Catriona Gray arrives in Colombia to judge national pageant

ABS-CBN News
Posted at Nov 12 2020 02:34 PM | Updated as of Nov 12 2020 04:48 PM

MANILA -- (UPDATED) Catriona Gray has finally arrived in Colombia and is set to help pick the country's representative in the Miss Universe pageant.

The former Miss Universe once again showcased local textiles through her outfit, which featured the colors of the Philippine flag.

"Thank you for the warm welcome," she said in an Instagram post, adding that her get-up is made of Yakan fabric. 

The Instagram page of the Miss Universe Colombia organization also shared a photo of Gray with national director Natalie Ackermann and other representatives.

It was late last month when Gray revealed that she has been tapped to be a judge in this year's Miss Universe Colombia pageant.

"I am very excited to announce that I will be traveling to Colombia next month to be an official judge of Miss Universe Colombia. I've been personally invited by the national head of Colombia," she said in an interview on ANC's "Headstart."

Aside from being one of the judges of the competition, Gray said she will also do work with Smile Train as a global ambassador during her visit.

'I'VE BEEN DOING MY PART'

In one of Gray's posts, a netizen asked the former Miss Universe in the comments section why she is traveling at a time when the Philippines is faced with not only a pandemic, but also a typhoon.

"Cat, why are you in Colombia instead of helping your own province deal with the typhoon? I have always been [a] fan but especially with traveling during a pandemic? What example does taking this job send to everyone?" the Instagram user said.

Gray replied to the comment, explaining that the invitation for her to be a judge in the Miss Universe Colombia pageant "was extended months ago."

She also stressed that she has been doing her part in helping calamity-stricken areas despite not being in the Philippines.

"This invitation was extended months ago and even though I’m away, I've been doing my part in working with [the Philippine Red Cross] since the day of the typhoon to provide aid and relief to the affected areas. Thanks for your concern," said Gray, who was named ambassador of Philippine Red Cross last September.

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