Philippines wins fourth Miss Universe crown

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Catriona Gray from the Philippines was crowned Miss Universe on Monday, the fourth time the Southeast Asian country has won the international beauty pageant.

Gray, a 24-year-old Filipino-Australian model, won the title in the Thai capital Bangkok where the pageant included for the first time a transgender contestant.

"My heart is filled with so much gratitude. There were moments of doubt where I felt overwhelmed and I felt the pressure," said Gray, who wore a red and orange dress that was inspired by Mount Mayon, a volcano that erupted this year.

US artists Ne-Yo (R) performs while Eniko Kecskes of Hungary (C) and other contestants compete during the Miss Universe 2018 in Bangkok, December 17, 2018. /VCG Photo

Gray said during the pageant that working in a Manila slum had taught her to find beauty in difficult situations.

"If I could teach people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their face," she said.

Miss South Africa, Tamaryn Green, 24, was the first runner-up, followed by Miss Venezuela, Sthefany Gutiérrez, 19.

Miss Spain, Angela Ponce, 27, made history as the first transgender contestant in the 66-year-old pageant.

Catriona Gray of the Philippines (C) is congratulated by contestants after winning the Miss Universe 2018 in Bangkok, December 17, 2018. /VCG Photo

Gray is the fourth Filipina to win Miss Universe and the second in three years. The pageant was shown live on the country's biggest television network and dominated social media.

The Philippines previously won Miss Universe titles in 2015, 1973 and 1969.

Source(s): Reuters