MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed its “joyful and proud congratulations” to the newly crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
The DOT in a statement on Monday described Gray as a “passionate advocate of Philippine tourism.”
“Throughout the Miss Universe competition, Miss Gray evoked the Filipino people’s essential attributes of friendliness, cheerfulness, hospitality and kindness when she was around the representatives of different nations,” the DOT said.
The agency also hailed the Fil-Aussie beauty queen for raising the country’s flag “through her words and actions.”
“She has single-handedly led more people all over the world to discover that, indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines,” the DOT said.
Gray had participated in creating a series of video clips promoting the “unique and fascinating destinations and diverse cultures” of the Philippines.
“Amidst Ms. Gray’s preparations prior to heading for Thailand, she took precious time to do a series of video clips promoting unique and fascinating destinations and diverse cultures: Luzon’s Rizal Park, and world-renowned El Nido, Palawan; the resilience of the Visayan people particularly in Tacloban City and Mindanao’s multi-faceted South Cotabato,” the DOT said.
READ: WATCH: Catriona Gray showcases Filipinos’ resilience in new video
Early Monday, Gray bagged the country’s fourth Miss Universe crown during the coronation of the prestigious beauty pageant in Thailand. /ee