‘Mini-reunion’: Catriona Gray, Kelsey Merritt attend Cure Aids gala night in New York

MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipina beauties Catriona Gray and Kelsey Merritt had a mini-reunion after attending the amfAR Gala night in New York City on Thursday (Manila time).

Catriona and Kelsey graced the amfAR Gala New York held in Cipriani Wall Street that “serves as the unofficial kickoff to New York Fashion Week.”

Bumped into this beauty @catrionaelisa at #amfARNewYork #CureAIDS ???? pic.twitter.com/cNGSaOuPOa

— Kelsey Merritt (@kelsmerritt) February 7, 2019

The two Filipinas, who now reside in New York City, took to social media to share photos of their mini-reunion.

“Bumped into this beauty @catrionaelisa at #amfARNewYork #CureAIDS,” Kelsey wrote.

On the other hand, Catriona posted a photo of her with Kelsey on Instagram. She said “hi” to the Filipina model and captioned it with a Philippine flag emoji.

During the event, Kelsey wore a beaded, silver halter gown while Catriona wore a red, floral-printed off-shoulder gown.

The gala night “honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS.”

It features cocktails, seated dinner, live auction of luxury items, musical performance and a special tribute to its honoree.

The black-tie event is also considered to be New York’s “most successful and high-profile AIDS benefits events” since 1998 as it has raised around $21 million since. 

The gala, produced by AAB Productions or Andy Boose usually attracts and honors “some of the biggest names in entertainment, fashion, art, and AIDS advocacy.”

Catriona is known for her HIV advocacy in the Philippines. She supports HIV advocacy group  LoveYourself Inc. and promotes HIV testing.

 

 

 

 

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Hey Philippines ????????, here's a #10YearChallenge @loveyourself.ph. In the last ten years, we've seen the cases of new HIV cases in the Philippines rise exponentially from only 1 a day in 2008 to 32 a day in 2018. While the numbers appear alarming, the data shows us that we've been able to reach the affected population and increase the access to testing, which is a key step to stop the rising epidemic. To accelerate our vision to eradicate HIV, it starts with educating ourselves and then taking steps to get tested and to continue to take steps to care for ourselves. For more information and to find testing centers near you (TESTING IN PHILIPPINES IS FREE!), visit www.loveyourself.ph ??????????????? If you've never been tested before for HIV, I have my first testing experience up on my YouTube channel in partnership with @loveyourself.ph ?? if I can do it, you can too. Get Tested, know your status. Love yourself. ?????♥?????????????????????

A post shared by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on Jan 31, 2019 at 9:51am PST

The Miss Universe beauty is also set to attend the New York Fashion Week. 

READ: Catriona Gray ‘excited’ to attend New York Fashion Week 2019

Catriona and Kelsey currently live in the Big Apple for their Miss Universe and modeling duties, respectively. 

The two Filipinas made history after Kelsey became the first ever Filipina model to walk in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show while Catriona became the fourth Miss Universe title-holder.

They last visited the country in December to spend the holidays with their families and loved ones.

RELATED: Kelsey Merritt faces ‘tumaba ka’ comment during holidays, too