Oas town prepares victory homecoming for 2016 Miss World Philippines

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=928307
• Tuesday, October 4, 2016

By Rhaydz B. Barcia [(PNA), LAP/GVR/RBB/CBD]

LEGAZPI CITY (PNA) -- The local government of Oas town in Albay is preparing a victory homecoming for Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray, said Oas Mayor Domingo Escoto.

He said they are preparing the special homecoming for the Albayana beauty titlist while the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) will pass a resolution commending Gray for bringing honor to her hometown.

Gray, a 22-year-old Filipino-Australian from Oas town was crowned Miss World Philippines 2016 on Sunday when she bested more than 20 contestants at the finals at Manila Hotel Tent.

Domingo said Gray’s family stayed in Oas town before migrating to another country. Her mother, Normita Ragas Magnayon is from Ilaor, Oas while members of her clan are musicians.

He said they will invite Gray to visit their town before competing in the Miss World pageant in Washington D.C. in December.

Gray received also several special awards such as Miss Manila Hotel, best in fashion runway and in the swimsuit and evening gown portions.

Aside from Gray, another Albayana, Mara Muñoz from Pantao, Libon town was named Miss World third runner-up.

Albay second district Representative Joey Sarte Salceda also commended Gray and Muñoz for their triumphs and said a victory welcome awaits them here.

Several Albayanas were winners in past international beauty pageants. Among them was Yvethe Marie Avisado Santiago of Daraga town, an accountancy graduate of Bicol University who was crowned Miss Supranational 2014.

Santiago who passed the licensure examination for certified of public accountants (CPA), won in the local Daragang Magayon festival beauty pageant before joining the Binibining Pilipinas competition.

Albay province through the Pageant Academy led by former Board Member Glenda Ong-Bongao has been producing several beauty titlists in national and international competitions.

Among the notable Albayana beauty queens were Miss Universe fourth runner up Miriam Quiambao of Cagraray Island, Bacacay town, Miss International Precious Lara Guigaman of Ligao City, Miss Universe fourth runner up Venus Raj and Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago.

Raj and Santiago were both adopted daughters of Albay.