Gwendoline Ruais makes countrymen proud with her Miss World 1st runner-up win

Gwendoline Ruais successfully represented the Philippines by emerging 1st Princess - 1st Runner-Up or Vice-Miss at this year’s Miss World pageant held at Earls Court Two, in London, England last Nov. 6.

Although the top crown went to Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos, Miss World Organization chairperson and chief executive Julia Morley said that only a slight margin separated Venezuela and Philippines in the final tally.

In an interview with GMA news, Ruais thanked fellow Pinoys who flocked to Earl Court to watch the pageant. She offers the crown to her parents and “kababayans.”

"Sana po, lahat po kayo, proud sa akin,” said she. "Ginawa ko talaga 'yong best ko para sa buong Pilipinas. Sana po, happy po kayo sa akin."

Ruais’ win is the highest placement ever for the Philippines. Prior, the Philippines posted a crest in 1973 when beauty queen Evangeline Pascual managed to eke a second place finish.

Pascual could have been promoted to the crown per standard procedure after the 1973 winner Marjorie Wallace was dethroned but the Filipina refused the title. Ruffa Gutierrez placed third in 1993. Carlene Aguilar made it only as far as the semi-finals in 2005.

Malacañang on Monday lauded Ruais for her win.

The Aquino government sent its congratulatory message to Ruais through Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

“Miss Philippines-World Gwendoline Ruais placed first-runner up at the 2011 Miss World Pageant held in London, United Kingdom. We extend our congratulations to... Miss Philippines for once again proving that we Filipinos are capable of competing against the best…on the world stage,” Lacierda said.

This year’s Miss World pageant was broadcast live to an estimated audience of more than a billion viewers in 150 countries, with some 113 beauty queens taking part.

According to a separate report on abscbnnews.com, the pageant was almost spoiled by a feminist demonstration, which protested what it said is the “objectification” of women. At least 50 activists were seen outside the venue waving placards reading "Being a woman is not a competition" and "Sexism is pretty ugly."

Ruais, who hails from Muntinlupa City, was crowned Miss World –Philippines at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila on Sept. 18, 2011. She is 21 years old, stands 5’ 11”  tall, and with vital statistics of 36-26-36.

By NEIL RAMOS

mb.com.ph

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