Nagpapagaling na ngayon ang Filipino-American transgender beauty queen na si Kataluna Enriquez matapos siyang makaligtas sa isang car accident na muntik nang kumitil sa kanyang buhay.
Si Kataluna ay hinirang na Miss Nevada USA 2021 at kauna-unahang transgender na nakasali sa Miss USA 2021.
Read: Fil-Am trans woman Kataluna Enriquez kinoronahang Miss Nevada 2021
Sa Instagram nitong nakaraang June 30, 2026, nagnilay-nilay sa kanyang buhay si Kataluna matapos niyang matakasan ang kamatayan.
Aniya: "Ever since I was young I’ve loved performing. For years, I’ve transformed my life to fulfill my dreams and passion with dance, and amplifying causes with my voice.
"I was able to step on huge stages like MIQ, MISS USA, Improvs, Piranhas/Gipsy, and many more."
Dahil daw sa car accident na kanyang sinapit, marami siyang napagtanto sa dalawang linggo niyang pamamalagi sa ospital.
Hindi siya nagdetalye tungkol sa aksidente.
Aniya: "For the 2 weeks I was in the hospital, I’ve had many nights where I cried thinking I could no longer be the same person.
"But truthfully, surviving a near-death experience has also allowed me to embrace that I am no longer the same person.
"I am now one with a deeper relationship with myself and a different understanding of gratitude.
"I wish prayers to family and people who’s lives were lost/affected in this tragedy.
"As I recover and take a break, I’m excited to see growth and discover new ways for me to express my art.
"Thank you to everyone who’s helped me conquer many stages, and I look forward to the ones I’ve yet to conquer. More to post soon."
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May ginawa ring Gofundme account ang mga kaibigan ni Kataluna para makatulong sa kanyang medical at recovery expenses.
Nakalikom na ito ng lagpas sa $17 thousand US dollars (PHP1-M) sa goal na $28 thousand US dollars.
Read: Jonathan Sterling fires back at tax evasion claims
KATALUNA FAILS TO WIN MISS USA IN 2021
Si Kataluna ay naging candidate sa Super Sireyna Worldwide ng Eat Bulaga! noong May 2018
Kataluna Patricia Enriquez ang pangalang ginamit ng niya.
Kaya naman pinapurihan ng longest-running noontime show ang tagumpay ng beauty queen sa Miss Nevada 2021.
Nakasaad sa Facebook post noong ng Eat Bulaga!: "ALAM NIYO BA MGA DABARKADS na ang kauna-unahang transgender woman na nakoronahan ng title na Miss Nevada USA noong Linggo ay naging finalist ng Super Sireyna Worldwide noong 2018? Siya Si Kataluna Enriquez, Super Sireyna USA 2018."
Read: Eat Bulaga lauds Kataluna Enriquez win in Miss Nevada 2021
Samantala, sa laban ni Kataluna sa Miss USA noong November 2021, nabigo siyang makapasok sa Top 16 ng pageant na ginanap sa Paradise Cove Theater of River Spirit Casino Resort sa Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Nagwagi naman siyang Miss International Queen sa Thailand noong May 2018.