A swarm of photographers and mediamen greeted newly crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray when she arrived Wednesday afternoon at the private Platinum Skies Aviation, Inc. hangar in Pasay City from Bangkok, Thailand.
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Flanked by security and staff of the Miss Universe Organization, the 24-year-old model and singer stepped off the private plane in an off-white ensemble, causing a frenzy.
Grey’s brief visit to Manila is not part of her official function as the reigning Miss Universe. She is set to have a press conference Thursday morning at the Shangril-La at the Fort in Taguig City for a Christmas charity event.
The Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe winner will fly to New York tomorrow afternoon after a courtesy call in Malacañang. She is expected to immediately start her official duties as Miss Universe 2018 as soon as she arrives in New York, where the headquarters of the beauty pageant body are.
Gray will be back in Manila after the New Year for her “official” grand motorcade and homecoming party in the capital and in her hometown of Oas, Albay.
Among the Australian-born Filipino-Scot’s companions in her three-hour flight from Bangkok to Manila were businessman Chavit Singson, his daughter Richelle Singson-Michael”•who served as a judge in the recently concluded international pageant—as well as members of the MUO and other mediamen who covered the annual beauty tilt.
“It’s so nice to be home, back home in the Philippines,” she told reporters during their brief encounter.
At the airport, Gray was also welcomed by some of the children of Young Focus, a Tondo-based non-government organization that she has been supporting since 2016.
Winning the beauty tilt held in Bangkok allowed Gray to give the Philippines its second Miss Universe victory in four years, following Pia Wurtzbach’s triumph in 2015. She also joined Gloria Diaz (1969) and Margie Moran (1973) in the country’s pantheon of Miss U queens.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo confirmed to Palace reporters that Gray would meet with Duterte for a courtesy call.
“Yeah, I know there will be [a courtesy call]. I just don’t know the specific date, but Secretary of Tourism Berna said there will definitely be a courtesy call,” said Panelo.
In her statement, Gray emphasized the importance of having the spirit of giving this Yuletide season.
“Open up your heart to a neighbor, to a cause, to a charity near you because Christmas should be enjoyed by all no matter where you’re from, who you are, what you have. It really is a time for family and giving, so please do get in the spirit of Christmas,” she said. With Nat Mariano and Eton Concepcion
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