Melisa "Melai" Cantiveros greets the crowd in Gensan.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Double Up Big Winner Melisa “Melai” Cantiveros got “superstar treatment” during her arrival in her hometown of General Santos City on Friday.

Fans, friends and relatives welcomed Melai with cheers, colorful streamers and a band as she emerged from the General Santos City Airport.

After a gathering with her fans, Melai joined a motorcade to greet those who supported her in the popular reality TV contest, PBB.

Her kababayans, who waited on the streets under the scorching sun just to see her, screamed everywhere she went.

Her former classmates in college also hosted a short program for her.

“Si Jason? Inimbitahan ko na yun sa birthday ko sa April 6,” she said, when fans asked about her PBB boyfriend Jason Francisco.

With the multitude of fans surrounding her, even her parents could not get near their celebrity daughter.

Her mother, Virginia, said she understands that fame comes with some sacrifices.

She said she has always reminded her daughter to remain humble despite all the blessings she has received.

Melai will be in Gensan for just a day since she plans to immediately head back to Manila for several projects.

The 21-year-old PBB housemate garnered the highest text votes of 32.08% and took home P1 million cash prize, a P2.5 million house and lot, a water refilling station franchise, and a 40-inch LCD TV screen, among other prizes. Her chosen charity group also received P1 million. -- With a report from Chat Ansagay, ABS-CBN Soksargen