ICYMI, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray held the Legacy Ball to celebrate fashion, music, and advocacy, specifically Young Focus PH’s focus on education
Quality education for the youth has always been the advocacy of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. Six years after she was crowned, the beauty queen hosted the Legacy Ball to fundraise for Young Focus PH, an organization she has trusted for eight years. Together with the organization’s focus on poverty as a hindrance to education, Gray underscored this message that night and used fashion and music as ways to help the community. Here’s what you missed during that heartfelt night:
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Performers
While her Legacy Ball centered around Gray’s philanthropy and her advocacy, it was also a celebration of music and fashion. The Legacy Ball opened the night with a collaborative performance of “You Will Be Found” by Patrick Quiroz and P-Pop groups G22 and Yes My Love.
Gracing his presence and his voice in the City of Dreams was actor, model, and singer Piolo Pascual, who did a rendition of Martin Nievera’s ever-popular “Be My Lady” and The Beatles’ “Till There Was You.” Also in the beauty queen’s Legacy Ball was TV personality and singer-songwriter Richard Poon, who performed the classic “Moon River,” Filipino hit song “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” and a timely Christmas medley of “All I Want For Christmas” and “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.”
Lastly was the host herself. Accompanied by a choir, Catriona Gray sang Prince of Egypt’s inspiring song “When You Believe.” Afterward, she closed her fundraising ball with Michelle Williams’ “Say Yes.”
RAMPA Auction
The highlight of Catriona Gray’s Legacy Ball was, of course, RAMPA, where Miss Universe 2018 presented all her gowns up for auction, with the proceeds going towards non-government organization Young Focus PH. Among those auctioned were dresses made by renowned designers such as Manny Halasan, Jearsond, Mak Tumang, Russ Cuevas, Ulysses Caragayan, and Dia Ali.
Paired with the beautiful dresses up for auction were the women who supported Gray’s meaningful cause and walked the stage to present them: Sofia Jahrling, Pau Dimaranan, Pamela Kaye, Perlas, G22 members AJ, Alfea, and Jaz, Roxie Smith, Isabel Oli Prats, and Catriona Gray herself.
Young Focus PH
Among the attendees of the Legacy Ball were 20 Young Focus students, enjoying the entertainment and experiencing first-hand Catriona Gray’s efforts to support them. Working with the organization for eight years, the beauty queen has always believed in Young Focus PH’s mission to deliver quality education for underprivileged kids. With their belief that education is one of the ways to tackle poverty, the non-government organization provides programs for preschool kids, disadvantaged youth, elementary to college students, career development programs, social support, and family care programs.
During the Legacy Ball, Young Focus Program Manager Ram Banzuela gave an inspiring speech, introducing the organization and even sharing his story of how he was a sponsored student of Young Focus. Born into poverty, having to drop out of school, and then rediscovering his purpose in life, Banzuela was a student, a volunteer, and eventually became part of the organization’s staff until he became the program manager that he is today.
“Sometimes, you need others to believe in you when you can’t.”
– Bam Banzuela, Young Focus PH Program Manager
Catriona Gray’s Looks
What’s a ball without the belle of a host? Indeed, Catriona wore some of the most beautiful and meaningful gowns for her own fundraising ball. After her trip to Canada, the beauty queen thought to wear a dress with the dreams of the Young Focus students. Gray reached out to Dee Javier, a designer who made tear-stained love letter designs, and asked to personalize her dress with the dreams of the Young Focus PH kids, a beautiful reminder of her mission and advocacy, even after her reign as Miss Universe 2018.
Her second look was a gorgeous, powder blue gown that she donned during her performance. Designed by Al Rey Rosario, the dress featured a sweetheart neckline and a pleated skirt, creating an ethereal, water-like silhouette.
Calling Catriona Gray’s Legacy Ball a success would be an understatement. With the advocate committed to Young Focus for eight years and counting, from doing her part as a role model and volunteer in her own little way to organizing a fundraising ball, the beauty queen amplified the organization’s mission. In giving them an even bigger platform and redirecting her spotlight to Young Focus, Gray has left a massive statement as a former Miss Universe 2018 and as a role model.
Photographed by GRANT BABIA
