At her national competition , United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Yong Kim asked the following : " After the devastating war — Marawi is now on its way to recovery , what will be your message to the young women of Marawi ? " : Gray represented the Philippines in the 2018 Miss Universe contest on 17 December 2018 held at IMPACT Arena , Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi Province , Thailand . During the national costume show presentation , Gray showcased a beaded tribal suit featuring the indigenous tribes of the ancient pagan Filipinos , alongside an oversized '' Parol '' painted Christmas lantern pulled by a roller device . The costume was accompanied by a pre-Christian Shamanic dance of the historical Babaylan paganism . The costume gained both support and criticism , due to the perceived difficulty of walking and the failure of LEDs to function , whilst Gray cited her scoliosis ailment
2018 Miss Universe contest
Miss Universe 2018
Catriona Gray