Catriona Gray’s Pursuit Of Perfection

Catriona Gray by Renzo Navarro for Preview.ph, September 2022


For fans and spectators, winning the crown in the most prestigious beauty pageant in the world–or universe–might seem like the pinnacle of dreams and perfection for someone who has dedicated much of their time to training and preparing for it. That might seem like the case when we see someone like Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

But for Catriona, it’s not the end because she always aims for constant growth and evolution. “I hate (and hate is a strong word) feeling stagnant or stuck.” She shared that those closest to her can vouch for this. However, she added that she believes there is always a space for creativity and exploring new horizons outside her comfort zone.

If there’s one thing that she finds tremendous gratitude for from winning the crown, it must be her climb to being an advocate. It was a stepping stone to doing what she loves most. As a host and charitable spokesperson, Catriona pays particular attention to developing her speaking skills through hosting or keynote speaking for various causes. Her work for Smile Train particularly stands out. Smile Train is the largest cleft-care-focused organization in the world, aiming to help cleft patients worldwide. “I’m still really active in my role as Global Ambassador for Smile Train. I would love to reach milestones for myself in those fields.”

She finds plenty of purpose, awareness, and education in the advocacies she fights for. This passion, which she compares to integral responsibility, brings her appreciation for the communities she sees coming together. But, to her, the most significant purpose is being their advocate.

Passion-driven

While it’s been a few years since she captured the hearts of Filipinos and pageant fans abroad, Catriona remains humble and steadfast, like a true queen eager to be the model of inspiration to her subjects. You can easily see her passion for what she believes in when you scroll through her social media feed and listen to her speak her mind about important causes like championing feminism and Philippine culture.

She is constantly motivated and humbled by the achievements she has reached thus far. For her, the wins do not define her journey to greatness alone. She believes in looking back and learning from the setbacks she has struggled with. Comparison is not easy to forget; perhaps it is an inherent thing we humans do. Yet, she continues to remind herself that the pursuit of greatness is never linear and never to compare one’s journey to someone else’s.

She believes everyone has their own unique paths, and we should invest ourselves in this journey. “We’re all on our unique paths, and knowing where I began, and seeing how far I’ve come, is encouraging in that I know that if I invest in myself, stick to my values, and continue growing.” In this growth, she said, we find the motivation to continue to achieve greatness again and again.

There is always an opportunity with every door closed. But, for her, you only lose the opportunity when you refuse to take time and learn from it. “If you never pause to see the lesson from it, it’s a lost opportunity.”

Pursuit of Perfection

“I actually am a perfectionist,” Catriona giddily said. It clearly shows, and we don’t need to wonder why. Perfection is an intimidating concept, a dangerous motivation. Still, for someone who constantly reflects and sees the endless opportunities life offers, maybe it’s not so hard to achieve after all.

“The most helpful aspect of my perfectionism is my attention to detail. I’m very intentional and detailed in everything that I do. It’s how I pour my 110% into everything I create and be a part of. It allows me to step back at the end of the day, look at what I’ve done, and be extremely proud, to know I did my best.”

Although a self-proclaimed perfectionist, she does not think it should be defined, comparing it to the concept of beauty. Subjective, individual, and diverse. But her means of pursuing perfection is through working hard and reaching a level of excellence that fulfills her.

“I always just try to do my best, be my best, and look my best.”

And her best is whatever it entails for her. It does not have to be big undertakings, she said. Catriona finds delight even in the smallest habits and simplest things: reading a book, exercising, and indulging herself in relaxing hair care. The latter perhaps is one of the evident embodiments of her attention to detail and perfection.

The NEW Cream Silk Daily Treatment

In everything she does, Catriona tries to excel in everything, almost to an outstanding perfection. But she tries not to bug herself so much from the pressure. She adds that being surrounded by the right people and help can get you closer to excellence and perfection.

Catriona tries to look her best and feel her best simultaneously. In particular, she pays extra attention to her hair. She’s a busy queen and no stranger to day-to-day heat styling and chemical hair procedures. Of course, the toll hair can take could only go as much, so Catriona makes sure to give her hair its much-needed TLC by conditioning it with the new Cream Silk Daily Treatment.

This new treatment is ideal for those who are fond of salon treatments but still look forward to soft, silky, and nourished hair. The damage caused by such treatments can be worrisome but with Cream Silk Daily Treatment, restore the health and shine of your crowning glory. Choose between Keratin Rebond Straight with Keratin and Amino-Infusion Dual Serum to boost the smoothness and shine of your hair, and Keratin Damage Repair with Keratin and Collagen Dual Serum renews and nourishes damaged hair.

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Production Manager: Cha Cabayao
Art Director: Bacs Arcebal, Bea Malonzo
Content Producer: Chelsey Brazal
Photographer: Renzo Navarro
Production Design: Aren Dale Santos (Ad Set Prod)
Fashion Stylist: Justine Aliman
Assistant Stylist: Patrick Henry Mergano
Wardrobe Outfits: DiaAliph
Hair: Brent Sales
Make-up Artist: Anthea Bueno
Video Editor: Dustin Dagamac
VFX Artist: Justin Naguit
Production Assistant: Angel Aguila

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