CROWNING CATRIONA GRAY tonight was a no-brainer. She was always the pick for one of the crowns, but as we said earlier, it had to be Miss Universe Philippines 2018 — no less.

During the Q&A portion that determined this year’s Binibining Pilipinas winners, Catriona was asked for her message to the children of Marawi, the war’s primary victims. She answered:

Be strong. As women, we are the head of the household and we have amazing influence not only in our own families as mothers, sisters, and friends, but also in our community. If we get the women to stay strong and the be image of strength for the children and the people around them, then once the rebuilding is complete, and it’s underway, the morale of the community will stay strong and high.

It’s by far the best answer we heard tonight. Catriona had already won Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown earlier in the show, and if the candidates were ranked purely on their final-round answers, she’d take first place — with Samantha Bernardo, who also answered well, close behind.

See the full list of Binibining Pilipinas 2018 winners here.