Catriona Gray stuns in sampaguita-inspired terno and on lava-inspired float for homecoming parade

“This is a day I’ll never forget, mahal ko kayo sobra sobra.” (Photo: @catriona_gray/Instagram)

After being crowned Miss Universe 2018 last December 18, 24-year-old Filipino-Australian Catriona Gray has made it back to the Philippines for her homecoming parade, which brought her all around the Metro last Thursday, February 21.

Catriona was adorned in a Mak Tumang-designed terno jumpsuit inspired by the national flower to match her Mikimoto crown, while her float was designed after her coronation night lava gown. The beauty queen also wore Tessera Jewelry, specifically earrings that looked like the flag’s sun with eight rays. Mak, who also dressed Catriona during the pageant proper, expressed his gratitude to the winning candidate, saying, “Interestingly, the sampaguita has a lot to do with the concept of coming home. Thank you for the fulfilled promise of making the Filipino people proud.”

The float carried Catriona around Roxas Boulevard and Taft Avenue, where huge crowds gathered to watch the reigning queen. Catriona showed her vibrance as she danced to the festive music and enjoyed being showered in confetti.

When speaking about the parade, Catriona shares, “It is always giving back to the community and to the country as a whole that anchored me throughout this whole process and it is something I have drawn strength from every step of the way,” adding, “When I see their support, when I see their passion, it makes me cry because I feel like a simple girl but here I am bringing joy to people’s lives.”

Immediately after the parade, the singer/actress posts her most memorable moments for her 4.5 million social media followers, saying, “Philippines! Thank you for celebrating with me! This is a day I’ll never forget.”

Catriona’s next event is on Saturday, February 23, where she will have another parade around the Smart Araneta Coliseum. She will also have a tribute show the next day on February 24 entitled “Raise Your Flag,” which will have appearances from Maymay Entrata, Bamboo, KZ Tandigan, Morisette Amon, Jed Madela, TNT Boys, Vice Ganda, the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.