In photos: Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray back home in the PHL

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines waves to her supporters as she arrives at the Manila Internatinal airport in Manila on December 19, 2018. (Photo by Noel CELIS / AFP)

 

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines waves to her supporters as she arrives at the Manila Internatinal airport in Manila on December 19, 2018. (Photo by Noel CELIS / AFP)
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines waves to her supporters as she arrives at the Manila Internatinal airport in Manila on December 19, 2018. (Photo by Noel CELIS / AFP)
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines smiles upon arriving at the Manila Internatinal airport in Manila on December 19, 2018. (Photo by Noel CELIS / AFP)

 

(Eagle News) — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray returned to Manila on Wednesday, December 19, two days after her stunning win at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.

Gray was welcomed by members of the Tondo-based charity house which she is helping, Young Focus Philippines.

“I’m so happy to be back, to be here in the Philippines,” said the 24-year old Filipina-Australian beauty who arrived on Wednesday afternoon at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport via a private jet.  She was accompanied by former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson and his daughter, Richelle Singson Michael who was one of the all-female panel of seven judges of the Miss Universe competition.

Gray will just be in the country for a short while for a charity event.  She will fly to New York afterwards to fulfill her commitments as the new Miss Universe.

This is not yet her official homecoming which is still being planned, and which usually includes a motorcade and various television appearances.

She urged Filipinos to give to a cause and to “open your heart” to helping those who are needy.

“Open up your heart to your neighbors, to a cause, to a charity near you,” Gray said.