Catriona Gray eats Ilocos empanada with ketchup, sparks debate | ABS-CBN

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Catriona Gray eats Ilocos empanada with ketchup, sparks debate

Catriona Gray eats Ilocos empanada with ketchup, sparks debate

ABS-CBN News

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Catriona Gray was recently spotted eating Ilocos empanada in a different way, sparking a hilarious debate online.

Spiced vinegar is usually served as a flavor contrast to the deep-fried snack, which is filled with longganisa, egg, and shredded green papaya or vegetables.

And while she also tried it with vinegar, the former Miss Universe also paired her Ilocos empanada with ketchup, as seen in now-viral photos on the Facebook page of VPI Travel Ilocos.

While some netizens think Ilocos empanada is still best enjoyed the traditional way, others pointed out that there is nothing wrong with trying different food combinations.

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Gray's photo has since been turned into a meme, with some playing around with her memorable lines in the Miss Universe 2018 pageant.

"What about suka (vinegar) and ketchup? Well, everything is good but in moderation," one of them said.

"I didn't eat the empanada as one, but as a hundred and four million Filipinos!" another added.

The post has since reached Gray, who also joined in on the fun. "This comment section has me," she said, adding laughing emojis.

Ilocos Norte Tourism has also weighed in on the debate, releasing a statement in the point of view of an empanada.

"On behalf of all versions of the Ilocos empanadas... I, the most famous Batac empanada, would like to clarify that we accept the use of ketchup and sukang Iloko and encourage a combination of both in moderation," the statement read.

"It has been our absolute honor to host Miss Catriona Gray in Ilocos Norte, showing her the silver lining in our happy and humble Ilocano life. We made sure that she enjoyed us and other Ilocano food in moderate quantities."

Gray is in Ilocos Norte for her "Raise Your Flag" series, which showcases different destinations in the Philippines.

In her previous vlogs, she featured places such as Laguna, La Union, and Zamboanga.

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From Queen to Mentor—Ara Arida Is Miss Universe Philippines' New National Director

From Queen to Mentor—Ara Arida Is Miss Universe Philippines' New National Director

Metro.Style

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Updated Feb 16, 2025 02:53 PM PHT

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Ariella Arida | Photo by @donhenrique


Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-Up Ariella Arida is now the National Director of Miss Universe Philippines

This announcement was made on February 15, 2025 during Miss Universe Philippines' press presentation of the 2025 official delegates.

As Ara made her first onstage appearance as the organization's National Director focused on Training & Development, she said, "Thank you so much for trusting me. I know this is a big shoe to fill in, but not everyone knows that even from the start, on how Miss Universe Philippines started, I was there looking at them. I still get to talk with them. So I'm still involved in what's happening, and I supported them from the very start. And little did I know that after five years, I would be here." 

Excited and hopeful for what's to come for this year's edition of Miss Universe Philippines, Ara also asked for everyone's support. "Let's be more supportive. Let's be more mindful. Let's spread kindness and love to all our delegates and all the people around the organization."

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From queen to mentor—according to the Miss Universe Philippines organization, as the National Director for Training & Development, Ara will "help shape the next generation of uniquely beautiful Filipinas." 

As MUPH welcomed Ara into their team, she received congratulatory messages on social media from the likes of Ben Chan, Janine Tugonon, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Hannah Arnold, Emma Tiglao, Katrina Llegado, and Ruffa Gutierrez. 

Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-Up Shamcey Supsup-Lee served as MUPH's National Director from its inception in 2020 until 2023. Jonas Gaffud took on that role in 2024, and now, it's Ara Arida's turn to contribute to the organization and its initiatives and causes. 

Miss Universe Philippines 2025 has 69 candidates vying for the title. The winner will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2025 on November 21 at the Impact Arena in Pak Kret, Thailand. 


Lead photo by @donhenrique

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