BALANGA City, Bataan: The province accorded Miss Universe first runner-up Janine Tugonon a hero’s welcome on Saturday, as people from every town in the city tried to approach and greet her.

Supporters practically crowded around her, blocking the way of her flower-laden karosa (float).

The morning sun was hot but the welcome for Janine by many flag-waving townmates was even warmer.

Janine waved, smiled and sometimes moved her shoulders to the beat of the music rendered by school children belonging to Drum and Lyre Corps.

From Dinalupihan town, Janine was paraded to the towns of Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay and Balanga City.

She stopped at the Bataan capitol, where Rep. Albert Garcia and brother Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia 3rd of Balanga welcomed her.

“This is a wonderful day for Bataan because her daughter comes home. We are so proud of you,” Representative Garcia told the 23-year old beauty queen.

At the capitol, an Aeta children’s chorale sang songs for Janine, who was so pleased with the warm welcome.

“I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the whole of Bataan. Even the Miss Universe organization is amazed at how Filipinos support their candidates. I won’t be here without the support of Filipinos, especially those from Bataan and Orion,” she said.

From the Bataan, Janine and her entourage proceeded to Pilar and Orion, her hometown.