMA News wherein Laila can be seen reaching for her phone while Grey’s security stopped the crowd.

News5’s live was viewed more than 132,000 views.

• Miss World congratulated Catriona Grey with a post on their Facebook page.
• Filipinos thanked the organization for not making Gray win the Miss World title two years ago.

Following Catriona Gray‘s win, the official Facebook page of Miss World greeted the former 4th runner-up of the 2016 pageant for her new achievement in winning the Miss Universe 2018 crown.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrRw9ncgqyP/

It mentioned Gray’s previous title in Miss World and why she was selected for the Beauty with a Purpose Project “for a special visit during Miss World 2016”.

They also mentioned their gratitude for her vision and dedication for the pageant.

“We are delighted to see her win the Miss Universe crown! Catriona’s brilliant Smokey Mountain Beauty With A purpose project captured all our hearts and it revealed her dedicated vision to support the most vulnerable in our society. Miss Universe organisation you have a great winner !”

The post was full of positivity but others have called out the organization for an issue that the 2016 competition was manipulated.

In a post by Miss World Brazil 2016, she revealed that “there wasn’t enough food and water, there were candidates who slept with the pageant’s staff and there were no panel of judges for the Beauty with a Purpose challenge event” and even added that the jurors were “suspicious”.

What also fueled the suspicion was the fact that one of the judges, Wilnelia Merced, who is the national director of Miss Puerto Rico. She is also a former Miss World from Puerto Rico and her mother is the national franchise holder of Miss World Puerto Rico.

Check out comments of netizens at Miss World’s congratulatory post.

Thank you miss world for not crowining catriona last 2016.hahahah. She showed your world is just a tiny bit grain of salt in the universe. Hahaha

Miss Universe see her worth as a true queen which, unfortunately, Miss World failed to see.

You robbed her crown two years ago and the Universe made it back to her. Truly deserving.

I’m really hurt when she did not get the crown in 2016, but now, I’ more than thankful for the Org for not letting her win. She is meant for something bigger. Bigger platform so she can inspire more people.

• Tyra Banks complimented Catriona Gray’s runway walk during the Miss Universe 2018.
• She also cheered for Gray and congratulated her after the competition.

The newly crowned Miss Universe, Catriona Gray, has impressed a lot of people with her answers during the Q&A segments.

She was slaying every aspect of the whole beauty competition even during the preliminaries, the Filipina-Australian beauty queen has already gone viral for her sultry walk also known as the ‘lava walk‘.

View this post on Instagram

It was the year of women taking over! It was the year of Eve’s return! Find out how I took over in this @metropolitanmagazine inside look! (Link in THEIR bio).

A post shared by Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) on Dec 10, 2018 at 6:21am PST

Her runway walk became trending and did not just capture the attention of the Netizens, but even that of the well-known international supermodel Tyra Banks, who retweeted the video and even added a few words of encouragement.

I mean…Pinoy Power to the Max!!! https://t.co/ar22wLvw2k

— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) December 15, 2018

It did not end there as after she has been named the newest Miss Universe, Banks replied to her saying that she “did it!” and “TyTy approves”.

And OMG back at YOU!
You did it!
And that walk and confidence?
I mean…NEXT LEVEL FIERCE!!!
TyTy approves. 💛 https://t.co/HJPAUgyZ11

— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) December 17, 2018

• Miss Universe Spain 2018 is the first transwoman to become a contestant in the said prestigious beauty pageant.
• Netizens expressed their stand on the inclusion of Angela Ponce in Miss Universe 2018. 

Miss Universe Spain 2018 Angela Ponce failed to secure a spot in the Top 20, but she did prove a lot in this year’s competition.

What’s so special about her? She’s the first ever transgender woman to join the international competition.

View this post on Instagram

Que honor y orgullo poder ser parte de la historia de @missuniverse. Esto es por ustedes, por aquellos que no tienen visibilidad, ni voz, porque todos merecemos un mundo de respeto, inclusión y libertad. Y hoy estoy aquí, representando con orgullo a mi nación, a todas las mujeres y a los derechos humanos. • #missuniverse #missuniverso #confidentlybeautiful #thailand #bangkok #roadtomissuniverse #67thmissuniverse #angelaponce #spain #preliminar

A post shared by ANGELA PONCE (@angelaponceofficial) on Dec 14, 2018 at 5:27am PST

During the coronation night, the Miss Universe organization honored Ponce as their first transgender contestant. In a pre-recorded interview that was shown during the coronation night, she uttered the words, “I don’t need to win Miss Universe. I just need to be here.”

View this post on Instagram

@missuniverse Para mí es un #orgullo representaros, el #Universo es el límite. 🇪🇸👑✨✨ Podéis apoyarme para ser la próxima #MissUniverso2018, es el momento de que se escuche nuestra voz, alta y clara, directa. 👸🏼✨✨ What an honour has been represent you all, I’m #proud, the #Universe is the limit. 🇪🇸👑✨✨ It’s time for your support one last time in this journey for being #MissUniverse2018, it’s the moment to face it with our voice, loud and clear, right through. 👸🏼✨✨ 🔴 EN VIVO / LIVE STREAM @foxtv SUNDAY DECEMBER 16 14:00 🇺🇸 Honolulu 16:00 🇺🇸 Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas 18:00 🇺🇸 Chicago 18:00 🇲🇽 Mexico City 19:00 🇺🇸 New York, Miami 19:00 🇨🇦 Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal 19:00 🇨🇴 Bogota 19:00 🇵🇦 Panama City 19:00 🇵🇪 Lima 20:00 🇵🇷 San Juan 20:00 🇻🇪 Caracas 20:00 🇩🇴 Santo Domingo 21:00 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires 21:00 🇨🇱 Santiago 22:00 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo MONDAY DECEMBER 17 0:00 🇮🇨 Canary Islands 0:00 🇬🇧 London 1:00 🇪🇸 Madrid, Barcelona 1:00 🇫🇷 Paris 1:00 🇩🇪 Berlin 1:00 🇮🇹 Rome 2:00 🇿🇦 Cape Town 2:00 🇮🇱 Jerusalem 2:00 🇱🇧 Beirut 2:00 🇬🇷 Athens 2:00 🇪🇬 Cairo 3:00 🇷🇺 Moscow 4:00 🇦🇪 Dubai 5:30 🇮🇳 New Delhi 7:00 🇹🇭 Bangkok 7:00 🇮🇩 Jakarta 7:00 🇻🇳 Hanoi 8:00 🇵🇭 Manila 8:00 🇨🇳 Beijing, Shanghai 8:00 🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur 9:00 🇯🇵 Tokyo 9:00 🇰🇷 Seoul 11:00 🇦🇺 Sydney 13:00 🇳🇿 Wellington #67thmissuniverse #bangkok #thailand #angelaponce #confidentlybeautiful #missuniverse #missuniverso #tailandia #missuniversespain2018 #missuniversespain #missuniversoespaña2018 #missuniversoespaña #missespaña2018 #missespaña #missspain2018 #missspain #españa #spain #pilas #sevilla #madrid #barcelona #malaga #beyourself

A post shared by ANGELA PONCE (@angelaponceofficial) on Dec 15, 2018 at 7:55am PST

This earned many reactions from Twitter users.

Miss Universe pays tribute to the first transgender woman in the pageant. Cheers and applause are heard from the crowd. Transgender women are women. Mabuhay ka, Spain!

— dave guino (@kakaidave) December 17, 2018

The tribute even earned Miss Spain a standing ovation from the crowd.

Kinikilabutan ako. The arena gave a standing ovation for Miss Spain! So much love. TRANSGENDER WOMEN ARE WOMEN! #MissUniverse ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JKaS9pezzW

— dave guino (@kakaidave) December 17, 2018

A Netizen expressed how much she admired Ponce.

Still, I admire her braveness. You are appreciated, Miss Spain. We love you. Congratulations! #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/X8vJl8pE8j

— Kadita (@czrnescrl) December 17, 2018

Another Twitter user shared a quote from the contestant that affected him the most.

"I'm here to eradicate the intolerance and to raise Equality for everyone, even if I will not win the title"

KUDOS! Miss Universe Spain, Angela Ponce. You're making each LGBTQ+ proud.!❤🔥 #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/Dx9xT9BCdN

— Shawpejhay🌈 (@shawpejhay) December 17, 2018

Someone also said how beauty has come a long way, as it also acknowledged  transwomen by letitng Miss Spain join.

I LOVE MISS UNIVERSE for celebrating diversity, highlighting the incredible journey of the first Transgender woman vying for the title, Miss Universe Spain, Angela Ponce.

The definition of beauty has come a long way. It is a very strong, clear and loud message of equality.

— g3 san diego (@g3cafe) December 17, 2018

Tristan then slammed people who continue to fight for the rights of the LGBT+ community but are still against the participation of Ponce in the international competition.

People claiming to love the LGBT+ community and yet questioning why Miss Spain is allowed to participate.

Is it really hard to grasp that she’s a woman??? Her country let her represent them. The pageant allowed her to participate. ANONG PROBLEMA NIYO??? 😡

— Tristan (@brianosita) December 16, 2018

Kaye shared an interesting conversation with her cousin.

Early morning tea🍵

Cousin: Miss Universe is supposed to be exclusive to women only. Ba't bakla yung Spain.

Me: Hindi sya bakla. Trans sya.

C: Basta iba yun. Sabi sa *quotes bible verse*

Me: Eh why are you a Duterte supporter? Sabi sa Bible, thou shall not kill.

*silence*

— kaye✨ (@thedexielkay) December 16, 2018

Unfortunately, not all comments are positive as a Netizen shared screenshots of transphobic comments made by Filipinos.

Pota napakaraming transphobic sa Pilipinas!!! Whewww 😠 pic.twitter.com/12FAfqbHi2

— Uricane (@UriahPancho) December 15, 2018

One of the replies explained that not all of the comments are transphobic, however, they just see the Miss Universe as a pageant for biologically born women.

They aren't transphobic tho, they literally said they respect transgendered women. Maybe it's just a misunderstanding on both sides. They see Miss U as something for biological women bc there's a pageant for the LGBT community.

Try to understand both sides instead of adding hate

— woozy ∆∆ (@00caiipop) December 16, 2018

• Australian media outlets have reported about Catriona Gray’s Miss Universe win.
• Gray was born and raised in Queensland, Australia.

Aside from the Philippines, the impact of Catriona Gray‘s Miss Universe 2018 win has reached a wider range even to her first roots.

The media outlets from Australia have taken pride in Gray’s achievement as well as she got included in the front page of The Courier Mail.

The words “Miss Universe Philippines” is written and underneath the photo of the beauty queen but they have crossed out the country’s name and put in “Queensland“, where she was born and raised.

A radio station has also posted about the win on Monday, December 18. Hit published an article with the title: “An Australian Girl Just Won Miss Universe But She Wasn’t Miss Australia.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrfYbK5gb0D/

It included her background of her being born in the country and transfer to Manila to become a model.

“So while she is most definitely Filipino, she’s also Australian!”

Grey’s influence is really undeniable as she has two nations proud of her feat.