Miss World Philippines 2011 winners

Eurasian wins first MWP title
By Earl D.C. Bracamonte


Filipino-French stunner Gwendolyn Ruais bested 24 other aspirants and emerged as the first winner of the Miss World Philippines’ (MWP) maiden search under the CQ Global Quest franchise.
An early favorite, Gwen also bagged the Best in Swimsuit and Body Beautiful (Miss Walter Bread) awards. Aside from the beautifully crafted trophy, she took home a whooping P1million in cash and a fully-furnished P1.6-million Chateau Elysee condominium unit from major sponsor SMDC.
The members of Gwen’s royal court were Nicolette Henson (1st Princess), Martha Chloe McCulley (2nd Princess), Ma. Bianca Paula Paz (3rd Princess and Best in Evening Gown) and Jaysel Arrozal (4th Princess).
The runners-up received cash prizes of P250,000; P200,000; 150,000 and P100,000 in descending order. The other special award recipients were Jayanne Aldanese (Miss Prudentialife), Rogelie Catacutan (Miss Talent) and Samantha Purvor (Miss Photogenic).
The other big winner for the evening was 2nd Princess Martha Chloe McCulley who was named Miss SMDC and won a P500,000 endorsement contract; as well as being proclaimed Miss Kapuso World, receiving P1million in cash plus a 2-year management contract. Career-wise, Chloe is pretty much set for the next two years.
Gwen’s crimson serpentina gown won for designer Delby Bragais the Best in Fashion Design award.
The competition opened with dancers donning native costumes from all over the archipelago as the contestants introduced themselves in bright-colored stylized panuelo over amethyst-hued shift dresses. The origami wraps were beautifully executed by designers Ditas Sandico Ong and Arnold Galang.
The pre-taped segment of the swimsuit competition held at the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan served as the backdrop in the swimwear parade. Machete star Aljur Abrenica was one with the girls in presenting the beauty and splendor of Palawan’s environmental treasure.
In the past, the local Miss World pageant was one of the contested titles in the Binibining Pilipinas annual competition. There was also a time that it was part of the Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant. After Miss World chairman Julia Morley granted the franchise to Ms. Cory Quirino last January, the pageant has found a new home.
The panel of judges was comprised of TV executive Wilma Galvante, beauty consultant Fanny Serrano, actress Iza Calzado, image enhancer Vicky Belo, pugilist-turned-solon Manny Pacquiao, company chief Joseph Calata, Messrs. Karl McKlean and Cramer Ball, together with the better half of Chief Justice Renato Corona, Madame Ma. Cristina Corona as chairman.
Gwen was crowned by reigning Miss World Alexandria Mills and Cong. Manny Pacquiao at the culmination of the pageant’s rites. Hosted by Dingdong Dantes, with anchorwomen Isabela Daza and Carla Abellana, the 4-hour-long extravaganza was beamed live from the PICC Plenary Hall to a nationwide audience via GMA’s Rainbow network.