Welcome Bach, Pia!

A day before Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach visited her home network ABS-CBN, there was a flurry of art cards on social media as Kapamilyas anticipate Pia’s return — “She’s coming ‘bach’ home to her Kapamilyas,” “It’s WURTZ the wait,” “We MISS U” and “Welcome BACH home, Kapamilya.”

As soon as Pia stepped out of her car, the crowd in ABS-CBN instantly gave her a rousing welcome and waved Philippine flaglets as they chanted her name. Overwhelmed by the warm welcome, Pia almost burst into tears when she was interviewed by Dyan Castillejo for the morning’s News Patrol.

“Maraming memories kasi dito ako nag-umpisa sa ABS-CBN. Dito rin ako nag-aral ng high school. Siguro lahat ng sulok dito sa ABS mayroon akong memory. Di ko akalain na papasok ako dito one day ng ganito,” said Pia when asked of her fondest memories in ABS-CBN and how she feels to be back. “Napakasaya ko na nandito ako uli back to my first family. Thank you for the love. I am glad to be back home, Kapamilya.”

She was welcomed by ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III, executive adviser to the chairman, chief content officer and president of ABS-CBN University Charo Santos-Concio, president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO for broadcast Cory Vidanes and Star Magic head Mariole Alberto.

A short program followed at the Restaurant 9501 where Pia had brunch with ABS-CBN executives and her Star Magic family.

In his speech, Lopez said, “Twelve years ago you joined us here at Star Magic and here you are coming back with a crown in your head. It’s a dream come true. I think it’s a story you should put on Maalala Mo Kaya (MMK). Pia, thank you so much for making us proud. Welcome home, Kapamilya.”

When it was her turn to speak, Pia clarified why she became emotional.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng natutunan ko dito na na-apply ko naman talaga hanggang sa pagsali ko sa Miss Universe. It feels so good to be back home. Iba yung pakiramdam na bumalik ka sa dati mong tahanan kasi doon mo ma-realize kung gaano na kadami yung sacrifices at mga pinagdaanan. I am so happy and overwhelmed. Mga Kapamilya, we brought home the crown,” she said.

Katigbak confessed that he was a judge in Binibining Pilipinas 2014 — the second time Pia joined the pageant.

“I know you didn’t make it that year. And I just want to say that it wasn’t my fault. I voted for you. You joined again in 2015 and the rest is history. You are not only the most beautiful woman in the universe. You’ve shown us the meaning of courage, perseverance and determination — qualities that matter to all of us working here in ABS-CBN,” he said.

After her interviews with various ABS-CBN journalists and hosts, Pia appeared in the noontime show It’s Showtime, where she also guested before flying to Las Vegas last year to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.

Pia first addressed the Kapamilya employees gathered at ABS-CBN’s Center Road in which she called herself a “homegrown Kapamilya.”

Billy Crawford then escorted her to the studio where the madlang people, clad in blue shirts with the words “Welcome, Miss Universe,” welcomed her, while balladeer Michael Pangilinan serenaded her with the popular song Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko.

Pia again thanked the audience and even acknowledged Vice for being her lucky charm and Kuya Kim Atienza for sharing with her a trivia about the Philippine flag that made her pick the color blue for her evening gown.

The following night, ABS-CBN mounted a homecoming show at the Araneta Coliseum, where Pia finally glided on stage and did her victory walk as Miss Universe, wearing the same blue gown by Albert Andrada.

Other highlights of the show included a romantic serenade from Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby, an interview with Boy Abunda, performances from Erik Santos, Gerphil Flores, Yeng Constantino and Jed Madela, and a gathering of past Binibining Pilipinas winners like Miriam Quiambao, Nina Ricci Alagao, Bianca Manalo, Venus Raj, Ariella Arida and 1973 Miss Universe Margie Moran-Floirendo.