MULING nakuha ng pambato ng Pilipinas na si Catriona Gray ang atensiyon ng mga manonood sa pagrampa niya, kasama ng 93 pang kandidata, sa preliminary competition ng 2018 Miss Universe sa Impact Arena sa Bangkok, Thailand, nitong Huwebes ng gabi.

Napuno ng hiyawan at palakpakan ang buong arena mula sa mga manonood, kasabay ng kanya-kanyang pagwawagayway ng bandila ng kanilang pambato na nagpatalbugan sa swimsuit at evening gown categories sa loob ng dalawang oras na naka-streamed live sa website ng patimpalak.

Sa pre-pageant activity pipiliin ang Top 20 candidates na may chance para maging susunod na Miss Universe. Ihahayag ang 20 kandidata na papasok sa finale ng kumpetisyon sa Lunes, Disyembre 17.

Sa unang pagkakataon sa nakalipas na 67 taon, pawang babae ang bumubuo sa komite na pipili sa mananalo.

Bukod kay Catriona, na isa pinalakpakan sa prelims, marami ring tagahanga ang mga pambato ng Thailand, Spain, at ilang kandidata mula Latin America.

Sa swimsuit competition, inirampa ni Catriona ang kanyang toned body sa swimwear na gawa ng Sirivannavari Bangkok.

Habang sa evening gown portion, suot ni Cat ang isang orange outfit na likha ng Filipino fashion designer nasi Mak Tumang na tinawag niyang “Ibong Adarna: The Blazing Siren.”

Inilarawan ni Tumang ang ideya sa likod ng evening gown: “The ‘Ibong Adarna’ is a mythological pulchritudinous bird that could change in several fascinating guises. Its enchanting voice can enable complete healing to anyone who hears it;

‘Some artists liken it to the mythological Phoenix where it recurrently regenerates itself by arising amidst a spectacle of flames and candescence. This makes it a fitting symbol of resilience, rising and rebirth. Catriona has a resilient, tenacious and unwavering spirit;

“Her voice is truly captivating literally and figuratively. She uses it to influence, advance her timely causes and both melt and heal hearts. Her will-power and burning passion drive her to make every Filipino proud in whatever she does. She is the blazing Adarna! Watch her rise in glory along with our hopes and dreams for our beloved country: the Philippines!” paliwanag ni Mak.

Samantala, humingi na ng paumanhin si Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers makaraan ang kontrobersiyal niyang komento na ‘tila nangungutya kina Miss Vietnam at Miss Cambodia.

Sa kanyang Instagram, sinabi ni Miss USA na: “Miss Universe is an opportunity for women from around the world to learn about each other’s cultures, life experiences, and views. We all come from different backgrounds and can grow alongside one another;

“In a moment where I intended to admire the courage of a few of my sisters, I said something that I now realize can be perceived as not respectful, and I apologize;

“My life, friendships, and career revolve around me being a compassionate and empathetic woman. I would never intend to hurt another. I am grateful for opportunities to speak with Nat, Miss Cambodia, and H’Hen, Miss Vietnam, directly about this experience. These are the moments that matter most to me,” pahayag beauty queen mula sa Nebraska.

Umani ng batikos si Miss USA matapos kumalat sa social media ang isang video na kinunan sa Instagram live, kung saan, kasama sina Miss Australia Francesca Hung at Miss Colombia Valeria Morales ay pinag-uusapan nila ang dalawang nabanggit na Asian candidates.

“What do you think of Miss Vietnam Nie?” tanong ni Sarah Rose. “She’s so cute and she pretends to know so much English and then you ask her a question after having a whole conversation with her and she goes,” komento ng kandidata kasunod ng pagtawa. “She’s adorable.”

Kasunod nito’y tinanong siya ni Miss Colombia ng: “How?” Habang maririnig sa video ang sinabi ni Miss USA na: “Miss Cambodia is here and doesn’t speak any English and not a single other person speaks her language. Can you imagine? Francesca said that would be so isolating and I said yes and just confusing all the time.”

“Poor Cambodia,” komento pa ni Sarah Rose.

-Robert R. Requintina