In photos: Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray spreads love to countrymen during PHL homecoming parade

Effortless beauty and elegance. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines ducks to avoids the branch of a tree during a parade held in her honour in Manila on February 21, 2019, two months after she won the crown. (Photo by Noel CELIS / AFP)
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines waves to fans during a parade held in her honour in Manila on February 21, 2019, two months since she won the crown. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines waves to fans amidst showers of confetti during a parade held in her honour in Manila on February 21, 2019, two months since she won the crown. (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines waves to fans during a parade held in her honour in Manila on February 21, 2019, two months after she won the crown. (Photo by Noel CELIS / AFP)
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines waves to fans during a parade held in her honour in Manila on February 21, 2019, two months after she won the crown. (Photo by Noel CELIS / AFP).

(Eagle News) — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray captured hearts and inspired her countrymen once more when she repeatedly said “thank you” and “I love you” to thousands who gathered and waited to welcome her during the homecoming parade on Wednesday, February 21.

Wearing a Sampaguita inspired terno-jumpsuit adorned with anahaw, the national leaf, the 25-year old beauty seemed to blossom more with beauty and effortless 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.

The Filipino-Australian 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 of the new MIss Universe who had repeatedly expressed pride in being a Filipina.