The new Miss Universe hosts press conference

Fresh from her win, newly crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray kicked off her charity programs in time for the Christmas holiday festivities in her home country, the Philippines.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, right, greets Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray from the Philippines during her courtesy call at the Villamor air base in metropolitan Manila, Philippines on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018. [Photo: AP]

During the question and answer portion of the Miss Universe competition, Gray mentioned that she has been working with children in impoverished areas in the Philippine capital of Manila. She continues her charity work, now with the crown, just a few days after the pageant.

"I'm an only child, so growing up I always wished for siblings. So I guess when I became an adult and I reached out to charity, working with children just really touched my heart because they're so pure. And, you know, they come in to this life and it's the simple things that make them happy."

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray from the Philippines waves as she arrives for a visit in Manila, Philippines on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018. [Photo: AP]

A grand homecoming for the new Miss Universe to greet the Filipino public is being planned for January.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray from the Philippines laughs beside supporters during a press conference in metropolitan Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018. [Photo: AP]