Cyrille Payumo says sorry for wearing Catriona Gray’s Miss U farewell gown

Photo courtesy: @payumocyrille | Instagram

GEN Z beauty queen Cyrille Payumo issued an apology on social media, addressing criticisms against her for wearing the farewell gown of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray at a recent beauty competition.

During the finals night of the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH)-Pampanga on Saturday, Payumo, who was crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2025, wore Gray’s “Reflection” gown made by Filipino designer Mak Tumang.

But several netizens argued that the “Reflection” gown should only be exclusive for Gray as it was part of her legacy and that the Miss Charm Philippines titleholder should have chosen something else for the pageant.

In her statement, Payumo explained she learned that Tumang would sponsor her final walk gown days before the coronation night of the MUPH-Pampanga, and one of the options given to her was the “Reflection” gown.

“A wave of emotions flooded over me—excitement, nerves, and a profound sense of honor,” wrote Payumo. “My heart swelled with awe and I felt an overwhelming sense of privilege.”

“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 added.

The beauty queen clarified that her intention in choosing the “Reflection” gown was to honor “the victory of bringing the Miss Philippines Charm title home to Pampanga” and celebrate Tumang’s “visionary artistry.”

“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 expressed.

She continued, “I take full responsibility for any misunderstandings or hurt feelings that may have resulted.”

Payumo said she deeply reflected on the experience and sincerely regretted any distress she caused. She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to “learn and grow” from this experience.

‘Reflection’ gown

Gray wore the “Reflection” gown during her final walk as Miss Universe 2018 before she turned over the crown to South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi in 2019.

Explaining the concept behind it, Tumang said Gray’s final walk gown was inspired by two things: the country’s national bird, the Philippine eagle, and the Philippine seas.

It was a sparkly blue gown that mirrors the point of view of the Philippine eagle as it flies over the turquoise seas embracing the Philippine archipelago.

“Despite its mighty ability to soar up high far beyond the clouds, it could still manage to look down until the point of reflecting itself on the shiny waters,” Tumang explained in a December 2019 post on Instagram.

“This display of both might & humility is the call each of us heeds,” he added.

The designer likened Filipinos to the Philippine eagle, which has its own way of navigating its journey.

“As a nation, we are to have a steadfast spirit yet we also take a moment to journey within ourselves,” Tumang said.

The “Reflection” gown is just one of Gray’s iconic attire during her reign as Miss Universe. But if there is one gown that Tumang would never replicate, he said it would be Gray’s winning “Lava” gown.

“Merong nagre-request pero hindi ko ina-allow na i-replicate kasi very iconic, so, kailangan si Catriona lang ‘yung merong ganon,” he said during his appearance in “Magandang Buhay” in 2019.

‘No need’ for an apology

Meanwhile, many netizens came to Payumo’s defense and said there was no need for her to apologize for wearing the “Reflection” gown.

Filipina-Kiwi beauty queen Victoria Vincent Velasquez said it is not Payumo who should apologize but the “pageant realm” for their “ongoing toxic behavior towards women who have good intentions.”

Others were also happy to see Payumo wearing the “Reflection” gown and said it fits well with her.

“Mas maraming natuwa na Nakita naming ulit ang gown. You were stunning that night,” said one Instagram user.

Another netizen stressed, “The designer holds the right to decide who will wear his creations (even if the gown has been worn by a previous sensational queen). Cyrille wore and presented the gown beautifully and that’s all that matters.”

Payumo was crowned Miss Charm Philippines in May 2024, with her advocacy centering around the Aeta community in Pampanga.