Catriona spreads early Christmas cheer

MANILA,Philippines — A month before she relinquishes her crown, Catriona Gray arrived in the country to fulfill her remaining duties as 2018 Miss Universe.

More than her iconic lava walk, Catriona is known for her passion for her advocacies, including education for underprivileged youth.

She invited kids of Young Focus Philippines and Hope for Change to a children’s party like no other at the Jollibee Level Up Store in Katipunan, Loyola Heights, Quezon City on Nov. 8.

Catriona bonded with the kids as they were treated to an afternoon of fun and exciting games and a dance performance from Jollibee and Friends. They also enjoyed a delicious feast of merienda.

The party culminated with a special cake-blowing ceremony led by Catriona for November birthday celebrants. The children all went home with smiles on their faces and with party loot bags filled with goodies and treats.

However, it was not only the kids who took home precious memories as Catriona was also surprised by the little ones with heartfelt thank-you notes and a memorable performance from the talented children of Young Focus.

“After my reign, definitely I’m going to be involved in different community projects in the Philippines and around the world. It’s really the work that I love doing. I want to focus on music. Hopefully, I’d be involved in benefit concerts,” Catriona shared.

 Catriona flies back to the USA this week to enjoy the remaining days as Miss U before she passes on the crown to the 2019 Miss Universe at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on Dec. 8 (Dec. 9, 8 a.m. Manila time). Philippine bet is Gazini Ganados.

Young Focus Philippines is a Tondo-based non-profit that believes in improving the total well-being of the youth through education, mental care and personal coaching. They have been supported by Catriona since 2015.

Meanwhile, Hope for Change is an international organization that has been actively reaching out to impoverished communities throughout East Africa, the Philippines, and Indo-Asia for more than 25 years.