Catriona Gray breezed through the preliminary round of the Miss Universe 2018 pageant held on Thursday night, December 13, at IMPACT Arena in Bangkok Thailand.
Catriona was "the girl on fire" wearing a fierce red orange gown designed by Mak Tumang.
After the pageant, Mak revealed in an Instagram post that his creation was inspired by Filipino mythical creature Ibong Adarna, a magical bird, and the Mikimoto crown of Miss Universe titleholders.
He wrote, "ADARNA: The Blazing Siren
"The 'Ibong Adarna' is a mythological pulchritudinous bird that could change in several fascinating guises. Its enchanting voice can enable complete healing to anyone who hears it.
"Some artists liken it to the mythological Phoenix where it recurrently regenerates itself by arising amidst a spectacle of flames and candescence. This makes it a fitting symbol of resilience, rising and rebirth."
Sash Factor, a site being maintained by pageant enthusiasts, added, "Catriona has a resilient, tenacious and unwavering spirit. Her voice is truly captivating literally and figuratively.
"She uses it to influence, advance her timely causes and both melt and heal hearts.
"Her will-power and burning passion drive her to make every Filipino proud in whatever she does.
"She is the blazing Adarna! Watch her rise in glory along with our hopes and dreams for our beloved country: the Philippines!
"Inspired from the Philippine Adarna Bird, Phoenix & Mikimoto Crown @maktumang"
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