GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A member of the South Cotabato Provincial Board is pushing for the declaration of newly-crowned 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray as the province’s “adopted daughter.”
Board Member Dardanilo Dar, who is currently the acting provincial governor, said Tuesday the move aims to recognize Gray’s efforts to promote the province during the Miss Universe pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand.
In particular, Dar cited the inclusion of video footages during the pageant presentation showing the beauty queen garbed in Tboli traditional dress designed with the famed T’nalak fabric of the province.
The footages also showed Gray at one of the seven waterfalls and while taking a boat ride in Lake Sebu. Gray also wore a T’nalak-inspired costume and Tboli tribal adornments in several pageant events.
“It was a great honor for the entire province to be showcased in a big international event like the Miss Universe,” Dar said.
Gray visited the province last July and graced the 19th Tnalak Festival and South Cotabato’s 52nd foundation anniversary celebration.
“Had the most amazing first day in South Cotabato! Being the last day of the T’nalak festival we witnessed all of the dance groups as they danced down the streets and showcased their regions and cultures!” she said in an Instagram post.
During her visit, the municipal government of Tboli declared Gray as its “adopted daughter.” (PNA)
