By Anna Mae Areja -
Newly-crowned Miss Universe-Philippines Catriona Gray is the runaway winner at the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 grand coronation as she not only won the much-coveted crown of the night but also five special awards.
Catriona was awarded Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, Pitoy Moreno Best in National Costume, Jag Denim Queen, and Miss Ever Bilena.
She even slayed the Question and Answer portion with her presence of mind, poise, and confidence.
All Top 15 candidates went through the Q&A round that tackled socially-relevant issues, including rebuilding in Marawi, fake news, hazing, among others.
Led by Catriona as Miss Universe-Philippines 2018, the other winning beauty queens who slayed the Q&A round are Bb. Pilipinas-International Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational Jehza Huelar, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental Karen Gallman, Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International Eva Patalinjug, and Bb. Pilipinas-Globe Michele Gumabao.
Here are the questions asked to the six newly-crowned Binibini and their winning answers:
After the devastating war, Marawi is now on its way to recovery. What is your message to the young women of Marawi?
Catriona Gray, Miss Universe-Philippines 2018:
"My answer and my message to the women were to be strong.
"As women, we are the head of the household and we have amazing influence not only in our own families as mothers, sisters, and friends but also in our community.
"If we could get the women to stay strong and be that image of strength for the children and the people around them, then once the rebuilding is complete and is underway, the morale of the community will stay strong and high."
How should a beauty queen respond to ruthless criticism?
Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2018:
"A beauty queen should always respond to criticism constructively.
"We beauty queens are public figures. And we put ourselves in the position to be judged.
"But nonetheless, we should always filter which comments we should accept and what we should not."
What do you think is the most important quality of a millennial woman?
Jehza Hueler, Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational 2018:
"I think the most important quality a millennial woman have is to have ambition.
"With her vision, she should have this attitude and perseverance so that she can achieve her goals. And through that vision, she would be able to express herself freely.
"So, I would hope that all the millennials out here would really adhere to our culture and our tradition so that we can inspire others, we can impact people.
Do you agree that a third rest room should be built for transgenders? Why or why not?
Karen Gallman, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental 2018:
"I definitely agree there should be a third rest room for transgender because as women, we would like privacy, and also with men.
"We have a separate room for the transgenders to serve as equality and privatization."
What is the role of beauty queens in the pursuing of our country's economic success, if any?
Eva Patalinjug, Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International 2018:
"A role of the beauty queen is to be a voice. I am here to make a message to all of you.
"In these times of uncertainty and fear that has seemingly taken over in our country, we have remained steadfast as we face all of the challenges.
"As a united nation, what we should do is to set aside our political differences, forget our academic and social preferences, and let love and loyalty for our country rise above all..."
What can you do to fight fake news?
Michele Gumabao, Bb. Pilipinas-Globe 2018: "I know that fake news is very rampant nowadays.
"But in order to fight this, we must first know what we are reporting, know what we are reading.
"And at the same time, be accountable with what we say especially online.
"And I hope that media always filters and use their resources to always deliver truth and authentic news.
