Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray continues to shine beyond the pageant stage, using her platform to champion causes close to her heart.
Read: Catriona Gray reacts to Chelsea Manalo's performance in MU 2024
Catriona's advocacies took center stage at her first-ever Legacy Ball, which aimed to raise funds for Young Focus Philippines, an organization dedicated to providing education, nutrition, and support to underserved communities in Tondo, Manila.
The star-studded charity gala was held on November 22, 2024, at the City of Dreams Manila.
The Legacy Ball was a labor of love, and showcased Catriona's enduring commitment to advocacy and her remarkable ability to unite people for meaningful change.
Catriona was grateful for the overwhelming turnout, saying, “Sobrang taba ng puso ko, as in.
"Well, I’m just really grateful because, of course, everyone being here is showing support to Young Focus. And so, seeing that in so many people, they are showing up to support and donating, has been just so fulfilling, so gratifying."
She hinted at making it an annual event, saying, “Hopefully, the Legacy Ball would be an annual undertaking, maybe for the benefit of other groups if it is allowed.
"I think it is just a wonderful way to bring people together, to give back to the community in a way that really just makes a great impact."
YOUNG FOCUS: AT THE HEART OF CATRIONA’S ADVOCACY
Catriona’s passion for education is not just a result of her reign as Miss Universe.
It has been a driving force in her life long before she graced the global stage.
This dedication stems from her long-standing partnership with Young Focus Philippines, an organization committed to providing life-changing educational opportunities to children in Tondo, Manila.
As one of the most vocal and passionate ambassadors of the cause, Catriona has worked closely with the organization to bring attention to the importance of accessible and quality education.
Catriona elaborated, "What Young Focus does is they give school sponsorships, they also give curricular activities, such as catch-up programs, for students that may have dropped out of school.
"They really do a comprehensive approach, they are really passionate about what they do.
Through programs like child sponsorships, Young Focus helps children stay in school.
She continued, “It’s a really long-term plan of wanting to take them and their family out of poverty, but we have to start somewhere."
These words reflect Catriona’s deep understanding of the sustained efforts needed to break the cycle of poverty, and the power of education as a tool for empowerment.
Catriona GRAY: A GLOBAL GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
Beyond Young Focus, Catriona’s advocacy portfolio also includes her work with Smile Train, a global charity organization dedicated to providing free cleft care to children in need.
Her involvement with Smile Train has taken her on numerous international mission trips, where she has seen firsthand how cleft surgeries and comprehensive care can change lives.
In turn, during the Legacy Ball, she was honored with the 2024 Global Goodwill Ambassador Impact Award.
"It’s not only something that changes the life of a child, but also the lives of the whole family and therefore the whole community,” she said.
On her award, Catriona emphasized that the recognition wasn’t just for her.
"I know that I am the recipient of the Goodwill Ambassador Award, but I really do have to shine the light back on to every person within Smile Train who’s working on the ground.
"It is really the staff and the people who are working with these kids, with these communities, that makes all the difference."
Catriona GRAY'S LEGACY BALL: A STAR-STUDDED NIGHT FOR A CAUSE
The Legacy Ball brought together an impressive roster of celebrities, influencers, and industry leaders.
Organized in partnership with Cornerstone Entertainment and directed by John Prats, the evening featured performances that seamlessly blended celebration and charity.
G22, Yes My Love, and Patrick Quiroz opened the show with a powerful rendition of “You Will Be Found,” a song of hope that set the tone for the night.
Piolo Pascual captivated the audience with heartfelt performances of “Til There Was You” and “Be My Lady,” followed by Richard Poon’s soulful delivery of a Christmas Medley and the timeless classic “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko.”
A stand-out moment: Gowns were auctioned to support Young Focus.
While Radha performed, Cornerstone talents—including G22, Perlas Funtanares, Sofia Jarling, Roxie Smith, and Isabel Oli—modeled creations by Mak Tumang, Manny Halasan, Russ Cuevas, Jearson Demavivas, Ulysses Caragayan, and Dia Ali, all close friends of Catriona in the fashion industry.
The event also highlighted Catriona's performance of "When You Believe," which she dedicated to the beneficiaries.
Overall, the event wasn’t just about glitz and glamour—it was a call to action.
"This really was just an idea last year, and to see such an incredible turnout, I am so grateful,” Catriona remarked.
She also emphasized the importance of purpose-driven work.
In her own words:
“It is really because of [Young Focus and Smile Train] that I enjoy having the platform that I do because it makes me feel like I have a purpose for it.
"I don’t think my life would be the same if it weren’t for them, and I know that thousands of children can say the same."
READ MORE: