MANILA – (2nd UPDATE) A red carpet was laid out for Catriona Gray as she returned here with the Miss Universe 2018 title on Wednesday afternoon.

Gray, the Philippines’ fourth Miss Universe winner, arrived via private jet at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and was swarmed by photographers and members of the media.

The crowd cheered as Gray waved to the crowd in a white suit.

She was accompanied by Miss Universe staff, former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, and his daughter Richelle, who was one of the judges in the pageant.

“It’s so nice to be home, back home in the Philippines,” Gray told reporters.

In a previous interview, Gray said she considers her Miss Universe win as her “best Christmas gift ever” to her fellow Filipinos, thanking them for supporting her in her journey to the crown.

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

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

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.