Miss Charm's Cyrille Payumo apologizes for wearing Catriona Gray's farewell gown
Miss Charm Philippines 2025 Cyrille Payumo apologized to pageant fans for wearing Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray's farewell gown for her final walk as Miss Universe Philippines-Pampanga.
The Mak Tumang-designed "Reflection" gown was worn by Cyrille as she bid farewell to her title during the MUPh Pampanga finals night on Jan. 25. However, some fans were displeased by this as they argued that the gown should only be exclusive to Catriona.
Cyrille addressed these criticisms in a lengthy statement on her social media pages, sharing that it was Mak who gave her the option to wear the iconic gown.
"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," the beauty queen wrote.
"To add to the magic of the moment, I was informed that one of [the] options from his masterpieces would be the farewell gown of Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray. A wave of emotions flooded over me—excitement, nerves, and a profound sense of honor," she added.
While her heart "swelled with awe" at the news, she acknowledged that wearing the gown resulted in "divided opinions." She said she never intended to cause any pain and that her goal was to honor the designer.
"My goal was to honor not only the victory of bringing the Miss Philippines Charm title home to Pampanga but also to celebrate the visionary artistry of Mak Tumang," Cyrille said, adding that she wanted to thank the fashion designer for allowing her to wear one of his stunning masterpieces.
"I recognize that my actions may have unintentionally diminished the significance of Catriona Gray’s monumental achievements, and for that, I am deeply sorry. I take full responsibility for any misunderstandings or hurt feelings that may have resulted," she continued.
She went on to say that this experience has been "a moment of deep reflection."
"I sincerely regret any distress caused. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow from it, and I appreciate your understanding during this time," she stressed.
According to Mak, the Reflection gown was inspired by the "vision of the Philippine Eagle flying over the flawless turquoise seas embracing our 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. This display of both might and humility is the call each of us heeds," he explained.
He added, "As a nation, we are to have a steadfast spirit yet we also take a moment to journey within ourselves. By doing so, we could be able to mirror the beauty that is within us, to mirror what is true and just and to mirror the light which illuminates our path."
Catriona wore the gown the night she passed the Miss Universe crown to 2019's winner Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa. Cyrille, meanwhile, crowned Krizza Gilliam Yco as the new MUPh Pampanga.
