Filipinas Catriona Gray, Kelsey Merritt meet at amfAR Gala in New York

FILE: “Bumped into this beauty Catriona Gray at #amfARNewYork #CureAIDS” (Photo: @kelsmerritt/Twitter)

Twenty-four-year-old Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and 22-year-old Victoria’s Secret model Kelsey Merritt make headlines after the two iconic Filipina representatives meet during their attendance of the amfAR gala in New York City last Thursday, February 7.

According to the website, the amfAR gala “serves as the unofficial kickoff to New York Fashion Week and honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS,” where both beauties served as guests. It has become the most high-profile benefit event fighting against the disease since 1998, raising more than $21 million to date. Cocktails, dinner, a live auction of luxury items, and musical performances, were featured during the benefit. A special tribute was given to actress Milla Jovovich as well for her raising awareness for the cause.

Both Catriona and Kelsey posted photos of their meeting on Instagram, Catriona seen wearing a red floral off-shoulder gown, while Kelsey was dressed in a beaded silver halter piece. The event also kicked off the upcoming New York fashion week, happening at the city where both Filipinas currently reside. The last time they visited their home country was in December to spend the holidays with loved ones.

Celebrities who also attended the amfAR gala include: Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Heidi Klum, Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Karolina Kurkova, who all advocate against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Catriona has long been fighting against the spread of HIV/AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) through her work with the Love Yourself Philippines organization, about a week ago sharing on her social media the importance of getting tested. In the beauty queen’s words, “If I can do it, you can too. Get Tested, know your status. Love yourself.”

Kelsey made her debut as the first Filipina to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway last November 2018, while Catriona was crowned the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe in December.