BANGKOK -- Catriona Gray's boyfriend, Filipino-German model and actor Clint Bondad on Sunday spurred her on in her bid for the Philippines' fourth Miss Universe crown.
"I didn't speak too much to her, but last night I told her she's wonderful whatever comes," Bondad, who has been in a relationship with Gray for 5 years, told ABS-CBN News on the eve of the pageant coronation.
Gray, 24, has pulled all the stops in the preliminary round, from a giant lantern strapped to her back, a slow-motion twirl in a hot pink bikini, and a long gown in flame hues that symbolized a mythical Filipino bird.
During the Miss World only 2 years ago, Gray was a pageant favorite but lost the crown to Puerto Rico's Stephanie del Valle.
A photo of her weeping and clutching the Philippine flag to her chest went viral.
Miss Universe host Steve Harvey "is going to joke later about crowning Miss Philippines correctly this time making her Miss Universe," Bondad said of Gray hours ahead of the pageant.
Bondad is a member of the “ASAP” cover boys along with Tommy Esguerra, Albie Casiño, Luis Hontiveros, and Tanner Mata.
He has also appeared on ABS-CBN’s “Ipaglaban Mo” and “Pusong Ligaw,” as well as in a number of television commercials.