RAISE YOUR FLAG, A FITTING TRIBUTE FOR CATRIONA
Photos by Jory Rivera
Text by Noli A. Berioso
Raise Your Flag, a special home coming tribute for the reigning Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray happened last Sunday, February 24 at Smart Araneta Coliseum where legions of her fans trooped the venue before she go back to New York first week of March.
The event was hosted by Boy Abunda and was graced by former Miss Universe Philippines winners – Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Mary Jean Lastimosa, Ariella Arida, Rachel Peters and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.
Some members of the Young Focus, a group of under privileged children based in Smokey Mountain Tondo, Manila were also visible to be with Catriona on her home coming. Her parents Ian and Normita were present and went up on stage to share some moments with her. Catriona wore the “Pearl of the Orient” gown made for her by Mak Tumang and of course the lava inspired red-yellow gown she wore during the finals of Miss Universe 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Catriona was also joined on her tribute event by no less than the Chairperson of BPCI, Mrs. Stella Marquez Araneta.
Special celebrity guests include Bamboo, Jed Madela, Kz Tandingan, Morisette Amon, TNT Boys, Maymay Entrata and the ABS – CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. A special one on one segment with Vice Ganda was one of the highlight of the tribute.