Miss Universe Colombia President nag-sorry kay Catriona: No malice intended

NAG-SORRY na ang Miss Universe Colombia organizers sa mga sablay na nangyari nang mag-judge si Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray sa katatapos lang na beauty pageant.

Naging kontrobersyal ang pagiging hurado ng Filipina beauty queen sa ginanap na 2020 Miss Universe Colombia dahil sa ginawang introduction sa kanya ng mga host, idagdag pa ang maling spelling ng kanyang apelyido.

Ipinakilala siya sa nasabing pageant bilang “Australian by birth but represented the Philippines after living for a few years there” sa 2018 Miss Universe kasabay ng maling spelling ng kanyang surname (Garay) na ipinakita sa screen.

Umalma siyempre ang Pinoy fans and supporters ni Catriona dahil para sa kanila ay isa itong malaking pagkakamali na may halong malisya.

At kahit ang dalaga ay nag-react dito sa pamamagitan ng pagpo-post ng kanyang litrato sa Instagram na may caption na “Filipina.”

Naglabas naman agad ng official statement ang president at national director ng Miss Universe Colombia Organization na si Natalie Ackerman tungkol sa issue kasabay ng paghingi ng paumanhin sa kanilang pagkakamali.

“We also would like to express our apologies for the mistake of her last name due to some language barrier and the announcement that she was born in Australia – the translated language that was sent for introduction is ‘Born in Australia, from the Philippines who is Miss Universe 2018’ it is honestly part of the cultural differences as here in Colombia, we regard the value of unity and cross-cultural importance.

“We assure that there is no malice intended as we invited Catriona Gray in the first place because we believe in Filipinos and having a personal Dubai-based friend, who is like a brother to me, I have always admired the Filipino culture and the kindness of the people from the Philippines.

“I hope that Catriona Gray will not take this matter against us and can forgive us and our management. We are absolutely thrilled to visit the beautiful country of the Philippines soon.

“Mahal ko kayong lahat and Mabuhay!” ang bahagi ng official  statement ng pageant organizers.

Samantala, sa kabila ng nangyari, nagpasalamat pa rin si Catriona sa mainit na pagtanggap sa kanya ng mga taga-Colombia.

“My trip to Colombia summed up in one picture. Colombia, thank you for sharing your warmth and heart with me on this trip! I felt embraced with open arms and I can’t wait to be back. Muchas gracias!” ang mensahe ng dalaga na ipinost niya sa Instagram.

Bukod sa pagiging judge sa Misa Universe Colombia 2020, bumisita rin si Catriona sa Red Cross Colombia at nagpunta sa isang charity day kung saan nakasama naman niya ang mga kabataan na inaalagaan ng Smile Train at suportado ng Miss Universe Organization.