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19 March 2024

Philippines welcomes home Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach [video]

Newly crowned Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach waves to the crowd upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport early Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 at suburban Pasay City, south of Manila, Philippines. (AP)

Published
By Ajanta Paul

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach returned to the Philippines on Saturday with hundreds welcoming her, and millions more waiting to see her in her week-long homecoming.

Wurtzbach was crowned Miss Universe 2015 in Las Vegas on December 21, which turned out to be the most controversial win in the pageant's history after host Steve Harvey mixed up the winner's name with Miss Colombia.

AP

She addressed the waiting crowd upon arrival early Saturday, Jan 23 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

But she was the happiest after seeing one person—her mother.

AP

Wurtzbach took to social media to share her emotional reunion with her mother Cheryl Alonzo.

In an Instagram post, Wurtzbach shared a clip of her and her mother sharing a tight embrace one month after she was crowned Miss Universe.

AP

She attended a press conference on Sunday at Novotel and shared her plans to get HIV/AIDS tested in New York.

Staying true to her advocacy, Wurtzbach says she will get publicly tested to show everybody how easy and important it is to spread awareness and fight the stigma against the disease.

AP

Asked about her plans after her reign, Wurtzbach replied: "I might be the next Bond girl, who knows? ... That's the next dream."

During the press conference, Wurtzbach was flanked between Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) Stella Marquez-Araneta and Miss Universe President Paula Shugart.

AP

From press conferences to a grand parade and several courtesy calls, Wurtzbach's homecoming is full-packed with activities.

She will also have a homecoming special on January 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Pic: ‏@PageantsNEWS

Some areas in Manila and Makati City will be closed for the beauty queen's grand homecoming parade on Monday from 2pm.