PHOTOS: Philippines’ Homecoming Parade for Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray

Last December, Filipinos all over the world cheered when Catriona Gray won the most prestigious pageant ever! Having started her new stint as Miss Universe 2018, she just recently came back to the Philippines… to be welcomed by a grand homecoming parade!

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The much-awaited homecoming parade kicked off on Thursday, February 21, in Metro Manila. Wearing a sampaguita-inspired outfit and standing atop a float designed after her now-iconic “lava gown,” the reigning Miss Universe beamed as crowds waved and cheered on all sides!

Country Holds Grand Parade for Reigning Miss Universe

Catriona Gray’s unique homecoming outfit was created by Mak Tumang, who was also the designer behind her Mayon Volcano-inspired gown, CNN Philippines reported.

“Interestingly, this flower has a lot to do with the concept of ‘Coming Home,’” Tumang shared on Facebook, referring to the sampaguitait. “You know you are home when its distinct sweet and aromatic fragrance tickles your olfactory sense… Welcome home Catriona! Thank you for the fulfilled promise of making the Filipino people proud! Mabuhay!”

Meanwhile, Catriona’s float was just as radiant, especially since it was based on her lava gown. Glittering in red and embellished with a large “Mikimoto crown,” the float was made by Fritz Solorio — who also created the float for Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach!

The parade started around 2 pm at Sofitel Hotel, covering Roxas Boulevard and Taft Avenue, before heading to Ayala Avenue in Makati. Everywhere she went, crowds went out of their homes and offices, just to catch a glimpse of the most beautiful woman in the universe!

Armed with their cellphone cameras, excited onlookers took photos and videos of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. In turn, the gorgeous 25-year-old obliged — smiling, waving the Philippine flag — and clearly having a wonderful time!

Check out this video clip of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s homecoming parade, shared by @mostcovetedcrown on Instagram:

 

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The reigning #MissUniverse 2018 #CatrionaGray just finished her first homecoming parade today and the Filipino fans are just the greatests. We can feel the love in the air, like literally. Thanks to the tagged people for the videos featured in this post, one of which is @papaumawmaw who had this to say: “And the 2018 miss universe @catriona_gray’s homecoming motorcade passed by in front of my office building!!!! right in time when i’m about to leave work. me and a colleague found a sweet spot, elevated enough to get a great view of her. oh my, she is SUPER GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!! she danced, waved and whispered “thank yous” to the crowd. this lady is just beaming with beauty, joy and gratefulness. happy ending to my day… thanks Catriona Gray for winning MU for the philippines! God bless your MU journey!!!” #MostCovetedCrown

A post shared by Most Coveted Crown (@mostcovetedcrown) on Feb 21, 2019 at 7:47am PST

Notably, another parade will be held for the reigning Miss Universe on Saturday, February 23. This time, it will be held around Araneta Centre in Quezon City.

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Cheers to you, Catriona! You have brought immense pride and joy to Filipinos everywhere! Speaking of celebrities, did you know that a Filipino celebrity tandem is currently in the UAE? That’s right! The “LizQuen” couple is here for their latest hit movie, “Alone/Together.”