Miss Universe Catriona Gray Celebrates Indigenous Culture with Visit to Bagobo Tagabawa Tribe in Davao del Sur

DAVAO DEL SUR — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray once again showed her love for Philippine culture during a recent visit to the Bagobo Tagabawa Cultural Village in Tibolo, Davao del Sur. Known for her advocacy in promoting Filipino heritage, Gray took time to immerse herself in the rich traditions of this indigenous tribe.

The Bagobo Tagabawa are renowned for their exquisite traditional garments made from abaca fiber, enhanced by intricate beadwork called pangulabe. During her visit, Catriona marveled at the painstaking craftsmanship behind these creations, where each piece can take up to two months to complete.

Women in the tribe wore colorful beaded blouses and sun’od—their signature tubular skirts—while men sported unpak ka mama jackets, saro-ar trousers, and tangkulo headcloths. These garments tell stories inspired by dreams, nature, and epic legends, featuring motifs such as crocodiles, birds, flowers, and the majestic Mt. Apo.

In a heartfelt social media post, Gray wrote, “Each piece reflects the tribe’s deep connection to their spirit (Manaman), their people (Manobo), and their land (Tana). This visit has been a beautiful reminder of the vibrant and diverse heritage that makes the Philippines truly special.”

Catriona’s visit shines a spotlight on indigenous culture and craftsmanship, encouraging Filipinos and the world to appreciate and preserve these precious traditions. As a global ambassador of Filipino pride, Gray continues to inspire many with her passion for cultural heritage and advocacy.