Miss Philippines Catriona Gray crowned miss universe 2018

Catriona Elisa Gray from the Philippines was crowned Miss Universe 2018 at a gala ceremony. South Africa's Tamaryn Green was named the first runner-up. A medical student, her favourite quote is from Mahatma Gandhi: "Be the change you want to see in the world."

The second runner-up, Miss Venezuela Sthefany Gutierrez is studying to be a lawyer in her home country.

Ms Gray was ecstatic as she took her first walk as Miss Universe in a red gown. She was crowned by Miss Universe 2017 Demi Leigh Nel-Peters, who comes from South Africa.

In the final question round, Ms Gray was asked about the most important lesson she has learnt in life and how would she apply it in her time as Miss Universe.

She said: "I work a lot in the slums of Manila and life there is very poor and sad. I have always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look for the beauty in the faces of the children, and I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining and to asses where I could give something and provide something.

"And if I could also teach people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity would not brew and foster, and children would have a smile on their face." negativity."

Ms Gray has a love for the arts and holds a Master Certificate in Music Theory. She is an adventure junkie and is passionate about her love for Filipino dishes including adobo, balut and the sweetest mangoes in the world.

As for her philanthropic side, she is an HIV/AIDS advocate at Love Yourself PH and volunteers as a Teacher's Assistant to the students of Young Focus NGO, according to the official Miss Universe website.