New York Fil-Am Community Gives Warm Sendoff for Miss Philippines Competing in Miss World 2016 in Washington DC

Ms World Philippines Catriona Gray in New York City. (Lambert Parong/Kababayan Media)

New York – On a special night dedicated to newly-crowned Miss World Philippines 2016 Ms. Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray, a Meet and Greet event hosted by the Philippine Consulate was held at the Philippine Center lobby which was attended by supporters from Fil-Am media and the Filipino Community.

Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega led well-wishers during a short program and congratulated Ms. Gray for her accomplishments, describing her as a multi-talented Filipina and an accomplished visual artist with a generous heart for the marginalized sector in our country.

Consul General Tess Dizon-de Vega with Catriona Gray.(Lambert Parong/ Kababayan Media)

“On behalf of the Filipino community in New York, we admire you for sharing not just your skills and beauty, but Filipino upbringing, culture, and your socio-civic advocacies,” remarked the Consul General.

Ms. Catriona Gray, who passed by New York before proceeding to Washington DC for the one month pre-pageant activities and final competition, thanked the Filipino community for a warm welcome and for making her feel that New York is a home away from home. Miss World Philippines was the first pageant she joined and her trip to New York and Washington DC her first time in this part of the world. She believes in uplifting the marginalized sector from poverty through education, which she considers a personal advocacy even before she joined Miss World Philippines, she added.

During the program, Ms. April Talangbayan, a talented young Filipino-American flutist from Philadelphia, presented a special number. Fil-Am press members had a chance to get to know Ms. Gray better during a Q&A portion.