"I feel like the giving that we should all aim for is one that is given without expecting anything in return, or it's not to gain anything because then it's like giving with a motive."
-Catriona Gray
Catriona Gray
Biography
Catriona Gray is a model, singer and professional beauty queen. With her oozing beauty and intelligence, she won the Miss Universe title last 2018. She is now deemed as the fourth Filipina beauty queen to win the Miss Universe.
Prior to winning the prestigious crown, Catriona is Miss World Philippines 2015 and placed 3rd runner-up in Miss World on the same year. A singer by profession, she released her single “We’re In This Together” during her reign as Miss Universe-Philippines.
Unknown to the reference of many, Catriona attended Berlee College of Music and later achieved a Master Certificate in Music Theory. She has an undeniable passion for producing and bringing quality music. Surprisingly Catriona is also a black belter martial artist. She obtained a Certificate in Outdoor Creation in Choi Kwang-Do.
Catriona is also an advocate who works closely with Young Focus Philippines, an Education based NGO that supports free education and sponsorships mainly crafted the children of Tondo, Manila. Additionally, she is actuavely contributing and uspporting an organization that provides free testing, education and treatment to HIV/AIDS affected individuals. She also works for international charitable causes like Smile Train, Apicha CHC, God’s Love We Deliver.
In the Smokey Mountain area of Manila, thousands of families rely directly or indirectly on the garbage ‘industry’.
Jobs range from scavenging for recyclable materials to driving bike taxis. The average family income with these jobs is $5 USD/day.
Financial constraints, as well as a lack of educational and social support, mean that many children are unable to complete their education, and in turn, are unable to break the cycle of poverty.
Young Focus runs a preschool to ensure children aged 3 – 5 have access to early education and care. This is combined with training for their parents in health, nutrition, hygiene and parenting skills. Young Focus works with children aged 5 – 20 to make sure they are enrolled in schools and colleges, also providing after-school learning support. For those who have dropped out of school there are education programs to prepare children for re-enrollment. Young Focus provides individual social support and social education for all the students and their families.