READ: Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray on her homecoming parade: 'Ayala will be crying.'
Catriona Gray could not contain her emotions as she met the Philippine media for the first time since she was crowned Miss Universe 2018.
The 25-year-old beauty queen received a warm welcome at the homecoming media conference prepared for her by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. in coordination with the Miss Universe Organization at the Novotel Hotel in Quezon City earlier, February 20.
“Oh my gosh!” said Catriona who was teary-eyed while giving her opening remarks.
After taking a couple of deep breaths, she continued, “The feeling that I have right now… I didn't expect to be so emotional right now, but I really, really do.
“Why? Because last time I was in this room, it was my send-off in November, I was with Jehza [Huelar] our Miss Supranational-Philippines.
“To come back here as Miss Universe 2018…
“It looks like such a fast journey on the screen, but that happened over the course of two years, all the things that people don't see behind the scenes.
“I have been supported by my Binibining Pilipinas family, of course, headed by Madam Stella [Marquez-Araneta].
“You have always guided us, protected us, and mentored us. You're like a mother to me and to my sister queens. For that, I'm so, so grateful.
“Everyone behind the scenes of the Binibini, you guys are the unsung heroes that really worked so hard for us girls throughout the years that we prepared.
“I will also take this time to thank you guys so much.”
Catriona said she was feeling emotional because the homecoming activities prepared for her are her first official celebration with the Filipino community.
“This is really my first opportunity to celebrate winning Miss Universe with my whole country and the people that I love,” she said.
“Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat for being here today.
“It gives me so much pride and honor to be able to bring so much joy to my country, the Philippines.
“It has always been giving back to the community and the country as a whole.
“It's been something that I really… throughout this whole process, it's always something that I've drawn strength from every step of the way.
“So, standing here in front of you today, I'm filled with the utmost pride and I just wanna say thank you and this is all for you.”
To kick off the festivities for Catriona, a grand parade will traverse the cities of Pasay, Manila, and Makati on Thursday, February 21.
She will be on board a majestic float inspired by her diamond-and-pearl-encrusted Mikimoto crown and magma-inspired Mak Tumang gown.
LOOK: Exclusive sneak peek of Catriona Gray's float inspired by her lava gown
Asked how ready she is for her crazy schedule ahead, Catriona replied with a smile, “I don't know if I'm ready, guys.”
She then recalled her winning moment during the Miss Universe pageant.
“You know, I was telling people when I was getting ready for the coronation night, ako lang ang gumawa ng makeup ko and I made sure that extra waterproof siya.
“Kasi, I really, really felt that if I were to be announced [as Miss Universe] I would cry, as in like, cry, cry. And it never happened!
“So, I feel like my crying moment is going to be during my homecoming parade.
“Because, you know, even when I look back during my last couple of years, my most emotional moment as a titleholder or as a beauty queen was when I'm surrounded by the people.
“And it's always because I see their support and their passion, how passionate they are for us beauty queens.
“It really makes me cry because I feel like a simple girl, but here I am bringing joy to people's lives in such a way.
“So, I feel like tomorrow, I'm gonna be, maybe, take up too high... Parang Ayala will be crying. In short, may mga Kleenex sa float.”
The parade will start at 2:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) grounds in Pasay City. It will pass through Roxas Boulevard, Kalaw Avenue, Taft Avenue, Buendia Avenue in Manila, before ending on Ayala Avenue in Makati City.
Another parade is set on Saturday, February 23, around Araneta Center in Quezon City, where her quest for the Miss Universe crown started.
The homecoming festivities will conclude on Sunday, February 24, through a show dubbed as “Raise Your Flag for Catriona Gray: Miss Universe 2018 Homecoming” at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.