MANILA – Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray gave out a Christmas message to her fellow Filipinos upon her return to the country on Wednesday.

Speaking with reporters after arriving via private jet at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Gray said she hopes more Filipinos will “get into the spirit of giving this Christmas.”

“Open up your heart to your neighbors, to a cause, to a charity near you,” said Gray, who was reunited with some of the beneficiaries of her Tondo-based charity house, Young Focus Philippines, upon her arrival.

“Because Christmas should be enjoyed by all no matter where you are, no matter where you’re from, what you have. It really is a time for family and forgiving,” she added.

• READ: Catriona Gray’s cover of ‘O Holy Night’ will lift your holiday spirit

Gray’s return to Manila will only be a short visit for private engagements.

Her official homecoming, which traditionally includes a motorcade and TV appearances, has yet to be arranged.

When asked where she will celebrate Christmas, the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe winner replied: “Di ko alam pa. As long as I’m with my family, masaya ako.”

Gray is expected to be based in New York to fulfill her duties as Miss Universe just like her predecessors, which include her compatriot, Pia Wurtzbach.