Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray drew flak from Filipino pageant fans after she announced on Twitter her six favorite national costumes.
The list however does not include Philippines’ very own, Rabiya Mateo.
“Indonesia, Nepal, Peru, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam were my Top 6 Miss Universe National Costumes. Who were yours?” Catriona tweeted.
This did not sit well with some Filipino pageant fans.
“Can you imagine how Rabiya will feel or the team behind this NatCo if they see your tweet? I understand that you are trying not to be bias and whatever, but at this point and time, the Philippines needs a strong support system,” a netizen replied.
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Catriona was quick to clarify her tweet on her choices for the National Costume.
“My best in National Costume picks are my favorite National Costumes, not based on the candidates performance. I love the celebration of culture and a country’s expression of identity which is why its one of my favorite segments,” Catriona said in another tweet.
Another netizen expressed his disagreement with the Pinay beauty queen.
“That’s her opinion pero ano naman kaya mararamdaman ni Rabiya if mabasa niya ‘to. Let’s be sensitive naman. To think na former queen natin siya,” a netizen added.
“Raise Your Flag” gone, just like that,” another one said.
Prior, Catriona encourage pageant fans to vote for their favorite National Costume saying: “Our queen Gazini from the Philippines took the title last year!”
