By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
THIS was how Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach described a moment she had while waving to the people who had come out to witness her homecoming parade.
“Did you notice the rainbow [during the parade]? Also, the people on the streets looked very happy,” Wurtzbach said in Filipino when she paid a courtesy call on January 26 to Makati City Mayor Kid Peña at the city hall where she received the Key to the City. “Salamat sa napakainit na pagtanggap ninyo sa akin ngayon. Mainit [ang panahon] pero masaya [ako]. Sobrang saya ko po na kasama ko kayo ngayon. Nakuha na po natin ang korona ng Miss Universe,” an elated Wurtzbach said.
Wurzbach also said the Miss Universe crown is not only for her but for the nation, as well.
Beside the city’s symbol, Wurtzbach also received a plaque recognizing the pride she gave the country and a black cocktail dress designed by Nardie Pressa.
For his part, Peña said the people of Makati are proud of Wurtzbach for bringing home the Miss Universe crown after a four-decade drought.
“Welcome to bagong Makati. In behalf of city government officials and employees, our constituents and stakeholders, we would like to convey to you our warmest congratulations in winning the coveted Miss Universe title,” he said as he welcomed Wurtzbach at the city hall grounds that was packed with a huge crowd, estimated at more than a thousand strong.
“We are truly proud that you have shown the world that with perseverance, courage and determination, dreams do come true. You really are confidently beautiful with a heart,” he added, saying that Wurtzbach’s victory will inspire every Filipino and touch their hearts and lives.