Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere is excited to return to the Philippines as one of the hosts for the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 competition on April 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Speaking to MUPH Communications Director Voltaire Tayag, Iris said that she will always love the Philippines, having been crowned in the country in January 2017.

“I had the chance to be crowned in the very same place the new miss Philippines will be crowned! It was one of the best moments of my life. I remember how the Filipinos were cheering for me, sending me so much love. I can’t wait to be back and thank them again,” she said.

She also shared that she’s very excited to reunite with Miss Universe titleholders Pia Wurtzbach and Demi-Leigh Tebow, who have become her close friends.

“I look forward to being reunited with my Miss Universe sisters, and to meet another sister, the new Miss Philippines! Of course, I wanna meet as many people as I can, thank them, and speak with them. Being in this place is gonna be very emotional for me, this is like a pilgrimage for me!”

When asked what food she wants to try, Iris said she wants to eat as much Filipino food as she can.

” I wanna try everything!” she chuckled. “But I am a fan of dried mangoes.”