Wurtzbach was a little bit touched when informed of the plan to give her a ‘Victory Walk’ by her Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. family led by Chairman Stella Marquez-Araneta in an interview (via Skyhype) from New York.
The victory walk was new to her and she could not express her excitement saying that she would want to hold a little Philippine flag when that happens before her countrymen. Wurtzbach is scheduled to arrive on Jan. 23 from Jakarta, Indonesia.A welcome press conference will be held for her. A grand homecoming parade around Metro Manila will follow on the 25th, then a courtesy call at Malacanang, Senate and Congress on the 27th, and then her ‘Victory Walk’ ceremony on the 28th.
Posting in her Instagram account from New York, Wurtzbach in her New Year message said, “I know it took me a long time to post this. I needed some time to get settled in as everything was happening so fast. Now everything is sinking in and I’m almost done replying and thanking everyone as much as I can.
“Thank you for cheering and rooting for me. Whether you were at the Axis Theater in Las Vegas or a silent supporter just watching on TV, especially, to those who voted for me during the Global Fan vote. You were all instrumental to my victory. Mga kababayan ko (my countrymen), when I was walking on stage in that blue gown, wearing the Philippine sash in front of billions of viewers on TV and online, I’ve never been more proud to be a Filipina. I’ll never forget it. It was a proud yet humbling experience.
“And now as I continue on with my journey as Miss Universe, I hope I inspire you all. Keep your faith, fight for what you believe in and hold on to your dreams. They do come true. I know, I still have much to learn and a huge responsibility ahead of me. So thank you 2015 and bring it on, 2016. Happy New Year!”
Wurzbach began her official duties as Miss Universe appearing in a series of TV shows as part of her media tour starting a day after her highly controversial crowning, and quickly turning into American press’ newest darling with paparazzi in constant hot pursuit every time she stepped out of her New York apartment in 5th Avenue like when she made her first walk at Central Park.
Wurtzbach was first seen in Good Morning America with host Lara Spencer, her first ever TV interview as Miss Universe, followed by an appearance in Kelly and Michael where she was asked to do her winning Miss Universe walk.
Wurtzbach also faced Don Lemon in CNN Tonight who engaged her in a tough rapid-fire round of Q & A, which she smartly answered in 45 seconds. She was in NightLine with Juju Chang, where her “the only comments that matter to me are from the people that matter” became a hot topic on a US pageant board.
Wurtzbach had urged her fans not to engage in hateful bashing on social media in the aftermath of Steve Harvey’s honest mistake even as she reminded them that they had already won. She reiterated her hope to carry on with her three personal goals as Miss Universe, to help promote HIV awareness in the country, improve relief operations for the victims of calamities, and to help address the crime of cyber bullying, a new advocacy for herself.
Wurtzbach also expressed hope to be in the county for the crowning of her successor as Miss Philippines-Universe 2016 during the Bb. Pilipinas grand coronation in April.