Before Lifestyle headed off to El Nido, Palawan, with Miss Philippines Catriona Gray, she admitted that she had been psyched up for this trip for weeks.

“I have always been a beach person,” she said.

It was also her first out-of-town shoot after winning Bb. Pilipinas.

That was why we wasted no time. Upon touchdown at El Nido’s Lagen Resort, the team made the most of the searing summer sun and started the shoot.

Catriona is definitely not your stereotypical beauty queen. Far from it.

And Lifestyle saw the character underneath the beauty in the three days we were with her.

Two-piece swimsuit in black with gold details, SM Woman; 22k gold-plated silver Leaf Fringe long lariat with knotted onyx beads by Natalya Lagdameo

She comes across as strong, confident, yet approachable and bubbly. She is the type who is set on what she wants, without letting anyone dictate on her.

She sticks to a close knit of friends for moral support.

She’s very confident modeling fashion, because she started as a model who was well liked by glossies and Lifestyle.

On this spread, see her work her magic on swimwear: the black and white, and the season’s metallics. Sheer fierce energy and glam.

Off camera, her fun side saw the team through—especially when we made her paddleboard to get the perfect shot.

One-piece swimsuit with gold details, SM Woman; 22k gold-plated silver Leaf Fringe drop earrings by Natalya Lagdameo

Corset one-piece swimsuit in black, SM Woman; 22k gold-plated silver Leaf Fringe mini lariat, on fine chain, by Natalya Lagdameo

Long-sleeve swimsuit in gold, SM Woman; 22k gold-plated silver Leaf Fringe single-line earrings by Natalya Lagdameo

Credits:
Photography Jerick Sanchez
Styling Luis Carlo San Juan
Makeup and Hairstyle Theresa Padin
Fashion by SM Woman
Shot on location Lagen Island Resort, El Nido, Palawan