Catriona Gray trends on Twitter after responding to criticism of Colombia trip amid typhoon

Catriona Gray trended on Philippine Twitter Thursday afternoon after netizens defended her from a commenter who critiqued Cat for being away during a pandemic and a typhoon. As of writing, there are more than 5,271 tweets related to Catriona.

The Miss Universe 2018 is in Colombia right now to judge in the upcoming Miss Universe Colombia pageant, and en route to the South American country, she made a stopover in Turkey and shared a few snaps on her Instagram account.

But a netizen questioned her travels amid a pandemic and during a a typhoon, too. 

"Cat why are you in Colombia instead of helping your own province deal with the typhoon?" a netizen with the username @kopkhunkha wrote in the comments section of one of her photo on IG.

"I have always been fan but especially with travelling during a pandemic? What example does taking this job send to everyone?" The netizen added.

A cool and collected Cat explained, "this invitation was extended months ago and even though I'm away I've been doing my part in working with @philredcross since the day of the typhoon to provide aid and relief to the affected areas. Thanks for your concern."

The same netizen replied to Cat and thanked her for her response saying she didn't mean to hate on what she has been doing.

"I don't mean to hate on your efforts and clearly we don't see what we each do off of social media," the netizen wrote.

"I feel we need to hold even beauty queens accountable and that's why I am especially pressed on the idea of travelling amidst a pandemic," it added.

The netizen said Catriona travelling may appear to other people as a "go ahead to travel."

"Would love another response in this discussion. But appreciate your input Cat," the netizen wrote.

Catriona announced that she will be a judge in the Miss Universe Colombia 2020 last October, a role she previously played in the Miss Universe Thailand and Miss Universe South Africa pageants.

Catriona's mom hails from Albay, which is among the provinces that was affected by Typhoon Rolly.

In a report on 24 Oras last week, Tabaco Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro said super typhoon Rolly was the worst to hit Albay's Tabaco City, since 1952's Typhoon Trix.

The whole city suffered P2.5 billion worth of damage due to Rolly. The super typhoon destroyed 3,500 houses and partially damaged around 15,500 houses.

Shortly thereafter, Albay endured Ulysses' brunt. According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Thursday, the electricity is still out in Albay after Typhoon Ulysses caused flooding in parts of the province.

PAGASA said Ulysses will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday morning. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News