MANILA: Newly crowned Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago arrived late Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1 to a rousing welcome by Filipinos reeling from disaster but heartened by her triumph.

The county’s fifth Miss International titleholder rode a Japan Airlines flight from Tokyo, where she had met President Benigno Aquino III days before she competed in the global title search. He was there to attend the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, and wished her well.

The Alabang, Muntinlupa-born Bea, who grew up in Toronto, Canada, was welcomed at NAIA by the organizers of the Binibining Pilipinas Foundation headed by Ms. Stella Marquez Araneta, the first Miss International title holder.

This year’s winner and the 53rd Miss International title holder attended a press conference on Sunday at Gloria Maris Banquet Hall in Gateway Mall.

She plans to visit communities badly hit by typhoon Yolanda, whose resilience had inspired her in making those remarks that impressed judges during the interview portion in the final stretch of the pageant rites in Tokyo.