Crowd favorite Catriona Gray was proclaimed Miss Universe Philippines at the culmination of the 2018 Binibining Pilipinas pageant early Monday morning at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Gray, who also received the Pitoy Moreno Best in National Costume, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, Miss Ever Bilena and Jag Denim Queen awards, bested 39 other aspirants for the top plum in the pageant’s 55th edition.

The model-singer from Albay will represent the country in the coming Miss Universe pageant, whose date and venue have not been announced by the international organizers as of the moment.

Ahtisa Manalo from Quezon, meanwhile, bagged the Bb. Pilipinas-International crown and will aim for country’s seventh Miss International crown in Japan later this year.

Former runner up Jehza Huelar from Davao City received the Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational crown, while Karen Gallman from Bohol was hailed Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental.

The Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International title went to Eva Patalinjug from Cebu while the Bb. Pilipinas-Globe crown was awarded to Michelle Gumabao of Quezon City.

Vickie Rushton of Negros was first runner-up, while Samantha Bernardo of Palawan was second runner-up.

The ladies will serve as ambassadors for the various charity programs of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc.

They will also undergo an intensive training program to help them sustain the country’s impressive performance in the international pageant stage.

Former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach hosted the coronation ceremonies with actor Richard Gutierrez. /atm