(Eagle News) — The Philippines welcomed home Miss Universe Catriona Gray on Thursday, Feb. 21, with a colorful parade through the capital that inspired and brought joy to thousands of Filipino adoring fans who waited amid the heat of the sun for a glimpse of the 25-year old beauty that brought pride and honor to the country.
Gray wore a Sampaguita-inspired terno jumpsuit adorned with anahaw, the national leaf, which made her all the more stand out with elegance. The outfit was designed by Mark Tumang who was also behind the iconic red lava gown that she wore with style at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.
Sampaguita, also known as Philippine Jasmine, is the Philippine national flower.
“Interestingly, this flower has a lot to do with the concept of ‘Coming Home’. You know you are home when its distinct sweet and aromatic fragrance tickles your olfactory sense. Moreover, the flowers are usually slung and made into leis which are used to welcome dignitaries or are being peddled in front of churches so as to become offerings. Ergo, it is but fitting that we welcome our Queen with Sampaguitas adorned with Anahaw – our national leaf,” Tumang wrote in a Facebook post.
“Welcome home Catriona! Thank you for the fulfilled promise of making the Filipino people proud! Mabuhay!” he said.
Gray danced, smiled and waved a tiny Philippine flag from atop a float, shielded from the pounding tropical sun by attendants holding pink umbrellas as some in the crowd scaled utility poles to catch a glimpse.
Manila’s already notorious traffic was brought to a complete stop by a police motorcycle escort that blocked roads as confetti cannons sprayed the crowd, which was pushed back by officers.
“I was overwhelmed when I saw her and she looked at me!” said Ednor Yaunbaes, 22, as he waved a pink flag. “At least I can say that before I die, I already saw a Miss Universe.”
Manila police estimated a crowd of some 10,000 at the final stop alone of the three-hour parade, which wound through the heart of the densely-populated metropolis that is home to some 12 million people.
Manila office worker Sharlene Panganiban told AFP her boss allowed her to leave early for the parade, which included a troupe of drummers in feather headdresses and bright masks.
“Just the thought of seeing her gives me goosebumps. I feel like her crown will fall on me,” said the 22-year-old, who added she too had competed in local beauty contests.
Gray — a student of music theory — beat more than 90 contestants from around the globe in the 67th installment of Miss Universe, which was held in Bangkok in December.
Social media exploded with clips of fans jumping for joy and hugging each other as the Filipina contestant went through each successive round and eventually won.
Gray works at a non-government outfit that provides free education for children in a Manila slum and has lent her voice to her country’s most controversial issues, including legalizing medicines that contain marijuana.
Gray, whose father is Australian, was the fourth Filipina winner of the prestigious beauty pageant, and the second since Pia Wurtzbach in 2015.
“To come back here as Miss Universe 2018, it was such a fast journey. I want to scream!” Gray told reporters on Wednesday.
“It brings me so much pride and honour to be able to bring so much joy to my country of the Philippines.”
with an Agence France-Presse report
