Julia Christine Botin

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Josh Mercado

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774829124226image0.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Catriona Gray graces the 2nd She Shines Summit. Josh Mercado</div>MANILA, Philippines — Closing Women’s Month on a high note, Catriona Gray was welcomed by women from various industries at the 2nd She Shines Summit last March 28 at Gallio Events Hall.In her keynote, Gray urged participants to recognize the power of their voices and use them to create opportunities and uplift others.According to Gray, she has been pushing for women&#x27;s empowerment since her entry into pageantry, crediting the beauty pageant scene for her now-successful platform that supports other women.<div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>“There is a lot of work to be done in terms of women&#x27;s empowerment and improving the lives of Filipinas in the Philippines,” the Miss Universe 2018 told ABS-CBN News, “including pleading with our higher-ranking officials to improve women&#x27;s access to opportunities, education, and a lot of the intersectionality that comes with women&#x27;s health care, among other things. So there is still a lot of work to be done. So we just need to keep pushing.”As part of the 2nd She Shines Summit, founded by Cat Ilacad, Rache Stern, and Rica Peralejo Bonifacio, Gray also discussed how her concept of womanhood has evolved over time.“I believe I entered the public eye at the age of 21 or 22, so I was still a baby. Now that I&#x27;m 32, I&#x27;ve gained a lot of information and experience, and I believe that as a recurring theme in my reflections on my womanhood, I&#x27;ve learned to offer myself grace. I believe I wanted to grow up quickly and held myself to such high regard and standards that I am constantly compared to other women. I mean, I came from pageantry, where they were pitted against one another,” she opened up to ABS-CBN News.“So being able to give myself grace and acknowledge that I am unique, with my own strengths and experiences — there&#x27;s something beautiful about that that allows me to speak to women that I&#x27;m fortunate to meet and perhaps encourage them to see themselves the same way,” she added.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774829069713image2.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>She Shines Summit puts spotlight on women. Josh Mercado</div>Redefining womanhood while challenging society to end the culture in which women are constantly told to choose between love life and career, the beauty queen continued, “I don&#x27;t understand why we always have to put a tie or a label to what women can do and can be.”“I think it&#x27;s more prevalent to say, ‘Oh, you know, she&#x27;s a mother, therefore her life and priorities should look like this.’ ‘Anong pipiliin mo? Love life or career?’ Why do we always need to choose? Are men ever asked the same thing? Hindi naman. It&#x27;s very limiting,” she added.“So, I think there&#x27;s a mind shift that needs to happen. But I believe there are more opportunities for women to speak up and be seen than ever before, so I am very hopeful and encouraged that we will keep moving forward,” she pointed out.Gray concluded her interview with ABS-CBN News with this message for young women: “Everything we see on social media has been intentionally curated in some kind. We&#x27;re watching people&#x27;s highlight reels and what they want us to see. So, as someone who works in this industry, I understand that a beautiful photo requires lighting, styling, makeup, and hair, but those young women may not. And so I just want to remind them that reality does not resemble someone&#x27;s highlight reel on social media.”“Don&#x27;t compare yourself to me or anyone else you admire behind all of those shining highlights. Life is full of challenges, trials, and failures, even in my own journey, so don&#x27;t compare yourself to anyone because comparison is the thief of joy. Instead, continue to navigate by your values and try to find joy in what we do, and hopefully, you&#x27;ll feel that value within yourself and won&#x27;t have to compare yourself,” she ended.

Catriona Gray urged participants at the 2nd She Shines Summit to recognize the power of their voices and use them to create opportunities and uplift others.

Catriona Gray urged participants at the 2nd She Shines Summit to recognize the power of their voices and use them to create opportunities and uplift others.

Catriona Gray on love life vs career: ‘Why do we always need to choose?’

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Catriona Gray on love life vs career: ‘Why do we always need to choose?’

Josh Mercado

Published March 30, 2026 11:28 AM PHT

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Catriona Gray

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