Catriona Gray of Philippines won the much coveted Miss Universe title at the finale ceremony, while Miss South Africa and Miss Venezuela won the respective first and second runner-up spots. India’s representative Nehal Chudasama did not make it to the top 20.

Dressed in a red gown, Gray was euphoric as she took her first walk as Miss Universe. She was crowned by Miss Universe 2017 Demi Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa.

In the final round, she was asked about the most important lesson that she had learned in life and how would she apply it in her time as Miss Universe.

“I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila and the life there is poor and it’s very sad. And I have always taught myself to look for the beauty in it; to look for the beauty in the faces of the children and to be grateful. And I will bring this aspect as a Miss Universe, to see situations with a silver lining. And to assess where I could give something; where I could provide something as a spokesperson. And if I can teach people to be grateful, we can have an amazing world where negativity cannot grow and prosper, and children will have smiles on their faces,” she said.

Top 3 Final Word: Miss Universe Philippines#MissUniverse LIVE on @FOXtv. pic.twitter.com/W6Vwfy10k0

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 17, 2018

Catriona Gray is an HIV/AIDS advocate at Love Yourself PH and volunteers as a Teacher’s Assistant to the students of Young Focus NGO, according to the official Miss Universe website.

Being held for the 67th year, the competition took place in Bangkok for the third time.

Miss Universe 2018 is... PHILIPPINES! pic.twitter.com/r2BkN8JpXh

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 17, 2018