Catriona Elisa Gray from Philippines was crowned Miss Universe 2018

Catriona Elisa Gray from Philippines was crowned Miss Universe 2018 at a gala ceremony, where representatives from South Africa and Venezuela secured the first runner-up and second runner-up spots. India's Nehal Chudasama failed to make it to the Top 20.

Ms Gray was ecstatic as she took her first walk as Miss Universe in a red gown. She was crowned by Miss Universe 2017 Demi Leigh Nel-Peters, who comes from South Africa.

In the final question round, Ms Gray was asked about the most important lesson she has learnt in life and how would she apply it in her time as Miss Universe.

She said: "I work a lot in the slums of Manila and life there is very poor and sad. I have always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look for the beauty in the faces of the children, and I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining and to asses where I could give something and provide something.

Ms Gray beat out South Africa finalist Tamaryn Green for the crown. Ms Green was crowned first runner-up.

The women who made it through to the final round included Vietnam, Venezuela, Philippines, Costa Rica, Curacao, Nepal, Canada, Thailand and Puerto Rico. Miss Australia’s contestant Francesca Hung missed out on a top 10 spot.

Two years after landing the top five of the Miss World 2016 pageant, Catriona Gray now conquered the universe as she has been named this year’s Miss Universe title-holder.

Catriona made the Philippines’ Christmas wish come true as she bested out 93 other beauties from across the globe.

In her final answer, Catriona said her experience working in the slums of Tondo, Manila taught her to “look in the beauty of the children” and be grateful.

“And I will bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. And this I think if I can teach people to be grateful, we can have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster and children will have smile on their faces,” she said.

Earlier during the first round of the question and answer round, Gray said she is in favor of legalizing marijuana for medical use, but not for recreational use.

“I’m for it being used for medical use, but not so for recreational use. Because I think if people will argue then what about alcohol and cigarettes? Everything is good but in moderation?”

With her victory, Catriona now joins the three other Filipina Miss Universe titleholders, namely Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran and Pia Wurtzbach. Catriona is the fourth Filipina Miss Universe.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Catriona said she dedicates her Miss Universe journey to the Philippines.

“What an amazing journey this has been - from day one back in January 2018 of announcing candidacy @bbpilipinasofficial to today. Philippines, you have endlessly inspired me, given me strength and support. I want nothing more than to bring pride to you and give my all to give the best Christmas gift ever to my country,” Catriona wrote.

“Mahal kita, Philippines. Para sayo 'to,” she added. 

First runner-up is South Africa's Tamaryn Green while Venezuela's Sthefany Gutiérrez is second runner-up.