Catriona spreads positivity as fans get 'a bit' sensitive on the 'scripted' critique

Speaking anew on the negativity that sparked after Miss International Philippines 2017 Mariel De Leon gave her a "scripted" critique, Miss Universe-Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray on "News To Go" Thursday said some people were just "a bit" sensitive on the matter.

Catriona reiterated that she welcomes constructive criticism because it is something that will help them improve.

"In the initial statement of Mariel, in her training in Las Casas, I took it constructively like I think every beauty queen does. We are given guidance and constructive criticism and we take it to improve 'cause it's always something to learn," Catriona said.

In a TV special which aired on March 11, Mariel shared her thoughts on how Catriona can improve herself.

Speaking before a panel, Catriona shared that her strength is being an empath. "I feel very strongly and I find that when I sing through music, it helps me connect to people," she said.

"I really love your confidence and the way you speak, but sometimes it seems just a tiny bit scripted," Mariel told her in response.

After this, Mariel gathered hate from people who were displeased with her remark.

Catriona however said all the negativity was a little bit too much, and that all she could do is to cultivate a culture of "positivity."

"I think the fans just got a bit sensitive on the issue and resulted in a lot of negativity online. The way I reacted, I just tried to temper them down. I'm trying to tell them that we should not result to negativity, into bashing and bullying. No one deserves that. That's all I could really do, is to try and cultivate an environment of positivity, and just try and temper down the fans. 'Cause me, personally I really do not have a problem at all with the comment."

When asked about joining the Binibining Pilipinas 2018, despite being a title holder already, Catriona said it's something she doesn't want to regret about so she took the opportunity.

"It really wasn't planned at all. It just kind of came about as a decision that, I just didn't want to have regrets."

Catriona said being Miss World Philippines 2016 made her more mature in joining the Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

Aside from the crown, Catriona also bagged five other awards, namely: the Pitoy Moreno Best in National Costume Award, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown Miss Ever Bilena and Jag Denim Queen.

"Blessed lang, I was very grateful that I was able to take all those awards," she said. — LA, GMA News