Unforgettable moments from Pia Wurtzbach's homecoming as Miss Universe

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is a gift that keeps on giving for her growing legion of fans. Her road to the Miss Universe pageant is a movie waiting to happen, the way her victory was announced is no doubt legendary, and she manages to get at least a chuckle out of people whenever she makes a public appearance.

Despite causing a bit of traffic during her homecoming parade, people were forgiving of the beauty queen. After all, the country did wait 42 years for this to happen. It should be savored.

On that note, here are very Pia moments from her week-long visit to the Philippines that might turn even non-fans into (slightly reluctant) supporters:

The rainbow during her parade

The universe (ahem) seemed to have orchestrated the perfect parade for the beauty queen as a double rainbow appeared as she was concluding her Manila to Makati motorcade. Her fans saw the coincidence as a symbol of her journey to the crown.

 

She tried three times just so her dreams would come true. She cried buckets of tears after every fall....but she always knew, there's a rainbow after the rain :-) #sweethomecoming #queenpia #MissUniverse

A photo posted by Jonas Antonio Gaffud (@jonasofmercator) on

Jan 25, 2016 at 1:40am PST

The birth of "kilig" Mayor Estrada meme

As of writing, Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada's exaggerated shiver of thrill after kissing Wurtzbach on the cheek has been viewed over 2 million times. The heart wants what it wants and if social media is to be believed, what they want is this representation of what it feels like to kiss your crush.

Breaking protocol to say hello to a K9 officer

The beauty queen was photographed shaking hands with the dog, prompting animal lovers to urge her to take interest in checking the situation in city pounds and zoos.

Hugging her mom for the first time after being crowned Miss Universe

Wurtzbach posted the moment on the official Miss Universe Instagram account, noting that "There is no better feeling in the world than coming home to family."

 

So happy this moment was captured. There is no better feeling in the world than coming home to family. #Philippines #???? -Pia

A video posted by Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@missuniverse) on

Jan 22, 2016 at 7:54pm PST

Her appearance at the Sotto - Luna nuptials

More than a one-time duty as a bridesmaid, Wurtzbach made it known that she's always hoping for the best for one of her best friends, Pauleen Luna. Prior to the wedding, Wurtzbach told Vic Sotto: "Please take care of her. I know that she's very strong and she can take care of herself, but deep inside, there is a fragile heart. So, please take care of our friend. We love her very much, as you do. We're confident that she's in very good hands."

Sharing a stage with Margie Moran

The joy felt by hardcore pageant fans could only be measured in decibels and when the two Misses Universe stood on the stage of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, their enthusiasm was on an eardrum shattering level. Perhaps they made a conscious decision to ask Gloria Diaz to stay at home, because people might lose their wits completely and never recover from the moment.

 

A very touching moment: Miss Universe 2015 @piawurtzbach and Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran :-) #MissUniverse #classic #timeless

A video posted by Jonas Antonio Gaffud (@jonasofmercator) on

Jan 28, 2016 at 7:12am PST

Reuniting with Prada

For the first time in their lives, some people wished they were a short, fat, and terribly cute dog.

 

Pia and Prada ????????? Had the most amazing time with my fellow countrymen for my Homecoming Special at the Araneta Coliseum. Felt like I won all over again. Maraming salamat po. Mahal ko po kayong lahat. ?

A photo posted by Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@piawurtzbach) on

Jan 28, 2016 at 9:08am PST

The charity day

Wurtzbach is determined to make good with her promise of a reign filled with "heart" and during her homecoming week, she spent a day bringing smiles to wounded soldiers, beneficiaries of the Smile foundation, and young people living with HIV.

Being vocal about gender equality

Reyna ng mga Beki? Pak na pak! The reigning Miss Universe didn't shy away from saying that she fully supports gender equality: "I represent men, women, and everyone in between."

On being Reyna ng mga Bakla: "Pak na pak! Ganon!"

— Aya Tantiangco (@aya_tantiangco) January 28, 2016

Pia: "I am for gender equality and I will continue to support the LGBT community after I pass on the crown."

— Aya Tantiangco (@aya_tantiangco) January 28, 2016

Her Miss Universe walk

There were people who were moved to tears when they saw Wurtzbach do her Miss Universe walk during her Grand Homecoming at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It's easy to forgot what a big deal pageants—especially Miss Universe—are to true fans in the Philippines.

Pia Wurtzbach walks as Miss Universe pic.twitter.com/kUVtuxr625

— Aya Tantiangco (@aya_tantiangco) January 28, 2016

—JST, GMA News