MANILA, Philippines - More than 10,000 fans (including kids) from all over Mindanao greeted 2014 Miss Universe Philippines Mary Jean ‘MJ’ Lasttimosa at the Cotabato Provincial Capitol during her homecoming a few days ago. She arrived wearing a purple terno on a chartered helicopter flight from Davao to Kidapawan where she was welcomed by the board members of North Cotabato, led by Gov. Emmylou ‘Lala’ J. Talino-Mendoza. At the reception, she told her province mates in the native tongue, ‘I will always be proud of my roots. I will not be where I am now if not for the love and support of Cotabato. I will always be grateful to my hometown. I offer my journey to the Miss Universe Crown to all of you.’ She also visited Cotabato provincial hospital.
—Reported by Celso de Guzman Caparas, photos courtesy of Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI)