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Grand homecoming for Miss Universe

Many others screamed and waved at Wurtzbach from the windows of their high-rise offices as busloads of policemen were deployed to secure the homecoming parade.

Thousands of fans gathered in the streets of Manila last Sunday for the much-awaited Homecoming parade of Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbcah.
The 26-year-old model, looking regal in a flowing blue-green gown, waved the Philippine flag while perched on a float designed in the fashion of the competition winner's diamond and sapphire crown that she was wearing.
The adoring crowd, many of whom stepped out of their offices and schools, jammed Manila's streets and snapped photos of only the third Filipina to win the Miss Universe title.
Many others screamed and waved at Wurtzbach from the windows of their high-rise offices as busloads of policemen were deployed to secure the homecoming parade.
The New York-based Miss Universe pageant is particularly popular in the Philippines, a former US colony.
"I hope I can be an inspiration to all of you, not to give up and to always keep studying and respect your parents and treat each other fairly," Wurtzbach said at a ceremony before the parade.
The beauty queen is in the Philippines for a week; her hectic schedule included a press conference, courtesy call with Manila City Mayor and President Ninoy Aquino, and a special Homecoming concert at the Araneta Coliseum.