Miss Universe Catriona Gray in town
Miss Universe Catriona Gray arrived in Manila Friday night ahead of her homecoming parades and other related activities that will kick off on February 20.
Gray arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Parañaque City aboard Qatar AirThe ways past 9 p.m. Friday.
Wearing simple white tops, jeans, and sneakers with a backpack, Gray was accompanied by staff members from the Miss Universe Organization.
A report of “State of the Nation” news program said Gray rode the electric cart after she emerged from the passengers’ tube, waving to fans at the airport.
Gray did not grant any interview upon arrival. The same news program said mediamen covering the airport were also barred from taking pictures or videos of the beauty queen. It also reported that Gray's arrival was kept from the media and that they were initially told that she was not coming. But mediamen waited at the airport and finally saw her coming out of the VIP exit of the premiere airport.
Her homecoming activity will begin with a press conference on February 20. Details of the press meet will be announced soon.
The Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) and the Araneta Center, in close coordination with the Miss Universe Organization, announced that they have been planning a series of activities for the grand homecoming of Gray.
Now based in New York City during her reign, Gray said she is excited for her homecoming as Miss Universe.
“Can’t help but think about the amazing designers back home in the Philippines. Speaking of which, I am so excited for the looks my team is creating for my homecoming! Counting down the days till I’ll be home!” Gray said on Instagram days before she arrived home.
Annie S. Alejo, of the Araneta Center PR Department, said that on February 21, Thursday, Gray will board a majestic float and parade around the cities of Pasay, Manila, and Makati. The grand parade will start at 2 p.m.
The parade will kick off at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) grounds in Pasay City. Catriona’s parade will proceed to Roxas Boulevard, Kalaw Avenue in Manila, Taft Avenue, Buendia Avenue, and end on Ayala Avenue in Makati City.
On February 23, Saturday, Catriona will have another parade, this time at the Araneta Center where her journey to the Miss Universe crown started. Festivities start at 4 p.m.
The parade will begin at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center and will go through the main road Aguinaldo Avenue, and around the 35-hectare lifestyle hub before making a stop at the Green Gate of the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum, where she won the Miss Universe Philippines crown in March last year.
Fans are encouraged to gather on the streets on these dates to greet Catriona and show their support that’s filled with true Filipino pride.
On February 24, Sunday, the 25year-old beauty queen will headline a thanksgiving show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on February 24.
Gray will also visit and bond with the beneficiaries of Young Focus, LoveYourself PH, and Smile Train, organizations closest to her heart, with BPCI Chairperson Mrs. Stella Marquez Araneta.
The fourth Miss Universe from the Philippines also scheduled to make courtesy calls in the offices of some of the country’s most prominent leaders, including Vice President Leni Robredo.
Organizers said this is the first official visit of Gray to the Philippines as Miss Universe.
Gray's visit last December was not an official trip. That is why she was not wearing her crown when she came to Manila, although she wore her sash as Miss Universe when she dropped by charitable institutions in the city.
During her unofficial visit to Manila two months ago, Gray also paid a courtesy call on President Duterte at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
Can’t help but think about the amazing designers back home in the Philippines. Speaking of which, I am so excited for the looks my team is creating for my homecoming! Counting down the days till I’ll be home! — Catrion Gray's post on Instagram days before she arrived home