Catriona Gray's third Miss Universe dress inspired by the Philippines revealed

It's the stunning dress we didn't get to see, but it still tells a wonderful story of the Philippines's history and culture

Mak Tumang's third dress for Catriona Gray, Miss Universe winner. Mak Tumang / Facebook
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Miss Universe Catriona Gray has captured the attention of the world since winning her title in early December, but her fellow Filipinos have been following her journey for much longer.

The 24-year-old is a former Miss Philippines and Miss World, and has been representing her country in beauty pageants since she was just five years old.

But she made her country especially proud when she took the ultimate title, dressed in stunning gowns which paid homage to the Philippines by telling the stories of its rich heritage and culture.

Miss Philippines Catriona Gray competes during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, December 17, 2018. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
Miss Philippines Catriona Gray competes in her volcano-inspired dress during the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. Reuters

On The Miss Universe stage in Bangkok, Gray sported two flame-coloured gowns which helped her take the crown. But Filipino designer Mak Tumang has now revealed a previously-unseen third dress, which also has a patriotic story to tell.

The green, gold and blue gown is named 'Perla Oriente' or 'Pearl of the Orient Sea' - the same name given to the Philippines. Tumang explains: "Aside from the fact that our country is one of the largest producers of pearls, the Philippines is truly a gem! It is beautiful, enchanting and captivating. Indeed a high value and rare pearl."

Mak Tumang designed a third dress for Catriona Grey's Miss Universe run named Perla Oriente. Mak Tumang / Facebook
Mak Tumang designed a third dress for Catriona Grey's Miss Universe run named Perla Oriente. Mak Tumang / Facebook

The dress never made it to the Miss Universe catwalk, but Tumag has shared his designs and images from a fitting with Catriona on his Facebook page.

The two dresses Catriona did wear were inspired by the 'Ibong Adarna' - a mythological pulchritudinous bird, and the Mayon Volcano, found on the island of Luzon.

“The prominent and iconic Mayon Volcano is the penultimate inspiration for this creation,” Tumang explained. “Folk tales have it that it was named after the mythological heroine ‘Daragang Magayon’ (Beautiful Lady).

"Despite its pulchritude [extreme beauty] is the fact that it is the most active volcano in the Philippines, erupting numerous times in the past half a millennium. Catriona can be considered as the modern-day Daragang Magayon. She embodies the Filipina’s beauty, intelligence and burning passion. This lady is definitely on fire.”

Following the pageant, Catriona arrived back in Manila to a hero's welcome. She will commence her charity work with the Miss Universe Organisation in the New Year.

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Read more:

Five things you didn't know about Filipina Miss Universe winner Catriona Gray

From Miss Philippines to Miss Universe: the previous Filipina winners and where they are now

Miss Universe 2018: The two contestants from the Arab world vying for the crown

Pinoy pride: the story behind Miss Philippines’ winning Miss Universe dress

Australian tabloid claims Aussie 'ownership' of Filipina Miss Universe Catriona Gray

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