Catriona Gray and Cyrille Payumo. Image: Instagram/@catriona_gray, @payumocyrille
Miss Charm Philippines 2025 Cyrille Payumo apologized to those who were “hurt or offended” after she used the farewell gown of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray for a pageant event.
Payumo wore Gray’s “Reflection” gown by Filipino designer Mak Tumang during the Miss Universe Philippines-Pampanga finals night last Saturday, Jan. 25. This apparently irked some fans who argued that the gown should be exclusive to Gray’s achievement.
Article continues after this advertisementOn her Instagram page on Monday, Jan. 27, Payumo addressed the criticisms and explained that Tumang sponsored her final walk gown.
FEATURED STORIES ENTERTAINMENT Eugene Domingo recalls spending 8 years in college ENTERTAINMENT Ria Atayde, Zanjoe Marudo get child baptized ENTERTAINMENT Randy Santiago to temporarily host Willie Revillame’s 'Wil to Win'“Days before the event, I was humbled to learn that the brilliant designer, Mak Tumang, would be sponsoring my final walk gown as I passed the crown to the next representative of our beloved province, Pampanga,” Payumo said.
“To add to the magic of the moment, I was informed that one of options from his masterpieces would be the farewell gown of Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray,” she continued. “A wave of emotions flooded over me—excitement, nerves, and a profound sense of honor.”
Article continues after this advertisementPayumo said that being given with such an opportunity made her heart “swell in awe,” feeling an “overwhelming sense of privilege.”
Speaking before the Asean Business and Investment Summit on Wednesday in Laos, Marcos made the pitch for the Philippines as an ideal hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing.
Article continues after this advertisementShe also thanked Tumang, underscoring that her goal for donning the gown was to celebrate the designer’s visionary artistry as well as to honor the victory of bringing the Miss Philippines Charm title to her home province.
Article continues after this advertisement“I understand that wearing such an iconic gown has sparked divided opinions. To those who may have been hurt or offended, I want to clarify that causing pain was never my intention,” she stated.
“I recognize that my actions may have unintentionally diminished the significance of Catriona Gray’s monumental achievements, and for that, I am deeply sorry,” she wrote. “I take full responsibility for any misunderstandings or hurt feelings that may have resulted.”
Article continues after this advertisementPayumo further noted that she regrets the distress she caused, but that she is nonetheless “grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow.”
View this post on InstagramIn the comments section, pageant fans and beauty queens including Victoria Velasquez Vincent came to Payumo’s defense and stressed that Payumo does not need to apologize.
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“No need to apologize. The pageant realm should be apologizing for their ongoing toxic behavior towards women who have good intentions,” Vincent said. “Can’t wait to see you raise our Philippine flag. We are so proud of you.”
Image: Instagram/@payumocyrille
Image: Instagram/@payumocyrille
slots free spinsImage: Instagram/@payumocyrille
Gray has yet to comment on the matter as of this writing.2kbet
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