Miss Universe Catriona Gray enjoys winter in Turkey as ex-fiancé Sam Milby, 10 years her senior, confirms engagement cancellation

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray in Cappadocia, Turkey. Photo from Gray's Instagram

Gray posted about her visit to Cappadocia, a region in Turkey renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, unique rock formations, and hot air balloons. She shared in the captions of her posts that although the weather prevented her from riding a hot air balloon, she seized the opportunity to explore the region’s underground cities, sample local cuisine, participate in craft workshops, and learn about its rich history.

"Loved the experience of learning about the art of Turkish Rug making," she wrote in one of her Instagram posts. "We were able to experience how the raw materials such as silk is spun, dyed and woven on these looms."

"Cappadocia in winter is really something else!" she added.

Earlier this month, Milby, who had been publicly in a relationship with Gray since 2020 and engaged to her in 2023, confirmed their split. The announcement came after speculation arose when Gray was seen without her engagement ring in social media posts and removed engagement photos from her accounts. A video also surfaced on social media showing Gray and Milby sitting apart at Filipino singer TJ Monterde’s concert earlier this month, with Gray crying on the shoulder of her friend, Filipino actress Isabel Oli, further fueling rumors of the breakup.

At 31, Gray is one of four Filipinos to have won the Miss Universe title. She previously won Miss World Philippines 2016, Miss Universe Philippines 2018, and was a top five finalist at Miss World 2016.

Milby, 41, first gained fame as a participant in the first season of the TV reality show "Pinoy Big Brother."