Miss Universe 2012 runner-up Janine Tugonon was feted in a motorcade from Quezon City to the University of Santo Tomas in Manila Monday morning.
Bystanders and motorists waved to Tugonon and took photos of her using their mobile phones, according to a report by radio dzBB's Allan Gatus.
Tugonon was to receive an award from the UST, her alma mater, for bringing honor to the country with her finish in last year's beauty pageant.
A convoy bearing Tugonon left the Araneta Center past 9 a.m. and headed for Aurora Boulevard.
Last December, Tugonon became a source of pride for the Philippines when she finished runner-up
to Miss USA Olivia Culpo.
She got applause for her answer to the question, "As a global ambassador, do you think speaking English should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe?"
"For me, being Ms. Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language. It's being able to influence and inspire other people. So whatever language you have, as long as your heart is to serve and you have a strong mind to show to people, then you can be Ms. Universe," she had replied then.
