Exactly five years ago last Friday, Megan Young outclassed more than 100 other beauties from around the world to become the first Miss World from the Philippines. In a mini celebration of sorts, Young met fans in a mall in Dubai, indulging dozens of selfies and autographs, in one of the highlights of her first visit to the UAE.
Fans lined up as early as 6pm for the 7pm meet and greet in BurJuman, eager to catch a glimpse of the beauty queen.
A young fan of former #MissWorld #MeganYoung gets emotional seeing her idol on stage in #Dubai pic.twitter.com/Aufg89ULcY
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) September 28, 2018
Some brought posters and pictures for Young to sign on, while others brought gifts, including one male fan who hand-painted her face on a black bag, which he then presented to Young at the event.
“I’m super happy to meet my compatriots here,” Young told Gulf News tabloid!, unpretentiously admitting that she was pleasantly surprised to see such a reception from both Filipinos and non-Filipinos in her first visit to Dubai.
#MeganYoung is in the house! #Dubai pic.twitter.com/cVcTnFaLHA
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) September 28, 2018
The 28-year-old beauty queen was in town for the opening of a Filipino clothing line’s stores in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
She was earlier in the UAE capital on Thursday where she visited tourist spots such as the Grand Mosque and Yas Island, before heading to Dubai the next day.
The crowd is swelling at #BurJuman mall as fans wait eagerly for #MissWorld 2013 #MeganYoung https://t.co/qijvV0GKZG pic.twitter.com/BgWiOPb9am
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) September 28, 2018
Young won the Miss World crown in 2013 during the grand pageant night on September 28 in Bali, Indonesia.
“Exactly the same day five years ago I won Miss World. I’m so happy celebrating it here with my fans.”
After her UAE visit, Young will head back to the Philippines to continue working on her television drama series, The Stepdaughters.
Today in #Dubai we’re with #MissWorld 2013 and Filipino actress #MeganYoung. Our full interview coming soon. pic.twitter.com/ukYlM3lTIS
— tabloid! (@GulfNewsTabloid) September 28, 2018
Watch out for the full interview in Gulf News tabloid! soon.