Catriona Gray admitted she feels disheartened by the current state of the Miss Universe brand.
In an interview with Karen Davila, the Miss Universe 2018 shared that she is saddened to see the pageant lose elements that once made it more meaningful than beauty alone.
"Siguro as a former and also a pageant fan I have high hopes for the brand. And like we were saying before, I've always believed in the potential of pageantry that we could be agents for good and actually make a difference and not just be there for the glitz and glam. But I guess I'm quite disheartened with many fans to see like there's no formal charity partner anymore, like Smile Train used to be there. That's how I was introduced to Smile Train. They're no longer a partner. And to see that there's not a lot of speaking opportunities for the girls anymore. It's more just parade of beauty," she remarked.
As someone who strongly advocated for Miss Universe winners to serve as spokespersons for meaningful causes, Catriona said she is saddened that this aspect appears to have faded.
"I've always wanted to see the brand elevate and to be a platform for spokeswoman. Now to see that it's really lost that essence, I'm really disheartened 'cause it also feels like the work that I push for during my year is also lost," she remarked.
Catriona also pointed out that issues surrounding management have shifted attention away from the candidates and their advocacies.
"I also feel like the spotlight and the noise is nasa mismanagement ng [organization] kaysa sa girls mismo. So we don't really even know there stories why they join 'cause so many of these girls join with like such incredible hearts for wanting to make a difference. So I'm sad. I really pray and hope that we'll see a better upturn in the brand in the years to come but where it is right now, I have to say alongside the pageant fans I'm quite disappointed."