Catriona Gray is conquering New York, yo!
The Filipino-Australian model started her reign as Miss Universe 2018 by appearing in a slew of popular television programs, including a live interview on Good Morning America yesterday.
In the show, Gray was introduced by host Ginger Zee as a woman who is “gorgeous inside and out,” which naturally flattered the model.
Gray talked about the oft-repeated anecdote about her mother Normita Magnayon’s dream that she would win the Miss Universe pageant wearing a red dress — which came true in December in Bangkok where the pageant was held.
“You know when I was 13, and she first told me, I thought nothing of it. I was young, I didn’t really have that interest in pageants yet, but to see it come into fruition. I was just like, ‘Mom, are you hiding anything else about my future? I want to know!'” she told Zee.
She also talked about her work with a non-governmental organization based in the Philippines called Young Focus that seeks to give quality education to impoverished Filipino children.
Below is a video of Gray’s interview on the show.
This was followed by an appearance on Live with Kelly and Ryan, the show hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa. Gray, who just turned 25 on Jan. 6, was greeted “Happy Birthday” by the hosts. The former also told her that the interview was “a great way to celebrate” her birthday.
When asked by Seacrest what she did for her birthday, Gray answered that she went to see a Broadway show and also went on a food trip. She also talked about her family. “My mom is Filipino my dad is a Scottish immigrant to Australia. So I was born and raised in Australia and I moved to the Philippines when I was a teenager,” she said.
Gray also said that the cold weather in New York has prompted her to wear at least three layers of clothes, which made her look like a “siopao.”
For those unfamiliar with Filipino food, a siopao is the local version of the Cantonese steamed bun.
She also talked about her mom’s dream about her winning the Miss Universe.
Watch Gray’s interview with Seacrest and Ripa below.
According to a tweet posted by Seacrest, there were a lot of Pinoys who watched the show inside their studio. This prompted him to tweet a photo of him and Ripa with Gray and wrote a caption in Filipino that translates to “Congratulations on your win!”
A lot of #FilipinoPride in the audience today for @MissUniverse @Catrionaelisa! Maligayang bati sa inyong pagkapanalo! pic.twitter.com/7RfVaxk54T
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) January 7, 2019
Sweet! You just made a lot of Pinoy hearts flutter, Seacrest!
Gray was also interviewed on Inside Edition where she talked about her family and the reason for her decision to move to the Philippines as a teenager.
Gray also stopped by Celebrity Page TV today where she taught host Stephen Walker how to do her signature Lava Walk. In her Instagram stories, Gray said the episode will be shown later this week.
It’s safe to say that our Stephen Walker learned a thing or two when @MissUniverse @catrionaelisa stopped by the office #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/vkWaE3AVP8
— Celebrity Page TV (@CelebrityPageTV) January 7, 2019
Whew! Talk about a busy schedule. Enjoy New York, kween!
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