In what can easily qualify as a no-brainer to Filipino pageant fans, former Miss World Philippines titleholder Catriona Gray (Bb#20) was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2018 at the 55th edition of the Bb. Pilipinas pageant, held on March 18 at the Araneta Coliseum. The 24-year-old Ms. Gray also won the lion’s share of special awards, including Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, the Pitoy Moreno Best in National Costume Award, JAG Denim Queen, and Miss Ever Bilena.

The Fil-Aussie beauty is best known for placing 4th in Miss World 2016, much to the dismay of fans who believed she should have won the title. With her victory, she will now have a second shot at international glory. Moreover, she will now be the first Filipina to have competed in both Miss World and Miss Universe.

Crowned Bb. Pilipinas-International was 20-year-old Maria Ahtisa Manalo (Bb#17), who will compete in the 56th Miss International Pageant in Tokyo, Japan. Third-timer Jehza Mae Huelar (Bb#31) was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational and will compete in the 10th Miss Supranational pageant in Poland. Former Mutya ng Pilipinas titleholder Eva Psychee Patalinjug (Bb#32) was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Grand International and will now have a shot at competing internationally. Karen Gallman (Bb#38) was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental, while former DLSU Lady Spiker Michelle Gumabao (Bb#19) was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Globe.

For the first time ever, both runners-up also earned tiaras. Completing the winners circle are actress Vickie Rushton (Bb#1), who was crowned 1st Runner-Up and Samantha Bernardo (Bb#14), who was crowned 2nd Runner-Up.

Early favorites, past placers, and one dark horse comprised the remainder of the Top 15. They were: Murielle Orais (Bb#3), Aya Abesamis (Bb#11), Juliana Kapuendl (Bb#15), Anjame Magtibang (Bb#21), Edjelyn Joy Gamboa (Bb#24), Wynonah Buot (Bb#26), and Sandra Lemonon (Bb#35).

Making the Top 25 were: Ana Patricia Asturias (Bb#4), Sigrid Grace Flores (Bb#7), Shane Tormes (Bb#8), Agatha Lei Romero (Bb#9), Kayesha Chua (Bb#10), Kristie Rose Cequeña (Bb#13), Ena Louis Velasco (Bb#23), Mary Joy de Castro (Bb#34), Patrizia Garcia (Bb#37), and Trixia Marie Maraña (Bb#39).

Congratulations to all winners and finalists! More on the results in our full review!