CATRIONA GRAY

Catriona Gray: Beauty Queen, Advocate, and Cultural Icon​

Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray, born on January 6, 1994, in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, is a Filipino-Australian model, singer, television personality, and beauty queen. She gained international acclaim after being crowned Miss Universe 2018, becoming the fourth Filipina to win the prestigious title. 

Early Life and Education

Catriona is the only child of Ian Gray, an Australian of Scottish descent, and Normita Ragas Magnayon, a Filipina from Oas, Albay. She was named after her paternal grandmother, Catherine Gray, and her maternal grandmother, Elsa Magnayon Ragas. ​

During her formative years in Cairns, she attended Trinity Anglican School, where she excelled as a house captain and chorister. She was also the lead singer of her school's jazz band and participated in local theater productions, including "Miss Saigon." ​

Catriona pursued higher education at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, earning a certificate in music theory. Additionally, she holds a certificate in outdoor recreation and a black belt in Choi Kwang-Do martial arts. ​

Modeling and Pageantry Career

After moving to Manila post-high school, Catriona embarked on a modeling career, appearing in various commercials and runway shows. Her pageantry journey began early; at five, she won Little Miss Philippines in Sydney. ​

In 2016, she was crowned Miss World Philippines and placed in the Top 5 at Miss World 2016. Two years later, she clinched the Miss Universe Philippines title and subsequently won Miss Universe 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand. Her performance was highlighted by the iconic "lava walk" and a red gown inspired by the Mayon Volcano, paying homage to her Filipino heritage. ​

Advocacy and Cultural Promotion

Beyond the pageant stage, Catriona is a passionate advocate for various causes. She works with organizations like Young Focus Philippines, promoting education for underprivileged youth, and LoveYourself Philippines, focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness. She also supports Smile Train, providing cleft palate surgeries for children. ​

Her commitment to cultural preservation led to her appointment as the Ambassador for the Arts by the Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and the Arts. In this role, she promotes Filipino handicrafts, dances, and cuisine. ​

Media and Public Engagements

Catriona has expanded her presence in media, co-hosting events like Binibining Pilipinas and serving as a backstage correspondent for Miss Universe 2022 and 2023. Wikipedia In 2022, Madame Tussauds Singapore unveiled her wax figure, making her the third Filipino to receive this honor. 

Personal Life

Catriona was previously in a relationship with Filipino-German model Clint Bondad until 2019. She later became engaged to Filipino-American actor Sam Milby in February 2023; however, the engagement was called off in February 2025. ​

In 2024, she publicly shared her diagnosis of scoliosis, aiming to raise awareness about the condition. That same year, she reaffirmed her Christian faith through baptism. ​

Catriona Gray continues to inspire many through her multifaceted career and unwavering commitment to advocacy and cultural promotion.​