PIA ALONZO WURTZBACH, the first Miss Universe from the Philippines in more than four decades, said Sunday she will spend her reign bringing awareness to issues like HIV and draw support for countries vulnerable to disasters.

    Wurtzbach, who spoke at the start of her weeklong homecoming tour in Manila, is the third Filipina to become Miss Universe, ending a 42-year title drought for the Southeast Asian nation. She was crowned at a controversial ceremony in December that saw the show host correct himself after first announcing Miss Colombia as the winner.

    The 26-year-old Filipino-German actress was greeted by an adoring crowd at Manila airport Saturday. Dressed in a black knee-length silk, she engaged with the media Sunday, answering questions ranging from her pageant experience, advocacies, failed love life and even the desire to become the first Filipina Bond girl.

    “To be back here now with the crown is the happily-ever-after that I’ve been dreaming of for a lifetime,” said the titleholder, who admitted to sleeping beside the US$300,000 gem-encrusted crown after her victory.

    Wurtzbach entered the global pageant after three attempts to bag the Philippine crown, striking a chord in the heart of the Filipino masses. “I hope my story could become an inspiration of determination, discipline, faith and hard work,” she said.

    Wurtzbach, who said she was willing to undergo HIV testing to demystify the stigma of the disease, said detection allows patients to get proper treatment and help them live normally.

    Raising funds for disaster relief will also take up her time, Wurtzbach said.

    Filipino candidates have made the top 10 in Miss Universe pageants for each of the past six years. (SD-Agencies)